JP6904218B2 - Batteries - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an assembled battery.

Generally, the cell balance process is performed to correct the variation in voltage and capacity caused by the deterioration of the cell. Here, the capacity of the battery is the total amount of electric power that can be supplied by the battery. However, cell imbalance may occur because the current consumption inside the IC (Integrated Circuit) that monitors the voltage of the cell is different for each part.
Further, in general, in a configuration in which groups having a plurality of batteries (also referred to as battery groups) are arranged side by side, the battery capacity varies from battery group to battery group due to different current consumption of each battery group. There is.
Techniques for correcting such variations in battery capacity and the like are being studied. Cell balance is especially important when operating batteries, battery groups or assembled batteries for extended periods of time.

For example, the open circuit voltage of each cell is detected and detected in a cell balance adjusting device that adjusts the charge rate of each cell to be uniform for an assembled battery in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. A method is known in which each cell is discharged to adjust the charge rate of each cell based on the open circuit voltage.

As an example, Patent Document 1 introduces a configuration in which two power storage modules (corresponding to a battery group) are connected in series (see, for example, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 and its description). The first power storage module has a monitor IC1 in which five battery cells B1 to B5 are connected in series and the voltage is monitored. Further, the second power storage module has a monitor IC2 in which five battery cells B6 to B10 are connected in series to monitor the voltage. Ideally, the current consumption I1 of the monitor IC1 and the current consumption I2 of the monitor IC2 are I1 = I2, and the connection point between the first power storage module and the second power storage module, the battery cell B5, and the battery cell. The current flowing between the connection point with B6 is 0 (= I1-I2).

Here, some ICs are configured as one IC by connecting a plurality of monitor ICs because the withstand voltage of the IC is only for several battery cells.
For example, when 10 battery cells are connected in series and 2 monitor ICs are configured as one IC, in a group of 5 battery cells corresponding to a lower monitor IC close to the ground potential, the IC's The power consumed internally by the reference voltage, analog-to-digital converter (ADC: Analog Digital Converter), power supply for digital control, power supply for communication, etc. is higher than that of the group of 5 battery cells corresponding to the upper monitor IC. , Consumed a lot.
Therefore, the current consumption I1 of the group of 5 battery cells corresponding to the upper monitor IC and the current consumption I2 of the group of 5 battery cells corresponding to the lower monitor IC may be I2> I1. The current of (I1-I2) may flow into the group of five battery cells corresponding to the lower monitor IC by the lower battery cells. As described above, the current consumption of the lower five battery cells is always larger than that of the upper five battery cells.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-11536

As described above, in an assembled battery having a plurality of cells, when a plurality of groups having a predetermined number of cells are provided, the capacity of the cells may vary from group to group.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and when a plurality of groups having a predetermined number of cells are provided in a group battery having a plurality of cells, the capacity of the cells is provided for each group. It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembled battery capable of reducing the variation in the battery.

One aspect of the present invention is an assembled battery in which a plurality of cells are connected in series, and has a plurality of voltage detection groups included in one IC, and each of the voltage detection groups is of the cell. It has a plurality of voltage detection units for detecting voltage, measures the operating time of the IC, acquires the current integrated value of the voltage detection group having the largest current consumption, and the current integrated value of another voltage detection group. It is an assembled battery that discharges according to the difference of the acquired current integrated values for the other voltage detection groups.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the assembled battery, the discharge is performed separately for the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell.
In one aspect of the present invention, in the assembled battery, the discharge is performed in the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell for the same time.
One aspect of the present invention is that in an assembled battery, the discharge is simultaneously performed on all of the cells corresponding to the other voltage detection groups.
In one aspect of the present invention, in the assembled battery, a calculated value from a value measured in advance is used as the current value or the integrated current value of the voltage detection group.

According to the present invention, in an assembled battery having a plurality of cells, when a plurality of groups having a predetermined number of cells are provided, it is possible to reduce the variation in the capacity of the cells for each group.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the assembled battery which concerns on one Embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the state of the monitor IC and the current consumption which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the process performed in the microcomputer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the assembled battery which concerns on one Embodiment (second Embodiment) of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following, for convenience of explanation, the smallest unit battery is referred to as a cell (also referred to as a cell), a group having a plurality of cells in series or in parallel is referred to as a battery group, and a group having a plurality of battery groups is referred to as a battery group. It is called an assembled battery (also called a battery pack). Considering the case where the assembled battery has only one battery group, the assembled battery and the battery group represent the same thing.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an assembled battery 1 according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.
The assembled battery 1 includes 10 single batteries B1 to B10 and 10 resistors R1 to R10 connected in series between the + terminal A1, the-terminal A2, and the + terminal A1 and the-terminal A2. It includes 10 switches SW1 to SW10, one monitor IC11, a real-time clock (RTC: Real Time Clock) 12, and a microcomputer (microcomputer) 13. In the present embodiment, the battery unit C1 is composed of 10 cell cells B1 to B10.

For each of the upper five cells B1 to B5 on the side of the + terminal A1, both ends of each of the cells B1 to B5 are connected to the monitor IC 11 by a wire (conductor). Here, between two adjacent cells (cell B1 and cell B2, cell B2 and cell B3, cell B3 and cell B4, cell B4 and cell B5), the monitor IC 11 The line connecting to is standardized.
Further, for each of the five cells B1 to B5, one resistor R1 to R5 and one switch SW1 to SW5 are placed in parallel with respect to the respective cells B1 to B5 between the wires at both ends. It is connected.
Each switch SW1 to SW5 can switch between a closed (on) state and an open (off) state, and conducts in a closed state (also referred to as a closed state) and is in an open state (open state). Also called.) Does not conduct.

As a specific example, with respect to the cell B1, both ends of the cell B1 are connected to the monitor IC11, and one resistor R1 and one switch SW1 are connected in series with the cell B1 in parallel. The circuit connected to is connected.
Further, regarding the cell B2, both ends of the cell B2 are connected to the monitor IC11, and one resistor R2 and one switch SW2 are connected in series with the cell B2 in parallel. The circuit is connected.
Here, between the adjacent cell B1 and cell B2, the line connecting to the monitor IC 11 is shared and becomes one.
The same applies to the subsequent cells B3 to B5. Between the + terminal A1 and the cell B1, the line connecting to the monitor IC 11 is dedicated to the cell B1.

-For each of the lower five cell B6 to B10 on the side of the terminal A2, both ends of each cell B6 to B10 are connected to the monitor IC 11 by a wire (conductor). Here, between two adjacent cells (cell B6 and cell B7, cell B7 and cell B8, cell B8 and cell B9, cell B9 and cell B10), the monitor IC11 The line connecting to is standardized.
Further, for each of the five cells B6 to B10, one resistor R6 to R10 and one switch SW6 to SW10 are placed in parallel with respect to the respective cells B6 to B10 between the wires at both ends. It is connected.
Each switch SW6 to SW10 can switch between a closed (on) state and an open (off) state, and conducts in a closed state (also referred to as a closed state) and is in an open state (open state). Also called.) Does not conduct.

As a specific example, regarding the cell B6, both ends of the cell B6 are connected to the monitor IC11, and one resistor R6 and one switch SW6 are connected in series with the cell B6 in parallel. The circuit connected to is connected.
Further, regarding the cell B7, both ends of the cell B7 are connected to the monitor IC11, and one resistor R7 and one switch SW7 are connected in series with the cell B7 in parallel. The circuit is connected.
Here, between the adjacent cell B6 and cell B7, the line connecting to the monitor IC 11 is shared and becomes one.
The same applies to the subsequent cells B8 to B10. Between the − terminal A2 and the cell B10, the line connecting to the monitor IC 11 is dedicated to the cell B10.

Here, in the present embodiment, between the upper cell B5 and the lower cell B6, a wire connecting the cell B5 and the monitor IC 11 and a wire connecting the cell B6 and the monitor IC 11 are used. Are provided separately.
As another configuration example, a configuration in which these lines are shared may be used.

In this embodiment, the respective cells B1 to B10 have the same standard. Further, in the present embodiment, the resistors R1 to R10 have the same standard, and the switches SW1 to SW10 have the same standard.
However, even if the standards are the same, individual differences can generally occur.
It should be noted that each of these may include different standards as long as there is no problem in practical use.

The monitor IC 11 has a monitor circuit (first monitor circuit 111) corresponding to the upper five cells B1 to B5 on the + terminal A1 side and a lower five cell batteries B6 on the-terminal A2 side. A monitor circuit (second monitor circuit 112) corresponding to ~ B10 and a communication unit 121 are provided.
The first monitor circuit 111 includes a voltage detection circuit 131.
The second monitor circuit 112 includes a voltage detection circuit 151.

In the present embodiment, the load in the lower second monitor circuit 112 is larger than the load in the upper first monitor circuit 111. Therefore, the current consumed by the lower second monitor circuit 112 is larger than the current consumed by the upper first monitor circuit 111. The larger the current consumption, the faster the battery voltage drops.
Further, in the present embodiment, the first monitor circuit 111 operates by using the voltage applied to both ends of the upper five cells B1 to B5.
Further, in the present embodiment, the second monitor circuit 112 operates by using the voltage applied to both ends of the lower five cells B6 to B10.

In the present embodiment, the total number of the cells B1 to B10 is 10, but other numbers may be used.
Further, in the present embodiment, a group of 5 cells each (a group of cells B1 to B5 and a group of cells B6 to B10) is used, but other groups of cells may be used. ..

In the first monitor circuit 111, the voltage detection circuit 131 includes both ends of a group of five cells B1 to B5 (also referred to as a first battery group) (the + side of the group of five cells B1 to B5 and-). The voltage (also referred to as the first group voltage) applied to the side) is detected. In this case, the first monitor circuit 111 controls, for example, the switches SW1 to SW5 provided in parallel with each of the five cell batteries B1 to B5 in an open state.
Here, the voltage detection circuit 131 is connected to a wire connected to the + side of the cell B1 at one end of the five cells B1 to B5 and to the − side of the cell B5 at the other end. The first group voltage is detected by detecting the voltage between the line and the line.

In the second monitor circuit 112, the voltage detection circuit 151 includes both ends of a group of five cells B6 to B10 (also referred to as a second battery group) (the + side of the group of five cells B6 to B10 and-). The voltage (also referred to as the second group voltage) applied to the side) is detected. In this case, the second monitor circuit 112 controls, for example, the switches SW6 to SW10 provided in parallel with each of the five cell batteries B6 to B10 in an open state.
Here, the voltage detection circuit 151 is connected to a wire connected to the + side of the cell B6 at one end of the five cells B6 to B10 and to the − side of the cell B10 at the other end. The second group voltage is detected by detecting the voltage between the line and the line.

Here, in the first monitor circuit 111, the voltage detection circuit 131 applies a voltage (first unit) across each of the five cell B1 to B5 (between the + side and the-side of the cell). It is also possible to detect the battery voltage). In this case, the first monitor circuit 111 controls the switches SW1 to SW5 provided in parallel with each of the five cell batteries B1 to B5 in an open state.
As an example, the voltage detection circuit 131 commonly includes a circuit for detecting a voltage for five cells B1 to B5. The voltage detection circuit 131 detects the voltage between the two wires connected to both ends of one of the five cells B1 to B5, and thus is the first cell of the cell. Detect the voltage.

Further, in the second monitor circuit 112, the voltage detection circuit 151 applies a voltage (between the + side and-side of the cell) across each of the five cell B6 to B10 (second cell). It is also possible to detect voltage). In this case, the second monitor circuit 112 controls the switches SW6 to SW10 provided in parallel with each of the five cell batteries B6 to B10 in an open state.
As an example, the voltage detection circuit 151 commonly includes a circuit for detecting a voltage for five cells B6 to B10. The voltage detection circuit 151 detects the voltage between the two wires connected to both ends of one of the five cells B6 to B10 to detect the voltage between the two wires of the cell, and thus the second cell of the cell. Detect the voltage.

The first monitor circuit 111 can discharge each of the five cells B1 to B5. In this case, the first monitor circuit 111 closes the switches SW1 to SW5 provided in parallel with one or more single batteries B1 to B5 to be discharged, for example, among the five single batteries B1 to B5. To control. As a result, the resistors R1 to R5 are electrically connected in parallel to the cells B1 to B5 to be discharged, and the electric power charged in the cells B1 to B5 is discharged.

Here, in the present embodiment, among the five cells B1 to B5, the cells to be discharged at the same time are, for example, one cell or an odd-numbered cell (cells B1, B3). , B5), or even-numbered cell batteries (cell cells B2, B4). That is, in the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of the cells B1 to B5, the resistors R1 to R5, and the switches SW1 to SW5, the adjacent cells cannot be discharged at the same time.
Further, in the present embodiment, the first monitor circuit 111 discharges each of the five cells B1 to B5 for the same time. For example, when the first monitor circuit 111 discharges the odd-numbered cell batteries (cell cells B1, B3, B5) and the even-numbered cell cells (cell cells B2, B4) at different timings. , For each, discharge for the same amount of time.

Further, the first monitor circuit 111 can simultaneously discharge all the cells B1 to B5 included in the first battery group in units of a group of five cells B1 to B5 (first battery group). Is. In this case, the first monitor circuit 111 controls, for example, the switches SW1 to SW5 provided in parallel for all of the five cells B1 to B5 in a closed state.

The second monitor circuit 112 can discharge each of the five cells B6 to B10. In this case, the second monitor circuit 112 closes the switches SW6 to SW10 provided in parallel with one or more single batteries B6 to B10 to be discharged, for example, among the five single batteries B6 to B10. To control. As a result, the resistors R6 to R10 are electrically connected in parallel to the cell B6 to B10 to be discharged, and the electric power charged in the cell B6 to B10 is discharged.

Here, in the present embodiment, among the five cells B6 to B10, the cells to be discharged at the same time are, for example, one cell or an odd-numbered cell (cells B6, B8). , B10), or even-numbered cell batteries (cell batteries B7, B9). That is, in the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of the cells B6 to B10, the resistors R6 to R10, and the switches SW6 to SW10, the adjacent cells cannot be discharged at the same time.
Further, in the present embodiment, the second monitor circuit 112 discharges each of the five cell B6 to B10 for the same time. For example, in the second monitor circuit 112, when the odd-numbered cell cells (cell B6, B8, B10) are discharged and the even-numbered cell cells (cells B7, B9) are discharged at different timings. , For each, discharge for the same amount of time.

Further, the second monitor circuit 112 can simultaneously discharge all the cells B6 to B10 included in the second battery group in units of a group of five cells B6 to B10 (second battery group). Is. In this case, the second monitor circuit 112 controls, for example, the switches SW6 to SW10 provided in parallel for all of the five cell batteries B6 to B10 in a closed state.

In the present embodiment, the functional portion (for example, the circuit portion) for detecting the voltage related to the cells B1 to B5 by the first monitor circuit 111 corresponds to the first voltage detection group. Further, in the present embodiment, the functional portion (for example, the circuit portion) for detecting the voltage related to the cells B6 to B10 by the second monitor circuit 112 corresponds to the second voltage detection group.
In addition, the first voltage detection group includes five voltage detection units that detect the voltages of the cells B1 to B5. Here, the voltage detection unit may have, for example, a common functional portion (for example, a common circuit portion) for a plurality of cells B1 to B5.
In addition, the second voltage detection group includes five voltage detection units that detect the voltages of the cells B6 to B10. Here, the voltage detection unit may have, for example, a common functional portion (for example, a common circuit portion) for a plurality of cells B6 to B10.

The communication unit 121 communicates with the microcomputer 13.
The communication unit 121 receives, for example, information (also referred to as instruction information) indicating an instruction transmitted from the microcomputer 13 to the monitor IC 11. Further, the communication unit 121 may, for example, provide information indicating the value of the first group voltage detected by the first monitor circuit 111 (also referred to as first group voltage information) or the first unit detected by the first monitor circuit 111. Information indicating the value of the battery voltage (also referred to as first cell voltage information), information indicating the value of the second group voltage detected by the second monitor circuit 112 (also referred to as second group voltage information), or the second. Information indicating the value of the second cell voltage detected by the monitor circuit 112 (also referred to as the second cell voltage information) is transmitted to the microcomputer 13.

The monitor IC 11 performs various operations based on the instruction information received from the microcomputer 13.
The monitor IC 11 is, for example, based on the instruction information received from the microcomputer 13, switching the switches SW1 to SW5 by the first monitor circuit 111, detecting the first group voltage, detecting the first cell voltage, and the cell B1 to. Performs operations such as discharging B5.
Further, the monitor IC 11 can switch the switches SW6 to SW10 by the second monitor circuit 112, detect the second group voltage, detect the second cell voltage, and the cell based on the instruction information received from the microcomputer 13, for example. Performs operations such as discharging B6 to B10.

The real-time clock 12 clocks the time in real time.
In the present embodiment, the real-time clock 12 transmits information indicating the time measured (also referred to as time information) to the microcomputer 13.

The microcomputer 13 includes an operating time measuring unit 211, a current integrated value acquisition unit 212, a communication unit 213, and a discharge control unit 214.
The communication unit 213 communicates with the monitor IC 11. The communication unit 213 transmits, for example, instruction information to the monitor IC 11. Further, the communication unit 213 receives, for example, the first group voltage information, the first cell voltage information, the second group voltage information, and the second cell voltage information transmitted from the monitor IC 11.
Further, the communication unit 213 communicates with the real-time clock 12 and receives the time information transmitted from the real-time clock 12.

The operating time measuring unit 211 measures (detects) the operating time (also referred to as operating time) of the monitor IC 11. In the present embodiment, the operating time measuring unit 211 measures the operating time of the monitor IC 11 based on the time information received from the real-time clock 12.
Here, in the present embodiment, the microcomputer 13 is configured to control the operation of the monitor IC 11, and it is possible to grasp the operating time of the monitor IC 11.
As another configuration example, the monitor IC 11 transmits information indicating the operating state of the monitor IC 11 to the microcomputer 13, and the microcomputer 13 grasps the operating time of the monitor IC 11 based on the received information. You may.

The current integrated value acquisition unit 212 is based on the first group voltage information received from the monitor IC 11, and the current (first group current) flowing across the five cell cells B1 to B5 corresponding to the first monitor circuit 111. It is also obtained by calculating the integrated value (also referred to as the first current integrated value) of).
Further, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 receives current (second) flowing across the five cell B6 to B10 corresponding to the second monitor circuit 112 based on the second group voltage information received from the monitor IC 11. It is acquired by calculating the integrated value (also referred to as the second integrated current value) of the group current (also referred to as the group current).

Here, in the present embodiment, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 is based on the information of the voltage (first group voltage, second group voltage), and the current corresponding to the voltage (first group current, second group current). ) Is calculated. Further, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 calculates the integrated value of the current (first group current, second group current) based on the operating time of the monitor IC 11 measured by the operating time measuring unit 211.
In the present embodiment, the second current integrated value is larger than the first current integrated value.
As another configuration example, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 may calculate the first current integrated value based on the first unit battery voltage information received from the monitor IC 11. Similarly, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 may calculate the second current integrated value based on the second unit battery voltage information received from the monitor IC 11.

By controlling the monitor IC 11, the discharge control unit 214 controls the process of discharging the desired single batteries (all or a part of the single batteries B1 to B5) by the first monitor circuit 111.
Further, the discharge control unit 214 controls the process of discharging the desired single battery (all or a part of the single batteries B6 to B10) by the second monitor circuit 112 by controlling the monitor IC 11.
In these cases, the discharge control unit 214 controls the operation of the monitor IC 11 by transmitting information (instruction information) indicating an instruction to the monitor IC 11 to the monitor IC 11 by the communication unit 213.

In the present embodiment, the discharge control unit 214 monitors based on the first current integrated value and the second current integrated value acquired by the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 so that the discharge is performed according to the difference between them. Control the IC11.
Specifically, since the lower second current integrated value is larger than the upper first current integrated value, the discharge control unit 214 subtracts the first current integrated value from the second current integrated value (as a result). Difference) is acquired. Then, the discharge control unit 214 discharges the cells B1 to B5 by the first monitor circuit 111 by the amount of the electric power corresponding to the acquired result (difference). As a result, the integrated value of the current consumption becomes the same in the first battery group (cell B1 to B5) and the second battery group (cells B6 to B10), and the cell balance is compensated.

The microcomputer 13 may control the process of charging the cells B1 to B10 by the monitor IC 11. In the monitor IC 11, the first monitor circuit 111 performs a process of charging the cells B1 to B5, and the second monitor circuit 112 performs a process of charging the cells B6 to B10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the state of the monitor IC 11 and the current consumption according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the graph shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time t and the vertical axis represents current consumption. In the example of FIG. 2, the current consumption of the monitor IC 11 is the characteristic 1011 of the first group current, which is the current consumption of the upper cells B1 to B5, and the second group current, which is the current consumption of the lower cells B6 to B10. The characteristic 1012 of the above is shown.

Further, FIG. 2 shows an example of the relationship between the time t and the state of the monitor IC 11.
In the present embodiment, the monitor IC 11 has a shutdown mode (sometimes also referred to as SHIP mode), a standby state, an operating state, and a power saving mode (sometimes also referred to as a standby mode). Can take the state of.
In the example of FIG. 2, the state of the monitor IC 11 changes every predetermined period T1 to T5 as the time t advances. The monitor IC 11 is in the shutdown mode in the period T1, is in the standby state in the period T2, is in the operating state in the period T3, is in the power saving mode in the period T4, and is in the shutdown mode in the period T5. It is in the state of.
In the present embodiment, when the monitor IC 11 is in the shutdown state, it is a period during which the monitor IC 11 is stopped.
Further, in the present embodiment, when the monitor IC 11 is in the standby state, the operating state, or the power saving mode, it is the period during which the monitor IC 11 is operating.
The state of change in the state of the monitor IC 11 is an example, and the lengths of the respective periods T1 to T5 are an example.

A common tendency for the first group current and the second group current is a low current value D1 when the monitor IC 11 is in the shutdown mode and a higher current value D2 when the monitor IC 11 is in the power saving mode. , D12, the values D3 and D13 have higher currents when the monitor IC11 is in the standby state, and the values D4 and D14 have the highest currents when the monitor IC11 is in the operating state.
Further, as a tendency of difference between the first group current and the second group current, when the monitor IC 11 is in the standby state, the value D13 of the second group current is larger than the value D3 of the first group current, and the monitor When the IC 11 is in the operating state, the second group current value D14 is larger than the first group current value D4, and when the monitor IC 11 is in the power saving mode, it is larger than the first group current value D2. The second group current value D12 is larger. That is, during the period in which the monitor IC 11 is operating, the second group current is larger than the first group current.

In the present embodiment, in the microcomputer 313, the discharge control unit 214 controls the discharge by the monitor IC 11 in a period other than when the monitor IC 11 is in the shutdown mode. That is, in the microcomputer 313, controlling the discharge by the discharge control unit 214 means that the monitor IC 11 is in the standby state, the monitor IC 11 is in the operating state, and the monitor IC 11 is in the power saving mode. It takes place at any time of the period. The period may be, for example, a period within a period in which the monitor IC 11 is in one and the same state, or a period in which the monitor IC 11 changes to two or more different states.

Here, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 may acquire the value of the first group current and the value of the second group current by using, for example, preset information. The information may be stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) of the microcomputer 13. The information may be, for example, information based on a result measured in advance by an experiment or the like, or information on a value derived from the value of the measured result.
As an example, as preset information, information showing the relationship (correspondence) between the first group voltage and the first group current (for example, the current per unit time), and the second group voltage and the second group current (for example). , Current per unit time) and information indicating the relationship (correspondence) may be used.

Further, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 may acquire the first current integrated value and the second current integrated value by using, for example, preset information. The information may be stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) of the microcomputer 13. The information may be, for example, information based on the results measured in advance by experiments or the like.
As an example, as preset information, information representing the relationship (correspondence) between the operating time and the first current integrated value and information representing the relationship (correspondence) between the operating time and the second current integrated value are used. May be good.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the microcomputer 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 13 performs the process of (step S1) to the process of (step S5) in order.
(Step S1)
In the microcomputer 13, the communication unit 213 acquires the first group voltage information (first group voltage value) and the second group voltage information (second group voltage value) from the monitor IC 11.
(Step S2)
In the microcomputer 13, the operating time measuring unit 211 measures the operating time of the monitor IC 11.
(Step S3)
In the microcomputer 13, the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 calculates and acquires the first current integrated value and the second current integrated value.

(Step S4)
In the microcomputer 13, the discharge control unit 214 acquires the difference between the acquired first current integrated value and the second current integrated value (the result of subtracting the first current integrated value from the second current integrated value).
(Step S5)
In the microcomputer 13, the discharge control unit 214 controls to discharge the upper cells B1 to B5 by the upper first monitor circuit 111 based on the acquired difference.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the assembled battery 1 having a plurality of cells B1 to B10, a predetermined number of cells (cells B1 to B5, cells B6) of a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) are used. When a plurality of groups (first battery group, second battery group) having ~ B10) are provided, it is possible to reduce variations in the capacities of the cells B1 to B5 for each group.
As a result, in the assembled battery 1 according to the present embodiment, the cell balance can be adjusted with respect to the cell imbalance caused by the current consumption inside the monitor IC 11 being different for each part (for each battery group). ..

As a configuration example, the assembled battery 1 in which a plurality of cells B1 to B10 are connected in series has a plurality of voltage detection groups included in one IC (monitor IC 11). Each voltage detection group has a plurality of voltage detection units that detect the voltage of the cells B1 to B10. The assembled battery 1 measures the operating time of the IC (monitor IC 11). The assembled battery 1 has a current integrated value of the voltage detection group having the largest current consumption (in this embodiment, a voltage detection group corresponding to the second battery group) and another voltage detection group (in this embodiment, the first battery). Acquire the current integrated value of the voltage detection group corresponding to the group). The assembled battery 1 discharges the other voltage detection groups according to the difference between the acquired current integrated values.
Therefore, in the assembled battery 1, the entire battery group can be discharged in addition to the cell balance for each of the cells B1 to B10, whereby the imbalance of the battery group caused by the circuit can be corrected.

As an example of the configuration, in the assembled battery 1, the discharge is performed by the even-order cell batteries (cell cells B2 and B4 in the first voltage group and the cell cells B7 and B9 in the second voltage group) and the odd-th cell cells (first voltage group). In the 1-voltage group, the single batteries B1, B3, B5, and in the 2nd voltage group, the single batteries B6, B8, B10) are used separately.
Therefore, in the assembled battery 1, when the adjacent cells cannot be discharged at the same time with respect to the discharge of each of the cells B1 to B10, the even-numbered cells and the odd-numbered cells are separately discharged. be able to.

As an example of the configuration, in the assembled battery 1, the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell are discharged for the same time.
Therefore, in the assembled battery 1, since it is necessary to discharge the same capacity between the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell, the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell are discharged for the same time.

As an example configuration, discharging is performed simultaneously on all cells corresponding to other voltage detection groups.
Therefore, in the assembled battery 1, the balance in the battery group can be adjusted by discharging all the cells included in the battery group at once for each battery group.

As a configuration example, a calculated value from a value measured in advance is used as the current value or the integrated current value of the voltage detection group.
Therefore, in the assembled battery 1, in addition to using the measured value, the value obtained by calculation (calculation) using the value measured in advance can be used as the current value and the integrated current value.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the assembled battery 301 according to the first embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention.
The configuration of the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment is roughly related to the addition of five cell batteries B11 to B15 as compared with the assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. The difference is in the addition of the configuration, and the same in other respects.
Regarding the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, the 10 cells B1 to B10, the 10 resistors B1 to B10, and the 10 switches SW1 to SW10 are the assembled batteries shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. It will be described with the same reference numerals as 1.
Regarding the assembled batteries 301 according to the present embodiment, the upper batteries B1 to B5 (the upper batteries also in the assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment) and the middle batteries B6 to B10 ( The lower battery B11 to B15 (lower battery 1 in the assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment) and the lower batteries B11 to B15 (not provided in the assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment). It will be described as a single battery).

The assembled battery 301 includes 15 single batteries B1 to B15 connected in series between the + terminal A11, the-terminal A12, and the + terminal A11 and the-terminal A12, and 15 resistors R1 to R15. It includes 15 switches SW1 to SW15, one monitor IC311, a real-time clock (RTC) 312, and a microcomputer 313. In the present embodiment, the battery unit C11 is composed of 15 cell cells B1 to B15.

Here, the monitor IC 311 is different from the monitor IC 11 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a configuration corresponding to the addition of five cell batteries B11 to B15. It is similar in that.
Further, the real-time clock 312 is the same as the real-time clock 12 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.
Further, the microcomputer 313 is different from the microcomputer 13 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a configuration corresponding to the addition of five cell batteries B11 to B15. It is similar in that.

The configuration of the upper 5 cells B1 to B5, the 5 resistors R1 to R5, and the 5 switches SW1 to SW5 on the + terminal A11 side, followed by the middle 5 resistors R6 to R10. The configuration of the five switches SW6 to SW10 is the same as the configuration of the assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, ten cell batteries B1 to B10 are connected in series, followed by five lower battery cells B11 to B15 in series.
-For each of the lower five cell B11 to B15 on the side of the terminal A12, both ends of each cell B11 to B15 are connected to the monitor IC311 by a wire (conductor). Here, between two adjacent cells (cell B11 and cell B12, cell B12 and cell B13, cell B13 and cell B14, cell B14 and cell B15), monitor IC311 The line connecting to is standardized.
Further, for each of the five cells B11 to B15, one resistor R11 to R15 and one switch SW11 to SW15 are placed in parallel with respect to the respective cells B11 to B15 between the wires at both ends. It is connected.
Each switch SW11 to SW15 can switch between a closed (on) state and an open (off) state, and conducts in a closed state (also referred to as a closed state) and is in an open state (open state). Also called.) Does not conduct.

As a specific example, regarding the cell B11, both ends of the cell B11 are connected to the monitor IC311, and one resistor R11 and one switch SW11 are connected in series with the cell B11 in parallel. The circuit connected to is connected.
Regarding the cell B12, both ends of the cell B12 are connected to the monitor IC311, and one resistor R12 and one switch SW12 are connected in series with the cell B12 in parallel. The circuit is connected.
Here, between the adjacent cell B11 and cell B12, the line connecting to the monitor IC311 is shared and becomes one.
The same applies to the subsequent cells B13 to B15. Between the − terminal A12 and the cell B15, the line connecting to the monitor IC311 is dedicated to the cell B15.

Here, in the present embodiment, between the middle cell B10 and the lower cell B11, a wire connecting the cell B10 and the monitor IC311 and a wire connecting the cell B11 and the monitor IC311 are connected. And are provided separately.
As another configuration example, a configuration in which these lines are shared may be used.

In this embodiment, the respective cells B1 to B15 have the same standard. Further, in the present embodiment, the resistors R1 to R15 have the same standard, and the switches SW1 to SW15 have the same standard.
However, even if the standards are the same, individual differences can generally occur.
It should be noted that each of these may include different standards as long as there is no problem in practical use.

The monitor IC311 includes a monitor circuit (first monitor circuit 411) corresponding to the upper five cells B1 to B5 and a monitor circuit (second monitor circuit 412) corresponding to the middle five cells B6 to B10. ), A monitor circuit (third monitor circuit 413) corresponding to the lower five batteries B11 to B15, and a communication unit 421.
The first monitor circuit 411 includes a voltage detection circuit 431.
The second monitor circuit 412 includes a voltage detection circuit 451.
The third monitor circuit 413 includes a voltage detection circuit 471.

Here, the first monitor circuit 411 is shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment with respect to the circuit portion relating to the five cell batteries B1 to B5, the five resistors R1 to R5, and the five switches SW1 to SW5. It has a function of performing the same operation as that of the first monitor circuit 111.
The second monitor circuit 412 has a circuit portion related to five cell batteries B6 to B10, five resistors R6 to R10, and five switches SW6 to SW10, as shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. 2 It has a function of performing the same operation as the monitor circuit 112.
Further, the third monitor circuit 413 refers to the circuit portion related to the five cell batteries B11 to B15, the five resistors R11 to R15, and the five switches SW11 to SW15 with the first monitor circuit 411 or the second monitor circuit 412. It has a function of performing similar operations (for example, voltage detection operation, discharge operation, charging operation).

In the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, the load in the lower third monitor circuit 413 is larger than the load in the upper first monitor circuit 411 and is larger than the load in the middle second monitor circuit 412. large. That is, the load on the lower third monitor circuit 413 is the largest. Therefore, the current consumed in the lower third monitor circuit 413 is the largest.

Further, in the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, in the third monitor circuit 413, the voltage detection circuit 471 is a group of five cells B11 to B15 (also referred to as a third battery group) at both ends (five). The voltage (also referred to as the third group voltage) applied to the + side and the-side of the unit of the cells B11 to B15 is detected.
Further, in the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, in the third monitor circuit 413, the voltage detection circuit 471 has two ends (the + side and the-side of the cell) for each of the five cell B11 to B15. It is also possible to detect the voltage (also referred to as the third cell battery voltage) applied to the space.

The microcomputer 313 includes an operating time measuring unit 511, a current integrated value acquisition unit 512, a communication unit 513, and a discharge control unit 514.
The communication unit 513 has the same function as the communication unit 213 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment, and has three monitor circuits (first monitor circuit 411, second monitor circuit 412, third monitor circuit 413). ) Is supported.
In the present embodiment, the communication unit 513 uses, for example, the values of the first group voltage information, the first cell voltage information, the second group voltage information, the second cell voltage information, and the third group voltage transmitted from the monitor IC311. (Also referred to as the third group voltage information) and information indicating the value of the third cell voltage (also referred to as the third cell voltage information) are received.

The operating time measuring unit 511 has the same function as the operating time measuring unit 211 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.
The operation time measurement unit 511 measures the operation time of the monitor IC 311 based on the time information received from the real-time clock 312.

The current integrated value acquisition unit 512 has the same function as the current integrated value acquisition unit 212 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment, and has three monitor circuits (first monitor circuit 411, second monitor circuit 412). , Third monitor circuit 413).
The current integrated value acquisition unit 512 acquires the integrated value of the first group current (first current integrated value) based on the first group voltage information received from the monitor IC311.
The current integrated value acquisition unit 512 acquires the integrated value of the second group current (second current integrated value) based on the second group voltage information received from the monitor IC311.
Further, the current integrated value acquisition unit 512 is based on the third group voltage information received from the monitor IC311, and the current (third) flowing across the five cell B11 to B15 corresponding to the third monitor circuit 413 (third). It is acquired by calculating the integrated value (also referred to as the third current integrated value) of the group current (also referred to as group current).

In the present embodiment, the third current integrated value is larger than the first current integrated value and the second current integrated value.
As another configuration example, the current integrated value acquisition unit 512 may calculate the first current integrated value based on the first unit battery voltage information received from the monitor IC311. Similarly, the current integrated value acquisition unit 512 may calculate the second current integrated value based on the second unit battery voltage information received from the monitor IC 311. Similarly, the current integrated value acquisition unit 512 may calculate the third current integrated value based on the third unit battery voltage information received from the monitor IC 311.

The discharge control unit 514 has the same function as the discharge control unit 214 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment, and has three monitor circuits (first monitor circuit 411, second monitor circuit 412, third monitor). It corresponds to the circuit 413).
The discharge control unit 514 controls the process of discharging the desired single batteries (all or part of the single batteries B1 to B5) by the first monitor circuit 411 by controlling the monitor IC311.
Further, the discharge control unit 514 controls the process of discharging the desired single battery (all or a part of the single batteries B6 to B10) by the second monitor circuit 412 by controlling the monitor IC311.
Further, the discharge control unit 514 controls the process of discharging the desired single battery (all or a part of the single batteries B11 to B15) by the third monitor circuit 413 by controlling the monitor IC311.

In the present embodiment, the discharge control unit 514 monitors the discharge according to the difference between the first current integrated value and the third current integrated value acquired by the current integrated value acquisition unit 512. Controls IC311.
Specifically, since the lower third current integrated value is larger than the upper first current integrated value, the discharge control unit 514 subtracts the first current integrated value from the third current integrated value (as a result). Difference) is acquired. Then, the discharge control unit 514 discharges the cells B1 to B5 by the first monitor circuit 411 by the amount of the electric power corresponding to the acquired result (difference). As a result, the integrated value of the current consumption becomes the same in the first battery group (cell B1 to B5) and the third battery group (cell B11 to B15), and the cell balance is compensated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge control unit 514 discharges according to the difference between the second current integrated value and the third current integrated value acquired by the current integrated value acquisition unit 512. , Control the monitor IC311.
Specifically, since the lower third current integrated value is larger than the middle second current integrated value, the discharge control unit 514 subtracts the second current integrated value from the third current integrated value. Get (difference). Then, the discharge control unit 514 discharges the cells B6 to B10 by the second monitor circuit 412 by the amount of the electric power corresponding to the acquired result (difference). As a result, the integrated value of the current consumption becomes the same in the second battery group (cell B6 to B10) and the third battery group (cells B11 to B15), and the cell balance is compensated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge control unit 514 discharges the cells B1 to B5 and the cells B6 to B10 to discharge the first battery group (cell B1 to B5). ), The second battery group (cell B6 to B10), and the third battery group (cells B11 to B15) have the same integrated value of current consumption, and the cell balance is compensated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the assembled battery 301 having a plurality of cells B1 to B15, a predetermined number of cells (cells B1 to B5, cell B6) of a predetermined number (five in this embodiment) are used. When a plurality of groups (first battery group, second battery group, third battery group) having (1 to B10, cell B11 to B15) are provided, the variation in the capacity of the cell B1 to B15 is reduced for each group. Can be done.
As a result, in the assembled battery 301 according to the present embodiment, the cell balance can be adjusted with respect to the cell imbalance caused by the current consumption inside the monitor IC 311 being different for each part (for each battery group). ..

Here, in the present embodiment, the assembled battery 301 including three battery groups (first battery group, second battery group, third battery group) is shown, but as another configuration example, four or more batteries An assembled battery with a group may be implemented.
Even in an assembled battery including three or more battery groups, the same effect as in the case of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Summary of the above embodiments)
A program for realizing the functions of the devices (for example, monitor IC11, 311 or microcomputers 13, 313, etc.) according to the above-described embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium). The processing may be performed by loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing the program.
The term "computer system" as used herein may include hardware such as an operating system (OS: Operating System) or peripheral devices.
The "computer-readable recording medium" includes a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versaille Disc). A storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Further, the recording medium may be, for example, a recording medium for temporarily recording data.

Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" is a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line (for example, DRAM (for example, DRAM) It also includes those that hold the program for a certain period of time, such as Dynamic Random Access Memory)).
Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system in which this program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Further, the above program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention are also included.

1,301 ... Battery, 11,311 ... Monitor IC, 12,312 ... Real-time clock, 13,313 ... Microcomputer, 111,411 ... First monitor circuit, 112,412 ... Second monitor circuit, 121, 213,421 , 513 ... Communication unit, 131, 151, 431, 451, 471 ... Voltage detection circuit, 211, 511 ... Operating time measurement unit, 212, 512 ... Current integrated value acquisition unit, 214, 514 ... Discharge control unit, 413 ... 3 monitor circuit, 1011-1012 ... characteristics, A1, A11 ... + terminal, A2, A12 ...- terminal, B1 to B15 ... cell, R1 to R15 ... resistance, SW1 to SW15 ... switch, T1 to T5 ... period, D1 ~ D4, D12 ~ D14 ... Value

Claims (5)

An assembled battery in which multiple cells are connected in series.
It has a plurality of voltage detection groups included in one IC and has a plurality of voltage detection groups.
Each of the voltage detection groups has a plurality of voltage detectors for detecting the voltage of the cell.
Measure the operating time of the IC and
Obtain the integrated current value of the voltage detection group and the integrated current value of the other voltage detection group, which consume the largest amount of current.
Discharge according to the difference between the acquired current integrated values for the other voltage detection groups.
Batteries assembled. The discharge is performed separately for the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell.
The assembled battery according to claim 1. The discharge is performed in the even-numbered cell and the odd-numbered cell for the same time.
The assembled battery according to claim 2. The discharge is performed simultaneously on all of the cells corresponding to the other voltage detection groups.
The assembled battery according to claim 1. As the current value or current integrated value of the voltage detection group, a calculated value from a value measured in advance is used.
The assembled battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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