Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention provides a power storage device. A power storage apparatus includes a power storage device, a lower controller, an upper controller, a communication line, and a signal line. And the lower controller and the upper controller are connected in a circulating manner according to a predetermined connection sequence through a signal line. The upper controller outputs, via a signal line, a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width to the lower controller set to the minimum connection order among the connection orders. The lower controller outputs, via the signal line, a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width different from the inputted pulse signal to the downstream side in the connection order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to energy storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2012 / 131797 discloses a communication system comprising a master device with communication functionality and a plurality of slave devices, numbered 1 to N, also with communication functionality. The master device and the slave devices are connected via a communication line. The master device outputs an Nth ID setting signal, indicating the setting of an identifier, to the Nth slave device. Thus, the Nth slave device is instructed to set its ID. The master device sends the identifier "N" to the Nth slave device. The ID of the Nth slave device is set to "N". The Nth slave device sends an ID setting completion notification to the master device.

[0003] If the master device receives an ID setting completion notification from the Nth slave device, it instructs the Nth slave device to output the (N-1)th ID setting signal. The Nth slave device outputs the (N-1)th ID setting signal. The (N-1)th ID setting signal is given to the (N-1)th slave device. Thus, the (N-1)th slave device is instructed to set its ID. The master device sends the identifier ID "N-1" to the (N-1)th slave device. The ID of the (N-1)th slave device is set to "N-1". The (N-1)th slave device sends an ID setting completion notification to the master device. This process is repeated until the ID of the first slave device is set to "1". If the ID settings of all slave devices from the first to the Nth are complete, the master device sends an ID setting process completion notification to all slave devices from the first to the Nth.

[0004] As described above, in the communication system disclosed in International Publication No. 2012 / 131797, IDs are set sequentially from the Nth slave device to the 1st slave device. Here, after confirming that the ID setting of slave device 1 is complete, the master device instructs slave device 1 to output an ID setting signal to the next slave device in sequence. Then, the master device sends the ID identifier to the next slave device in sequence.

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2012 / 131797 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors have considered reducing the time required for setting the ID of the controller that controls each energy storage device in an energy storage device that is equipped with multiple energy storage devices.

[0007] The energy storage device disclosed here comprises N energy storage devices, N lower-level controllers, a higher-level controller, N communication lines, and N+1 signal lines. The N lower-level controllers control the N energy storage devices respectively. The higher-level controller is connected to the N lower-level controllers. The N lower-level controllers are each connected to the higher-level controller via communication lines. The N lower-level controllers and the higher-level controller are connected cyclically via signal lines in a predetermined connection order. The higher-level controller is configured to perform ID setting processing and output pulse signal processing. In the ID setting processing, the higher-level controller sets IDs for each of the N lower-level controllers via communication lines. In the output pulse signal processing, the higher-level controller outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width to the lower-level controller set as the lowest connection in the connection order via signal lines. Each of the N lower-level controllers stores information corresponding to different IDs from 1 to N and pulse signals with different pulse widths corresponding to IDs from 1 to N. N lower-level controllers are configured to process input pulse signals, determine their own ID, and process output pulse signals. In the input pulse signal processing, the lower-level controller receives an input pulse signal from the upstream side of the connection sequence via a signal line. In the ID determination process, the lower-level controller determines its own ID based on the pulse width and information of the input pulse signal. In the output pulse signal processing, the lower-level controller outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width, different from the input pulse signal, to the downstream side of the connection sequence via a signal line. In this energy storage device, the time required for ID setting is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 100.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram for ID setting.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the host controller 10 during ID setting.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 20 during ID setting.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 30 during ID setting.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the host controller 10 after the ID is set.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 20 after the ID setting is completed.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 30 after the ID setting is completed. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiment is not intended to specifically limit the invention. The drawings are schematic depictions and do not necessarily reflect actual objects. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function are appropriately labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0017] <Electric Storage Device 100>

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 100. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes: two energy storage devices 41 and 42; two lower controllers 20 and 30; a higher controller 10; two communication lines 51 and 52; and three signal lines 61 to 63.

[0019] The energy storage device 100 supplies the electricity stored in the energy storage devices 41 and 42 to loads (such as the drive unit of a vehicle, such as an electric motor). The energy storage devices 41 and 42 can be connected to loads (not shown), external power sources, etc. The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are controllers that control the energy storage devices 41 and 42. The upper-level controller 10 is a controller that controls the coordination of the multiple energy storage devices 41 and 42 assembled in the energy storage device 100. The upper-level controller 10 can also be communicatively connected to an external controller (such as an on-board ECU (Electronic Control Unit)).

[0020] <Electrical Storage Devices 41, 42>

[0021] Energy storage devices 41 and 42 are repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable devices. Energy storage devices 41 and 42 can be modules formed by connecting a predetermined number of individual batteries via busbars. Energy storage devices 41 and 42 can be constructed by connecting multiple individual batteries in series. Individual batteries include lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and other secondary batteries. Individual batteries also include lithium-ion capacitors, double-layer capacitors, and other capacitors. Individual batteries can use either liquid electrolytes or solid electrolytes. For example, an individual battery can be a secondary battery using a so-called liquid electrolyte system or a so-called all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte. Energy storage devices 41 and 42 are individually controlled by lower-level controllers 20 and 30, respectively.

[0022] <Lower controllers 20, 30>

[0023] Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are controllers that control the energy storage devices 41 and 42 respectively. Lower-level controller 20 is connected to energy storage device 41 and controls its charging and discharging. Lower-level controller 30 is connected to energy storage device 42 and controls its charging and discharging. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to sensors (not shown) such as voltage sensors, current sensors, and temperature sensors. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can calculate the SOC (State of Charge) of a single battery based on the detection values ​​obtained from the sensors. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can perform various arithmetic operations and decision-making processes to control the charging and discharging of energy storage devices 41 and 42.

[0024] Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper-level controller 10 via communication lines 51 and 52, respectively. Communication line 51 connects the upper-level controller 10 to the lower-level controller 20. Communication line 52 connects the upper-level controller 10 to the lower-level controller 30. The communication unit 12 of the upper-level controller 10 and the communication unit 22 of the lower-level controller 20 are configured to communicate via communication line 51. The communication unit 12 of the upper-level controller 10 and the communication unit 32 of the lower-level controller 30 are configured to communicate via communication line 52. The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 and the upper-level controller 10 can, for example, communicate via CAN (Controller Area Network). The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 control the energy storage devices 41 and 42 respectively according to the instructions from the upper-level controller 10.

[0025] <Host controller 10>

[0026] The upper-level controller 10 is connected to the lower-level controllers 20 and 30. The upper-level controller 10 can determine whether there are any abnormalities in the energy storage devices 41 and 42 based on the processing performed by the lower-level controllers 20 and 30, and control the charging and discharging of the energy storage devices 41 and 42 accordingly. For example, the upper-level controller 10 can also monitor for abnormalities in the individual batteries contained in the energy storage devices 41 and 42 based on the results of various calculations and judgments performed by the lower-level controllers 20 and 30. If the upper-level controller 10 detects an abnormality in a single battery, it can issue an instruction to the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 to stop the charging and discharging of the energy storage device containing that single battery.

[0027] The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected cyclically via signal lines 61-63 in a predetermined connection order. In other words, the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper-level controller 10 in a loop via signal lines 61-63. In the energy storage device 100, the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 and the upper-level controller 10 are each connected to two signal lines from signal lines 61-63. In this embodiment, the connection order is set as upper-level controller 10, lower-level controller 20, and lower-level controller 30, with the lower-level controller 30 being the last in the connection order and connected to the upper-level controller 10.

[0028] Here, the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 20 are connected via signal line 61. The lower controller 20 and the lower controller 30 are connected via signal line 62. The lower controller 30 and the upper controller 10 are connected via signal line 63. Signal lines 61-63 are used for transmitting and receiving pulse signals, respectively. In other words, the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 transmit and receive pulse signals via signal lines 61-63. The lower controllers 20 and 30 are configured to receive pulse signals from the upstream side of the connection sequence via signal lines 61 and 62. The upper controller 10 is configured to receive pulse signals from the last lower controller in the connection sequence via signal line 63.

[0029] However, in order to properly control the energy storage devices 41 and 42, it is necessary to establish communication between the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 connected to the energy storage devices 41 and 42 and the upper-level controller 10. The lower-level controllers 20 and 30, whose IDs have been predetermined, need to be recognized by the upper-level controller 10. The process of setting the IDs of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 and establishing communication between the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 will be described below.

[0030] Both lower-level controllers 20 and 30 have pre-determined IDs. Lower-level controller 20 requires its ID to be set to "1". Lower-level controller 30 requires its ID to be set to "2". The upper-level controller 10 needs to be configured to communicate with the lower-level controller 20 (ID "1") via communication line 51, and with the lower-level controller 30 (ID "2") via communication line 52. If an ID setting is incorrect (e.g., the lower-level controller 20's ID is set to "2" and the lower-level controller 30's ID is set to "1"), the system containing the energy storage device 100 will malfunction. In this case, safety controls will not be implemented, and the system malfunction will be immediately notified to the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device 100, the administrator, etc.

[0031] In this embodiment, the ID setting can be performed when the energy storage device 100 is started. Furthermore, the timing of ID setting is not particularly limited. The upper-level controller 10 includes a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, a determination unit 13, an ID setting instruction unit 14, a pulse input unit 15, and a pulse output unit 16. The lower-level controller 20 includes a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a determination unit 23, an ID determination unit 24, a pulse input unit 25, and a pulse output unit 26. The lower-level controller 30 includes a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a determination unit 33, an ID determination unit 34, a pulse input unit 35, and a pulse output unit 36. Each part of the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can be implemented by one or more processors, or they can be assembled in a circuit.

[0032] The ID setting can be implemented based on the pulse signals transmitted and received between the controllers. The pulse output unit 16 of the upper controller 10 is configured to output a signal with the pulse width listed in Table 1. The pulse output unit 16 always outputs a pulse signal during ID setting. Here, the pulse output unit 16 outputs the pulse signal via signal line 61 to the lower controller (the lower controller already connected by signal line 61) that is set to the smallest connection order in a predetermined connection sequence. The pulse width signal output by the final lower controller (lower controller 30 in this embodiment) that is connected in a cyclic manner is input to the pulse input unit 15 of the upper controller 10. The upper controller 10 has a pulse width (30ms in this embodiment) that should be input from the final lower controller in advance.

[0033] The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 respectively store information obtained by establishing a correspondence between the ID to be set and pulse signals with different pulse widths corresponding to that ID. The pulse output units 26 and 36 of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are configured to output signals with pulse widths corresponding to the IDs listed in Table 1. The pulse width varies depending on the ID. In this embodiment, to easily grasp the relationship between the ID and the pulse width, the relationship between the ID and the pulse width is determined by the principle that the pulse width increases as the ID increases. When the pulse width signal listed in Table 1 has been input to the pulse input units 25 and 35, the ID determination units 24 and 34 of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 respectively determine the ID listed in Table 1 as their own ID. The pulse widths of the pulse signals output by each controller and the pulse widths of the pulse signals input to each controller can also be stored in the storage units 11, 21, and 31 of each controller, respectively.

[0034] Table 1

[0035]

[0036] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram for ID setting. Figure 3This is a flowchart of the process executed by the host controller 10 during ID setting. Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 20 during ID setting. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 30 during ID setting.

[0037] When the energy storage device 100 is started, if ID setting is initiated, then in step S1 (refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 In step S2 (see reference 14), the ID setting instruction unit 14 of the upper controller 10 instructs the lower controllers 20 and 30 to set their IDs via communication lines 51 and 52. Here, the instruction sets the IDs corresponding to the number of lower controllers. In this embodiment, for the lower controllers 20 and 30, the ID is set to either "1" or "2". Figure 2 and Figure 4 In step S3 (see reference 22), the communication unit 22 of the lower-level controller 20 receives the ID setting instruction via the communication line 51. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the lower controller 30, the communication unit 32 receives the ID setting instruction via the communication line 52.

[0038] In step S21 (refer to) Figure 2 and Figure 4 In step S31, the communication unit 22 of the lower-level controller 20 begins communication processing with the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 51. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In this process, the communication unit 32 of the lower controller 30 begins communication processing with the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 This describes the processing performed by the lower controller 20 after the communication process with the upper controller 10 begins (step S21). In step S22, a pulse signal is input to the pulse input unit 25.

[0040] During ID setting, the pulse output unit 16 of the upper controller 10 always outputs a pulse signal. In cases such as the lower controller 20 being connected in the wrong order, a pulse signal with a pulse width other than 10ms is input to the pulse input unit 25. Alternatively, the pulse signal is not input to the pulse input unit 25. When the lower controller 20 and the upper controller 10 are connected in the correct order via signal line 61, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 10ms is input to the pulse input unit 25.

[0041] The lower-level controller 20 determines its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the pulse width corresponding to the ID to be set (refer to Table 1). In step S22, the determination unit 23 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 10ms. If the pulse width is not 10ms (No), the process proceeds to step S28, and the ID is not determined. At this time, the ID determination signal from the lower-level controller 20 to the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 51 is not sent.

[0042] If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S22 is 10ms (yes), proceed to step S23. In step S23, the ID determination unit 24 determines the ID of the lower controller 20 as "1" and stores it in the storage unit 21. After the ID of the lower controller 20 is determined, in step S24, the communication unit 22 sends an ID determination signal indicating that the ID has been determined to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 51. Thus, bidirectional communication is established between the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 20. After the signal is sent, in step S25, the pulse output unit 26 begins to output a pulse signal with a pulse width different from the input pulse signal. The pulse output unit 26 outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms via the signal line 62.

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 This describes the processing performed by the lower controller 30 after the communication process with the upper controller 10 begins (step S31). In step S32, a pulse signal is input to the pulse input unit 35.

[0044] During ID setting, if the ID of the lower-level controller 20 is set appropriately, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms is output from the pulse output unit 26 of the lower-level controller 20. If at least one of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 is connected in an incorrect order, a pulse signal with a pulse width other than 20ms will be input to the pulse input unit 35. Alternatively, no pulse signal will be input to the pulse input unit 35. When the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected in the correct order via signal line 62, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms will be input to the pulse input unit 35.

[0045] The lower-level controller 30 determines its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the pulse width corresponding to the ID to be set (refer to Table 1). In step S32, the determination unit 33 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 20ms. If the pulse width is not 20ms (No), the process proceeds to step S38, and the ID is not determined. At this time, the ID determination signal from the lower-level controller 30 to the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 52 is not sent.

[0046] If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S32 is 20ms (yes), proceed to step S33. In step S33, the ID determination unit 34 determines the ID of the lower controller 30 as "2" and stores it in the storage unit 31. After the ID of the lower controller 30 is determined, in step S34, the communication unit 32 sends an ID determination signal indicating that the ID has been determined to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52. Thus, bidirectional communication is established between the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 30. After the signal is sent, in step S35, the pulse output unit 36 ​​begins to output a pulse signal with a pulse width different from the pulse width of the input pulse signal. The pulse output unit 36 ​​outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms via the signal line 63.

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 This describes the processing performed by the upper controller 10 after the ID setting instruction. After the ID setting instruction, the upper controller 10 waits to receive the ID determination signal sent from the lower controllers 20 and 30.

[0048] In step S41, the determination unit 13 of the upper controller 10 determines whether an ID decision signal has been received from the lower controller 20. If, after the ID setting instruction in step S1, no ID decision signal is received from the lower controller 20 after a predetermined time (No), the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the determination unit 13 determines that an ID setting an anomaly has occurred, and stops the ID setting process. The upper controller 10 can store this anomaly. Furthermore, when an anomaly occurs during ID setting, the upper controller 10 can notify the administrator of the battery storage device 100, the vehicle equipped with the battery storage device 100, etc. If the determination unit 13 determines that an ID decision signal has been received from the lower controller 20 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0049] In step S42, the determination unit 13 of the upper controller 10 determines whether an ID determination signal has been received from the lower controller 30. If, after the ID setting instruction in step S1 (or after the determination in step S41), no ID determination signal is received from the lower controller 30 after a predetermined time (No), the process proceeds to step S48. If the determination unit 13 determines that an ID determination signal has been received from the lower controller 30 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, a pulse signal is input to the pulse input unit 15 of the upper controller 10.

[0050] During ID setting, if the ID of the lower-level controller 30 is set appropriately, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms is output from the pulse output unit 36 ​​of the lower-level controller 30. If the lower-level controller 30 is connected in an incorrect order, a pulse signal with a pulse width other than 30ms may be input to the pulse input unit 15. Alternatively, no pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 15. When the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controller 30 are connected in the correct order via signal line 63, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms is input to the pulse input unit 15.

[0051] In step S43, the determination unit 13 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 30ms. If the pulse width is not 30ms (No), proceed to step S48. If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S43 is 30ms (Yes), proceed to step S44.

[0052] In step S44, the communication unit 12 of the upper controller 10 sends a signal indicating that the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 have been properly connected and that ID setting has been completed to the lower controllers 20 and 30 via communication lines 51 and 52. In step S51 (refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 4 In step S52, the lower-level controller 20, upon receiving a signal indicating that ID setting is complete, terminates the pulse signal determination process (step S22). Figure 2 and Figure 5 In step S53, the lower-level controller 30, upon receiving a signal indicating that ID setting is complete, terminates the pulse signal determination process (step S32). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this process, the storage unit 11 of the upper controller 10 stores the information that the ID setting has been completed. Then, the ID setting process performed by the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 is completed.

[0053] In the above embodiment, two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper-level controller 10 via communication lines 51 and 52, respectively. These two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper-level controller 10 via signal lines 61-63 in a cyclical manner according to a predetermined connection order. The upper-level controller 10 is configured to perform ID setting processing and output pulse signal processing. In the ID setting processing, the upper-level controller 10 sets IDs for the two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 via communication lines 51 and 52. In the output pulse signal processing, the upper-level controller 10 outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width (10ms in this embodiment) to the lower-level controller 20, which is set to the minimum connection order, via signal line 61. The two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 respectively store information that establishes a correspondence between IDs "1" to "2" and pulse signals with different pulse widths corresponding to IDs "1" to "2". Two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are configured to perform input pulse signal processing, ID determination, and output pulse signal processing, respectively. In input pulse signal processing, lower-level controllers 20 and 30 receive pulse signals output from the upstream side of the connection sequence via signal lines 61 and 62. In ID determination, lower-level controllers 20 and 30 determine their own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the aforementioned information. In output pulse signal processing, lower-level controllers 20 and 30 output pulse signals with a predetermined pulse width different from the input pulse signals to the downstream side of the connection sequence via signal lines 62 and 63.

[0054] In this energy storage device 100, the upper controller 10 outputs pulse signals to the lower controller 20. During ID determination, the upper controller 10 only outputs the pulse signal used for ID determination to the lower controller 20 with the lowest connection order, thus sequentially determining the IDs of both lower controllers 20 and 30. The upper controller 10 does not need to output pulse signals for ID determination to lower controllers other than the lower controller 20 with the lowest connection order (lower controller 30 in this embodiment). In other words, the upper controller 10 only needs to send signals to the lower controller 20 (which is 1), without sending signals for ID determination to all lower controllers. Therefore, the number of communications between the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 required for ID setting can be reduced. As a result, ID setting for the lower controllers 20 and 30 can be completed earlier.

[0055] In the above embodiment, after determining their own IDs, the two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 send ID determination signals to the upper-level controller 10 via communication lines 51 and 52, establishing bidirectional communication with the upper-level controller 10. Since bidirectional communication is only established with the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 whose IDs have been determined, it is difficult for malfunctions to occur in the communication between the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30. As a result, the safety of the energy storage device 100 can be improved.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the upper controller 10 completes the ID setting after receiving the ID determination signals from both lower controllers 20 and 30. Therefore, communication between the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 can be established more reliably.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the ID setting is performed based on the pulse width of the pulse signal output from the final lower-level controller (lower-level controller 30 in this embodiment), which is the last in the connection sequence. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably detect that the IDs of the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 have been properly set.

[0058] The above describes the processing of ID setting by the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30. In the energy storage device 100, after the ID setting is completed, it is also possible to confirm whether the ID has been set appropriately when the energy storage device 100 is started. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the host controller 10 after the ID is set. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 20 after the ID setting is completed. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 30 after the ID setting is completed.

[0059] When the energy storage device 100 is started, it is also possible to determine whether the IDs of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 have been set. The upper-level controller 10 performs the operation in step S61 (refer to...). Figure 6 In the process, the determination unit 13 checks whether the ID setting is complete. The determination unit 13 checks whether the storage unit 11 stores a record of completed ID setting. If the storage unit 11 does not store a record of completed ID setting (NO), the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the ID setting process described above is executed again. In step S65, the ID setting instruction unit 14 instructs the lower controllers 20 and 30 to set the ID. In the upper controller 10, the above-described... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The processing is shown in the diagram.

[0060] In the lower-level controller 20, it is also possible to determine whether its own ID has been set. In step S71 (refer to...) Figure 7In step S73, the determination unit 23 of the lower-level controller 20 determines whether ID "1" is stored in the storage unit 21. If ID "1" is not stored in the storage unit 21 (No), the process proceeds to step S74. If ID "1" is stored in the storage unit 21 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the lower-level controller 20 sends a signal to the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 51. In step S73, the lower-level controller 20 begins outputting a pulse signal with a pulse width (20ms) corresponding to ID "1". In step S74, the determination unit 23 determines whether there is an ID setting instruction from the upper-level controller 10. In step S65 (see...), the determination unit 23 determines whether there is an ID setting instruction from the upper-level controller 10. Figure 6 If an ID setting instruction exists in the lower-level controller 20, the above-mentioned... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The process is shown in the diagram. If no ID setting instruction is received from the upper controller 10 after a predetermined time (No), the ID setting confirmation process ends in the lower controller 20.

[0061] Similar to the lower-level controller 20, the lower-level controller 30 can also determine whether its own ID has been set. In step S81 (refer to...) Figure 8 In step S83, the determination unit 33 of the lower-level controller 30 determines whether ID "2" is stored in the storage unit 31. If ID "2" is not stored in the storage unit 31 (No), the process proceeds to step S84. If ID "2" is stored in the storage unit 31 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the lower-level controller 30 sends a signal to the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 52. In step S83, the lower-level controller 30 begins outputting a pulse signal with a pulse width (30ms) corresponding to ID "2". In step S84, the determination unit 33 determines whether there is an ID setting instruction from the upper-level controller 10. In step S65 (see...), the determination unit 33 determines whether there is an ID setting instruction from the upper-level controller 10. Figure 6 If an ID setting instruction exists in the lower-level controller 30, the above-mentioned... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The process is shown in the diagram. If no ID setting instruction is received from the upper controller 10 after a predetermined time (No), the ID setting confirmation process ends in the lower controller 30.

[0062] In step S61 (refer to...) Figure 6If the storage unit 11 stores that the ID setting is complete (Yes), proceed to step S62. In step S62, the upper controller 10 checks whether the ID of the lower controller 20 has been set. In step S62, the determination unit 13 checks whether a signal is received from the lower controller 20 via communication line 51. If no signal is received from the lower controller 20 after a predetermined time (No), proceed to step S65. If a signal is received from the lower controller 20 (Yes), proceed to step S63. In step S63, the upper controller 10 checks whether the ID of the lower controller 30 has been set. In step S63, the determination unit 13 checks whether a signal is received from the lower controller 30 via communication line 52. If no signal is received from the lower controller 30 after a predetermined time (No), proceed to step S65. If the upper controller 10 receives a signal from the lower controller 30 (Yes), proceed to step S64.

[0063] In step S64, the upper controller 10 confirms the pulse width of the pulse signal input to the upper controller 10 via signal line 63. In step S64, the determination unit 13 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is the pulse width (30ms) that should be output from the lower controller 30, which is the last in the connection sequence. If the pulse width of the pulse signal input via signal line 63 is 30ms (yes), the ID setting confirmation process ends in the upper controller 10. If the pulse width of the pulse signal input via signal line 63 is not 30ms (no), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the sequence of the lower controllers 20 and 30, etc. In step S66, when an abnormality occurs during ID setting, the upper controller 10 notifies the administrator of the energy storage device 100 of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the number of lower-level controllers is two, but the number of lower-level controllers can also be three or more. When multiple lower-level controllers are connected to the upper-level controller via communication lines, and the upper-level controller and multiple lower-level controllers are connected to each other via signal lines in a cyclic manner according to a predetermined connection order, the above processing can be performed regardless of the number of lower-level controllers.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to increase as the connection sequence increases. However, the pulse signal and pulse width are not limited to this method. The pulse width of the pulse signals transmitted and received by the upper controller and the lower controller can vary depending on the connection sequence.

[0066] The technology disclosed herein has been described above in various ways. Unless specifically mentioned, the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein is capable of various modifications; unless specific problems arise, the constituent elements and processes mentioned herein can be appropriately omitted or combined. This specification also includes the disclosures described in the following items.

[0067] Item 1:

[0068] An energy storage device, comprising:

[0069] N energy storage devices;

[0070] There are N lower-level controllers, each of which controls one of the N energy storage devices.

[0071] A host controller, which is connected to the aforementioned N slave controllers;

[0072] N communication lines; and

[0073] N+1 signal lines,

[0074] The aforementioned N lower-level controllers are respectively connected to the aforementioned upper-level controller via the aforementioned communication lines.

[0075] The aforementioned N lower-level controllers and the aforementioned upper-level controller are connected cyclically via the aforementioned signal lines in a predetermined connection order.

[0076] The aforementioned host controller is configured to perform the following processing:

[0077] The ID settings are respectively instructed to the N lower-level controllers via the aforementioned communication lines; and

[0078] A pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width is output via the aforementioned signal lines to a lower-level controller that is set to the minimum connection order in the aforementioned connection sequence.

[0079] The aforementioned N lower-level controllers each store information obtained by establishing correspondences between different IDs (1 to N) and pulse signals with different pulse widths corresponding to these IDs.

[0080] The aforementioned N lower-level controllers are configured to perform the following processes:

[0081] A pulse signal is input from the upstream side of the connection sequence via the aforementioned signal lines;

[0082] The ID is determined based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the above information; and

[0083] A pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width, different from the input pulse signal, is output to the downstream side of the above connection sequence via the aforementioned signal line.

[0084] Item 2:

[0085] In the energy storage device described in item 1,

[0086] After each of the N lower-level controllers determines its own ID, it sends the ID determination signal to the upper-level controller via the communication line, thus establishing bidirectional communication with the upper-level controller.

[0087] Item 3:

[0088] In the energy storage device described in item 2,

[0089] The aforementioned upper-level controller completes the aforementioned ID setting upon receiving the aforementioned ID determination signal from all of the aforementioned N lower-level controllers.

[0090] Item 4:

[0091] In any of the above-mentioned energy storage devices in items 1 to 3,

[0092] The aforementioned upper-level controller completes the ID setting based on the pulse signal output from the lower-level controller, which is the last in the above connection sequence.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, characterized in that, have: N energy storage devices; There are N lower-level controllers, each of which controls one of the N energy storage devices; A host controller, which is connected to the N slave controllers; N communication lines; as well as N+1 signal lines, The N lower-level controllers are respectively connected to the upper-level controller via the communication lines. The N lower-level controllers are connected to the upper-level controller via the signal lines in a cyclical manner according to a predetermined connection order. The host controller is configured to perform the following processing: The N lower-level controllers are instructed to set their IDs via the communication lines; and A pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width is output via the signal line to a lower-level controller that is set as the minimum connection order in the connection sequence. The N lower-level controllers each store information obtained by establishing a correspondence between different IDs (1 to N) and pulse signals with different pulse widths corresponding to the IDs (1 to N). The N lower-level controllers are configured to perform the following processes: A pulse signal is input from the upstream side of the connection sequence via the signal line; The ID is determined based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the information. as well as A pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width, different from the input pulse signal, is output to the downstream side of the connection sequence via the signal line.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After each of the N lower-level controllers determines its own ID, it sends the ID determination signal to the upper-level controller via the communication line, thus establishing bidirectional communication with the upper-level controller.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper-level controller completes the ID setting upon receiving the ID determination signal from all N lower-level controllers.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The upper-level controller completes the ID setting based on the pulse signal output from the lower-level controller, which is the last in the connection sequence.

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