JP7720754B2 - Battery monitoring device and identification information assignment method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery monitoring device and a method for assigning identification information.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery monitoring device mounted on a vehicle. In Patent Document 1, the battery monitoring device includes a battery ECU and a battery monitor. The battery ECU wirelessly transmits commands to the battery monitor. The battery monitor also detects voltage information of the unit batteries and transmits it wirelessly to the battery ECU. In such a battery monitoring device, the battery ECU needs to assign an ID to the battery monitor according to its location so that it can determine where the voltage information of the unit battery is located. For example, in Patent Document 1, the battery ECU and battery monitor are wired via a power line, and the battery monitors are assigned IDs as they are activated sequentially via the power line.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-127318

However, in a battery monitoring device that wirelessly connects a control device such as a battery ECU to a battery state detection device such as a battery monitor, connecting the control device and battery state detection device via a power line, as in Patent Document 1, would undermine the benefits of the wireless connection. For example, connecting the control device and battery state detection device via a wired connection would reduce the degree of freedom in the layout of the control device and battery state detection device.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery monitoring device in which a control device and a battery status detection device are capable of wireless communication, with identification information indicating the placement position of the device without connecting the control device and the battery status detection device via a wired connection.

The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

A first aspect of the present invention is a battery monitoring device comprising a battery status detection device that detects the status of a battery module, and a control device that is wirelessly connected to multiple battery status detection devices and manages the status of the battery modules. The battery status detection device comprises a light source unit that emits light, and the control device comprises a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light source unit. Identification information is assigned to each of the battery status detection devices based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit.

A second aspect of the present invention is the same as the first aspect, but employs a configuration in which the control device sequentially inputs light emission instructions for the light source units to each of the battery status detection devices via wireless communication, and the battery status detection devices emit the light from the light source units based on the light emission instructions input from the control device.

A third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect, wherein the light source unit is an infrared emitting light source unit that emits infrared light as the light, and the control device is an infrared array sensor that receives the infrared light.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in any one of the first to third inventions, the light source units in different battery state detection devices are arranged in the same position relative to the battery module.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control device stores a table indicating the relationship between the identification information and the light-emitting position of the light source unit, and determines the identification information to be assigned to the battery state detection device by referencing the table based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for assigning identification information to a battery status detection device that detects the status of a battery module, which employs a configuration in which the light-emitting position of a light source provided in the battery status detection device is detected, and identification information is assigned to the battery status detection device based on the detected light-emitting position.

According to the present invention, a light source unit is provided in the battery state detection device. Furthermore, identification information is assigned to the battery state detection device based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit. Therefore, even if the battery state detection device and the control device are not connected by wire, it is possible to assign identification information to the battery state detection device using light. Therefore, according to the present invention, in a battery monitoring device in which the control device and the battery state detection device are capable of wireless communication, it is possible to assign identification information indicating the placement position to the battery state detection device without connecting the control device and the battery state detection device by wire.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram including a voltage detection device and a monitoring device provided in a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement of battery modules. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a monitoring device provided in a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a voltage detection device provided in a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, one embodiment of a battery monitoring device and identification information assignment method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a battery monitoring system S (battery monitoring device) according to this embodiment. The battery monitoring system S according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The battery monitoring system S according to this embodiment monitors the voltage, etc. of a battery (battery assembly C, described below) mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. This battery is, for example, a drive battery for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

As shown in Figure 1, the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment includes multiple voltage detection devices A1-An (battery state detection devices) and a single monitoring device B (control device). These voltage detection devices A1-An and monitoring device B are wirelessly connected to each other via a specified wireless line so that they can communicate wirelessly. Note that in this embodiment, "n" is a subscript that indicates an arbitrary natural number.

The object monitored by this battery monitoring system S is a battery pack C comprising n battery modules M1 to Mn. Each of the n battery modules M1 to Mn comprises multiple battery cells connected in series, with the total voltage of each battery cell being the output voltage. These n battery modules M1 to Mn are connected in series. In other words, the battery pack C monitored in this embodiment is a secondary battery whose output voltage is the total voltage of the n battery modules M1 to Mn.

The battery pack C in this embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or other electrically powered vehicle, and supplies DC power to, for example, a traction motor (load) that serves as the driving power source. In addition to the lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries mentioned above, such a battery pack C can also use a fuel cell. The battery pack C outputs an output voltage of, for example, several hundred volts.

A plurality of n voltage detection devices A1-An are provided to correspond to the n battery modules M1-Mn. That is, a plurality (n) of voltage detection devices A1-An are provided to correspond to the battery modules M1-Mn. Each voltage detection device A1-An detects the voltage (voltage of each cell) of its corresponding battery module M1-Mn and wirelessly transmits the detected voltage value (voltage information) to monitoring device B, for example, along with its own identification information (ID).

Monitoring device B monitors the state of battery pack C based on the cell voltage detection values of each battery module M1-Mn received wirelessly from each voltage detection device A1-An. This monitoring device B sequentially reports the monitoring results of battery pack C to a higher-level control device (not shown).

These voltage detection devices A1-An and monitoring device B will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. Note that although the n voltage detection devices A1-An are assigned individual identification information (ID) to identify their respective locations, they have the same basic configuration. Therefore, the detailed configuration of voltage detection device A1 will be described below as a representative example.

Figure 2 is a block diagram including a voltage detection device A1 and a monitoring device B provided in a battery monitoring system S in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the voltage detection device A1 includes a voltage measurement unit 1, multiple discharge circuits 2, a voltage detection device memory unit 3, a voltage detection device wireless communication unit 4, a light source unit 5, and a voltage detection device processing unit 6.

The voltage measurement unit 1 detects the output voltages (cell voltages) of the m battery cells that make up the battery module M1, and outputs the detected values of the m cell voltages (detected cell voltage values) to the voltage detection device processing unit 6. As shown in the figure, the electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) of each battery cell in the battery module M1 are connected to multiple input terminals, and the voltage measurement unit 1 obtains the detected cell voltage value for each battery cell based on the difference between the potential of the positive electrode and the potential of the negative electrode.

The voltage measurement unit 1 detects the cell voltage, which is an analog value, by sampling the potential of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each battery cell at a predetermined time interval. The voltage measurement unit 1 also sequentially outputs the detected cell voltage values to the voltage detection device processing unit 6.

As mentioned above, the n battery modules M1 to Mn are secondary batteries capable of discharging and charging. The multiple discharge circuits 2 are series circuits of an electronic switch and resistor provided for each battery cell in battery module M1 to equalize the charge state of the m battery cells.

These discharge circuits 2 are composed of an electronic switch, such as a switching transistor, which is switched between the on and off states by the voltage detection device processing unit 6, and a resistor with a predetermined resistance value that is connected in series with the electronic switch. The electronic switch of the discharge circuit 2 corresponding to each battery cell is switched between the on and off states by the voltage detection device processing unit 6. When the electronic switch of the discharge circuit 2 is switched on, the power of the battery cell is discharged.

The voltage detection device memory unit 3 is, for example, a rewritable non-volatile memory. The voltage detection device memory unit 3 stores the cell voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit 1, as well as programs and parameters required for processing by the voltage detection device processing unit 6. The voltage detection device memory unit 3 also stores unique information such as the serial number of the voltage detection device A1 (i.e., battery module M1).

The voltage detection device wireless communication unit 4 transmits and receives information by wirelessly communicating with the monitoring device B. The voltage detection device wireless communication unit 4 receives information obtained from the monitoring device B via wireless communication and outputs it to the voltage detection device processing unit 6, and transmits information from the voltage detection device processing unit 6 to the monitoring device B via wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the wireless communication method, as long as it is wireless.

The light source unit 5 is an infrared emitting light source unit that emits infrared rays. In this embodiment, the light source unit 5 is composed of an infrared LED (light emitting diode) that emits infrared rays (light). This light source unit 5 emits infrared rays when controlled to the on state. The on/off state of the light source unit 5 is controlled by the voltage detection device processing unit 6. When the light source unit 5 is in the on state, it emits infrared rays discretely or continuously.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of battery modules M1 to Mn. Note that in Figure 3, the subscript n, which indicates an arbitrary natural number, is omitted, and the reference symbol for the battery module is simply M. A single battery module M and a voltage detection device (one of voltage detection devices A1 to An) connected to this battery module M are packaged.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 5 is disposed in the same position for each battery module M. In this embodiment, the light source unit 5 is disposed in the center position in the width direction of the top surface of the battery module M.

These battery modules M are installed in predetermined positions and with predetermined orientations. For example, the battery modules M are housed in a case together with a monitoring device B and a power converter (not shown) and packaged as a battery package. Inside the case, multiple installation sections are provided for installing the battery modules M, and each battery module M is attached to each of these installation sections in a predetermined orientation. As a result, the battery modules M are arranged in a predetermined pattern, as shown in Figure 3, for example. Note that, for example, different identification information is set for each of these installation sections. Therefore, the identification information indicates the arrangement position of the module M (voltage detection devices A1 to An).

The battery modules M are formed in the same shape, and it is not predetermined which battery module M will be installed in which installation section. However, since the light source unit 5 is located in the same position for different battery modules M, the light source unit 5 will be located in the same position regardless of which battery module M is installed in which installation section.

Returning to Figure 2, the voltage detection device processing unit 6 performs cell balancing control by controlling the discharge circuit 2 based on the multiple cell voltages obtained from the voltage measurement unit 1. The voltage detection device processing unit 6 also transmits information necessary for stable operation of the battery module M1 (hereinafter referred to as "management information") to the monitoring device B via wireless communication. Note that management information includes, for example, information indicating the multiple cell voltages, the highest cell voltage, and the lowest cell voltage. The voltage detection device processing unit 6 also controls the operation of the light source unit 5, and controls the light source unit 5 to the on state based on a light emission instruction input from the monitoring device B.

Such a voltage detection device A1 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Furthermore, the voltage detection device processing unit 6 may include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)). For example, the voltage detection device processing unit 6 may be a microcontroller such as an MCU.

As shown in Figure 1, monitoring device B manages multiple battery modules M1-Mn by wirelessly communicating with each of multiple voltage detection devices A1-An to send and receive information. Monitoring device B communicates with each of multiple voltage detection devices A1-An and receives management information for each battery module M1-Mn. Monitoring device B determines the status of each battery module M1-Mn based on this management information. For example, monitoring device B is a BMU (Battery Management Unit).

Monitoring device B may also include a processor such as a CPU or MPU. Monitoring device B may also include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM). For example, monitoring device B may be a microcontroller such as an MCU. As shown in FIG. 2, such monitoring device B includes a monitoring device wireless communication unit 11, an infrared array sensor 12 (light receiving unit), a monitoring device processing unit 13, and a monitoring device memory unit 14.

The monitoring device wireless communication unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the voltage detection device wireless communication units 4 of the voltage detection devices A1 to An to send and receive information. The monitoring device wireless communication unit 11 receives information obtained via wireless communication from the voltage detection device wireless communication units 4 of the voltage detection devices A1 to An and outputs it to the monitoring device processing unit 13, and also transmits information from the monitoring device processing unit 13 to the voltage detection device wireless communication unit 4 via wireless communication.

The infrared array sensor 12 is a light-receiving unit that receives infrared rays. This infrared array sensor 12 receives infrared rays emitted, for example, from the light source unit 5. The infrared array sensor 12 transmits the detected temperature to the monitoring device processing unit 13. As shown in Figure 3, the infrared array sensor 12 has a temperature detection range that covers the area in which all battery modules M are installed, and detects the spatial temperature distribution.

When infrared rays are emitted from the light source unit 5, the infrared array sensor 12 receives the infrared rays emitted from the light source unit 5 and outputs a temperature signal including position information of the emitting light source unit 5 (i.e., the light-emitting position). Furthermore, when the battery module M generates heat, infrared rays of an intensity corresponding to the temperature are emitted from the battery module M. Therefore, the infrared array sensor 12 can also output a temperature signal including temperature information of the battery module M. In other words, the infrared array sensor 12 can be used as a sensor to identify the position of the emitting light source unit 5 and as a sensor to measure the temperature of the battery module M. The detection results of the infrared array sensor 12 are output to the monitoring device processing unit 13.

The monitoring device processing unit 13 acquires management information obtained from the voltage detection devices A1-An via wireless communication. For example, the monitoring device processing unit 13 determines whether each battery module M1-Mn is normal or not based on the management information obtained from the voltage detection devices A1-An.

For example, the monitoring device processing unit 13 calculates the heat generation amount of the battery module M based on the temperature signal acquired from the infrared array sensor 12, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery module M based on the heat generation amount. Note that wireless communication between the monitoring device B and each of the voltage detection devices A1-An is scheduled using a timer or the like to prevent communication between the monitoring device B and each of the voltage detection devices A1-An from interfering with each other.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment is assembled, the monitoring device processing unit 13 performs an identification information assignment process that associates each voltage detection device A1-An with identification information indicating the arrangement position of the battery modules M1-Mn. For example, the monitoring device processing unit 13 assigns identification information to each voltage detection device A1-An by associating the unique information stored in each voltage detection device A1-An one-to-one with the identification information (ID) set for each arrangement position of the battery modules M1-Mn. The monitoring device processing unit 13 creates an identification information assignment table that indicates the correspondence between each voltage detection device A1-An and the identification information, and stores this in the monitoring device storage unit 14.

Once the identification information allocation table is stored in the monitoring device storage unit 14, the monitoring device processing unit 13 performs subsequent processing based on the identification information allocation table. In other words, the identification information assignment process is performed only once, immediately after the battery monitoring system S is assembled. However, for example, during maintenance, the identification information assignment process may be performed again based on instructions from a worker or other person to update the identification information allocation table.

When the monitoring device processing unit 13 assigns identification information to each voltage detection device A1-An, the assigned identification information is sent to each voltage detection device A1-An and stored in the voltage detection device storage unit 3. In other words, each voltage detection device A1-An stores the assigned identification information in the voltage detection device storage unit 3.

In the identification information assignment process, the monitoring device processing unit 13 turns on (or blinks) the light source unit 5 for each voltage detection device A1-An in turn. Identification information is assigned to the voltage detection device A1-An that includes the light source unit 5 that emitted light, depending on the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5 at this time. The monitoring device storage unit 14 stores a table (light-emitting position identification information table) that shows the relationship between the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5 inside the case (the installation position of the battery module M) and the identification information. The monitoring device processing unit 13 determines the light-emitting position from the temperature information acquired by the infrared array sensor 12, identifies the identification information by comparing the determined light-emitting position with the light-emitting position identification information table, and assigns this identified identification information to the voltage detection device A1-An that includes the light source unit 5 that emitted light.

The monitoring device storage unit 14 is a rewritable non-volatile memory or the like. The monitoring device storage unit 14 stores, for example, programs and parameters for causing the monitoring device processing unit 13 to execute the identification information assignment process. The monitoring device storage unit 14 also stores a light emission position identification information table that indicates the relationship between the light emission position of the light source unit 5 inside the case (the installation position of the battery module M) and the identification information.

Next, the identification information assignment process (identification information assignment method) in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 4 is a flowchart explaining the operation of monitoring device B in the identification information assignment process. Figure 5 is a flowchart explaining the operation of voltage detection device A1 in the identification information assignment process. Note that the operation in the identification information assignment process is the same for each of voltage detection devices A1 to An, so the explanation based on Figure 5 will focus on the operation of voltage detection device A1.

The identification information assignment process is executed after the battery monitoring system S is assembled and before monitoring and management of the battery pack C begins. This identification information assignment process assigns identification information that specifies the placement position of each battery module M1-Mn. For example, if there are n installation sections for installing battery modules M1-Mn inside the battery package case, the identification information indicates which battery module M1-Mn is installed in which installation section. By assigning identification information to each battery module M1-Mn, monitoring and management of the battery pack C can be performed.

The identification information assignment process begins when battery modules M1-Mn are attached to the installation section. As shown in FIG. 4, when the identification information assignment process begins, monitoring device B searches for voltage detection devices A1-An and permits wireless connection to each of them (step S11). Here, for example, monitoring device processing unit 13 of monitoring device B searches for voltage detection devices A1-An that are emitting radio waves, and permits wireless connection if permission for wireless connection is requested by a voltage detection device A1-An that detected the radio waves. Note that even though monitoring device B has wirelessly connected to voltage detection devices A1-An and can obtain unique information at this point, it is not yet able to determine the locations of battery modules M1-Mn.

Next, monitoring device B inputs a light emission instruction for the light source unit 5 to the wirelessly connected voltage detection devices A1-An (step S12). In this embodiment, monitoring device B selects one of the wirelessly connected voltage detection devices A1-An that has not been assigned identification information, and inputs a light emission instruction to the selected voltage detection device A1-An. Here, the monitoring device processing unit 13 of monitoring device B outputs a light emission instruction to the wirelessly connected voltage detection devices A1-An via the monitoring device wireless communication unit 11. Note that monitoring device B inputs a light emission instruction to only one voltage detection device A1-An to prevent multiple light source units 5 from emitting light at the same time.

In addition, monitoring device B acquires unique information (information including serial numbers, etc.) from all wirelessly connected voltage detection devices A1-An. Monitoring device B identifies the wirelessly connected voltage detection devices A1-An based on this unique information. For example, in step S12, monitoring device B selects voltage detection devices A1-An based on the unique information.

Next, monitoring device B determines whether the light source unit 5 is emitting light (step S13). Here, the monitoring device processing unit 13 of monitoring device B determines whether the light source unit 5 is emitting light based on the temperature signal acquired by the infrared array sensor 12. Monitoring device B determines that the light source unit 5 is emitting light if the temperature signal includes information indicating that the light source unit 5 is emitting light.

If it is determined in step S13 that the light source unit 5 is emitting light, monitoring device B assigns identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An that received the light emission instruction for the light source unit 5 in step S12 (step S14). Here, monitoring device B determines the light emission position of the light source unit 5 (the position of the emitting light source unit 5) based on the temperature information received from the infrared array sensor 12 via the monitoring device processing unit 13. Monitoring device B determines the identification information to be assigned to the voltage detection devices A1-An (i.e., battery modules M1-Mn) based on the position of the light source unit 5 determined by the monitoring device processing unit 13 and the light emission position identification information table stored in the monitoring device storage unit 14. Furthermore, monitoring device B transmits the determined identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An that received the light emission instruction via the monitoring device wireless communication unit 11.

Next, monitoring device B determines whether identification information has been assigned to all voltage detection devices A1-An (step S15). Here, monitoring device B determines whether identification information has been assigned to all voltage detection devices A1-An for which it has acquired unique information, for example. If monitoring device B determines in step S13 that the light source unit 5 is not emitting light, it skips step S14 and executes step S15. If identification information has been assigned to all voltage detection devices A1-An, monitoring device B completes the identification information assignment process. On the other hand, if identification information has not been assigned to all voltage detection devices A1-An, monitoring device B returns to step S12.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, when the identification information assignment process begins, the voltage detection device A1 requests permission for wireless connection from the monitoring device B (step S21). If it determines that permission for wireless connection cannot be obtained (step S22), the voltage detection device A1 returns to step S21 and repeatedly requests permission for connection.

If permission for wireless connection is obtained in step S21, voltage detection device A1 determines whether a light-emitting instruction has been input from monitoring device B (step S23). If a light-emitting instruction has not been input, voltage detection device A1 repeats step S23 and waits until a light-emitting instruction is input.

When a light emission instruction is input from monitoring device B, voltage detection device A1 turns on light source unit 5 and emits infrared light (light) from light source unit 5 (step S24). Here, voltage detection device processing unit 6 of voltage detection device A1 controls light source unit 5 to turn it on.

Next, voltage detection device A1 determines whether identification information has been received from monitoring device B (step S25). If identification information has not been received, voltage detection device A1 repeats step S25 and waits until identification information is input.

When the voltage detection device A1 receives the identification information, it stores the received identification information in the voltage detection device storage unit 3 (step S26). Here, the voltage detection device processing unit 6 of the voltage detection device A1 stores the identification information in the voltage detection device storage unit 3. Then, when step S26 is completed, the voltage detection device A1 ends the identification information assignment process.

The battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, as described above, comprises multiple voltage detection devices A1-An and a monitoring device B. The voltage detection devices A1-An detect the status of the battery modules M1-Mn. The monitoring device B is wirelessly connected to the multiple voltage detection devices A1-An to manage the status of the battery modules. The voltage detection devices A1-An also comprise a light source unit 5 that emits light. The monitoring device B also comprises an infrared array sensor 12 that receives the light emitted from the light source unit 5. The monitoring device B also assigns identification information to each of the voltage detection devices A1-An based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5.

In the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, the voltage detection devices A1-An are provided with a light source unit 5. Furthermore, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, identification information is assigned to the voltage detection devices A1-An based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5. Therefore, even if the voltage detection devices A1-An and the monitoring device B are not connected by wire, it is possible to assign identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An using light.

Therefore, according to the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, in a battery monitoring system S in which the monitoring device B and the voltage detection devices A1-An are capable of wireless communication, it is possible to assign identification information indicating the location of the voltage detection devices A1-An without connecting the monitoring device B and the voltage detection devices A1-An via a wire.

In addition, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, monitoring device B sequentially inputs light emission instructions for the light source unit 5 to each of the voltage detection devices A1-An via wireless communication, and the voltage detection devices A1-An emit light from their light source units 5 based on the light emission instructions input from monitoring device B. This makes it possible for monitoring device B to control the light emission timing of the light source unit 5 of monitoring device B. This prevents multiple light source units 5 from emitting light simultaneously, and makes it possible to reliably assign identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An.

In addition, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, the light source unit 5 is an infrared emitting light source unit that emits infrared light. Furthermore, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, the monitoring device B's light receiving unit that receives infrared light is an infrared array sensor 12. By using the infrared array sensor 12 in this manner, it is possible to accurately determine the position of the emitting light source unit 5. Furthermore, by using the infrared array sensor 12, it is also possible to monitor the heat generation state of the battery modules M1 to Mn. For example, if the battery monitoring system S has an infrared array sensor that monitors the heat generation state of the battery modules M1 to Mn, it is possible to use the already installed infrared array sensor, without having to provide a separate light receiving unit for the light emitted from the light source unit 5.

Furthermore, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, the light source unit 5 is placed in the same position relative to the battery modules M1-Mn in the different voltage detection devices A1-An. Therefore, regardless of which battery module M1-Mn is installed in a predetermined installation position, the light source unit 5 is placed in the same position. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether the light source unit 5 is emitting light and the position of the light source unit 5 based on the output of the infrared array sensor 12.

Furthermore, in the battery monitoring system S of this embodiment, the monitoring device B stores a light-emitting position identification information table that shows the relationship between identification information and the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5, and determines the identification information to be assigned to the voltage detection devices A1-An by referencing the light-emitting position identification information table based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5. This makes it possible to determine the identification information to be assigned to the voltage detection devices A1-An through simple processing.

The identification information assignment method of this embodiment also assigns identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An that detect the status of the battery modules. The identification information assignment method of this embodiment detects the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5 provided in the voltage detection devices A1-An, and assigns identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An based on the detected light-emitting position.

According to the identification information assignment method of this embodiment, the voltage detection devices A1-An are provided with a light source unit 5. Furthermore, according to the identification information assignment method of this embodiment, identification information is assigned to the voltage detection devices A1-An based on the light-emitting position of the light source unit 5. Therefore, even if the voltage detection devices A1-An and the monitoring device B are not connected by wire, it is possible to assign identification information to the voltage detection devices A1-An using light.

Therefore, according to the identification information assignment method of this embodiment, in a battery monitoring system S in which monitoring device B and voltage detection devices A1-An are capable of wireless communication, it is possible to assign identification information indicating the placement position to voltage detection devices A1-An without connecting monitoring device B and voltage detection devices A1-An via a wire.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the light emitted from the light source unit 5 was infrared (infrared light). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light emitted from the light source unit 5 may be visible light. In such a case, an array sensor capable of detecting visible light is used instead of the infrared array sensor 12.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an infrared array sensor 12 is used as the light receiving unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an imaging camera capable of capturing infrared or visible light is used as the light receiving unit.

1...Voltage measurement unit, 2...Discharge circuit, 3...Voltage detection device memory unit, 4...Voltage detection device wireless communication unit, 5...Light source unit, 6...Voltage detection device processing unit, 11...Monitoring device wireless communication unit, 12...Infrared array sensor (light receiving unit), 13...Monitoring device processing unit, 14...Monitoring device memory unit, A1 to An...Voltage detection device (battery state detection device), B...Monitoring device (control device), M1 to Mn...Battery module, S...Battery monitoring system

Claims (6)

A battery monitoring device comprising: a battery state detection device that detects the state of a battery module; and a control device that is wirelessly connected to a plurality of battery state detection devices and manages the state of the battery module,
the battery state detection device includes a light source unit that emits light,
the control device includes a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light source unit, and assigns identification information indicating a location of each of the battery state detection devices based on a light emitting position of the light source unit;
the control device sequentially inputs a light emission instruction for the light source unit to each of the battery state detection devices via wireless communication;
The battery state detection device emits the light from the light source unit based on the light emission instruction input from the control device.
A battery monitoring device characterized by: A battery monitoring device comprising: a battery state detection device that detects the state of a battery module; and a control device that is wirelessly connected to a plurality of battery state detection devices and manages the state of the battery module,
the battery state detection device includes a light source unit that emits light,
The control device
a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light source unit, and assigns identification information indicating a location of each of the battery state detection devices based on a light emitting position of the light source unit ;
storing a table showing a relationship between the identification information and the light emitting position of the light source unit;
The identification information to be assigned to the battery state detection device is determined by referring to the table based on the light emitting position of the light source unit.
A battery monitoring device characterized by: the light source unit is an infrared emitting light source unit that emits infrared rays as the light,
The battery monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light receiving unit includes an infrared array sensor that receives the infrared light. The battery monitoring device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in different battery state detection devices, the light source unit is arranged in the same position relative to the battery module. 1. An identification information assigning method for assigning identification information to a battery state detection device that detects the state of a battery module, comprising:
detecting a light emitting position of a light source unit provided in the battery state detection device, and assigning identification information indicating an installation position to the battery state detection device based on the detected light emitting position;
a light emitting instruction for the light source unit is input to each of the battery state detection devices sequentially via wireless communication;
The light source unit emits light based on the light emission instruction.
1. A method for assigning identification information. 1. An identification information assigning method for assigning identification information to a battery state detection device that detects the state of a battery module, comprising:
detecting a light emitting position of a light source unit provided in the battery state detection device, and assigning identification information indicating an installation position to the battery state detection device based on the detected light emitting position;
storing a table showing a relationship between the identification information and the light emitting position of the light source unit;
The identification information to be assigned to the battery state detection device is determined by referring to the table based on the light emitting position of the light source unit.
1. A method for assigning identification information.