JP3339252B2 - Battery monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and the like used as power sources for driving motors in moving bodies such as electric vehicles and motor-driven industrial vehicles are usually constructed by connecting a plurality of unit batteries in series. The configuration is such that a total voltage necessary for exhibiting a predetermined power performance is obtained.

For example, as a power source for a driving motor for an electric vehicle or the like, a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery having excellent basic properties such as energy density, output density, and cycle life has been attracting attention in recent years. Development is ongoing. When this battery is used as a power source for an electric vehicle, a battery capacity of 50 to 120 A is required to obtain a predetermined drive output.
h and a total voltage of about 100 to 350 V is required.

A nickel-hydrogen storage battery has an output voltage of about 1.2 V per cell, which is the minimum unit for practical use.
The required total voltage is obtained by connecting a number of cells in series.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an internal circuit of an assembled battery mounted on an electric vehicle and comprising an assembly of sealed nickel-metal hydride storage batteries.

The battery pack 1 is composed of a plurality of, in FIG. 7, twenty-four modules 101, 102, 103..., And 124 connected in series, and each module is further connected in series with a plurality of cells, usually ten cells. It is composed of the body. With this configuration, the assembled battery 1 becomes an assembled battery of 240 cells as a whole, and a total voltage of 288 V can be obtained.

In an electric vehicle using such a battery pack as a power source, the voltage of the battery is monitored while the vehicle is running, in the same manner as an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine always monitors the remaining fuel. It is necessary to accurately know the remaining battery capacity.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a conventional battery pack 1. In FIG. 8, the battery pack 1 includes 24 modules 101 to 124 arranged in the vertical direction, six in the vertical direction, and four in the horizontal direction. Each module 1
The voltages between the + and − terminals at both ends of 01 to 124 are sent to the monitoring device 2 provided near the battery pack 1 via the lead wires 132 (in FIG. 8, the lead wires 132 are connected to the modules 101 and 102 and 124 is shown), and further sent from the monitoring device 2 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 3 which is a central control device which is the center of monitoring and control.

[0009]

According to the conventional monitoring apparatus as described above, since all of the modules 101 to 124 are connected to the monitoring apparatus 2 via the leads 132, a total of 48 leads 132 Are wired so as to crawl on the upper surface of the battery pack. In such a wiring method, there is a problem that a long time is required for a wiring operation and reliability of connection between each module and the monitoring device is not high.

Further, the conventional monitoring device is configured to send only the voltage information from each module to the ECU 3, and various information such as the characteristics of the batteries constituting the assembled battery are all stored in the EC.
U3 is set. However, when the battery is replaced with another manufacturer's product, the characteristics of the battery change.
It was necessary to change the information set in CU3 again to the information on the replaced battery. For this reason, there is also a problem that the ECU 3 according to the characteristics of the battery to be used must be prepared.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to reduce the complexity of wiring, and at the same time, to monitor the assembled battery so that the ECU 3 can be used universally even if the characteristics of the battery used change. The purpose is to provide.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an assembled battery monitoring apparatus, comprising: a battery module in which a plurality of module batteries are connected in series; a voltage detection circuit connected to + and-terminals at both ends of each module battery; A signal conversion circuit that converts the output of the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal and outputs the digital transmission serially, a modulation / demodulation circuit that modulates and demodulates the signal of the signal conversion circuit and a signal from a central control unit, and connects each module battery in series A voltage measuring unit comprising a transmission circuit electrically insulated from each module battery, which superimposes a signal of a modulation / demodulation circuit from a terminal at both ends of the module battery on a connection line to be provided, is provided in proximity to each module battery. Things.

Further, the monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention comprises:
A plurality of module batteries are connected in series, and in a battery pack that is monitored and controlled by a central controller, a storage device that stores the control information of each of the module batteries and their unique addresses, and connects the stored control information to each module. Battery information comprising a transmission circuit electrically insulated from each module battery for transmission to the central control device by being superimposed on a connection line, and a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating and demodulating a signal superimposed on the connection line. A unit is provided for each module battery.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided an assembled battery monitoring apparatus, comprising: a voltage measuring unit provided near a plurality of module batteries constituting an assembled battery; Is detected, and a detection voltage signal is sent to the central controller by the modulation / demodulation circuit and the transmission circuit.

Further, the monitoring apparatus for a battery pack according to the present invention comprises:
The control information of the module battery and the unique address of the module battery stored in the storage device inside the battery information unit attached to each module battery are transmitted to the central control device by a transmission circuit and a demodulation circuit. Yes, one central controller can be used for general purposes.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an assembled battery monitoring apparatus and the like according to the present invention. All the devices shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on a moving body such as an electric vehicle. Battery pack 1
Is a module in which 24 sealed nickel-metal hydride storage cells are connected in series as described above, and 24 modules are connected in series. The storage batteries that make up the assembled battery include nickel
In addition to the hydrogen storage battery, a lead storage battery or a nickel-cadmium storage battery may be used.

In FIG. 1, + and + at each end of modules 101, 102,...
-Terminals include voltage measurement units 201, 202, ...,
And 224 are respectively connected. Module 1 corresponding to each of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224
Terminal voltages 01 to 124 are input as measurement signals.

The operating power supply of the voltage measuring unit itself is also obtained from the terminal voltage of each module. Each of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 includes a voltage detection circuit 2
0, signal conversion circuit 21, modulation / demodulation circuit 22, transmission circuit 2
3. A ROM 24 is provided as a storage device.

The voltage of the module 101 detected by the voltage measuring unit 201 is transmitted to the EC via the communication connection line 4a, the battery connection line 4, the transmission circuit 25, and the modulation / demodulation circuit 26.
Transmitted to U3. The terminal voltage of each of the modules 102 to 124 is also detected in the same manner as in the module 101, and E
It is transmitted to CU3. For example, each of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 receives the measurement command signal from the ECU 3 and simultaneously measures the voltage of each module, and sequentially transmits the measured voltage data to the ECU 3 in a serial manner. Note that the ECU 3 serving as the central control device performs various monitoring and control such as charge control of the battery pack 1 and life determination.

The signal conversion circuit 21 is a circuit including a CPU, and can transmit data stored in the ROM 24 to the ECU 3. For example, each voltage measurement unit 201
The address numbers of the respective units are set in .about.224, and the address numbers are added to the voltage data and transmitted, so that the ECU 3 can easily specify the voltage measurement unit. That is, the ECU 3 can easily grasp which module's voltage has dropped.

Further, various information is stored in the ROM 24 in addition to the address number of the unit. For example, the types of batteries (a nickel-metal hydride storage battery, a lead storage battery, a nickel-cadmium storage battery, etc.) constituting the assembled battery 1 are stored. Also stored are a battery manufacturer, lot information, battery capacity, and the like. Furthermore, control information (control voltage value, control temperature value, temperature rise control value, control time, charge efficiency, etc.) necessary for charging the battery and control information necessary for displaying the remaining battery level, such as self-discharge rate and discharge efficiency, are also provided. It is remembered.
That is, the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 have a function as a battery information unit in addition to the detection of the battery voltage.

These various information are transmitted serially in the same manner as the above-described voltage data transmission upon receiving a predetermined signal from the ECU 3. By storing all information on the battery in the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 in this way, the ECU 3 does not need to directly hold information unique to the battery. This not only reduces the load on the storage capacity of the ECU 3, but also makes it unnecessary to change the setting items of the ECU 3 even if the type or specification of the battery changes, so that the ECU 3 has versatility.

Next, the installation location of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the module 101. The module 101 is configured by arranging ten cells 10 and electrically connecting these cells 10 in series, and is accommodated in a container 11. A voltage measuring unit 201 housed in a case is attached to the short side surface of the container 11.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the battery pack 1. 24 modules 1 constituting the assembled battery 1
Numbers 01 to 124 (partially omitted) are arranged in six in the vertical direction and four in the horizontal direction, and are stored in the container 131.
Each module 101 to 124 includes a voltage measurement unit 2
01 to 224 are respectively attached to the side surfaces. The input terminals of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 are connected to the + and − terminals at both ends of the corresponding modules 101 to 124, respectively. ~ 124
Are input.

The ECU 3 sends and receives signals from the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 via the communication connection line 4a, the battery connection line 4, the transmission circuit 25, and the modulation / demodulation circuit 26. Therefore, each voltage measurement unit and the ECU 3 are indirectly connected via the battery connection line, and each voltage measurement unit installed in each module battery need only be connected between the terminals of each module battery. The wiring at that time is clear and simple. Therefore, the wiring work is speeded up, and erroneous connection during wiring is less likely to occur.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are views showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a module 101 according to this embodiment.
It is a perspective view which shows the outline of a structure of. 10 cells 10
Are fixed at both ends by side fixing frames 12 and 13 and fixing metal fittings 14 (also provided on the rear side in the figure) connecting them, forming a solid individual as a whole. Although not shown in FIG. 4, irregularities are formed on the long side surface of the cell 10. Therefore, even if they are closely arranged, ventilation is possible between the adjacent cells 10 due to the space created by the unevenness provided on the side surface. In addition, a recess for fitting the fixture 14 is provided on the short side surface. In this embodiment, the voltage measurement unit 201 is provided inside the side fixed frame 13 in contact with the battery.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only the side fixing frame 13. A concave portion is provided inside the side fixing frame 13, and insulating support pins 131 are provided at four corners. In addition, a terminal block 132 is provided on the upper surface, and is connected to + and − terminals at both ends of each module.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the voltage measuring unit 201 is mounted on the side fixing frame 13. The printed circuit board 201a of the voltage measuring unit 201 is fixed on the insulating support pins 131, and the protective cover 133 is placed thereon.
Is installed.

[0029]

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

The monitoring device for a battery pack according to the first aspect is
A voltage detection circuit connected to the + and-terminals at both ends of each module battery constituting the assembled battery; a signal conversion circuit for converting an output of the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal and serially outputting the digital signal; and a signal of the signal conversion circuit A modulating / demodulating circuit for modulating and demodulating a signal from a central control unit, and a transmission circuit electrically insulated from each module battery, superimposing a signal of the modulating / demodulating circuit on a battery connection line from terminals at both ends of each module battery. By providing the voltage measurement units having the above in proximity to the corresponding module batteries, it is only necessary to connect the voltage measurement units to the terminals of the module batteries. Since the output of the voltage measurement unit is transmitted to the central control device via the battery connection line, there is no need to perform wiring between each voltage measurement unit and the central control device. Therefore, the wiring is simplified, and the wiring operation can be performed quickly and accurately.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a monitoring device for a battery pack which stores control information of a module battery and a unique address of the module battery, and transfers the stored control information to the central control device. A battery information unit equipped with a transmission circuit and a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating and demodulating a signal superimposed on the connection line is provided for each module battery, so that various types of battery and control information can be stored. There is no need to set the central control unit. Further, the module battery and the battery information unit can be handled integrally.

Therefore, if the battery used for the battery pack is changed, the battery information unit will be replaced with the one corresponding to the battery, so that the central controller can be used in common. In addition, since the unique address of each module battery is also transmitted to the central control device, the central control device that has received the signal from the battery information unit can reliably specify which module battery is the signal from. Therefore, it becomes easy to specify the module battery in which a failure has occurred.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing a monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembled battery monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment in which a voltage measuring unit is provided in a side fixed frame of a module.

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

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the voltage measurement unit is mounted on the side fixing frame shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the battery pack.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing wiring and the like to a conventional battery pack monitoring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 battery pack 2 monitoring device 3 ECU 4 battery connection line 4a communication connection line 10 cell 11 container 12 side fixed frame 13 side fixed frame 14 fixing bracket 20 voltage detection circuit 21 signal conversion circuit 22 modulation / demodulation circuit 23 transmission circuit 24 ROM 101 to 124 Module 131 Insulating support pin 132 Terminal block 133 Protective cover 201-224 Voltage measuring unit 201a Printed circuit board

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Noboru Ito 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-8-289401 (JP, A) JP-A-8-339829 (JP, A) JP-A-8-140204 (JP, A) JP-A-6-295747 (JP, A) JP-A-8-162171 (JP, A) JP-A-6-68912 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01M 10/42-10/48 H02J 7/00 -7/12

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] In a battery pack monitoring device for monitoring and controlling a battery pack formed by connecting a plurality of battery modules in series by a central controller, + and-at both ends of each battery module are provided.
A voltage detection circuit connected to a terminal, a signal conversion circuit that converts an output of the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal, and a modulation / demodulation that modulates and demodulates a signal of the signal conversion circuit and a signal from a central control unit. A voltage measuring unit comprising a circuit and a transmission circuit electrically insulated from each module battery, which superimposes a signal of the modulation / demodulation circuit on a connection line connecting each module battery in series, to a corresponding module battery. A monitoring device for a battery pack, which is provided in close proximity. 2. A battery pack monitoring device for monitoring and controlling a battery pack formed by connecting a plurality of battery modules in series by a central controller, wherein control information of the battery modules and a unique address of the battery module are stored. Storage device, a transmission circuit that superimposes the stored control information on a battery connection line, and transfers the superposed control information to the central control device, and a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating and demodulating the information superimposed on the battery connection line. A monitoring device for a battery pack, wherein an information unit is provided for each module battery.