Monitoring device, control device, battery information communication system, battery information communication method, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a monitoring device, a control device, a battery information communication system, a battery information communication method, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The monitoring device (40) monitors the state of the battery and transmits the state of the battery as battery information to the control device (50) by wireless communication. The wireless communication unit (46) of the monitoring device (40) performs a connection process with the wireless communication unit (54) of the control device (50) and communicates battery information. The wireless communication unit (46) of the monitoring device (40) sets the communication speed when at least some of the prescribed connection processes are executed between the wireless communication unit (46) and the wireless communication unit (54) of the control device (50) to a lower speed than the communication speed when the battery information is transmitted to the wireless communication unit (54) of the control device (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring device, a control device, a battery information communication system, a battery information communication method, a storage medium storing a program for implementing the battery information communication method, and a program product for implementing the battery information communication method. Background Art

[0002] For example, hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), electric vehicles (EV) and other vehicles are equipped with batteries such as lithium-ion batteries for driving the vehicle. A battery monitoring system is proposed in which a monitoring device monitors the state of the battery, etc. The battery monitoring system is designed so that, based on the instructions of the control device, the monitoring device obtains the state of the battery such as the voltage of the battery cell as battery information, and the control device uses wireless communication between the wireless communication unit and the monitoring device to obtain the battery information. As a result, the control device can uniformly monitor the state of the battery.

[0003] In addition, as a document related to the present application, International Publication No. 2014 / 132345 describes a technology for data transmission using wireless communication. According to the technology described in International Publication No. 2014 / 132345, the startup unit determines that the first stage is received when the data pattern of the first stage of the wireless startup signal is consistent with the prescribed data pattern, and determines that the second stage is received when the data pattern of the second stage of the wireless startup signal is consistent with the prescribed data pattern. That is, an authentication technology using a data pattern during wireless communication is disclosed. In addition, the transmission speed of the data pattern of the first stage is set to be lower than the transmission speed of the data pattern of the second stage. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, the battery monitoring system described in the background technology column sends a large amount of data related to battery information from the monitoring device to the control device when communicating battery information. It is expected that the communication speed will be as high as possible when sending a large amount of data. However, in order to improve the reliability of communication, it is expected to slow down the communication speed.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring device, a control device, a battery information communication system, a battery information communication method, a storage medium storing a program for implementing the battery information communication method, and a program product for implementing the battery information communication method, which are capable of setting the communication speed when communicating battery information as high as possible while ensuring the reliability of communication.

[0006] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0007] According to the first scheme of the present application, a monitoring device that monitors the state of a battery and transmits the state of the battery as battery information to a control device through wireless communication is an object. The monitoring device includes a monitoring device side communication unit that performs connection processing with a control device side communication unit and communicates the battery information. The monitoring device side communication unit sets the communication speed when performing at least a part of the connection processing with the control device side communication unit to be lower than the communication speed when sending the battery information to the control device side communication unit.

[0008] It is desirable to increase the communication speed when the communication unit on the monitoring device side sends the battery information. Conversely, it is desirable to avoid degradation of the communication reliability when the communication unit on the monitoring device side and the communication unit on the control device side perform at least a portion of the prescribed connection processing in the connection processing. Since the communication speed is set to a low speed during the prescribed connection processing compared to the communication speed when the battery information is communicated, the error rate during the prescribed connection processing can be reduced, and the reliability of the communication during the prescribed connection processing can be ensured. In addition, since the communication speed when the battery information is communicated is set to a high speed compared to the communication speed during the prescribed connection processing, the data transmission amount of the battery information can be increased.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present application, a control device receives battery information from one or more monitoring devices that monitor the status of a battery and use the status of the battery as battery information through wireless communication. The control device includes a control device side communication unit, which performs connection processing with the monitoring device side communication unit and communicates the battery information to the monitoring device side communication unit. The control device side communication unit sets the communication speed when performing at least a part of the connection processing with the monitoring device to a lower speed than the communication speed when receiving the battery information.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present application, a battery information communication system comprises: one or more monitoring devices, which monitor the status of the battery and send the status of the battery as battery information through wireless communication; and a control device, which receives the battery information from the monitoring device through wireless communication, the monitoring device comprising a monitoring device side communication unit that performs connection processing with a control device side communication unit and communicates the battery information, and the control device comprising a control device side communication unit that performs the connection processing with the monitoring device side communication unit and communicates the battery information, the control device side communication unit and the monitoring device side communication unit performing at least a part of the connection processing on each other, and the communication speed when the connection processing is specified to be lower than the communication speed when the battery information is communicated from the monitoring device side communication unit to the control device side communication unit.

[0011] According to another scheme of the present application, a battery information communication method is a method implemented by one or more monitoring devices that monitor the status of a battery and send the status of the battery as battery information to a control device through wireless communication, characterized in that the battery information communication method includes a process of using a communication unit on the monitoring device side to perform connection processing with a communication unit on the control device side and send the battery information, and in the sending process, compared to the communication speed of sending the battery information from the communication unit on the monitoring device side to the communication unit on the control device side, at least a part of the connection processing is performed at a lower communication speed than the communication speed of sending the battery information from the communication unit on the monitoring device side to the communication unit on the control device side.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which implements the steps of the battery information communication method when executed by a processor.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product includes a computer program, which implements the steps of the battery information communication method when executed by a processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the battery monitoring system in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a side view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the electrical structure of the battery monitoring system.

[0019] Figure 6 This is one of the sequence diagrams that briefly shows the flow of communication.

[0020] Figure 7 This is the second sequence diagram that briefly shows the communication flow.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram briefly showing the flow of communication.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing the flow of communication in the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10It is a diagram schematically showing the passage of time of the connection process and the battery information communication process.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a sequence diagram briefly showing the flow of communication.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing the flow of communication in the third embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 This is one of the diagrams that illustrate the contents of a data packet.

[0027] Fig.14 This is the second diagram illustrating the contents of a data packet.

[0028] Fig.15 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing the flow of communication in one of the modified examples of the third embodiment.

[0029] Fig.16 This is a sequence diagram briefly showing the flow of communication.

[0030] Fig.17 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing the flow of communication in the second modification of the third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.18 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing a method of changing the communication speed in the third modification example of the third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.19 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing the flow of communication in the third modification of the third embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 20 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing a method of changing the communication speed in the fourth modification of the third embodiment.

[0034] Fig.21 This is a sequence diagram schematically showing a method of changing the communication speed in the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 22 This is one of the sequence diagrams schematically showing the flow of communication in the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Fig.23 This is the second sequence diagram that briefly shows the communication flow.

[0037] Fig.24 This is one of the diagrams for explaining the method of equalizing cell voltages shown in the sixth embodiment.

[0038] Fig.25 This is the second diagram for explaining the method of equalizing cell voltages.

[0039] Fig.26It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack in the seventh embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 27 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack in the eighth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.28 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack in the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, several embodiments related to a monitoring device, a control device, and a battery monitoring system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or similar components in each embodiment are sometimes denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0043] (First Embodiment)

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The first embodiment is described. Figure 1 As shown, the battery monitoring system 1 is mainly composed of a battery pack system 2 and is built into a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is a vehicle based on a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), etc., and a battery pack 12 (see Figure 2 ) as at least part of the driving source for traveling.

[0045] A battery pack 11, a power control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as PCU) 14, a motor 15, and a host ECU 16 are mounted inside the vehicle body 13. The host ECU 16 is configured as an electronic control device. The battery pack 11 is sometimes arranged in the engine room of the vehicle body 13, but can also be arranged under the seat of the occupant, such as the driver, around the frame of the vehicle body 13, or in the trunk.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 11 includes a battery module 20 in which a plurality of battery cells 22 are grouped. The battery pack 11 includes a plurality of battery modules 20. The battery modules 20 contain a plurality of battery cells 22, thereby forming a battery pack 12. The battery pack 12 stores electric power for driving the motor 15, thereby using the battery pack 12 as a driving source for the vehicle 10. Figure 1 The PCU 14 shown supplies the electric power stored in the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11 to the motor 15. When the vehicle 10 brakes, for example, the motor 15 returns regenerative electric power to the battery pack 12, and the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11 is charged by the electric power generated by the motor 15.

[0047] <Structure of Battery Pack 11>

[0048] Below, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 4 An example of the structure of the battery pack 11 will be described. Figure 2 The inner wall of the frame 30 is shown by a double-dotted line. As for the frame 30, the longitudinal direction of the frame 30 is represented as the X direction and the width direction is represented as the Y direction. The up and down direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the vehicle body 13 is represented as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction are in a mutually intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) relationship. The frame 30 has a first wall surface 30a along the X direction and a second wall surface 30b along the Y direction. The frame 30 is formed into a flat, low-profile rectangular box shape.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 12, a plurality of monitoring devices 40, and a control device 50 are housed in the frame 30 of the battery pack 11 in a plane direction along the X direction and the Y direction. The monitoring device 40 is equipped with a battery monitoring unit 44 (see Figure 5 ), called satellite battery module (SBM: Satellite Battery Module).

[0050] The Z-direction lower surface of the frame 30 serves as a mounting surface for the vehicle body 13. In the present embodiment, the X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle 10, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the Z direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. Figure 2 to Figure 4 The placement of the battery pack 11 is just an example. The mounting direction on the vehicle body 13 is just an example, and the battery pack 11 may be arbitrarily placed with respect to the vehicle 10.

[0051] The battery pack 12 has a plurality of battery modules 20 arranged in an X direction, and a plurality of the battery modules 20 are arranged in an X direction. The battery module 20 is sometimes referred to as a battery stack, a battery block, etc. The battery pack 12 is sometimes configured by connecting a plurality of battery modules 20 in series and / or in parallel, but in this embodiment, an example in which a plurality of battery modules 20 are connected in series is shown.

[0052] Each battery module 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22 configured in a rectangular box shape. The battery module 20 is a structure in which a plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged together. Each battery module 20 is configured so that a plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged along the Y direction. The plurality of battery cells 22 are respectively accommodated in a battery case not shown in the figure, thereby fixing the relative positions of the plurality of battery cells 22. The battery case is made of metal or resin. In the case where the battery case is made of metal and is configured in a rectangular box shape, an electrically insulating member is integrally sandwiched between the wall surface of the battery case and the battery cell 22. The insulating member may also be partially sandwiched between the wall surface of the battery case and the battery cell 22.

[0053] The battery module 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22 connected in series. The battery module 20 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in a row along the Y direction in series, and the battery pack 12 provides a DC voltage source.

[0054] The battery cell 22 is a secondary battery that generates electromotive force through chemical reactions. As the secondary battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery, an organic free radical battery, etc. can be used. A lithium ion secondary battery is a secondary battery that uses lithium as a charge carrier. Among the secondary batteries that can be used in the battery cell 22, in addition to secondary batteries with liquid electrolytes, so-called all-solid batteries using solid electrolytes can also be included.

[0055] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, each battery cell 22 is stacked in such a way that the sides of the battery case are connected to each other in the Y direction. The battery cell 22 has a positive terminal 23 and a negative terminal 24 located at both ends in the X direction and protruding in the Z direction, more specifically, in the Z+ direction indicating the upper side. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the positions of the protruding end faces of the positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 24 in the Z direction are arranged at the same height in each battery cell 22. Figure 4 As shown, the battery cells 22 are stacked in the Y direction such that the positive electrode terminals 23 and the negative electrode terminals 24 are alternately arranged.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of linear busbar units 25 are arranged at both ends in the X direction on the upper surface of each battery module 20. The busbar units 25 are arranged so as to be located at both ends in the X direction of the protruding end surfaces of the positive terminals 23 and the negative terminals 24 of the plurality of battery cases.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each busbar unit 25 has: a plurality of busbars 26 that electrically connect the positive terminals 23 and the negative terminals 24 that are alternately arranged in the Y direction; and a busbar cover 27 that covers the plurality of busbars 26. The busbar 26 is a plate made of a metal with good conductivity such as copper or aluminum. The busbar 26 electrically connects the positive terminals 23 and the negative terminals 24 of the battery cells 22 that are adjacent in the Y direction. Thus, in each battery module 20, a plurality of battery cells 22 are connected in series.

[0058] Each battery module 20 is composed of a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in a row in the Y direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the busbar cover 27 is arranged along the Y direction so as to cover the positive terminals 23 and the negative terminals 24 of the plurality of battery cells 22 of each battery module 20. Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the space S1a is disposed at both ends of the battery cell 22 in the X direction and is disposed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the battery cell 22. Figure 3 As shown, the space S1a is provided in a manner surrounded by the top surface 11g of the battery package 11 (i.e., the upper inner surface 30c of the frame 30), the inner side surface of the busbar cover 27, and the upper surface of the battery cell 22. The space S1a is located below the upper inner surface 30c of the frame 30 and is provided to be connected in the X direction. The space S1a is provided as a propagation path of electromagnetic waves.

[0059] Here, refer to Figure 4 The electrical connection state of a certain battery module 20 is described. In a certain battery module 20, one end of a certain first battery cell 22 in the X direction is set as a positive electrode, and the other end is set as a negative electrode. A positive terminal 23 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 22, and a negative terminal 24 is connected to the negative electrode. The second battery cell 22 is configured in a manner to be located on the Y-direction side of the first battery cell 22. The second battery cell 22 is configured in a manner in which the X-direction positions of the positive and negative electrodes are reversed relative to the first battery cell 22. In addition, the negative terminal 24 of the first battery cell 22 is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the second battery cell 22 through a bus bar 26.

[0060] Furthermore, the third battery cell 22 is arranged so as to be located on the Y-direction side of the second battery cell 22. The third battery cell 22 is arranged so that the X-direction positions of the positive and negative electrodes are opposite to those of the second battery cell 22, and the negative terminal 24 of the second battery cell 22 and the positive terminal 23 of the third battery cell 22 are connected by the bus bar 26. In this way, a plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in parallel along the Y-direction while the X-direction positions of the positive and negative electrodes are reversed, and the positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 are connected by the bus bar 26. Thus, the battery cells 22 of each battery module 20 are electrically connected in series.

[0061] In each battery module 20, one of the two battery cells 22 located at the ends of the plurality of battery cells 22 arranged along the Y direction has the highest potential, and the other has the lowest potential. A positive terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 with the highest potential and a negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 with the lowest potential are connected to at least one of the positive terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 with the highest potential and the negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 with the lowest potential. Figure 2 The wire shown is 20w.

[0062] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the positive terminal 23 of the highest potential battery cell 22 in one of two adjacent battery modules 20 in the X direction is connected to the negative terminal 24 of the lowest potential battery cell 22 in the other via a wire 20w. Thus, the plurality of battery modules 20 are electrically connected in series.

[0063] One of the two battery modules 20 located at the ends of the plurality of battery modules 20 arranged in the X direction becomes the highest potential side, and the other becomes the lowest potential side. In the battery module 20 on the highest potential side, the positive electrode terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 with the highest potential among the plurality of battery cells 22 is connected to the output terminal.

[0064] In the battery module 20 on the lowest potential side, an output terminal is connected to the negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 with the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells 22. These two output terminals are connected to electrical equipment such as the PCU 12 mounted on the vehicle 10. The positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 may or may not be opposed to each other at least partially in the X direction.

[0065] Alternatively, instead of electrically connecting two battery modules 20 adjacent to each other in the X direction via the electric wire 20 w , any two of the plurality of battery modules 20 may be electrically connected via the electric wire 20 w .

[0066] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The busbar cover 27 shown is formed using an electrically insulating material such as resin. The busbar cover 27 is arranged linearly from end to end of the battery module 20 along the Y direction in a manner covering a plurality of busbars 26. The busbar cover 27 may also have a partition. By providing a partition, the insulation between two adjacent busbars 26 in the Y direction can be improved.

[0067] Monitoring device 40 such as Figure 2 As shown, one monitoring device 40 is provided for each of two battery modules 20 adjacent in the X direction among the plurality of battery modules 20. Here, a configuration in which a pair of adjacent battery modules 20 is provided is shown, but as shown in the embodiment described later, the monitoring device 40 may be provided for one battery module 20 or for three or more battery modules 20.

[0068] The monitoring device 40 is provided inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame body 30 along the extending direction (X direction) of the first wall surface 30a, and is arranged across two battery modules 20 along the X direction. A plurality of monitoring devices 40 are located at one end of the battery module 20 in the Y direction and arranged in a row along the X direction. The monitoring device 40 is provided inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame body 30 along the X direction. In addition, the Y direction positions of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 are arranged at the same position.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, a plurality of monitoring devices 40 are arranged at one end of the battery module 20 in the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the plurality of monitoring devices 40 may be arranged alternately at one end / the other end in the Y direction for every two battery modules 20, or may be arranged alternately irregularly.

[0070] The monitoring device 40 is embedded in a recess provided in the battery module 20 and fixed by screws, for example. The method of fixing the monitoring device 40 is not limited to this method. For example, the monitoring device 40 may be fixed to the battery module 20 by heat riveting in which heat is applied to pressurize the battery module 20 for bonding or crimping. In addition, the monitoring device 40 may be fixed to the battery module 20 by a snap-fit ​​structure utilizing elastic deformation of metal or resin materials.

[0071] The external dimensions of the monitoring device 40 are configured so as to have the relationship of X direction>Z direction>Y direction when installed in the battery module 20. A space S1 is provided around the monitoring device 40. The space S1 is a space partially surrounded by the first wall surface 30a of the frame 30, the second wall surface 30b, and the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20. The monitoring device 40 is configured in such a way that the wall thickness in the Y direction among the XYZ directions is the thinnest. Even if the battery module 20 is configured to be wider in the Y direction by arranging a plurality of battery cells 22 along the Y direction, the monitoring device 40 can be arranged in the extremely small space S1 in the Y direction. Thus, the space S1 inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame 30 can be effectively utilized.

[0072] The monitoring device 40 is arranged in such a manner that its configuration position is closer to the upper side in the Z direction than to the lower side in the Z direction from the center of the height of the battery cell 22 in the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20. In addition, as long as most of the monitoring device 40 is configured on the upper side from the center of the height of the battery cell 22, the other parts can also be configured on the lower side from the center of the height of the battery cell 22. In other words, it is better to set the monitoring device 40 in such a manner that the area configured on the upper side from the center of the height of the battery cell 22 in its configuration position is larger than the area configured on the lower side. In this case, for example, the monitoring device 40 can be easily configured from the upper side of the battery module 20, which can make the assembly of the monitoring device 40 to the battery module 20 good.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 50 is installed on the outer side end surface of the battery module 20 located at the end in the X direction among all the battery modules 20. Figure 5 As shown, the monitoring device 40 includes an antenna 49 , and the control device 50 includes an antenna 57 , and the control device 50 is wirelessly connected to the plurality of monitoring devices 40 .

[0074] If a structure is assumed in which the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 are connected by wire, it is necessary to connect a wire harness between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. For example, when an operator extends the wire harness to the space S1 inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame 30 to connect the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50, the assembly performance is poor and a lot of work is required. In this regard, since the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 are wirelessly connected, even if the monitoring device 40 is arranged in an extremely small space S1, it can be arranged without deteriorating the assembly performance.

[0075] In addition, the fixing member for fixing the monitoring device 40 to the battery module 20 is preferably made of non-magnetic material, thereby improving the performance of wireless communication. Parts installed in the battery module 20 are preferably made of non-magnetic materials, especially when they do not have magnetic properties.

[0076] The monitoring device 40 is fixed to the Y-direction side end surface of the battery module 20. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a detection line L is connected to the monitoring device 40. The detection line L is respectively formed in each battery module 20. The detection line L extends upward from the upper part of the monitoring device 40 and bends at the end of the battery module 20 to extend over the Y direction on the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells 22. The detection line L represents a wire harness for detecting the voltage between the positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 of each battery cell 22.

[0077] The detection lines L are respectively configured to extend in the Y direction along the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 22 constituting one battery module 20. The detection lines L are configured to span between the busbar covers 27 formed at both ends in the X direction of each battery cell 22. The detection lines L are connected to the positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 of each battery cell 22 by extending a core wire (not shown) from a middle position extending in the Y direction to both sides in the X direction.

[0078] <Description of the Structure of the Frame 30>

[0079] The frame 30 has, for example, a performance of reflecting electromagnetic waves in order to cope with EMC. EMC is the abbreviation of Electromagnetic Compatibility. The frame 30 is composed of a resin material and a metal having magnetic properties in order to reflect electromagnetic waves, that is, a magnetic material. The frame 30 may also be composed of a resin material, but the magnetic material may be composed to cover the resin material or to be buried inside the resin material. The frame 30 may also be formed by a resin material, but in order to cope with EMC, it is better to be covered by the chassis of the vehicle 10. The frame 30 may also be composed of carbon fibers. The frame 30 may also be composed of a material having a performance of absorbing electromagnetic waves instead of a performance of reflecting electromagnetic waves.

[0080] The wall surface 20a (see Figure 2 , Figure 4 ) is formed throughout the X direction. The wall surface 20a is preferably covered with a reflective member for reflecting electromagnetic waves (for example, a metal or a magnetic material having magnetic properties). The space S1 located inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame body 30 is a space with a vertical and horizontal dimension of several mm to several cm to several tens of cm in the YZ direction, for example.

[0081] As described above, a portion of the space S1 is surrounded by the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20, the first wall surface 30a, the lower inner surface 30d, the upper inner surface 30c, and the second wall surface 30b of the frame 30. A portion of the space S1 is closed by a metal that serves as a reflective member, and the space S1 is formed only toward the space S1b side on one side in the X direction where the control device 50 is arranged ( Figure 4 A space opening on the third wall 30e side in the left direction.

[0082] The plurality of monitoring devices 40 are periodically arranged (for example, at equal intervals) in the space S1 throughout the X direction. If the space S1 is covered with metal, the space S1 constitutes a waveguide space similar to a so-called square waveguide. Figure 4 As shown, the frame body 30 forms a space enclosed by a first wall surface 30a, a second wall surface 30b, a third wall surface 30e, and a fourth wall surface 30f in a plan view.

[0083] The first wall surface 30a is opposite to the fourth wall surface 30f, and the second wall surface 30b is opposite to the third wall surface 30e. At this time, the propagation space of the electromagnetic wave when the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 perform wireless communication becomes L-shaped when viewed from above. The wireless electromagnetic wave radiated by the control device 50 is reflected by the first wall surface 30a and propagates to the space S1, and is reflected by the third wall surface 30e and propagates to the space S1, thereby reaching the monitoring device 40.

[0084] The wireless electromagnetic waves radiated by the monitoring device 40 propagate in the space S1 and are reflected by the first wall surface 30a to reach the control device 50, and propagate in the space S1 and are reflected by the third wall surface 30e to reach the control device 50. Thus, when the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 perform wireless communication, the radio waves propagate in the L-shaped propagation path including the space S1.

[0085] In this embodiment, in addition to this, the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave when the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 perform wireless communication also includes Figure 3The space S1a is sandwiched between the busbar covers 27 disposed at both ends of the battery cell 22 in the X direction and is provided so as to be surrounded by the top surface 11g of the battery package 11, that is, the upper inner surface 30c of the frame 30 and the upper surface of the battery cell 22. The space S1a is provided so as to have a gap below the upper inner surface 30c of the frame 30.

[0086] The space S1a is connected in the X direction along the lower side of the upper inner surface 30c of the frame body 30. The space S1a is connected in the X direction to the space S1b where the control device 50 is arranged. In this way, the spaces S1a and S1b can become the propagation paths of the wireless electromagnetic waves between the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40, so that more communication paths can be ensured in addition to the aforementioned L-shaped propagation path.

[0087] The frame 30 has holes communicating with the storage space of the battery package 11 and the space outside thereof. The holes are used for ventilation, power lines and signal lines, etc. In the case of a structure having holes, a cover (not shown) covering the holes may also be provided. The cover is composed of, for example, a connector, an electromagnetic shielding member, a seal, etc., and partially or completely closes the hole between the storage space of the battery package 11 and the space outside thereof.

[0088] The covering part may be formed of, for example, a metal material having magnetic properties. The covering part may also be formed of a resin material, but the magnetic material may be formed so as to cover the resin material or to be embedded in the resin material. The covering part may also be formed of carbon fibers.

[0089] The hole of the frame 30 may be covered by an element accommodated in the accommodation space of the frame 30 without providing a separate cover. In addition, the power line and the signal line may be arranged across the accommodation space and the external space while being held by an electrical insulating member constituting a part of the wall of the frame 30.

[0090] <Modification of the arrangement of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 and the control device 50>

[0091] In addition, the installation structure of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 and the control device 50 is not limited to Figure 2 For example, although it is preferable that the plurality of monitoring devices 40 are respectively installed on the plurality of battery modules 20 inside the frame 30 , the control device 50 may also be installed on the outer side of the frame 30 .

[0092] For example, a mounting structure in which a wall surface of the frame 30 is provided in the area facing the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 may be provided. Figure 2Compared with the installation structure shown in the figure, although the propagation environment of the radio wave between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 will be deteriorated, it is sufficient as long as the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 can communicate with each other. For example, the wall surface of the frame 30 where the control device 50 is set can also be formed of a resin that transmits radio waves. In addition, an opening can be formed in the wall surface of the frame 30, and the control device 50 can be arranged in a form of closing the opening.

[0093] The antenna 49 provided in the monitoring device 40 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the bus unit 25 in the XY direction, that is, so as to protrude in the Z direction from the bus unit 25. The antenna 57 of the control device 50 may also be arranged so as to protrude in the Z direction from the bus unit 25. The antenna 57 connected to the control device 50 is preferably arranged at the same Z-direction height as the antenna 49 of the monitoring device 40, for example. In addition, the arrangement relationship between the antennas 49 and 57 is not limited to this relationship.

[0094] <Modification of Arrangement Structure of Battery Module 20>

[0095] In this embodiment, a plurality of battery modules 20 filled with a plurality of battery cells 22 are prepared and directly housed in a frame 30, but it is also applicable to a so-called battery module-free structure. For example, the battery module of the battery cell 22 may be omitted as in a so-called cell-battery pack, and the plurality of battery cells 22 may be directly housed in a battery package 11. The cell-battery pack is a term representing Cell to Pack (CTP).

[0096] Alternatively, the battery module 20 may be directly housed in the frame or platform of the vehicle 10, as is referred to as module to platform (MTP). Alternatively, the battery unit 22 may be directly packaged in the frame of the vehicle 10, as is referred to as cell to chassis, and mounted in the chassis as part of the vehicle body structure. Cell to chassis (CTC) may be referred to as cell to chassis.

[0097] <Description of the structure of PCU 14, motor 15, and host ECU 16>

[0098] The host ECU 16 and the control device 50 may be partially or entirely integrated, or may be provided separately. Figure 1 The PCU 14 shown performs bidirectional power conversion between the battery pack 11 and the motor 15 according to a control signal from the host ECU 16. The PCU 14 includes, for example, an inverter for driving the motor 15 and a converter for boosting a DC voltage supplied to the inverter to a voltage higher than the output voltage of the battery pack 11.

[0099] The motor 15 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a permanent magnet embedded in the rotor. The motor 15 is driven by the PCU 14 to generate a rotational driving force, and the driving force generated by the motor 15 is transmitted to the drive wheels. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is braked, the motor 15 works as a generator to generate regenerative power. The power generated by the motor 15 is supplied to the battery pack 11 through the PCU 12 and stored in the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11.

[0100] The upper ECU 16 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a memory such as a non-volatile semiconductor storage device, an input / output port for inputting and outputting various signals, etc. The memory records the processing program executed by the upper ECU 16, and the CPU executes the program stored in the memory. The memory is used as a non-temporary physical recording medium. The control device 50 receives the information of the cell voltage of each battery cell 22 of the battery pack 12 from the monitoring device 40 of the battery pack 11 to measure the SOC (State Of Charge) and control the PCU 12, thereby controlling the drive of the motor 15 and the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11.

[0101] The battery pack 12 is connected in series with a current sensor 17 (see Figure 5 ), thereby being able to measure the current flowing to the entire battery pack 12. Figure 5 As shown, the current sensor 17 is connected to the control device 50. The host ECU 16 can obtain information on the current flowing to the battery pack 12 or the battery cell 22 obtained by the current sensor 17 through the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50.

[0102] Here, the current sensor 17 is connected to the control device 50, but the current sensor 17 may be connected to the host ECU 16. Since the control device 50 and the host ECU 16 can communicate with each other, any structure that obtains the current information of the current sensor 17 can share the current information flowing to the battery pack 12.

[0103] Next, the electrical module structure of the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 will be described.

[0104] <Example of electrical module configuration of monitoring device 40>

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the monitoring device 40 includes power supply circuits 41 to 43, a battery monitoring unit 44, a microcomputer 45, a wireless communication unit 46, a selection circuit 47, a matching circuit 48, and an antenna 49. The power supply circuit 41 of the monitoring device 40 generates an operating voltage using the voltage supplied from the battery module 20, and supplies the generated voltage to the power supply circuits 42 and 43 and to the battery monitoring unit 44.

[0106] The power supply circuit 41 includes a rectifier 41a and a starter circuit 41b. The rectifier 41a receives power supply from the battery module 20 as a power supply unit, rectifies and smoothes the power supply to generate a DC power supply. The starter circuit 41b receives the DC power supply rectified and smoothed by the rectifier 41a, and generates a starter signal for starting a part or the whole of the monitoring device 40.

[0107] It is desirable that the starter circuit 41b receives power supply only from one or more battery modules 20 that are connected by wires and serve as power supply units during startup. That is, it is desirable to receive power supply by wires, and it is not desirable to receive power supply wirelessly. By receiving power supply by wires for startup, it is easy to ensure safety.

[0108] In addition, if wireless communication is used to start the power supply from the outside, diffuse reflection may occur inside the housing 30, and the start-up of the battery monitoring unit 44 may be delayed. As a result, it may be impossible to manage the monitoring schedule of the battery pack 12 by the battery monitoring unit 44. By using a wired power supply to start the power supply, a wireless sequence for starting the power supply can be eliminated, and the schedule management of battery monitoring can be easily performed.

[0109] The startup circuit 41b starts up a part or all of the battery monitoring unit 44, the microcomputer 45, and the wireless communication unit 46. Figure 7 As shown in S30 of , the monitoring IC constituting the battery monitoring unit 44 is preferably started when the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device are synchronized or before they are synchronized. In this embodiment, the start-up circuit 41b is provided in the power supply circuit 41, but as described in the embodiment described later, it can also be provided in the wireless communication unit 46.

[0110] The power circuit 42 generates an operating voltage based on the output of the power circuit 41 and supplies the generated voltage to the microcomputer 45. The power circuit 43 generates an operating voltage based on the output of the power circuit 41 and supplies the generated voltage to the wireless communication unit 46.

[0111] The selection circuit 47 of the monitoring device 40 receives a cell temperature signal obtained by a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the battery cell 22 and a cell identification signal for identifying the type of the battery cell 22 as battery information, selects the battery information, and inputs it to the battery monitoring unit 44. The battery monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 senses the cell voltage, cell temperature, cell identification battery information, and the like of the battery cell 22.

[0112] The battery monitoring unit 44 includes a monitoring unit 44a for acquiring battery information of the battery cell 22 of the battery pack 12, a conversion unit 44b for converting the analog value of the battery information input through the selection circuit 47 into a digital value and outputting it, and a storage unit 44c for storing the digital value of the battery information. The monitoring unit 44a includes one or more monitoring ICs. In the case where the battery monitoring unit 44 is configured to include a plurality of monitoring ICs, the battery cells 22 responsible for acquiring the battery information are determined in advance. The storage unit 44c is composed of registers and the like. The battery monitoring unit 44 stores the battery information of the battery cells 22 in the storage unit 44c in sequence, but erases it as needed to ensure the memory capacity.

[0113] The battery monitoring unit 44 stores the battery information, such as the cell voltage information of the battery cell 22, the temperature information of the battery, the identification information of the battery cell 22, etc., as battery monitoring information in the storage unit 46a of the wireless communication unit 46 through the microcomputer 45. The battery monitoring unit 44 performs fault diagnosis of the circuit part of the monitoring device 40, monitors its fault diagnosis information, and stores the fault diagnosis information as battery information in the storage unit 46a of the wireless communication unit 46 through the microcomputer 45.

[0114] The microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 receives the battery information input from the battery monitoring unit 44 and transmits it to the wireless communication unit 46. The microcomputer 45 represents a control circuit having a function of controlling the acquisition schedule of the battery monitoring unit 44 for the battery information and the like.

[0115] The wireless communication unit 46 includes a storage unit 46a, and wirelessly transmits information stored in the storage unit 46a to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives battery information from the microcomputer 45, it stores the battery information in the storage unit 46a and transmits the battery information to the control device 50 on the master side. The wireless communication unit 46 transmits information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, and the battery information is stored in the storage unit 46a from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. The wireless communication unit 46 is a communication device that controls the communication data size, communication format, scheduling, error detection, etc. between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50.

[0116] A prescribed frequency domain is allocated as a bandwidth that enables wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 54 and the wireless communication unit 46. The multiple usable frequency bands obtained by frequency division of the prescribed frequency domain are divided according to each channel. The multiple channels are divided into a first channel group of a non-battery information communication frequency band and a second channel group of a battery information communication frequency band. The first channel group and the second channel group are respectively composed of one or more channels. Although the first channel group and the second channel group can communicate any of battery information and non-battery information, the second channel group is mainly used for communicating battery information, and the first channel group is mainly used for communicating information other than battery information.

[0117] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 communicate various information by digitally modulating a single carrier wave in the use frequency band of each channel of the first channel group or the second channel group using a predetermined digital modulation method. The predetermined digital modulation method is based on a frequency modulation method, for example, but in addition to this, various other modulation methods such as amplitude modulation and phase modulation may also be applied.

[0118] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can change the communication speed of each information between the wireless communication unit 54 and the wireless communication unit 46 by two or more steps by changing the modulation speed of the predetermined digital modulation method. In the present embodiment, in particular, the communication speed of various information such as non-battery information and battery information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can be changed by two steps. The communication speed indicates the amount of data transmitted per unit time when the error rate is assumed to be constant.

[0119] In this embodiment, the following method is described: communication is performed at a relatively high communication speed in the second channel group of the pre-assigned battery information communication frequency band, and communication is performed at a relatively low communication speed in the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band. That is, a method of performing communication at a two-level communication speed is described. In the description of this embodiment or other embodiments, a method of changing the modulation speed at two levels and changing the communication speed at two levels is described, but it can also be applied to a method of changing the modulation speed to three or more levels and changing the communication speed at three or more levels.

[0120] The storage unit 54a of the wireless communication unit 54 and the storage unit 46a of the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 store in advance the contents of digital modulation and demodulation at a relatively high predetermined modulation speed when high-speed communication is performed through the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band. In addition, the contents of digital modulation and demodulation at a relatively low predetermined modulation speed when low-speed communication is performed through the first channel group of the non-battery information frequency band are stored in advance.

[0121] Therefore, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 communicates with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 at a low speed when using the channels of the first channel group, and communicates at a high speed when using the channels of the second channel group.

[0122] The matching circuit 48 and the antenna 49 of the monitoring device 40 represent a physical interface for converting the output signal of the wireless communication unit 46 into radio waves and radiating them into space, and receiving radio waves propagated in space and inputting them into the wireless communication unit 46 .

[0123] The microcomputer 45 may not be installed. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 may directly communicate with the battery monitoring unit 44. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may also manage the acquisition schedule or transmission schedule of the battery monitoring unit 44 for the battery monitoring information and the fault diagnosis information.

[0124] <Example of a specific configuration of the control device 50>

[0125] The control device 50 includes power supply circuits 51 and 52, a main microcomputer 53, a wireless communication unit 54, a sub-microcomputer 55, a matching circuit 56, and an antenna 57. The power supply circuit 51 of the control device 50 generates an operating voltage using a voltage supplied from an auxiliary equipment battery 60, and supplies the voltage to the power supply circuit 52 and to the main microcomputer 53. The power supply circuit 52 generates an operating voltage using an output of the power supply circuit 51 and supplies the operating voltage to the wireless communication unit 54.

[0126] The matching circuit 56 and the antenna 57 of the control device 50 represent a physical interface for converting the signal output from the wireless communication unit 54 into radio waves and radiating them into space, and for receiving radio waves propagated in space and inputting them into the wireless communication unit 54 .

[0127] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 receives battery monitoring information or fault diagnosis information from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 as battery information, and transmits the information to the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50. In addition, the wireless communication unit 54 on the control device 50 side receives data sent from the main microcomputer 53, and sends it to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. The wireless communication unit 54 is a communication device that controls the communication data size, communication format, scheduling, error detection, etc. between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50.

[0128] The main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 uses the information such as the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 22 sent from the wireless communication unit 46 to calculate the SOC, diagnostic information, etc., which are indicators of the state of the battery cell 22, and transmits them to the upper ECU 16. The main microcomputer 53 performs switching control according to the on / off state of the ignition switch. The main microcomputer 53 has a function as a balancing control unit 53a for balancing the cell voltages of the battery cells 22.

[0129] The main microcomputer 53 transmits information such as control signals to the monitoring device 40 by wireless communication via the wireless communication units 46 and 54, thereby controlling the operating state of the monitoring device 40. The sub-microcomputer 55 of the control device 50 monitors the data between the wireless communication unit 54 and the main microcomputer 53, and monitors the operating state of the main microcomputer 53. Alternatively, the sub-microcomputer 55 may monitor the operating state of the wireless communication unit 54.

[0130] In this embodiment, the control device 50 includes a sub-microcomputer 55, and the sub-microcomputer 55 monitors the data between the wireless communication unit 54 and the main microcomputer 53, and monitors the operating state of the main microcomputer 53. However, the structure of the control device 50 is not limited to this example. For example, the control device 50 may not include the sub-microcomputer 55.

[0131] In addition, when the microcomputer 45 is not installed in the monitoring device 40 as described above, the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 can also replace the microcomputer 45 to manage the acquisition scheduling of battery monitoring information, acquisition scheduling of fault diagnosis information or communication scheduling of the battery monitoring unit 44.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 uses the battery information such as the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 22 sent from the wireless communication unit 46 to calculate the SOC and diagnostic information that are indicators of the state of the battery cell 22, and transmits them to the upper ECU 16. However, the calculation of the battery information is not limited to this example.

[0133] For example, the microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 may use the battery information such as the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 22 acquired by the battery monitoring unit 44 to calculate the SOC, diagnostic information, etc., which are indicators of the state of the battery cell 22, and send the calculation result to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Incidentally, the microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 may use the calculation result to perform abnormality diagnosis of the battery cell 22 or the battery monitoring unit 44, and may also send the result of the abnormality diagnosis to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0134] In addition, the battery information such as the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 22 acquired by the battery monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 may also be calculated by the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. Further, the battery information such as the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 22 acquired by the battery monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 may also be calculated by the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Incidentally, the microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 may use the calculation result to perform abnormality diagnosis of the battery cell 22, and may also send the result of abnormality diagnosis to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 as battery information.

[0135] <Wireless Communication>

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 The wireless communication process between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 is described. The battery monitoring system 1 of this embodiment connects multiple monitoring devices 40 in a star network with the control device 50 as the center, and can perform data packet communication. The control device 50 and the multiple monitoring devices 40 independently establish communication with each other and wirelessly communicate information.

[0137] <When the vehicle 10 is parked>

[0138] When the vehicle 10 is parked, the importance of monitoring the battery pack 12 is lower than when the vehicle 10 is started. This is because it does not affect the safety of driving. It is better to change the quality of wireless communication according to the start / stop state of the vehicle 10, and it is better for the monitoring device 40 to communicate at a lower speed when the vehicle 10 is in the parked state than when the vehicle 10 is in the started state. It is better to perform communication with a high success rate by setting the communication speed to a low speed. In this way, the number of retransmissions caused by communication failures can be reduced. As a result, the user's discomfort caused by the delay in starting the vehicle 10 can be suppressed.

[0139] <When the vehicle 10 is started>

[0140] like Figure 8 As shown, when starting the vehicle 10, the user turns the ignition switch from off to on, and at this time, a start signal is given to the control device 50. When the control device 50 is started, the connection process S100 (the connection process T1 to T3 described later) is performed between the control device 50 and all the monitoring devices 40. If the connection process S100 is successful, the control device 50 performs a periodic communication process S200 (the periodic communication process T4 described later) with the monitoring device 40 with which the connection is established.

[0141] In the periodic communication process S200, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 constructs a command instructing the monitoring device 40 that has completed the connection process S100 to obtain battery information into one or more data packets and transmits the command. At this time, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 transmits the command to the wireless communication units 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 using time-division unicast communication. The plurality of monitoring devices 40 reply the battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 in response to the command.

[0142] <Details of connection process S100>

[0143] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 periodically transmits the advance detection request S21 and the continuous detection request S22 in the non-battery information communication band while processing other scheduled tasks until receiving the connection request S13 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 .

[0144] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The advance detection request S21 in the connection process T1 is a command to make the existence of the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 known to the outside.

[0145] The advance detection request S21 includes scheduled transmission timing information indicating the transmission timing of the continuous detection request S22 to be sent after the advance detection request S21 is sent. The scheduled transmission timing information is data indicating that an operation such as transmission is to be performed after a specified time. Therefore, the advance detection request S21 becomes a notice instruction for notifying the transmission timing of the continuous detection request S22 described later. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 always regularly and continuously sends the advance detection request S21 and the continuous detection request S22 even when the ignition switch is off.

[0146] In order to make the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 present in the surroundings detect its own existence, the advance detection request S21 is continuously sent periodically through asynchronous processing. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 will continue to send the advance detection request S21 during the period when no communication object is specified, so it is difficult to establish a connection. Therefore, it is better to specify the connection processing in at least a part of the connection processing S100, such as the communication speed when sending the initial advance detection request S21 of the connection processing S100, and send it at a lower communication speed than the communication speed of the periodic communication processing S200 for communicating battery information described later. It is expected that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 will establish a connection from the specified communication object and start high-speed communication synchronously. In this way, it is possible to achieve communication suitable for battery information with a large amount of data, such as the periodic communication processing S200 and the nature of the connection processing S100 with a small amount of data.

[0147] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown in the connection processing T2, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the continuous detection request S22 at the timing indicated by the scheduled transmission timing information announced in advance in the advance detection request S21. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the continuous detection request S22 at the timing after the scheduled transmission timing time has passed, and processes other tasks managed by the scheduling, and waits for the connection request S13 from the monitoring device 40.

[0148] At this time, it is desirable that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the continuous detection request S22 at high speed using one or more channels in the second channel group of the aforementioned battery information communication frequency band. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may also transmit the continuous detection request S22 using one or more channels in the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band. In addition, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits at least the advance detection request S21 at low speed. Figure 8 The connection processing T2 of the continuous detection request S22.

[0149] During a predetermined time period from the timing of sending the advance detection request S21 or a predetermined time period from the timing of sending the continuous detection request S22, even if the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not receive the connection request S13, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 continues to periodically send the advance detection request S21 and the continuous detection request S22. Thus, so-called asynchronous processing is continued.

[0150] On the other hand, the control device 50 maintains the sleep state and stops the battery monitoring control while the ignition switch is turned off, and starts when the ignition switch is turned on. Specifically, the control device 50 receives a signal from the upper ECU 16 of the vehicle 10 indicating that the ignition switch is turned on and starts.

[0151] When the control device 50 is started, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 starts scanning the devices existing in the surroundings (S10). The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can scan the advance detection request S21 as long as it is sent from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. If the control device 50 successfully scans the advance detection request S21, it reads the scheduled transmission timing information of the continuous detection request S22 included in the advance detection request S21.

[0152] Thus, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can know in advance that the continuous detection request S22 will be sent from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, and can wait at the timing when the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the continuous detection request S22. Afterwards, when the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 successfully detects the continuous detection request S22, it sends the connection request S13.

[0153] After sending the continuous detection request S22, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the connection request S13 corresponding to the continuous detection request S22. If the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the connection request S13 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, the connection process is deemed to be successful. Then, after receiving the connection request S13, the synchronization process of the connection process is started. The synchronization shown here means that if a request is sent from either the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 or the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, a standby process is performed until a response is received. Refer to Figure 7 The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 performs a persistent connection response S17, and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 performs a persistent connection request S23.

[0154] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 stops sending the advance detection request S21 and the continuous detection request S22 after receiving the connection request S13. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the continuous connection request S23 upon receiving the connection request S13.

[0155] At least after synchronization, it is better to set the communication speed to a high speed compared to the aforementioned asynchronous processing. In addition, it is desirable to set the communication speed of the advance detection request S21 to a low speed compared to the continuous connection request S23. It was originally expected that both the advance detection request S21 and the continuous connection request S23 would be communicated at a high speed. However, since it becomes a one-way broadcast communication from the monitoring device 40 side to the control device 50 side, there is a risk of reduced communication reliability. Therefore, by setting the communication speed of the advance detection request S21 to a low speed compared to the continuous connection request S23, the communication reliability when observing the connection processing T1 and the connection processing T2 as a whole can be improved.

[0156] The persistent connection request S23 includes information required to complete the connection establishment before the periodic communication process S200, such as inherent information, key information, and information for generating a key. In addition to information such as key information, the persistent connection request S23 may also include a response to the aforementioned connection request S13. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sets the instruction of the persistent connection request S23 in a data packet to perform synchronous communication with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, and receives the persistent connection response S17. By repeatedly performing these persistent connection requests S23 and persistent connection responses S17, the connection process S100 can be completed. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 perform pairing processing using the persistent connection request S23 and the persistent connection response S17 in the connection process S100 after the synchronous communication starts.

[0157] The pairing process is a process for performing encrypted data communication. The pairing process may also include a process of exchanging inherent information, exchanging inherent information owned by each other and storing it in the storage units 46a and 54a. After executing this process, encryption can be performed using the exchanged inherent information. The inherent information is key information of the public key and information for generating a key. Thus, Figure 7 As shown in S29, the connection processing S100 can be completed.

[0158] <Details of the periodic communication process S200>

[0159] When the wireless communication unit 46 and the wireless communication unit 54 complete the connection process S100, the periodic communication process S200 is executed. When the process shifts to the periodic communication process S200, both the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 switch to a battery control mode for controlling the battery state of the battery pack 12. The periodic communication process S200 is executed using one or more specific channels in the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band.

[0160] In detail, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 first sends the acquisition / transmission request S18 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 (S15). The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends a request to obtain battery information to the battery monitoring unit 44 (S24). The battery monitoring unit 44 senses the battery cell 22 of the battery pack 12 to obtain battery monitoring information such as the voltage of the battery cell 22 (S25). If the battery monitoring unit 44 obtains the battery monitoring information, it sends the battery monitoring information as battery information to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 (S26). If the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the battery information, it sends the battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 (S27).

[0161] If the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 receives the battery information from the wireless communication unit 54, it determines whether the battery pack 12 can be used based on the battery information. If the battery pack 12 cannot be used, the battery information is repeatedly obtained, and the determination process is repeated until the battery pack 12 can be used. For example, when the battery information cannot be obtained from the monitoring device 40 side even after executing several times, the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 determines that the communication is abnormal and notifies the upper ECU 16. If the battery pack 12 can be used, the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 executes a prescribed process such as outputting the start permission of the vehicle 10 in S19. It is also possible that the microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 determines whether the battery pack 12 can be used. In this case, for example, when the battery information cannot be obtained from the battery monitoring unit 44 even after executing several times, the microcomputer 45 of the monitoring device 40 determines that the battery monitoring is abnormal, and notifies the control device 50 and the upper ECU 16 through the wireless communication units 46 and 54. In this case, a warning such as notifying the driver is output later.

[0162] If the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 confirms that the battery pack 12 is available for use, it permits the activation of the contactor that connects the battery pack 11 to the built-in electrical load (not shown) in the prescribed process of S19 or transmits a start permission signal that permits the activation of the contactor to the upper ECU 16 of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 54 may determine whether the battery pack 12 is available for use to perform the above control. That is, the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 uses the receipt of the battery information as a trigger to output the start permission signal of the vehicle 10.

[0163] On the other hand, if the start permission signal is input, the upper ECU 16 knows that the battery pack 12 is in a normal state. The upper ECU 16 also determines that the vehicle information received from other ECUs and sensors (not shown) mounted in the vehicle 10 satisfies the start condition as other conditions, and if it is determined that the vehicle 10 can be started normally, the vehicle 10 is started and electric driving is enabled. In this way, the vehicle 10 can be driven safely.

[0164] In such a periodic communication process S200, it is desirable that the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 allocates a time slot for receiving battery information to each of the plurality of monitoring devices 40, and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 allocates battery information to the time slot, and transmits the battery information at a higher communication speed than when the connection process T1 accompanying the advance detection request S21 is executed. At this time, it is desirable to change the communication speed when transmitting the battery information to a high speed so that it can be accommodated in the time slot. Here, the control device 50 has scheduling information for patrolling the monitoring device 40, such as information on the transmission and reception cycle, and it is desirable to use this information to allocate time slots to each monitoring device 40.

[0165] As a specific example, when there are n monitoring devices 40, the transmission and reception cycle is T, the time slot of each monitoring device 40 in one cycle T is T / n [sec], the communication speed is x [Mbps], and the maximum amount of data required for battery monitoring is D [Mbits], it is better to allocate in a way that D < x × T / n. It is better to include management data required for wireless communication in D. It is set in a way that one or more transmission data packets and reception data packets are accommodated in the time slot of each monitoring device 40. In addition, in addition to the transmission data packets and the reception data packets, a time margin can also be set in the time slot, and the time margin can be set as idle time. In addition, the data length of the battery information can also be adjusted according to the length of the data packet allocated to the time slot.

[0166] If the number of battery modules 20 to be monitored increases, it may not be possible to communicate all the battery information with large capacity within a specified period in the time slot required by the battery monitoring system 1. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 controls the time slot and communication speed for wirelessly transmitting the battery information, thereby being able to appropriately handle the transmission of large-capacity battery information data.

[0167] For example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes an engine operated by gasoline and a motor 15 operated by electricity. On the other hand, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) includes a motor 15 operated by electricity. Both a hybrid electric vehicle and an battery electric vehicle include the battery monitoring system 1 described above.

[0168] When developers apply the know-how cultivated in hybrid vehicles to the development of electric vehicles, the number of battery modules 20 to be monitored increases. Thus, when developing vehicles using different power systems in parallel or in sequence, the same time slot allocation technology as described above can be applied to accelerate the development and enable development while utilizing the know-how.

[0169] <Summary of this embodiment>

[0170] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sets the communication speed when performing the prescribed connection processing with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, such as sending the advance detection request S21, to a lower speed than the communication speed when sending the battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Since the communication speed is set to a lower speed during the prescribed connection processing compared to the communication speed when communicating the battery information, the error rate during the connection processing can be reduced, and the reliability of the communication during the prescribed connection processing can be ensured. In addition, since the communication speed when communicating the battery information is set to a higher speed compared to the communication speed during the prescribed connection processing, the amount of data sent by the battery information can be increased. In particular, during the prescribed connection processing before obtaining the battery information, when the amount of communication data is small, the communication speed can also be set to a lower speed.

[0171] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the advance detection request S21 using the non-battery information frequency band, thereby being able to transmit the scheduled transmission timing information of the continuous detection request S22 transmitted using the battery information frequency band to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. As a result, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can grasp the timing of receiving the continuous detection request S22 in advance, can ensure the scheduling of receiving the continuous detection request S22 in advance, and can improve the connection reliability of the communication.

[0172] According to the present embodiment, after the connection request S13 is received in the connection process S100, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 changes the communication speed when the battery information is sent from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Thus, if the connection request S13 is received in the connection process S100, the communication speed can be changed to a high speed, and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can send the battery information at a high speed.

[0173] The battery monitoring system 1 ensures the safety of the vehicle 10 by monitoring the battery information of all the battery modules 20. In this case, if the communication speeds between the control device 50 and the plurality of monitoring devices 40 are changed all at once, radio wave interference may occur inside the battery pack 11. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches the communication speed relative to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, and the communication speed is switched independently for each wireless communication unit 46 of each monitoring device 40.

[0174] As a specific example, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of each monitoring device 40 in the plurality of monitoring devices 40 can send a pre-notification detection request S21 and a continuous detection request S22 when it is convenient to consider its own task scheduling. In this way, when sending the continuous detection request S22, by using the second channel group, the communication speed can be switched spontaneously from the wireless communication unit 46 side of the monitoring device 40. Thus, even after receiving the connection request S13, it is possible to switch to high-speed communication, and the battery information can be communicated at high speed. The wireless communication unit 46 of each monitoring device 40 can also switch to high-speed communication not only when sending the continuous detection request S22 after sending the pre-notification detection request S21, but also in the communication after receiving the connection request S13 by using the second channel group. Therefore, the communication speed can be switched at different timings according to each wireless communication unit 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40, and the safety of the vehicle 10 can be further improved.

[0175] According to the first embodiment, in the overall use frequency band, the communication is performed by dividing the use according to the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band and the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band. In addition, the communication method is predetermined by changing the communication speed in the first channel group and the second channel group. In this way, the communication speed can be easily changed.

[0176] Specifically, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches the second channel group of the battery information communication band for transmitting battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the first channel group of the non-battery information communication band, which is the bandwidth for transmitting the advance detection request S21 that makes the monitoring device 40 known to the public to notify its existence, to communicate with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. At this time, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the advance detection request S21 in the non-battery information communication band before continuously transmitting the continuous detection request S22 for connection in the battery information communication band.

[0177] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the advance detection request S21 that advances the sending of the continuous detection request S22 in a non-battery information frequency band, thereby making it easier for the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 to receive the continuous detection request S22 in the battery information frequency band, thereby improving the reliability of the connection processing S100 between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0178] The second channel group of the battery information frequency band has more channels than the first channel group of the non-battery information frequency band. Although both the battery information frequency band and the non-battery information frequency band are used for the connection process S100, the communication in the second channel group of the battery information frequency band is greater than the communication in the first channel group of the non-battery information frequency band in terms of the communication volume used in the connection process S100.

[0179] The non-battery information frequency band is composed of a plurality of channels, and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 uses all of the plurality of usable frequency bands belonging to the non-battery information frequency band to send the detection request. In addition, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may select one or more frequency bands from the plurality of frequency bands belonging to the non-battery information frequency band to send the detection request.

[0180] At this time, it is expected that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 will send the continuous detection request S22 at a high speed compared to the advance detection request S21. Since the continuous detection request S22 is sent at a high speed in the battery information frequency band, it is not necessary to switch the communication speed according to the data to be communicated. Since the high-speed communication is switched to the continuous detection request S22 at the time point, the time and effort of changing the speed can be saved in the subsequent communication. Therefore, it is possible to move to the periodic communication processing S200 earlier. As a result, the start of battery monitoring is accelerated. Thus, the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can be appropriately performed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 performs communication asynchronously with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, when sending the advance detection request S21 to make its own existence known, it is sent at a low speed compared to the communication speed when the signal required for the connection processing S100 is received after synchronization after sending the advance detection request S21. When the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 asynchronously performs communication with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, when receiving the advance detection request S21 for making its own presence known, which is sent from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, the wireless communication unit 54 performs reception at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for the connection process S100 is received after synchronously receiving the advance detection request S21 from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. Therefore, the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can be appropriately performed.

[0181] In the present embodiment, while the ignition switch is off, the monitoring device 40 continues to send a detection request while maintaining the startup state, and the control device 50 sleeps. Thus, the connection can be cut off during the sleep period of the control device 50, and the power consumption of the control device 50 can be suppressed. In addition, the control device 50 can receive a detection request immediately after being started, so that the control device 50 can quickly perform a connection process with the monitoring device 40 and quickly start the monitoring process of the battery pack 12.

[0182] <Modification 1>

[0183] For example, the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 may both be started when the ignition switch is off, and the frequency of communication may be lowered than usual while maintaining the connection, and the communication speed may be set to a lower speed than usual. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption and maintain the connection state. In this case, when the ignition switch is turned on, the communication frequency may be set to a normal frequency and the communication cycle may be restored to a normal cycle by detecting the connection signal. In addition, the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 may both be started when the ignition switch is off, and the frequency of communication may be lowered than usual while maintaining the connection, and the communication speed may be maintained. When the ignition switch is turned on, there is no need to perform a separate process to change the communication speed, and the vehicle 10 can be started at a higher speed.

[0184] <Summary of this embodiment>

[0185] Since the battery information changes all the time, the amount of battery information communicated by the monitoring device 40 to the control device 50 becomes large. Therefore, it is better to increase the amount of data transmission by setting the communication speed to a high speed even if the number of retransmissions of the data packet increases, rather than ensuring the reliability of each communication to reduce the number of retransmissions of the data packet.

[0186] Generally, if the communication speed of the data packet is set to high speed to increase the amount of data sent per unit time of the battery information, the error rate generated in the data packet increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the initial advance detection request S21 during the connection process is sent internally including the scheduled sending timing information, wherein the scheduled sending timing information indicates the timing when the scheduled continuous detection request S22 is sent continuously after the advance detection request S21.

[0187] Thus, the control device 50 can also receive the scheduled transmission timing of the continuous detection request S22 in advance when receiving the well-known signal from the monitoring device 40. Therefore, the control device 50 can appropriately manage the data communication scheduling between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 by performing reception standby according to the scheduled transmission timing of the continuous detection request S22, and can reduce the error rate of the data packet.

[0188] <Modification 2>

[0189] It is desirable that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can reliably perform the connection process S100 for establishing the connection. This is because it is desirable to continuously monitor the state of the battery modules 20 of the battery pack 12 whether the vehicle is parked or driving. If an abnormality occurs in the battery pack 12, the driving safety of the vehicle 10 will be deteriorated.

[0190] A non-battery information frequency band that does not transmit battery information may be specially prepared to transmit both the advance detection request S21 and the continuous detection request S22 of the connection process S100. If the connection process S100 is performed using the non-battery information communication frequency band, the number of data packets related to the battery information is small, and communication can be performed without the data packets related to the battery information occupying the communication volume. In this case, the reliability of the connection process S100 can be improved.

[0191] <Variation 3>

[0192] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the method of executing the connection process S100 when starting the vehicle 10 from the parked state is illustrated, but the connection process S100 may be executed to maintain the connection state even when the vehicle 10 is in the parked state. In this case, since the connection state is maintained and the connection is established when the vehicle 10 is started, the vehicle 10 can be started early. In addition, since the connection state is maintained, the control device 50 can implement control of multiple monitoring devices 40. Therefore, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can also instruct to change the communication speed of sending battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0193] (Second Embodiment)

[0194] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The second embodiment will be described. The parts different from the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. In addition to sending battery information in the periodic communication process S200, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 of this embodiment also sends battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 during the execution of the connection process S100.

[0195] As described in the above embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits a plurality of data packets to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 in the connection process S100. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the battery information by including it in a part of the data packet transmitted in the connection process S100. It is also possible to transmit using one or more data packets including the battery information, and the transmission method is not particularly limited. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may also include the battery information in the data packet in the connection process S100.

[0196] It is desirable that when the monitoring device 40 performs the detection operation, the battery information is included in the data packet of the continuous connection request S23 to the control device 50. In addition, the battery information may be included in the data packet of the continuous detection request S22, or may be included in the data packet sent together with the data packet of the continuous detection request S22. The battery information may be communicated in advance before the battery information is sent in the periodic communication process S200.

[0197] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may include the battery information in the data packet in the pairing process. The information monitoring device 40 may include the battery information in the data packet sent after the exchange of the inherent information is completed. The monitoring device 40 may include the battery information in the data packet sent before the exchange of the inherent information is completed in the connection process T3 which is a part of the connection process S100, or may send the battery information after the exchange of the inherent information is completed. The battery information may also be included in the data packet to exchange the inherent information. By sending the battery information in advance, the vehicle 10 can be started quickly.

[0198] A specific example will be described below with reference to the drawings. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above until synchronization with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0199] like Fig. 9 As shown, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sends a connection request S13 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends a continuous connection request S23 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 in response to the connection request S13. The battery information is sent during the period when multiple connection processes T3 are continuously implemented such as the pairing process. For example, refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.11 The battery information communication process T3a. In addition, the connection process T3 indicates Fig. 9 The shown connection is one or more reciprocating connections of a persistent connection request S23 and a persistent connection response S14 or a persistent connection request S28 and a persistent connection response S17.

[0200] In the battery information communication process T3a, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 first sends an acquisition / transmission request S15 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. Here, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 communicates at a high communication speed using one or more second channels of the battery information wireless communication frequency band. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends a battery information acquisition request S24 to the battery monitoring unit 44.

[0201] The battery monitoring unit 44 senses the battery pack 12 in S25, and obtains the battery monitoring information such as the voltage of the battery cell 22 as the battery information. If the battery monitoring unit 44 obtains the battery information, it sends the battery information to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 as monitoring data (S26). If the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the battery information, it sends the battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 (S27). The battery information can be sent in one data packet, but because the amount of data is relatively large, it is divided into data packets for wireless transmission. In this case, it can also be divided into data packets for wireless transmission. In addition, it is not necessary to divide it.

[0202] At this time, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 instructs the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to transmit the battery information during the plurality of connection processes T3. Then, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the battery information during the connection process T3 with the control device 50. By transmitting the battery information during the connection process T3, the vehicle 10 can be started earlier. As a result, the user's discomfort caused by the start delay when starting the vehicle 10 can be suppressed.

[0203] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 preferably transmits information required for monitoring the battery module 20 of the battery pack 12 before completing the connection process S100. The information required for monitoring the battery module 20 of the battery pack 12 is a part or all of the battery information that can be obtained from the battery monitoring unit 44. The battery information includes, for example, information on the cell voltage of the battery cell 22, temperature information, and information on the current flowing to the battery pack 12. Fig.10 As shown, it is desirable to divide the battery information into a plurality of connection processing periods T3 to send the aforementioned battery information. At this time, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 divides the battery information data so as to be accommodated in the allocated time slots and sends them. At this time, the battery information data is preferably divided according to meaningful delimited data. Meaningful delimited data represents data of units that can be identified as battery information. In addition, the battery information data may not be divided.

[0204] When the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle runs using the power of the battery pack 12. Therefore, when starting the electric vehicle, the battery information is required, and when it is determined that the battery information is working properly, the vehicle 10 is allowed to start, which is important for ensuring the safety of the vehicle 10.

[0205] The control device 50 and the upper ECU 16 preferably start the vehicle 10 with the normal operation of the battery pack 12 as a condition. Fig.11 As shown, the vehicle 10 is started on condition that the battery information is received, but the upper ECU 16 may start the vehicle 10 on condition that the vehicle information received from other ECUs and sensors (not shown) mounted in the vehicle 10 meets the start condition in addition to the normal working condition of the battery pack 12. Fig.11 As shown, the vehicle 10 can be started early while ensuring safety while the connection process T3 is continued.

[0206] In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not need to set the timing-related data in the persistent connection requests S23 and S28. Therefore, the control device 50 can set the battery information in the data field of the data packet, and can effectively use the data field of the data packet.

[0207] Since the communication schedule of the persistent connection request S23, S28 is managed in advance between the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, large data can be included in the data packet and sent during the persistent connection request S23, S28. After that, the monitoring device 40 executes the periodic communication process S200, and the battery information with a large amount of data can be sent to the control device 50 in advance before the execution of the periodic communication process S200.

[0208] According to the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 includes the battery information in a data packet and sends it to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 during the connection process with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, and sets the communication speed to be the same as the communication speed when the battery information is sent to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 after the connection process S100. Thus, when the battery information is sent in the connection process S100 before the execution of the periodic communication process S200, the battery information can also be sent at a high speed.

[0209] <Modification of the Activation Timing of the Battery Monitoring Unit 44>

[0210] Here, refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 9 A modification example of the activation timing of the battery monitoring unit 44 will be described. Figure 5As shown, the wireless communication unit 46 may also function as a start-up circuit 46b of the battery monitoring unit 44. The start-up circuit 46b is configured to output a start-up signal to the battery monitoring unit 44 upon receiving a connection request S13 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0211] That is, Fig. 9 As shown, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sends a connection request S13 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. When the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 become synchronized, the start-up circuit 46b of the wireless communication unit 54 sends a start-up signal to the battery monitoring unit 44. The battery monitoring unit 44 can Fig. 9 Start in S30.

[0212] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 may also issue a start-up instruction to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 for the battery monitoring unit 44 simultaneously with the connection request S13. In addition, the timing at which the wireless communication unit 54 sends the start-up signal to the battery monitoring unit 44 may also be the timing just before the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the acquisition instruction, that is, the timing at which the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the request data from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0213] When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 performs connection processing with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, it is preferable to switch to a higher communication speed than the communication speed during the connection processing before starting the battery monitoring unit 44. By switching the communication speed to a higher communication speed before starting the battery monitoring unit 44, the battery information can be quickly sent to the control device 50. As a result, the vehicle 10 starts faster, and the user's discomfort caused by the delay in starting can be reduced.

[0214] In addition, Fig. 9 In the process of Fig. 9 When the power supply of the battery monitoring unit 44 shown in S30 is activated, high-speed communication is already performed using the second channel of the battery information communication band, so there is no need to specially increase the speed before and after. If low-speed communication is performed, it is better to switch to high-speed communication before the battery monitoring unit 44 is activated (S30).

[0215] In addition, you can also compare Fig. 9 For example, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may output a start signal to the battery monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 to start the battery monitoring unit 44 just before receiving the acquisition / transmission request S18 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 .

[0216] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved. In addition, when the battery information is sent alternately with the continuous detection request S22 during the connection process S100, the reliability of communication can be obtained even if the communication speed of sending the battery information is set to high speed. By optimizing the communication scheduling, the number of communications can be increased and the reliability of communication can be improved. The content of the start timing of the battery monitoring unit 44 described in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments, for example, any of the first, third to ninth embodiments.

[0217] (Third Embodiment)

[0218] Reference Fig.12 The third embodiment is described. In this embodiment, another method of changing the communication speed is described. For example, in the case of a battery monitoring system 1 that uses a channel group using the same one or more channels to communicate battery information and non-battery information together, the communication speed can also be changed. The parts that are different from the previous embodiment are described. In this embodiment, since the connection processing T1 and T2 are changed to the connection processing T2a, it is described first.

[0219] <About connection processing S100>

[0220] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 continues to periodically send the detection request S22a in a predetermined channel group while processing other scheduled tasks until the connection request S13 is received from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 .

[0221] Fig.12 The detection request S22a in the connection process T2a of the monitoring device 40 indicates a known instruction to make the existence of the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 known to the outside, and indicates a request instruction to receive the connection request S13 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 always continues to send the detection request S22a regularly even when the ignition switch is off.

[0222] In order to make the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 present in the surroundings detect its own existence, the detection request S22a is continuously sent periodically through asynchronous processing. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 will continue to send the detection request S22a during the period when there is no designated communication object, so it is difficult to establish a connection. Therefore, it is better to send at a lower communication speed than the communication speed when communicating the battery information. It is better for the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to establish a connection from the designated communication object and start high-speed communication synchronously. In this way, it is possible to achieve communication suitable for battery information with a large amount of data, such as periodic communication processing S200 and connection processing S100 with a small amount of data.

[0223] On the other hand, the control device 50 maintains the sleep state and stops the battery monitoring control while the ignition switch is off, and starts up when the ignition switch is turned on. Specifically, the control device 50 starts up when receiving a signal from the upper ECU 16 of the vehicle 10 indicating that the ignition switch is turned on.

[0224] When the control device 50 is activated, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 starts scanning the devices existing in the surroundings (S10). The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can scan the detection request S22a as long as it is sent from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. If the control device 50 successfully detects the detection request S22a, it sends a connection request S13.

[0225] After sending the detection request S22a, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the connection request S13 corresponding to the detection request S22a. If the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the connection request S13 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, the connection process is deemed to be successful. And, after receiving the connection request S13, the synchronization process of the connection process is started. Fig.12 The connection process T3 shown is a persistent connection response S14 by the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and a persistent connection request S23 by the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40.

[0226] <About speed change method and speed change timing>

[0227] For example, Fig.12 As shown, it is better to perform data packet communication to change the communication speed just after synchronization. Specifically, just after synchronization, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 performs a speed change process Sp1 with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. In the speed change process Sp1, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sets data indicating a speed change instruction Sa from a low speed to a high speed in a flag data packet Pa and transmits it.

[0228] If the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the speed change instruction Sa, it changes the communication speed to high speed. The speed change instruction Sa included in the flag data packet Pa is as follows: Fig.13 As shown in the figure, it is better to sequentially send the data packets P1 and P2 of the connection process T3 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40. Fig.14 As shown, a flag F may be added to a data packet D for transmission.

[0229] After that, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can also communicate at high speed with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 in the connection process T3. Fig.12 As shown, high-speed communication is also possible in the periodic communication process T4 (periodic communication process S200 ) after the connection process S100 is completed.

[0230] The timing for changing the communication speed between the wireless communication units 46 and 54 may be before the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits the battery information.

[0231] <Modification 1>

[0232] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can send the battery information in advance before the periodic communication process S200 by executing the battery information communication process T3a before completing the connection process S100 (S29) with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. In this case, the battery information can be communicated at high speed in advance, achieving the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the battery information may not be communicated in advance before the periodic communication process S200.

[0233] <Modification 2>

[0234] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may also perform the speed change process Sp1 during the execution of a plurality of connection processes T3 after synchronization with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. That is, as a part of the connection process T3 after synchronization, the speed change process Sp1 may be performed after repeating one or more continuous connection requests S23 and continuous connection responses S14, and then the continuous connection requests S28 and continuous connection responses S17 of other connection processes T3 may be performed one or more times. Thus, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved.

[0235] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can send the battery information in advance before the periodic communication process S200 by executing the battery information communication process T3a before completing the connection process S100 (S29) with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. In this case, the battery information can be communicated at high speed in advance, achieving the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the battery information may not be communicated in advance before the periodic communication process S200.

[0236] <Variation 3>

[0237] In addition, if Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may perform the speed change process Sp1 before performing the periodic communication process T4, i.e., the periodic communication process S200, after completing the connection process S100 (S29) after synchronization with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Thus, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved.

[0238] <Variation 4>

[0239] In the above description, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is described as the main body of the speed instruction to perform the speed change process Sp1, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the speed change process Sp1 may be replaced by Fig. 20 As shown, the speed change process Sp2 is performed so that the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 becomes the main body of requesting the speed instruction.

[0240] That is, in the speed change process Sp2, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends a speed change instruction request Sa0 for changing from a low speed to a high speed to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 receives the speed change instruction request Sa0 from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. Then, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sends the speed change instruction Sa to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 changes the communication speed from a low speed to a high speed. Thus, the same speed change as the speed change process Sp1 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be performed.

[0241] According to the present embodiment, in the battery monitoring system 1 that communicates non-battery information and battery information together in the channel group composed of the same one or more channels, it is also possible to change the communication speed between the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. According to the present embodiment, when the detection request S22a is sent to establish a connection during asynchronous execution with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, it is sent at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for connection processing is sent after the detection request S22a is sent and synchronized. As a result, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment is achieved. In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 receives the detection request S22a sent to establish a connection from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 asynchronously with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, it is received at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for connection processing is received after the detection request S22a is received and synchronized. As a result, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment is achieved.

[0242] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0243] Reference Fig.21 The fourth embodiment is described. In this embodiment, as a specific example of the third embodiment, a method is described in which the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 mainly changes the communication speed with the wireless communication units 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40. In the following description, the transmission of information from the control device 50 to the plurality of monitoring devices 40 is referred to as downlink communication, and the transmission of information from the monitoring device 40 to the control device 50 is referred to as uplink communication.

[0244] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is configured to independently communicate with the plurality of monitoring devices 40. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is configured to independently switch the communication speed from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. As long as the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 has a function of independently instructing to switch the communication speed, the communication speed can be independently switched for each monitoring device 40 by performing unicast communication, for example. If the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is configured to independently control the switching of the communication speed, Fig.21As shown in the speed change instruction Sa, it is also possible to simultaneously instruct the wireless communication units 46 of all the multiple monitoring devices 40 by performing, for example, broadcast communication. In addition, it is also possible to configure so that the communication speed from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 can be changed and switched independently. That is, it is also possible to configure so that the communication speed between the wireless communication unit 54 and the wireless communication unit 46 can be changed and switched in any direction.

[0245] The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 switches from the monitoring device 40 that has completed the connection process S100 to the communication of battery information to continue communication, for example, it is better to perform the periodic communication process S200. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 switches from the monitoring device 40 that has completed the connection process S100 to high-speed communication in sequence, thereby being less susceptible to the influence of radio wave interference caused by diffuse reflection of radio waves on the inner side of the battery package 11 formed by the electromagnetic reflection material, compared with a structure that switches to high-speed communication at the same time after the connection process of all monitoring devices 40 is completed. In this way, the communication speed can be appropriately changed. In addition, all monitoring devices 40 can also be switched to high-speed communication at the same time as the target after the connection process of all monitoring devices 40 is completed.

[0246] In addition, while switching the communication speed from the wireless communication unit 46 of other monitoring devices 40 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, it is better not to switch the communication speed from the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 to the wireless communication units 46 of other multiple monitoring devices 40.

[0247] In the downlink communication, it becomes a one-to-many communication. In order to switch the communication speed between each monitoring device 40, it is necessary to perform switching control for each monitoring device 40. In contrast, in the present embodiment, it is better to perform communication without switching the communication speed of the downlink communication during the switching of the communication speed of the uplink communication from the plurality of monitoring devices 40 to the control device 50. Therefore, it does not take time until the downlink communication is completed for each monitoring device 40, and the battery monitoring can be started early. As a result, the vehicle 10 can be started at a high speed, and the user's discomfort can be suppressed.

[0248] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0249] Reference Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The fifth embodiment is described. Since this embodiment is a modified form of the first or second embodiment, the structure of the first or second embodiment is applied to the description, and the parts different from the first or second embodiment are described. As described in the first and second embodiments above, Fig. 22As shown, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches to the first channel group (T0a) set as the non-battery information communication band in the asynchronous process of the connection process S100 to transmit the advance notice detection request S21.

[0250] After that, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches to the second channel group (T0b) set to the battery information communication band to send the continuous detection request S22. When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives the connection request S13 (Yes in S22a), it regards it as synchronized, and then moves to the periodic communication process S200 after the connection process T3.

[0251] In the periodic communication process S200 described in the first or second embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 communicates battery information with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 using the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band ( S33 ).

[0252] At this time, when the battery information of the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 is not received by the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches from the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band to the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band and performs connection processing S100 with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50.

[0253] For example, when communication is impossible due to the deterioration of the radio wave propagation environment, the battery information may not be received by the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 starts the timer of the timing of sending the battery information in S33 and waits for a certain period of time.

[0254] Furthermore, when the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not receive the battery information reception response S33a even after a predetermined period of time in T4a and cannot confirm the reception, it is determined that the battery information has not been received and that an unexpected communication disconnection has occurred. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches from the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band to the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band and performs the connection process S100 with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. In this way, it is possible to recover from an unexpected communication disconnection.

[0255] In addition, sometimes communication disconnection occurs due to external interruption factors caused by external user operations, such as when the upper ECU 16 detects that the ignition switch is disconnected and the control device 50 recognizes that the disconnection has been detected. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not receive the battery information reception response S33a even after a predetermined period of time in T4a and cannot confirm the reception, and determines that the battery information has not been received.

[0256] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 switches from the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band to the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band and performs connection processing with the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Thus, it is possible to recover the connection establishment from the unexpected communication disconnection. As a result, in the case where there is a monitoring device 40 that cannot receive the important cell voltage in the battery information for a certain period of time, by using the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band to send the advance detection request S21, it is possible to reliably implement the connection processing S100, and it is possible to reconnect with a high probability.

[0257] In another example, Fig.23 When the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is in a state of receiving the cell voltage of the battery pack 12 from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 as the battery information as shown in the periodic communication process S200, the same can be applied to a case where the battery information of the cell voltage is not received from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 for a certain period of time. In this case, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 performs the connection process S100 with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 in a manner slower than the communication speed of the battery information with the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 other than the monitoring device 40 that has not received the cell voltage.

[0258] If the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 does not receive the cell voltage as the battery information, it will not send the acceptance response S19a to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40. The same is true when the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sends the acceptance response S19a but the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not receive the acceptance response S33a. In any case, since the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 does not receive the acceptance response S33a, it is determined that it has timed out and there is no response, and the process moves to the connection process S100.

[0259] Among the battery information, the cell voltage of the battery cell 22 is particularly important information. When the communication of the battery information is difficult, it is better to reduce the communication speed so that the cell voltage can be transmitted reliably. As described in the present embodiment, when the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 cannot receive within a certain period of time in T4b and the session connection is cut off, it is better to perform connection processing S100 to reduce the communication speed. By processing in this way, the reliability of the connection establishment between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can be improved. As a result, the information of the cell voltage, which is particularly important in the battery information, can be reliably transmitted.

[0260] Furthermore, when the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 cannot be accepted by the control device 50 side even if the advance detection request S21 is resent, and communication cannot be established, and further cannot establish communication after waiting for a predetermined period of time, resulting in a timeout, such as Fig.23 As shown, a disconnection signal for autonomously disconnecting the connection process S100 may be sent to perform the disconnection process Sz.

[0261] In addition, the wireless communication unit 46 of a specific monitoring device 40 may transmit battery information to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 via the wireless communication unit 46 of a monitoring device 40 other than the monitoring device 40 itself. In this case, since the signal transmission path length is lengthened, it is desirable to perform high-speed communication rather than low-speed communication.

[0262] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0263] Reference Fig.24 and Fig.25 Since this embodiment is a modification of the first or second embodiment, the configuration of the first or second embodiment will be applied for description, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0264] <Balance control>

[0265] While the ignition switch is off, the control device 50 performs equalization control for equalizing the cell voltages of the battery cells 22 of the battery modules 20 constituting the battery pack 12 .

[0266] The main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 has a function as a balancing control unit 53a, uses a timer to measure the time period for balancing control, and periodically recovers from the sleep state to perform balancing control of the battery pack 12. The monitoring device 40 has a balancing circuit (not shown) for balancing the cell voltages of the battery cells 22.

[0267] If the main microcomputer 53 receives the battery information of the cell voltage from the monitoring device 40, Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , the voltage with the lowest voltage value of the cell voltage is set as the target value to perform balancing control. In addition, if the main microcomputer 53 receives the battery information of the cell voltage from the monitoring device 40, Fig.25 As shown, the average value of the voltage values ​​of the cell voltages is calculated, and the average value is set as a target value to perform the balancing control. When the balancing control is completed, the control device 50 returns to the sleep mode again.

[0268] The control device 50 shows a method of returning to the sleep mode when the balancing control is completed, but is not limited to this. In addition, the control device 50 may receive the cell voltage status of the battery cell 22 / battery module 20 from the monitoring device 40, and sleep after confirming that the discharge or charge of the battery cell 22 / battery module 20 farthest from the target cell voltage value has been completed.

[0269] The control device 50 may sleep after sending a signal indicating a target value to each battery cell 22 / battery module 20. The main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 may instruct to obtain battery information of each battery cell 22 / battery module 20 after the balancing control by the balancing control unit 53a, and sleep after confirming the battery information.

[0270] During the period when the ignition switch is turned off, it is desirable to communicate information with a small amount of data at a relatively low speed. This is to reduce the error rate of each communication. However, when the control device 50 implements the balancing control, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 sends the transmission data volume of the battery information such as the cell voltage of each battery cell 22 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50, and the control device 50 collects the battery information of the object.

[0271] Furthermore, the control device 50 transmits information indicating that the battery information has been collected to the upper ECU 16. The upper ECU 16 outputs an equalization instruction based on the collected information to the monitoring device 40 through the control device 50. Thus, the monitoring device 40 can perform the equalization of the cell voltages of the battery cells 22. Therefore, in order to increase the frequency of the equalization process and improve the reliability of the battery pack 12, it is better to increase the amount of battery information transmitted per unit time as much as possible.

[0272] It is desirable that the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 sets the communication speed of receiving the battery information from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 in the equalization process for instructing the equalization process when the vehicle 10 is in a stopped state to be higher than the speed of receiving the advance detection request S21 from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 when the vehicle 10 is in a stopped state. As a result, the upper ECU 16 can quickly output the equalization instruction based on the information, the frequency of implementing the equalization process can be increased, and the operating reliability of the battery pack 12 can be improved.

[0273] In addition, when performing the equalization process, it is preferable to increase the communication speed by increasing the number of communications per unit time sent by the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50. Thus, the frequency of performing the equalization process per unit time can be increased, and the system reliability when the battery monitoring system 1 is viewed as a whole can be improved.

[0274] Even when the vehicle 10 is stopped, when the vehicle 10 needs battery monitoring for equalization, it is desirable to communicate at a high communication speed. In addition, the need for monitoring the battery pack 12 is not limited to the above-mentioned case. Therefore, it is desirable to communicate battery information at a high speed when the monitoring process of the battery pack 12 is required.

[0275] For example, when HEMS (not shown) is connected to the battery monitoring system 1 by wire or wirelessly, a trigger indicating that battery monitoring is required may be given from the external HEMS. HEMS is an abbreviation for Home Energy Management System.

[0276] The HEMS periodically outputs a start trigger to the control device 50 via the upper ECU 16 of the vehicle 10. The control device 50 can start the vehicle 10 by acquiring the battery information from the monitoring device 40. At this time, as described in the above embodiment, it is desirable to communicate the battery information at a high speed while adjusting the communication speed in the connection process S100 and the periodic communication process S200.

[0277] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0278] Reference Fig.26 The seventh embodiment is described. Fig.26 As shown, the monitoring device 40 may also be respectively arranged on the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery modules 20. The monitoring device 40 is arranged at the middle of the battery modules 20 extending along the Y direction, and is connected to the detection lines L in two directions in the Y direction. Fig.262 shows a configuration in which the monitoring device 40 is arranged on the upper surface of each battery module 20 in the center of the Y direction, but the monitoring device 40 need not be arranged in the center of the Y direction. The monitoring device 40 is not limited to the center of the Y direction, and can be arranged at any position as long as it is in the middle of the Y direction.

[0279] The monitoring device 40 is configured to be equipped with a battery monitoring unit 44, and a detection line L is connected to each of the battery monitoring units 44. The battery monitoring unit 44 is configured using one or more integrated circuit devices formed based on monitoring ICs. The battery monitoring unit 44 can detect the voltage of the plurality of battery cells 22 of each battery module 20 using the detection line L. The upper end of the monitoring device 40 is configured to protrude in the Z direction from the upper end of the busbar cover 27.

[0280] As in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device 50 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 54, and the monitoring device 40 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 46. The frame 30 has a gap at the inner end in the Z direction, and the gap is set as a wireless propagation space S2. The control device 50 and the plurality of monitoring devices 40 can communicate wirelessly via the propagation space S2. As long as the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 and the wireless communication units 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 can communicate by direct waves, the wireless propagation environment can be well maintained.

[0281] Since the monitoring device 40 is arranged to protrude from the upper end of the bus cover 27, wireless signals are propagated in the propagation space S2 above the upper end of the bus cover 27, thereby facilitating communication between the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40. According to the present embodiment, the monitoring device 40 need not be arranged on the Y-direction side surface of the battery module 20, so that the Y-direction width of the frame 30 can be suppressed, and the frame 30 can be miniaturized.

[0282] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0283] Reference Fig. 27 The eighth embodiment is described. Fig. 27 As shown, the monitoring device 40 is respectively arranged along the Y-direction side surface of each battery module 20. The monitoring device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 46 and a battery monitoring unit 44, and the battery monitoring unit 44 is connected to the detection line L. A plurality of battery monitoring units 44 may be provided in each monitoring device 40. The battery monitoring unit 44 is connected to one end of the detection line L extending along the Y-direction, thereby being able to detect the voltage of the battery cell 22.

[0284] As in the first embodiment, a space S1 is provided inside the first wall surface 30a of the frame body 30. The wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication units 46 of the plurality of monitoring devices 40 by using the space S1 as a pseudo waveguide space. The plurality of monitoring devices 40 are periodically arranged (e.g., at equal intervals) along the X direction. Such an arrangement form of the eighth embodiment can also be arranged in a low profile as in the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0285] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0286] Reference Fig.28 A ninth embodiment will be described. Fig.28 As shown, the monitoring device 40 may also be arranged along the X-direction side surface of the battery module 20. The detection line L is arranged along the upper surface of each battery module 20, but is extended to the X-direction side surface via an L-shape on the Y-direction side surface of each battery module 20, and is further connected to the monitoring device 40 on the X-direction side surface along the Y direction.

[0287] As in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device 50 and the plurality of monitoring devices 40 are wirelessly connected. The configuration of the ninth embodiment can also be configured to be low-profile as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. According to the present embodiment, the monitoring device 40 need not be arranged on the Y-direction side of the battery module 20, so the Y-direction width of the frame 30 can be suppressed, and the frame 30 can be miniaturized.

[0288] Furthermore, since the monitoring device 40 need not be disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 20, the height of the frame 30 in the Z direction can be suppressed, and the frame 30 can be miniaturized. When the communication connection environment between the control device 50 and the plurality of monitoring devices 40 is important, the space S1 or S2 shown in the above embodiment is preferably provided at the Y direction end or the Z direction upper end of the frame 30.

[0289] (Tenth Embodiment)

[0290] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the battery monitoring system 1 is shown as being mounted on the vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to being mounted on the vehicle 10. The present invention may also be applied to a fixed battery monitoring system 1 installed outdoors or indoors. For example, the control device 50 incorporated in a battery replacement station, a battery rack, etc. may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the monitoring device 40.

[0291] Therefore, in the aforementioned embodiment, a method for changing the communication speed according to the state of the vehicle 10 and the setting mode is described for communication within the vehicle 10, but the content involved in the present application is not limited to the use of the vehicle 10, but can also be applied to the battery monitoring system 1 using a fixed battery rack.

[0292] The fixed battery rack is installed in a house, factory or other facility and is connected to a household AC power source or a power supply unit of the facility. The power supply unit supplies power to a replaceable battery of a vehicle 10 such as an electric vehicle or an electric two-wheeled vehicle, thereby charging the replaceable battery.

[0293] Therefore, the method of the above embodiment can also be applied by mounting the technical structure of the monitoring device 40 described in the above embodiment on the replacement battery and mounting the technical structure of the control device 50 on the battery rack. The communication method between the replacement battery and the battery rack can be wired communication or wireless communication. Therefore, the communication between the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device 50 is not limited to wireless communication, but can also be wired communication.

[0294] In addition, when the battery module 20 is mounted on a fixed battery rack, the technical structure of the monitoring device 40 described in the above embodiment can also be mounted on the battery rack. In this case, the technical structure of the control device 50 (ECU) can be mounted indoors at home or in a factory, etc., separated from the battery rack. This method can also achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0295] A specific example is described below. The replaceable battery is installed in an electric vehicle 10 or the like and is used as a driving power source. If the user removes the replaceable battery from the vehicle 10 and stores it in a battery rack, charging of the replaceable battery begins. When the control device 50 is mounted on the battery rack and the monitoring device 40 is mounted on the replaceable battery, the control device 50 of the battery rack can monitor the battery status of the replaceable battery by communicating with the monitoring device 40 of the replaceable battery. If the replaceable battery is stored in the battery rack for a long time, the life of the replaceable battery will deteriorate. The battery rack can monitor the deterioration state of the replaceable battery to regularly grasp the battery status.

[0296] The replaceable battery is equipped with a battery pack 12, and a battery ID is assigned to the battery module 20 of the battery pack 12. By assigning a battery ID to the battery module 20, the arrangement location of the battery module 20 can be reliably grasped, and maintenance can be performed well in the event of a failure.

[0297] At this time, the aforementioned control device 50 (sometimes also referred to as BMU (Battery Management Unit), etc.) functioning as a master device can assign a battery ID to each battery module 20, or a slave device other than the master device (such as the aforementioned monitoring device 40, sometimes referred to as a supply device) can assign a battery ID to each battery module 20.

[0298] At this time, any of the master device and the slave device detects whether the battery module 20 has been replaced by performing contact detection with the battery module 20 of the battery pack 12 of the replaceable battery. After detecting the replacement of the battery, the content may be notified to an external device such as an external server (not shown), displayed on another display device not shown, or an alarm may be sounded. In this way, abnormalities such as theft can be detected.

[0299] (Other Embodiments)

[0300] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and for example, the following modifications or extensions are possible. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device 50 is generally a master device and the monitoring device 40 is a slave device to work, but conversely, the monitoring device 40 can also be a master device and the control device 50 can be a slave device to work. That is, the master-slave relationship between the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The control device 50 can also be a slave device and the monitoring device 40 can be a master device.

[0301] The startup information for starting is not limited to the ignition switch ON information. For example, the startup information of the vehicle 10 may include, in addition to the ignition switch ON information, driver seat unlocking information, driver seat seating information, key switch unlocking information, etc., and the above information may be combined to detect startup.

[0302] In the above embodiment, the battery monitoring system 1 shows an example in which a plurality of monitoring devices 40 are networked in a star configuration around the control device 50 to enable packet communication. However, the network topology of the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 is not limited to this example.

[0303] The control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 may also form a mesh network. In addition, at least two of a star-connected network, a mesh network, and a daisy-chain network may be mixed to form a network. The network structure here is applicable to the following structure: a plurality of monitoring devices 40 are grouped and wired to form a network, and the grouped plurality of monitoring devices 40 function as one device. In this case, the mesh network is composed of a topology in which the control device 50 and a plurality of groups of monitoring devices 40 are networked. This network structure may also be applied.

[0304] In addition, the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 can be connected to a daisy chain network. It is also possible to mix at least two of a star network, a mesh network, and a daisy chain network to form a network. The control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 are exemplified as a wireless connection network, but they can also be mixed with a wired connection network. In this way, the network topology of the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 is not particularly limited.

[0305] For example, the wireless communication unit 46 may be configured as hardware by dividing the functions into a wireless transmission unit and a wireless reception unit. The monitoring device 40 may also be configured without the microcomputer 45. That is, the wireless communication unit 46 may be configured only by a wireless IC and communicate with the battery monitoring unit 44. The sensing control and self-diagnosis scheduling control of the battery monitoring unit 44 may also be performed by the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50.

[0306] The example in which the main microcomputer 53 of the control device 50 estimates the internal resistance and open circuit voltage of the battery cell 22 based on the cell voltage and the cell current, and calculates the SOH based on the estimated internal resistance and open circuit voltage is shown. However, the estimation of the internal resistance, the estimation of the open circuit voltage, and the calculation of the SOH are not limited to such an example. For example, part or all of the processing of the estimation of the internal resistance, the estimation of the open circuit voltage, and the calculation of the SOH may be performed by the inside of the monitoring device 40, such as the wireless communication unit 46.

[0307] The example in which the monitoring device 40 acquires the battery-related information based on the acquisition request from the control device 50 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The monitoring device 40 may acquire the battery-related information autonomously and transmit the stored battery-related information to the control device 50 based on the transmission request from the control device 50 .

[0308] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of monitoring devices 40 are wirelessly connected in a star shape with the control device 50 as the center. However, the network topology of the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 is not limited to such an example. A mixed wired connection network can also be constructed. In this way, the network topology of the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 is not particularly limited.

[0309] The arrangement and number of the battery modules 20 and battery cells 22 constituting the battery pack 12 are not limited to the above-described examples. The arrangement of the monitoring device 40 and / or the control device 50 in the battery pack 11 is not limited to the above-described arrangement.

[0310] Although an example is shown in which one control device 50 is provided in the battery package 11, the present invention is not limited thereto and a plurality of control devices 50 may be provided. In other words, the battery package 11 may be provided with a plurality of monitoring devices 40 and one or more control devices 50. The battery package 11 may also be provided with a plurality of systems for establishing wireless communication between the control device 50 and the plurality of monitoring devices 40.

[0311] The monitoring device 40 is shown as having one battery monitoring unit 44, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may also have a plurality of battery monitoring units 44 (sensor ICs). The wireless communication unit 46 may also be configured without the microcomputer 45. In this case, the main microcomputer 53 may also constitute part of the functions of the wireless communication unit 46.

[0312] The example in which one monitoring device 40 is provided for each or every two battery modules 20 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one monitoring device 40 may be provided for three or more battery modules 20. For example, two or more monitoring devices 40 may be provided for one battery module 20.

[0313] In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that one battery module 20 is set as a group and the group is arranged in multiples and stored in the battery package 11, but it is not limited to this. One group may not be set as a unit of one battery module 20, one battery stack, or one battery block. The battery cells 22 obtained by dividing one battery module 20 may also be regarded as a group. In addition, there is also a case where the battery cells 22 are packaged without modules and stored in the vehicle 10 in the form of a battery cell-battery pack or a battery cell to a chassis. In this case, a collection of one or more battery cells 22 may also be regarded as a group.

[0314] The monitoring device 40 may also be configured across multiple groups of battery cells 22. In this case, the multiple battery monitoring units 44 may be provided for each group. The monitoring device 40 may also be provided for each group. In this case, the battery monitoring unit 44 may be configured to monitor the battery cells 22 of each group. The number of battery cells 22 included in each group may not be the same as each other, and may be different for each group.

[0315] The control device 50, monitoring device 40, upper ECU 16 and methods described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer, which is provided by a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control device 50, monitoring device 40, upper ECU 16 and methods described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by a dedicated computer, which is provided by using one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits to constitute a processor.

[0316] Alternatively, the control device 50, monitoring device 40, upper ECU 16 and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by one or more dedicated computers composed of the following combination, which refers to a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program may also be stored as an instruction executed by the computer in a non-temporary tangible recording medium that can be read by the computer.

[0317] That is, the units and / or functions provided by the processor etc. can be provided by software recorded in a physical storage device and a computer executing the software, software alone, hardware alone, or a combination thereof. For example, part or all of the functions of the processor can also be implemented as hardware. The method of implementing a certain function as hardware includes a method of implementing it using one or more ICs etc.

[0318] The processor can also be implemented using a CPU, MPU, GPU, or DFP. DFP is the abbreviation of Data Flow Processor. The processor can be implemented by combining multiple types of computing processing devices such as CPU, MPU, GPU, etc. The processor can also be implemented as a system on chip (SoC). SoC is the abbreviation of System on Chip.

[0319] In addition, the parts that perform the various processing described in the aforementioned embodiments can also be implemented using hardware such as FPGA and ASIC. Various programs only need to be stored in a non-temporary physical recording medium. As a storage medium for the program, various storage media such as HDD, SSD, flash memory, SD card, etc. can be used. FPGA is the abbreviation of Field Programmable Gate Array. HDD is the abbreviation of Hard disk Drive. SSD is the abbreviation of Solid State Drive. SD is the abbreviation of Secure Digital.

[0320] The present disclosure is described based on the aforementioned embodiments, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and the structures described in the embodiments. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations, forms, and other combinations and forms of elements that only include one element, more than this element, and less than this element also fall within the scope and thought of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A monitoring device that monitors the state of a battery and transmits the state of the battery as battery information to a control device via wireless communication, characterized in that: The monitoring device includes a monitoring device side communication unit that performs connection processing with the control device side communication unit and communicates the battery information. The monitoring device side communication unit sets a communication speed when performing at least a part of the connection process with the control device side communication unit lower than a communication speed when transmitting the battery information to the control device side communication unit.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring device side communication unit changes the communication speed from the monitoring device side communication unit to the control device side communication unit after the connection request is received during the connection process.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The monitoring device includes a battery monitoring unit, the battery monitoring unit includes a start-up circuit for starting the monitoring device body by receiving power supply, The startup circuit of the battery monitoring unit receives power supply only from the power supply unit connected by wire at the time of startup.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the monitoring device side communication unit performs the connection process with the control device side communication unit, the communication speed is switched from a predetermined speed to a high speed before activation of the battery monitoring unit.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit is configured to allocate a time slot for receiving battery information to each of the plurality of monitoring devices. The monitoring device-side communication unit allocates the battery information to the time slot, and transmits the battery information by communicating at a higher speed than the communication speed when performing the connection process.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the monitoring device side communication unit sends a preliminary detection request for making its own existence known in the prescribed connection processing asynchronously performed between the monitoring device side communication unit and the control device side communication unit, the preliminary detection request is sent at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for the connection processing is received synchronously after sending the preliminary detection request.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the communication unit on the monitoring device side sends a detection request to establish a connection in the prescribed connection processing performed asynchronously between the communication unit on the control device side, the detection request is sent at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for the connection processing is sent synchronously after sending the detection request.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the connection process is completed, the monitoring device-side communication unit switches to the communication of the battery information and continues the periodic communication process.

9. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The monitoring device side communication unit divides the battery information and transmits the divided battery information to the control device side communication unit while the connection process is being executed.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The communication unit on the monitoring device side will include battery information in a data packet and send it to the communication unit on the control device side during the connection processing between the monitoring device side and the communication unit on the control device side, and the communication speed will be set to be the same as the communication speed when the battery information is sent to the communication unit on the control device side after the connection processing is completed.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the vehicle is in a stopped state, a communication speed at which the monitoring device side communication unit communicates with the control device side communication unit is lower than a communication speed when the vehicle is in an started state.

12. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The monitoring device is configured to perform a balancing process for balancing the cell voltages among the plurality of battery cells at a predetermined timing when the vehicle is stopped. The monitoring device side communication unit communicates with the control device side communication unit at a communication speed higher than a speed at which a previous notice detection request is transmitted as the predetermined connection process while the equalization process is being executed when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

13. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the monitoring device side communication unit is in a state of communicating the cell voltage of the battery as battery information to the control device side communication unit, When the control device side communication unit does not receive the cell voltage from its own monitoring device side communication unit within a certain period of time, The monitoring device side communication unit performs the connection process with the control device side communication unit at a speed lower than a communication speed of the battery information communicated between the control device side communication unit and a monitoring device side communication unit other than the own monitoring device side communication unit.

14. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The communication unit on the monitoring device side switches the first channel group and the second channel group to communicate with the communication unit on the control device side, wherein the first channel group includes one or more channels of a non-battery information communication band for communicating non-battery information, and the second channel group includes one or more channels of a battery information communication band for communicating battery information. The monitoring device side communication unit performs communication in the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band at a lower speed than communication in the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band, When the battery information is communicated with the control device side communication unit using the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band, if the battery information from the monitoring device side communication unit of the own monitoring device is not received by the control device side communication unit, The monitoring device side communication unit switches from the second channel group of the battery information communication frequency band to the first channel group of the non-battery information communication frequency band and performs the connection process with the control device side communication unit.

15. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The communication unit on the monitoring device side switches the second channel group and the first channel group to communicate with the communication unit on the control device side, wherein the second channel group includes one or more channels of a battery information communication band for sending battery information to the communication unit on the control device side, and the first channel group includes one or more channels of a non-battery information communication band for sending a bandwidth for a pre-detection request to make the monitoring device itself known to the public to notify its existence, i.e., a bandwidth. The advance notice detection request is transmitted using the non-battery information communication frequency band before the continuous connection request for continuously performing the connection is transmitted using the battery information communication frequency band.

16. The monitoring device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The monitoring device-side communication unit transmits the persistent connection request at a higher rate than the advance detection request.

17. A control device, which receives battery information from one or more monitoring devices that monitor the state of a battery and use the state of the battery as battery information through wireless communication, characterized in that: The control device includes a control device side communication unit, the control device side communication unit performs connection processing with the monitoring device side communication unit and communicates the battery information to the monitoring device side communication unit. The control device side communication unit sets a communication speed when executing at least a part of the predetermined connection process in the connection process with the monitoring device to be lower than a communication speed when receiving the battery information.

18. The control device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit changes the communication speed at which the battery information is transmitted from the monitoring device side communication unit to the control device side communication unit after the connection request is transmitted during the connection process.

19. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit is configured to allocate a time slot for receiving the battery information to each of the plurality of monitoring devices.

20. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: When the control device side communication unit receives a preliminary detection request for making its own existence known, which is sent from the monitoring device side communication unit during the prescribed connection processing asynchronously performed between the control device side communication unit and the monitoring device side communication unit, the control device side communication unit receives the preliminary detection request at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for the connection processing is received after synchronization with the preliminary detection request received from the monitoring device side communication unit.

21. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: When the control device side communication unit receives a detection request sent from the monitoring device side communication unit to establish a connection during the prescribed connection processing performed asynchronously between the control device side communication unit and the monitoring device side communication unit, the detection request is received at a lower speed than the communication speed when the signal required for the connection processing is received after synchronously receiving the detection request from the monitoring device side communication unit.

22. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit is configured to independently communicate with the monitoring device side communication units of the plurality of monitoring devices, and to independently switch the communication speed from the monitoring device side communication unit to the control device side communication unit.

23. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit switches to the communication of the battery information and continues the communication from the monitoring device that has completed the connection process.

24. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: While the communication speed is switched from the other monitoring devices to the control device side communication unit, the communication speed from the control device side communication unit to the plurality of monitoring devices is not switched.

25. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit issues a command to the monitoring device so that the monitoring device divides the battery information and transmits the divided battery information during the connection process.

26. The control device according to claim 25, characterized in that The control device side communication unit sets a communication speed from the monitoring device when the vehicle is in a stopped state to be lower than a communication speed when the vehicle is in a started state.

27. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The control device side communication unit sets a communication speed for receiving the cell voltage of the battery from the monitoring device side communication unit in an equalization process when the vehicle is stopped to be higher than a communication speed for receiving a previous detection request from the monitoring device side communication unit as the predetermined connection process.

28. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: In a state where the cell voltage of the battery is received as the battery information from the communication unit on the monitoring device side, If the cell voltage is not received from the communication unit on the monitoring device side within a certain period of time, The control device side communication unit performs connection processing with the monitoring device side communication unit at a communication speed of the battery information slower than that with the monitoring device side communication unit other than the monitoring device that has not received the cell voltage.

29. A battery information communication system, characterized in that: have: one or more monitoring devices that monitor the status of the battery and transmit the status of the battery as battery information via wireless communication; and a control device that receives the battery information from the monitoring device via wireless communication, The monitoring device includes a monitoring device side communication unit that performs connection processing with the control device side communication unit and communicates the battery information, and the control device includes the control device side communication unit that performs the connection processing with the monitoring device side communication unit and communicates the battery information. The control device side communication unit and the monitoring device side communication unit set the communication speed when performing at least a part of the connection process on each other to be lower than the communication speed when the monitoring device side communication unit communicates the battery information to the control device side communication unit.

30. A battery information communication method, which is implemented by one or more monitoring devices that monitor the state of a battery and transmit the state of the battery as battery information to a control device through wireless communication, characterized in that: The battery information communication method includes a process of performing a connection process with a control device side communication unit by using a monitoring device side communication unit and transmitting the battery information. In the transmission process, the communication speed when executing at least a part of the connection processing is communicated at a lower speed than the communication speed of transmitting the battery information from the monitoring device side communication unit to the control device side communication unit.

31. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the storage medium is characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the battery information communication method according to claim 30.

32. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the battery information communication method according to claim 30.

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