Identification information setting device and program

Abstract

A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules (10) having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) that monitors the storage battery. An identification information setting device (20) is provided so as to be able to communicate with the monitoring unit, and individually sets module identification information for each battery module. This identification information setting device is provided with: an attachment determination unit that determines whether or not reattachment by detaching and attaching a battery module has been performed in a battery system; and a setting unit that sets the module identification information on the basis of the determination result that the battery module has been reinstalled.

Description

Citation of Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-174597 filed on October 31, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an identification information setting device and a program. Background Art

[0003] In a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (battery packs), a technique for setting an identification number for each battery module is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The identification information of each battery module is set, for example, when each battery module is installed with respect to a vehicle during vehicle manufacturing. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5735098 Gazette Summary of the Invention

[0005] In addition, when replacing a battery module in the market for a battery system of a vehicle or the like, it is necessary to reset the identification information of each battery module. However, in the existing technology, for example, when a user of a vehicle or the like replaces a battery module, it is considered difficult to reset the identification information of the battery module. In addition, in a battery system, when a battery module is temporarily removed, charged, etc. and then reinstalled, the same problem occurs when resetting the identification information of the battery module. In view of this, there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide an identification information setting device and a program that can easily set the identification information of each battery module when a battery module is replaced or the like.

[0007] The present disclosure is an identification information setting device, The above identification information setting device is applicable to a battery system, and the battery system includes a plurality of battery modules having a storage battery and a monitoring unit for monitoring the storage battery, The above identification information setting device is configured to be able to communicate with the monitoring unit, and to set module identification information individually for each of the above battery modules, wherein the identification information setting device includes: An installation determination unit that determines whether reinstallation has been performed in the battery system by removal and installation of the battery module; and A setting unit that sets the module identification information based on the determination result of the reinstallation of the battery module.

[0008] In the above structure, it is determined whether reinstallation implemented by the removal and installation of battery modules has been performed in the battery system, and based on the determination result that the battery modules have been reinstalled, module identification information is set. In this case, by determining whether there is reinstallation of battery modules in the identification information setting device, it is possible to simply shift to the module identification information setting mode after the installation of the battery modules. As a result, in the case of replacing battery modules or the like, it is possible to simply set the identification information of each battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure can be made clearer by referring to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings are as follows. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a battery system. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the connection state of each battery module. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of battery modules are installed in a vehicle. Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing the installation state of each battery module. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the steps of ID setting in each battery module. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the module ID setting process. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the steps of the replacement history flag setting process. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the steps of the module ID setting process in the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the steps of the replacement history flag setting process in another example. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of the module ID setting process in another example. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an in-vehicle battery system and a battery storage system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. In the present embodiment, a specific structure of a battery system installed in an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the disclosure. In addition, in the following embodiments and modification examples, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description of the parts with the same reference numerals is incorporated.

[0011] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the battery system in the present embodiment. This battery system includes a plurality of battery modules 10 installed in a vehicle and a battery ECU 20 that comprehensively manages the plurality of battery modules 10.

[0012] The battery module 10 has a battery pack 11 composed of a plurality of single cells, a monitoring unit 12 that monitors the state of the battery pack 11, and a housing 13 that houses the battery pack 11 and the monitoring unit 12. The battery pack 11 is a secondary battery (storage battery) such as a lithium-ion storage battery. The battery pack 11 of each battery module 10 serves as a power source for a rotating electric machine 31 that is a vehicle driving power source. For example, as shown in (a) of Figure 2 , the battery pack 11 of each battery module 10 is connected in series with the rotating electric machine 31. More specifically, the rotating electric machine 31 has an inverter that controls the current of each phase, and a positive power supply line 32 extending from the positive terminal (the most positive terminal of the serially connected battery packs 11) of the plurality of battery packs 11 and a negative power supply line 33 extending from the negative terminal (the most negative terminal of the serially connected battery packs 11) of the plurality of battery packs 11 are respectively connected to the positive and negative sides of the inverter. Power switches 34 are provided on the respective power supply lines 32 and 33, and by turning on the power switches 34, power conduction between each battery pack 11 and the rotating electric machine 31 can be performed. However, as shown in (b) of Figure 2 , the battery pack 11 of each battery module 10 may also be connected in parallel with the rotating electric machine 31.

[0013] The monitoring unit 12 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and various memories, and detects or calculates the terminal voltage, charge / discharge current, temperature, SOC (state of charge), and SOH (state of deterioration) of each single cell as the state of the battery pack 11. The monitoring unit 12 constitutes a BMU (Battery Management Unit). A low-voltage battery (+B) is connected to the monitoring unit 12, and the monitoring unit 12 operates by power supply from the low-voltage battery.

[0014] The battery ECU 20 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and various memories, and is connected to the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 through a communication line 21 capable of CAN communication, for example. The battery ECU 20 appropriately performs processes related to charge and discharge in each battery module 10, and processes related to overheating, deterioration, communication abnormality, etc. in each battery module 10. For example, the battery ECU 20 calculates the power that can be charged and discharged in the battery system based on the battery state information received from the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, and notifies the power that can be charged and discharged to other in-vehicle ECUs. In addition, the battery ECU 20 notifies the abnormality diagnosis results related to various abnormalities such as overheating, deterioration, and communication abnormality in each battery module 10 to other in-vehicle ECUs.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. is a view showing a state in which a plurality of battery modules 10 are installed in a vehicle 40, Figure 4 is a view schematically showing the installation state of each battery module 10.

[0016] As Figure 3 shown, the vehicle 40 has a rack 41 as an installation part for installing a plurality of battery modules 10. The rack 41 has a plurality of battery accommodation parts 42, and the battery modules 10 are respectively accommodated in these battery accommodation parts 42. In the vehicle 40, the battery module 10 can be loaded and unloaded by a user including a driver, for example, each battery module 10 can be loaded and unloaded individually from the side of the vehicle. That is, the plurality of battery modules 10 can be replaced individually.

[0017] As Figure 4 shown, a module connector 14 is provided in the housing 13 of the battery module 10, and a rack connector 43 is provided in the rack 41. These connectors 14 and 43 can be combined with each other, and the connectors 14 and 43 are combined with each other in a state where the battery module 10 is installed in the rack 41. In a state where the connectors 14 and 43 are combined, mutual communication can be performed between the monitoring unit 12 and the battery ECU 20 through the communication line 21. In addition, similarly in the connector combined state, +B power supply is performed for the monitoring unit 12. That is, by installing the battery module 10 in the rack 41, a power supply voltage (+B voltage) is applied to the monitoring unit 12. On the other hand, by detaching the battery module 10 from the rack 41, the power supply voltage applied to the monitoring unit 12 is cut off. Therefore, the monitoring unit 12 is started by the power supply voltage applied along with the installation of the battery module 10 in the rack 41.

[0018] Although the description of the illustration is omitted, in a state where the battery module 10 is installed in the rack 41, the power supply power line on the vehicle side (for example Figure 2The power supply lines (shown as 32, 33) are electrically connected to the battery packs 11 of the respective battery modules 10. The power supply connectors are preferably integrally provided with the module connectors 14 and the rack connectors 43, for example. By connecting the power supply connectors, the battery packs 11 of the respective battery modules 10 are connected in series or in parallel in the vehicle 40.

[0019] In addition, in this system, a locking device 50 is provided to prevent or make it difficult for the battery module 10 to be detached when the battery module 10 is installed. The locking device 50 includes locking members 51 and 52 provided on the battery module 10 side and the rack 41 side, respectively, and outputs locking signals that are different in the locked state and the unlocked state to the battery ECU 20. The battery ECU 20 determines whether the locking device 50 is in the locked state based on the locking signal from the locking device 50.

[0020] In this battery system, a module ID and a communication ID are set as identification information for each battery module 10, in other words, for each monitoring unit 12. The module ID corresponds to module identification information, and the communication ID corresponds to communication identification information. The identification information of the battery modules 10 is stored in the memories of the monitoring units 12 of the respective battery modules 10 and the memory of the battery ECU 20. The battery ECU 20 identifies the respective battery modules 10 to be controlled based on the identification information of each battery module 10, and appropriately performs charge and discharge control, abnormality diagnosis, etc. for each battery module 10. The battery ECU 20 receives the communication ID from the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 via the communication line 21, and checks the received communication ID against the communication ID identified on the battery ECU 20 side, and determines whether communication with the monitoring unit 12 has been established based on the check result.

[0021] The identification information (module ID and communication ID) of each battery module 10 is initialized before the battery module 10 is installed in the vehicle 40, and is set after the battery module 10 is installed in the vehicle 40. Specifically, as the stored electricity of the battery pack 11 decreases or deteriorates, the battery module 10 is replaced with another battery module 10, or is temporarily removed from the vehicle 40 for charging by an external charging device and reinstalled after charging. In this case, when the battery module 10 is replaced, the battery module 10 in the ID initialization state is installed in the vehicle 40, and the identification information is set for each battery module 10 after the installation. In addition, at the time of factory shipment of the battery module 10, common identification information is set as the ID initial value for all the battery modules 10.

[0022] When the battery module 10 is externally charged, the battery module 10 removed from the vehicle 40 is installed in an external charging device such as a charging station, and in this state, the identification information is initialized in each monitoring unit 12. If it is assumed that the battery module 10 is used while installed in the vehicle 40, it is preferable to initialize the identification information in the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 based on the fact that the installation object is different from normal use. Then, after installing the battery module 10 in the vehicle 40, the identification information is set for each battery module 10.

[0023] Alternatively, it can also be configured such that when the battery module 10 is removed from the vehicle 40 (frame 41), the identification information is initialized in the monitoring unit 12 based on the disconnection of the connector.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the identification information of each battery module 10 is set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12. Hereinafter, an example of the structure for ID setting will be described. This ID setting is performed by the battery ECU 20 when the battery module 10 is replaced or the like, in the case where the battery module 10 is installed in the vehicle 40. In the present embodiment, the battery ECU 20 corresponds to the identification information setting device.

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the battery ECU 20 and the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 are connected by a communication line 22 for PWM communication. This communication line 22 is provided in such a manner that the monitoring units 12 of each battery module 10 are connected in series. In addition, in the following description, in order to distinguish the communication lines 21 and 22, the communication line 21 for CAN communication is referred to as the CAN communication line 21, and the communication line 22 for PWM communication is referred to as the PWM communication line 22. The battery ECU 20 sends a PWM signal with a specified duty ratio to the first monitoring unit 12 among the n monitoring units 12 that are in a series-connected state, and receives the PWM signal from the last nth monitoring unit 12.

[0026] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the steps of ID setting in each battery module 10. In Figure 5 , the number of battery modules 10 is set to 4, and in each of these battery modules 10, all the module IDs are initial values (in an unset state). In addition, in the state where all the battery modules 10 in the vehicle 40 have been replaced or the like, all the module IDs become initial values. In addition, in the case where some of the module IDs become initial values by replacing some of the battery modules 10 in the vehicle 40, all the module IDs are initialized based on the battery modules 10 including the ones with initial module IDs.

[0027] As Figure 5As shown in (a) of , in the start process of ID setting, an ID setting request is sent from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12 via the CAN communication line 21, and each monitoring unit 12 becomes ready for ID setting. In addition, the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal with a duty ratio of a via the PWM communication line 22. At this time, each monitoring unit 12 in the ready state directly outputs the input PWM signal to the monitoring unit 12 on the series lower stage side. Thus, the lowermost monitoring unit 12 outputs a PWM signal with a duty ratio of a to the battery ECU 20. The battery ECU 20 grasps that all monitoring units 12 are in the ready state by inputting the PWM signal with a duty ratio of a. For example, the duty ratio a is 64%.

[0028] After that, as Figure 5 shown in (b) of , in the ID setting process, the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal for ID setting to the PWM communication line 22. On the other hand, each monitoring unit 12 sequentially changes the duty ratio of the input PWM signal according to a specified value and outputs it to the monitoring unit 12 on the lower stage side. In this case, for each monitoring unit 12, the module ID is set based on the input duty ratio which is the duty ratio of the input PWM signal.

[0029] The monitoring unit 12 calculates the value obtained by adding or subtracting the specified value from the input duty ratio as the output duty ratio and outputs the output duty ratio to the monitoring unit 12 on the lower stage side. At this time, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the battery ECU 20 is b0, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the first-stage monitoring unit 12 is b1, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the second-stage monitoring unit 12 is b2, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the third-stage monitoring unit 12 is b3, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the fourth-stage (lowermost) monitoring unit 12 is b4. The PWM signal (duty ratio b4) output from the fourth-stage (lowermost) monitoring unit 12 is input to the battery ECU 20. For example, the duty ratio b0 is 60%, the duty ratio b1 is 56%, the duty ratio b2 is 52%, the duty ratio b3 is 48%, and the duty ratio b4 is 44%.

[0030] Each monitoring unit 12 identifies its own module ID based on the input duty ratio (duty ratios b0 to b3) of the PWM signal and stores it in the memory. Specifically, in each monitoring unit 12, as the module ID, IDs 1 to 4 are respectively set based on the duty ratios b0 to b3 which are the input duty ratios. In addition, in each monitoring unit 12, communication IDs are respectively set while corresponding to the module ID.

[0031] On the other hand, the battery ECU 20 determines that the module ID has been set in all the monitoring units 12 based on the input duty ratio b4 from the monitoring unit 12 of the fourth stage. In addition, the battery ECU 20 identifies that ID1 to ID4 are respectively set as the module ID in each battery module 10.

[0032] After that, as shown in (c) of Figure 5 , in the end processing of ID setting, the battery ECU 20 sends a setting completion signal to each monitoring unit 12 through the CAN communication line 21. Thereby, each monitoring unit 12 releases the ready state of ID setting and becomes the normal state.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the battery ECU 20 is started, the battery ECU 20 checks the communication ID set for each monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, determines whether communication is established based on the check result, and based on the determination that communication is not established, sets the module ID (hereinafter, this process is referred to as the first setting process). In this case, if the battery module 10 is replaced or the like just before the current ECU is started, since the communication ID of the battery module 10 is in an unset state (initial value), the communication ID cannot be correctly identified, and it is determined that communication is not established. The battery ECU 20 performs module ID setting based on the determination result that communication cannot be established. In addition, the monitoring unit 12 can be configured not to transmit or receive the communication ID in the state where the communication ID is initialized.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the above first setting process, the following second setting process is implemented. As the second setting process, after at least the initial setting of the module ID in each battery module 10, the battery ECU 20 determines whether the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like (re-installation by disassembly and installation), and based on the determination result that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, sets the module ID.

[0035] The second setting process directly grasps that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, and sets the module ID based on this history. Here, it is considered that the replacement operation (re-installation operation) of the battery module 10 is performed in the state where the IG switch of the vehicle 40 is turned off (vehicle stop state), that is, in the stop state of the battery ECU 20. In addition, the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is started by the power supply voltage applied along with the installation of the battery module 10 on the rack 41 (more specifically, the connection of the module connector 14). In this case, if the battery ECU 20 is started (started when the system is disconnected) in response to the start of the monitoring unit 12 accompanying the installation of the battery module 10 in the IG-off state, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been re-installed based on the occurrence of this start when the system is disconnected.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the setting process for the module ID, and this process is executed by the battery ECU 20.

[0037] In Figure 6 it, in step S11, it is determined whether the replacement history flag indicating replacement, etc. of the battery module 10 is 0. At this time, if the battery module 10 has not been replaced, etc. (re-installed), the replacement history flag is 0, and step S11 is affirmed. In addition, if the battery module 10 has been replaced, the replacement history flag is 1, and step S11 is negated.

[0038] Here, the flowchart of Figure 7 is used to explain the setting process of the replacement history flag. This process is executed at startup in the battery ECU 20.

[0039] In Figure 7 it, in step S31, it is determined whether the startup of the battery ECU 20 this time is a startup corresponding to the startup of the monitoring unit 12 accompanied by the installation of the battery module 10 (startup when the system is disconnected). Then, if it is a startup when the system is disconnected, it proceeds to step S32, regarded as replacement, etc. of the battery module 10 having been performed, and 1 is set in the replacement history flag. In addition, if it is not a startup when the system is disconnected, the replacement history flag is directly set to 0.

[0040] Return to Figure 6 's explanation. When the replacement history flag is 1, it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the processing mode is transferred to the ID setting mode for setting the module ID. That is, a replacement history flag of 1 means directly grasping that replacement, etc. of the battery module 10 has been performed. In this case, the module ID is set. That is, along with the transfer to the ID setting mode, as described above, the module ID of each battery module 10 is set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 (refer to Figure 5 's (a) to (c)).

[0041] In step S13, it waits until the ID setting is completed. When the ID setting is completed, it proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the replacement history flag is reset to 0. After that, in step S21, the transfer from the ID setting mode to the normal mode is performed.

[0042] In addition, when the replacement history flag is 0, proceed to step S15. In step S15, a communication diagonal mask is implemented. According to the communication diagonal mask, even if an abnormality judgment indicating abnormality is made in the abnormal diagnosis related to communication, the judgment result is temporarily retained. Thereafter, in step S16, CAN communication with each monitoring unit 12 is started.

[0043] In step S17, it is determined whether communication with the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is established. Specifically, the battery ECU 20 checks the communication ID received from each monitoring unit 12 via the communication line 21 with the communication ID recognized on the battery ECU 20 side, and determines whether communication with the monitoring unit 12 is established based on the check result. In this case, if any battery module 10 is replaced or the like just before the current ECU is started, the monitoring unit 12 including the inconsistent communication ID is determined to have no communication established. It is preferable to determine that communication is not established based on the communication ID of the monitoring unit 12 being the initial value.

[0044] If communication with all monitoring units 12 is not established, the process proceeds to step S18 and shifts to ID setting mode. As described above, since the diagonal mask is used, even if it is determined that communication is not established, the determination of communication abnormality is temporarily suspended.

[0045] If communication with all monitoring units 12 is established, the process proceeds to step S21 and shifts to the normal mode. That is, if communication with all monitoring units 12 is possible when the battery ECU 20 is started, control in the normal mode begins. In step S21, the communication diagonal mask is released.

[0046] In step S18, the module ID is set in the ID setting mode. That is, with the transition to the ID setting mode, the module ID of each battery module 10 is set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 as described above (see Figure 5 (a)~(c)).

[0047] In step S19, the process waits until the ID setting is completed, and when the ID setting is completed, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0048] In step S20, it is determined whether the module ID is set correctly in the ID setting process. Here, in the case where the communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 is not established, the situation of non-established communication can be considered to be caused not only by ID initialization due to replacement of the battery module 10 or the like, but also by the occurrence of actual communication anomalies such as communication device failures and poor connection of communication connectors. Assuming this, if it is assumed that an actual communication anomaly has occurred, a series of ID setting processes cannot be performed correctly, and as a result, it is considered that the module ID is not set correctly.

[0049] In addition, in step S19, if a series of ID setting processes are performed or a prescribed time has elapsed as the execution period of the ID setting process, the process proceeds to the next step S20 regardless of whether the module ID is set correctly.

[0050] In the case where it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is set correctly, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, assuming that the communication state is normal, the transfer from the ID setting mode to the normal mode is performed. In this step S21, the communication diagonal mask is released.

[0051] In the case where it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is not set correctly, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, assuming that the communication state is abnormal, prescribed fail-safe processing is performed. As the fail-safe processing, the battery ECU 20 notifies the user to confirm the installation state of the battery module 10, for example. Here, in the case where the communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 is not established and this is caused by the occurrence of a communication anomaly, it is considered to be due to an inappropriate replacement operation of the battery module 10 by the user or the like. In response to this, as described above, by notifying the user, even if the communication is not established due to an inappropriate replacement operation of the battery module 10 or the like, this situation can be corrected. In this case, it is preferable to execute the Figure 6 processing again after reinstalling the battery module 10.

[0052] According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0053] Determine whether reinstallation has been achieved by removing and installing the battery module 10 in the battery system, and based on the determination result that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled, set the module ID. In this case, by determining whether the battery module 10 has been reinstalled in the battery ECU 20, it is possible to simply transfer to the module ID setting mode after the installation of the battery module 10. As a result, when replacing the battery module 10 or the like, it is possible to simply set the identification information of each battery module 10.

[0054] In a configuration where the monitoring unit 12 is powered by installing the battery module 10 on the vehicle frame 41 of the vehicle 40 and the monitoring unit 12 is started by applying this voltage (+B start configuration), based on the monitoring unit 12 transitioning from a power-off state to a power-voltage applied state, it can be determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. Focusing on this point, by determining the start of the monitoring unit 12, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. Thus, ID setting can be appropriately performed after the reinstallation of the battery module 10.

[0055] Operations such as replacement of the battery module 10 (reinstallation operations) can be performed in the off state of the IG switch of the vehicle 40 (in the off state of the battery system), that is, in the stopped state of the battery ECU 20. Moreover, in this IG off state, when starting during system disconnection according to the start of the monitoring unit 12 accompanying the installation of the battery module 10, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. In this case, even in the off state of the IG switch, ID setting of each battery module 10 can be appropriately performed.

[0056] When the battery ECU 20 is started, when at least one of the determination that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled and the determination that communication with the monitoring unit 12 has not been established is satisfied, the module ID is set. In this case, by determining replacement of the battery module 10 or the like according to the OR condition of the two determination methods, it is possible to appropriately transfer to the ID setting mode after replacement of the battery module 10 or the like, and further optimize ID setting. For example, after replacement of the battery module 10 or the like, since the transfer condition to the ID setting mode is not satisfied, the module ID remains unset, and it is possible to suppress an abnormal situation that hinders vehicle travel.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described centering on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0058] In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that after setting the module ID, if the setting of the module ID is not performed correctly, on the condition that a plurality of battery modules 10 are connected in parallel, the battery module 10 for which the setting of the module ID is not performed correctly is set to an unusable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state.

[0059] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the steps of the module ID setting process, and this process replaces Figure 6 the process and is executed. Figure 8 The process of Figure 6 has changed part of the process of Figure 6 For the same process as

[0060] In Figure 8 , when communication with the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is not established, the module ID is set in the ID setting mode, and it is determined whether the module ID is set correctly (steps S17 to S20). Then, if it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is not set correctly, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether the battery packs 11 of the plurality of battery modules 10 in this battery system are connected in series. In this case, as Figure 2 (a) of

[0061] shows, if the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in series, the process proceeds to step S22, and as a failsafe process, a notification prompting the user to confirm the installation state of the battery module 10 is given. Figure 2

[0062] Also, as Figure 2 (b) of

[0061] shows, if the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in parallel, the process proceeds to step S42, the battery module 10 for which the setting of the module ID is not performed correctly is set to an unusable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state. In this case, in the vehicle 40, on the premise that it can travel even if some battery modules 10 are unusable, the battery module 10 with a failed module ID setting is not used, and the remaining battery modules 10 are used to make the vehicle travel. In addition, if the process of step S22 is set as the first failsafe process, the process of step S42 is equivalent to the second failsafe process.When it is determined that the setting of the module ID has not been correctly performed, on the condition that the battery packs 11 of the respective battery modules 10 are connected in parallel, the battery module 10 for which the setting of the module ID has not been correctly performed is set to a non-usable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state. Thereby, even if some of the battery modules 10 are not used, vehicle travel can be quickly resumed after replacement of the battery modules 10 or the like.

[0063] (Other embodiments) For example, the above-described embodiment may be changed as follows.

[0064] · As the ID setting process (second setting process) for setting the module ID based on the history of reinstallation of the battery module 10, the following-described process may be implemented.

[0065] In Figure 9 In the process shown in (a) of, using the lock signal output from the locking device 50 provided on the rack 41, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. In this case, the battery ECU 20 acquires the lock signal output from the locking device 50 (step S51), and determines whether the locking device 50 has shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the lock signal (step S52). Then, if it is determined that the locking device 50 has shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, 1 is set in the replacement history flag (step S53). In addition, when it is determined that the locking device 50 has shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state, 1 may also be set in the replacement history flag.

[0066] That is, when replacing the battery module 10 or the like, the unlocking operation and the locking operation of the locking device 50 provided on the rack 41 are performed. Focusing on this point, based on detecting that the locking device 50 has shifted from one of the locked state and the unlocked state to the other, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately determine that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like.

[0067] In addition, in Figure 9 In the process shown in (b) of, in a configuration in which the monitoring units 12 of the respective battery modules 10 are connected in series via a series connection line, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled based on the input signal input to the series connection line and the output signal output from the series connection line. For example, Figure 1 The PWM communication line 22 shown is equivalent to the series connection line. In this case, when the IG is off, it is preferable to start the battery ECU 20 at a predetermined cycle and output a PWM signal with a predetermined duty ratio to the PWM communication line 22. The PWM signal returns to the battery ECU 20 via each monitoring unit 12.

[0068] In Figure 9In (b) thereof, the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal to the top - most monitoring unit 12 in series via the PWM communication line 22 (step S61), and determines whether the PWM signal input from the bottom - most monitoring unit 12 in series is the same PWM signal as the output signal (whether the duty ratios are the same) (steps S62, S63). Then, if it is determined that the output and input PWM signals in the battery ECU 20 are inconsistent, a 1 is set in the replacement history flag (step S64).

[0069] In addition, as the series connection line, it can also be configured to use a connection line other than the PWM communication line 22. Specifically, between the output terminal and the input terminal of the battery ECU 20, each monitoring unit 12 is serially connected by a connection line, and a prescribed voltage signal is output from the output terminal of the battery ECU 20. In this case, it is preferably set that a prescribed voltage signal (i.e., a voltage above the threshold value) is input to the input terminal of the battery ECU 20 during normal times, and when the battery module 10 is removed during replacement or the like, a voltage signal of 0 V (i.e., a voltage less than the threshold value) is input to the input terminal of the battery ECU 20.

[0070] When replacing the battery module 10 or the like, in one of the monitoring units 12 serially connected by a series connection line (such as the PWM communication line 22), the transmission signal transmitted via the series connection line is interrupted. When the transmission signal transmitted via the series connection line is interrupted, the relationship between the input signal and the output signal of the battery ECU 20 is different from the case where the transmission signal is not interrupted. Focusing on this point, based on the input signal input to the series connection line and the output signal output from the series connection line, information on the reinstallation of the battery module 10 is determined. Thus, it is possible to appropriately determine that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like.

[0071] · In the above - described embodiment, the battery ECU 20 and the monitoring units 12 of each battery module 10 can communicate with each other via the CAN communication line, but it can also be changed so that the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 can communicate wirelessly with each other. In this case, for example, information related to the +B start of the monitoring unit 12 or the module replacement history, etc. is preferably sent to the battery ECU 20 via wireless communication.

[0072] · Consider the case in the vehicle 40 where, after removing the battery module 10 from the rack 41, another battery module 10 is reinstalled, and the case where the battery module 10 removed this time (the same battery module 10) is reinstalled after charging or the like. In this case, when reinstalling the battery module 10, the ID setting process can also be made different depending on whether another battery module 10 is installed or the same battery module 10 is installed.

[0073] Specifically, when the battery ECU 20 is started, it is preferably the battery ECU 20 that executes Figure 10 the processing shown in the flowchart. In Figure 10 , in step S71, it is determined whether the replacement history flag is 1, and in the next step S72, it is determined whether the battery module 10 removed last time is the same as the battery module 10 installed this time. In this case, for example, it is preferably to identify that the battery module 10 is the same at the time of removal and installation through the operation input of the user. For example, in a series of replacement operations of the battery module 10, it is preferably to ask the user "Is the battery module 10 the same?", and based on the operation input as the answer, the battery ECU 20 determines whether the battery module 10 is the same. In addition, it can also be configured such that the past ID history is stored in advance in the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, and based on this ID history, the battery ECU 20 determines whether the battery module 10 is the same. In addition, when the same battery module 10 is reinstalled after charging by the external charging device, it is preferably not to initialize the identification information (module ID, communication ID) of the monitoring unit 12 during this charging. In this case, when the ECU is started immediately after reinstallation, the same identification information as before removal is recognized.

[0074] When the battery modules 10 are the same, it proceeds to step S73, and the module ID is not reset, and the original module ID is directly used. On the other hand, when the battery modules 10 are different, it proceeds to step S74, and it transfers to the ID setting mode to perform the resetting of the module ID. Then, after steps S73 and S74, it transfers to the normal mode (step S75).

[0075] In addition, as the case where the battery module 10 is the same at the time of removal and installation, consider the case where the battery module 10 is reinstalled without charging and the case where the battery module 10 is reinstalled after charging. For example, as the former case, consider the case where the battery module 10 is temporarily removed for inspection or the like. In these cases where the battery modules 10 are the same, the module ID is not reset, and the original module ID is directly used. However, it can also be configured such that, in the case where the battery module 10 is reinstalled without charging, the module ID is not reset and the original module ID is directly used, and in the case where the battery module 10 is reinstalled after charging, the module ID is reset.

[0076] When it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled, depending on whether the reinstalled battery module 10 is the same as the battery module 10 at the time of last removal, the setting method of the module ID is different. Thus, according to whether the module ID needs to be reset, appropriate ID setting processing can be performed.

[0077] In addition, it is also conceivable to replace the accommodation location of at least two battery modules 10 in the vehicle 40 without changing the combination of all the battery modules 10 accommodated in the rack 41. In this case, it is also possible to determine whether the battery module 10 has been replaced based on the past ID history of each monitoring unit 12. If the reinstallation of the battery module 10 is a replacement of the battery module 10, the module ID is not reset, and the original module ID is directly used.

[0078] ·In each of the above embodiments, the identification information of each battery module 10 is configured to be set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12. However, the ID setting method is not limited to this, and other methods can also be used. For example, it can also be set such that each monitoring unit 12 is connected in series and a specified voltage is applied to the uppermost monitoring unit 12, and based on the divided voltage of each monitoring unit 12, the module ID is set sequentially from the upper level to the lower level.

[0079] ·In each of the above embodiments, it is configured such that when the battery ECU 20 is started, the first setting process of setting the module ID based on the communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 not being established and the second setting process of setting the module ID based on the reinstallation history of the battery module 10 can be implemented. However, it can also be changed. It can also be a structure that only implements the first setting process among these setting processes (that is, the structure of steps S11 to S14 and S21 implemented as the ID setting process). Or, it can also be a structure that only implements the second setting process (that is, the structure of steps S15 to S22 implemented as the ID setting process). Figure 6 The structure of steps S11 to S14 and S21). Or, it can also be a structure that only implements the second setting process (that is, the structure of steps S15 to S22 implemented as the ID setting process). Figure 6 The structure of steps S15 to S22).

[0080] In the second setting process, it can also be configured such that when the monitoring unit 12 is started as the battery module 10 is reinstalled in the vehicle 40 (when the monitoring unit 12 is started by +B), a replacement history flag is set in the monitoring unit 12, and this replacement history flag is sent from the monitoring unit 12 to the battery ECU 20.

[0081] ·In the above embodiment, the battery ECU 20 is set as the identification information setting device in the battery system. However, this structure can also be changed to include an identification information setting device separately from the battery ECU 20. For example, a deployment device for ID setting (for ID allocation) can also be provided as the identification information setting device.

[0082] ·In the above-described embodiment, the battery system for a vehicle has been described. However, it may also be a battery system for a moving body other than a vehicle such as an aircraft or a ship. Additionally, it may be a battery system other than a moving body, that is, a stationary battery system. Specifically, the ID setting method of the present disclosure can be applied to a battery system provided along with buildings such as houses, stores, and public facilities. Further, in a battery storage system that stores the battery modules 10, the battery modules 10 in the storage state can also be ID-set as described above.

[0083] ·The rack of each battery module 10 may also include: a housing portion having a plurality of housing shelves for housing the battery modules 10 and open on one side; and an opening / closing portion (door portion) provided in an opening of the housing portion in an openable / closable manner. Inside the housing portion, the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is preferably capable of wireless communication. Preferably, a ventilation portion for heat dissipation or a cooling portion for cooling using a refrigerant is provided in the housing portion. Preferably, a waveguide and a radio wave absorber are provided in the housing portion or the opening / closing portion.

[0084] ·A first battery system for the purpose of using the power of the battery module 10 and a second battery system for the purpose of storing the battery module 10 may be provided, and the battery modules 10 can be mutually replaced between these first battery system and second battery system. Specifically, it is considered to be Figure 11 the system shown. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing an in-vehicle battery system as a first battery system including a plurality of battery modules 10 and a battery ECU 20 and a battery storage system as a second battery system including a plurality of battery modules 10 and a management ECU 60. In the battery storage system, a plurality of battery modules 10 are housed in a rack 61 as an installation portion. Although not shown, a rack connector or a locking device is provided in the rack 61 in the same manner as the rack 41. The battery modules 10 housed in each of the racks 41 and 61 can be mutually replaced between the systems.

[0085] In the in-vehicle battery system and the battery storage system, the number of module housings in the racks 41 and 61 may also be different. For example, it may be a structure in which the number of module housings in the battery storage system is larger than that in the in-vehicle battery system. Additionally, a battery module group in the rack 61 may be allocated for each vehicle 40. Further, in the in-vehicle battery system and the battery storage system, the number of module housings in the racks 41 and 61 may also be the same.

[0086] In the battery ECU 20, as described above, ID setting processing is performed in association with replacement of the battery module 10 or the like. On the other hand, in the management ECU 60, ID setting processing is also performed in association with replacement of the battery module 10 or the like. That is, each of the ECUs 20 and 60 has a communication function with the same communication form as each other. Whenever the battery module 10 is reinstalled in the in-vehicle battery system or whenever the battery module 10 is reinstalled in the battery storage system, each of the ECUs 20 and 60 performs ID setting of each battery module 10 by the above method.

[0087] In each of the ECUs 20 and 60, when it is determined that replacement of the battery module 10 or the like has been performed, it is preferable to notify the user or operator of this information by means of display on a display or sound or the like. In this case, it is preferable to notify which battery module 10 has been replaced or the like in the racks 41 and 61 based on the module ID. Thereby, it is possible to make the user or the like aware that the replacement of the battery module 10 has been correctly identified. In addition, assuming that the battery module 10 has been illegally replaced, it is possible to notify the user or the like that such illegal act has occurred. That is, by using the ID setting function of the present disclosure, it is possible to implement countermeasures against illegal acts.

[0088] In addition, in the battery storage system, if the battery module 10 is stored for a long time, it is considered that the stored power of the battery module 10 will decrease due to self-discharge or the battery life will decrease due to deterioration. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the battery module 10 in the storage state by the management ECU 60. In addition, the management ECU 60 preferably starts the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 regularly.

[0089] In this case, if module IDs are respectively assigned to the battery modules 10 housed in the rack 61, the positions of the battery modules 10 in the rack 61 can be grasped. Therefore, in the case where the stored power of the battery module 10 in the battery storage system decreases or deteriorates, it is possible to easily grasp which battery module 10 is the corresponding one. Thereby, maintainability can be improved. In addition, in the battery storage system, each battery module 10 can also be charged while being installed in the rack 61. In this configuration, it is possible to selectively charge the battery module 10 that should be the charging target.

[0090] In addition, the ECUs 20 and 60 of each system can respectively perform wireless communication with the external server 70. When each of the ECUs 20 and 60 determines that replacement of the battery module 10 or the like has been performed, it is preferable to send this information to the external server 70. Thereby, it is possible to easily and appropriately manage battery replacement in each system in the external server 70.

[0091] In an in-vehicle battery system and a battery storage system, battery modules 10 can be replaced with each other, and module IDs can be set in the same manner in these respective systems. Thus, appropriate module ID setting can be performed either during use or storage of the battery module 10, and further, appropriate monitoring of the battery module 10 can be continuously implemented.

[0092] The control unit and the method of the control unit described in the present disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory, and the above-mentioned processor is programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and the method of the control unit described in the present disclosure are implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Or, the control unit and its method described in the present disclosure are implemented by one or more dedicated computers, and the dedicated computer is composed of a combination of a processor programmed to execute one or more functions and a memory and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program can also be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by a computer.

[0093] Hereinafter, the technical ideas extracted from the above-described embodiments are described. [Structure 1] An identification information setting device The above-mentioned identification information setting device (20) is applicable to a battery system, and the battery system includes a plurality of battery modules (10) having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery. The above-mentioned identification information setting device is arranged to be able to communicate with the above-mentioned monitoring unit, and separately sets module identification information for each of the above-mentioned battery modules. The identification information setting device includes: An installation determination unit that determines whether reinstallation achieved by removal and installation of the battery module has been performed in the battery system; and A setting unit that sets the above-mentioned module identification information based on the determination result of the reinstallation of the above-mentioned battery module. [Structure 2] According to the identification information setting device described in Structure 1, wherein The above-mentioned battery system has an installation part (41) for detachably installing the above-mentioned plurality of battery modules. By installing the above-mentioned battery module on the above-mentioned installation part, a power supply voltage is applied to the above-mentioned monitoring unit. On the other hand, by detaching the above-mentioned battery module from the above-mentioned installation part, the power supply voltage applied to the above-mentioned monitoring unit is cut off. The above monitoring unit starts up by following the power supply voltage applied when the above battery module is installed on the above installation part. Based on the monitoring unit transitioning from a power-off state to a power supply voltage applied state, the above installation determination unit determines that the above battery module has been reinstalled. [Structure 3] The identification information setting device according to Structure 2, wherein In the disconnected state of the above battery system, when the above monitoring unit starts up following the installation of the above battery module on the above installation part, system start-up at disconnection is performed according to the start-up of this monitoring unit. When the above installation determination unit performs system start-up at disconnection, it determines that the above battery module has been reinstalled. [Structure 4] The identification information setting device according to Structure 1, wherein The above battery system has an installation part (41) for detachably installing the above plurality of battery modules, and the above installation part has a locking device (50) that prevents the above battery module from detaching or makes it difficult for the above battery module to detach. Based on detecting that the above locking device has transferred from one of a locked state and an unlocked state to the other, the above installation determination unit determines that the above battery module has been reinstalled. [Structure 5] The identification information setting device according to Structure 1, wherein In the above battery system, the above monitoring units of each of the above battery modules are connected in series by a series connection line. Based on an input signal input to the above series connection line and an output signal output from the above series connection line, the above installation determination unit determines information on the reinstallation of the above battery module. [Structure 6] The identification information setting device according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein It includes an identical determination unit, and when the above installation determination unit determines that the above battery module has been reinstalled, the identical determination unit determines whether the reinstalled battery module is the same as the battery module at the time of the last disassembly. The above setting unit makes the setting method of the above module identification information different according to whether the reinstalled above battery module is the same as the previous one at the time of disassembly. [Structure 7] The identification information setting device according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein including a communication determination unit that checks the communication identification information determined for each of the above monitoring units and determines whether communication has been established based on the check result. When the identification information setting device is started, the setting unit sets the module identification information when at least one of the conditions that the reinstallation of the battery module is determined by the installation determination unit and that communication is not established as determined by the communication determination unit is satisfied.

[0094] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent scope. In addition, various combinations and modes, and further combinations and modes including only one element, more than one or less than one of them also fall within the scope and the scope of ideas of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An identification information setting device, the identification information setting device (20) being applicable to a battery system, the battery system including a plurality of battery modules, and the plurality of battery modules having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery. The identification information setting device is configured to be able to communicate with the monitoring unit and to set module identification information individually for each of the battery modules. The identification information setting device comprises: an installation determination unit that determines whether reinstallation achieved by disassembly and installation of the battery module has been performed in the battery system; and a setting unit that sets the module identification information based on the determination result of the battery module's reinstallation.

2. The identification information setting device according to claim 1, wherein the battery system has a mounting portion (41) for detachably mounting the plurality of battery modules, and by mounting the battery module on the mounting portion, a power supply voltage is applied to the monitoring unit. On the other hand, by detaching the battery module from the mounting portion, the power supply voltage applied to the monitoring unit is cut off. The monitoring unit is started by the power supply voltage applied when the battery module is mounted on the mounting portion. The installation determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled based on the monitoring unit transitioning from a power-off state to a power supply voltage application state.

3. The identification information setting device according to claim 2, wherein in a disconnected state of the battery system, when the monitoring unit is started upon mounting of the battery module on the mounting portion, system start-up at disconnection is performed according to the start-up of the monitoring unit. The installation determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled when the system start-up at disconnection has been performed.

4. The identification information setting device according to claim 1, wherein the battery system has a mounting portion (41) for detachably mounting the plurality of battery modules, and the mounting portion has a locking device (50) that prevents or makes it difficult for the battery module to be detached. The installation determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled based on detecting a transition of the locking device from one of a locked state and an unlocked state to the other.

5. The identification information setting device according to claim 1, wherein in the battery system, the monitoring units of the respective battery modules are connected in series by a series connection line. The installation determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled based on an input signal input to the series connection line and an output signal output from the series connection line.

6. The identification information setting device according to claim 1, wherein it includes an identical determination unit that determines whether the reinstalled battery module is the same as the battery module at the time of the last disassembly when the installation determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled. The setting unit sets the module identification information in a different manner according to whether the reinstalled battery module is the same as that at the time of the last removal.

7. The identification information setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes a communication determination unit that checks the communication identification information determined for each of the monitoring units and determines whether communication has been established based on the check result, when the identification information setting device is started, the setting unit sets the module identification information when at least one of the conditions that the reinstallation of the battery module is determined by the installation determination unit and that communication has not been established is satisfied by the communication determination unit.

8. A program executed by an identification information setting device (20) that is arranged to be able to communicate with a monitoring unit in a battery system including a plurality of battery modules (10) each having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, and individually sets module identification information for each of the battery modules, the program includes an installation determination step and a setting step, in the installation determination step, it is determined whether reinstallation realized by removal and installation of the battery module has been performed in the battery system, in the setting step, based on the determination result of the reinstallation of the battery module, the module identification information is set.

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