Wireless device and power supply unit

Abstract

A wireless device (30, 40) of a battery monitoring system (100) is provided with: a wireless antenna (33, 43); and proximity conductors (37, 47) that overlap at least a part of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when the predetermined direction is the projection direction.

Description

[0001] Mutual citation of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-155801, filed on September 21, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a wireless device and a power supply unit for a battery monitoring system. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, a battery monitoring system has emerged that transmits or receives battery status data of individual battery cells via wireless communication. Such a battery monitoring system is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0301961 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In such wireless devices, it is desirable to design them to maintain appropriate antenna characteristics in any environment.

[0009] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a wireless device and power supply unit that can maintain antenna characteristics at appropriate values.

[0010] As a method for solving the above-mentioned technical problems, the wireless device of the battery monitoring system includes: a wireless antenna; and a proximity conductor that overlaps with at least a portion of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when a predetermined direction is used as the projection direction.

[0011] Electrostatic coupling is generated between the proximity conductor and the wireless antenna, resulting in electrostatic capacitance. If this electrostatic capacitance is large, even if parasitic capacitance occurs between the conductor and other conductors, the proportion of the electrostatic capacitance with the wireless antenna will be large, thus making the proportion of the parasitic capacitance with other conductors, i.e., the change in capacitance, relative to the original electrostatic capacitance relatively small. As a result, even if the surrounding environment changes, the impact on antenna characteristics can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The drawings are described below.

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's structure.

[0014] Figure 2This is a block diagram showing the structure of the battery pack.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the interior of the battery pack.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the storage casing.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view showing the interior of the battery monitoring device.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless antenna on the slave unit side.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the projection plane of the wireless antenna on the handset side.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically showing the change in electrostatic capacitance in the comparative example.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the change in electrostatic capacitance in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a side view showing the interior of the battery monitoring device in a modified example.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the battery monitoring device in a modified example.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view showing the components in the modified example.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the grounding plate in a modified example.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the wireless antenna on the slave side in a modified example.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a metal plate in a modified example.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the ECU housing in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0032] Figure 20 In the image, (a) is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example, and (b) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example.

[0033] Figure 21 In the image, (a) is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example, and (b) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example.

[0034] Figure 22 In the image, (a) is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example, and (b) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example.

[0035] Figure 23 In the image, (a) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example, and (b) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example.

[0036] Figure 24 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0037] Figure 25 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0038] Figure 26 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0039] Figure 27 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0040] Figure 28 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0041] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing an electromagnetic wave shielding component in a modified example.

[0042] Figure 30 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 31 In the diagram, (a) is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack in the third embodiment, and (b) is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in the modified example.

[0044] Figure 32 This is a top view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0045] Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the battery pack in a modified example.

[0046] Figure 34 This is a perspective view showing the battery block in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the wireless device and power supply unit of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in relation to each embodiment and its variations, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same symbols, and the descriptions will generally not be repeated. The following description focuses on applications applicable to vehicles, but it can also be applied to uses other than vehicles, such as aircraft like drones, ships, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery.

[0048] (First Implementation)

[0049] <Vehicles>

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HV), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV). Vehicle 10 includes: a battery pack 11 (in... Figure 1 The battery pack (hereinafter referred to as "battery pack"); the power control unit (hereinafter referred to as "PCU") 12, which is a power conversion device; and the electric motor 13, which is an electrical load (in Figure 1 (represented as "MG" in Chinese); and vehicle ECU 14 (in Figure 1 (In Chinese, it is represented as "ECU"). Additionally, PCU is short for "Power Control Unit," MG is short for "Motor Generator," and ECU is short for "Electronic Control Unit."

[0051] The battery pack 11 is installed in the vehicle 10 as a power unit (drive power source). Figure 1 In this configuration, the battery pack 11 may be located, for example, in the front cabin. Alternatively, the battery pack 11 may also be located in the trunk, under the seats, or under the floor.

[0052] The battery pack 11, including the battery array 20 described later, is a DC voltage source capable of charging and discharging. The battery pack 11 supplies power to the electrical loads of the vehicle 10. Additionally, the battery pack 11 converts the power via the PCU 12 to supply power to the electric motor 13. Furthermore, the battery pack 11 is charged via the PCU 12.

[0053] PCU 12 performs bidirectional power conversion between battery pack 11 and motor 13 based on control signals from vehicle ECU 14. PCU 12 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter, the inverter converting DC voltage from battery pack 11 into AC voltage to drive motor 13, and the converter boosting the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to a level above the output voltage of battery pack 11.

[0054] The electric motor 13 is an AC rotating motor, such as a three-phase AC synchronous motor with permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. The electric motor 13 is driven by the PCU 12 to generate rotational driving force, which is transmitted to the drive wheels. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 brakes, the electric motor 13 operates as a generator and performs regenerative power generation. The electricity generated by the electric motor 13 is supplied to the battery pack 11 via the PCU 12 and stored in the battery array 20.

[0055] The vehicle ECU 14 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals. The CPU expands the program stored in ROM into RAM and executes it. The program stored in ROM records the processing of the vehicle ECU 14. As an example of the main processing of the vehicle ECU 14, the vehicle ECU 14 receives information such as voltage, current, SOC (State of Charge), and SOH (State of Health) of the battery pack 20 from the battery pack 11, and controls the PCU 12 to instruct the drive of the electric motor 13 and the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11.

[0056] <Battery Pack>

[0057] The battery pack 11 is described in detail. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the battery pack 11. Figure 3 This is a top view schematically illustrating the configuration of various elements housed within the battery pack 11. The battery pack 11 includes a battery assembly 20, a junction box 60, a battery monitoring system 100, and a housing 50 (shown in dashed lines) that houses them. The battery monitoring system 100 is a system that monitors and manages the battery status of the battery assembly 20 using wireless communication. The battery monitoring system 100 includes multiple battery monitoring devices 30 and battery control devices 40, which communicate wirelessly with each other. The battery monitoring devices 30 and battery control devices 40 are respectively equivalent to wireless devices.

[0058] In this embodiment, the battery pack 20, battery monitoring device 30, and battery control device 40 are housed inside the housing 50 (battery storage space), but they can also be disposed outside the housing 50. Alternatively, the housing 50 may be omitted, and the battery pack 20 and battery monitoring system 100 may be directly installed within a battery storage space provided in a vehicle frame or similar structure. That is, the vehicle frame can replace the housing 50.

[0059] <Battery Pack>

[0060] The battery pack 20 has multiple battery blocks 21 (sometimes also called battery stacks or battery modules). The battery pack 20 is constructed by connecting these multiple battery blocks 21 in series and / or in parallel. Each battery block 21 has multiple battery cells 22. Each battery cell 22 is composed of a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, etc. In addition, lithium-ion secondary batteries are secondary batteries that use lithium as the charge carrier; besides general lithium-ion secondary batteries with a liquid electrolyte, so-called all-solid-state batteries using a solid electrolyte can also be included. These multiple battery cells 22 are connected in series and / or in parallel via a bus 23, thereby forming the battery block 21. Furthermore, the inclusion of battery blocks 21 is optional; the battery pack 20 can also be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells 22 in series and / or in parallel. In this embodiment, the battery pack 20, battery blocks 21, and battery cells 22 are equivalent to the battery section.

[0061] The battery cell 22 is equipped with a cell explosion-proof valve (safety valve) 22a that releases internal gas when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery casing exceeds a predetermined value. In the first embodiment, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is located at any position, for example, in... Figure 3 It is located on the upper surface of the battery cell 22.

[0062] Junction Box

[0063] One or more relays or switches 61 are housed within the junction box 60. For example... Figure 2 As shown, relay switch 61 is used to connect battery blocks 21 (or individual battery cells 22) in series and / or in parallel. Additionally, relay switch 61 can switch the power supply on and off in the battery pack 20, allowing the battery pack 11 to charge and discharge. These relay switches 61 are controlled by battery control device 40 and the like.

[0064] <Battery Monitoring Device>

[0065] The battery monitoring device 30 will be described below. Furthermore, the structures of all battery monitoring devices 30 are common to each other. The battery monitoring device 30 is also referred to as a Satellite Battery Module (SBM), and is configured for each battery block 21, that is, for each of the multiple individual battery cells 22. For example... Figure 2 As shown, each battery monitoring device 30 includes a monitoring IC 31, a handset-side wireless IC 32, a handset-side wireless antenna 33, etc. These are housed in the SBM housing 35, which serves as the casing of the battery monitoring device 30, while mounted on the monitoring circuit board 34. Figure 2 (Used as a single-dot dash in Chinese) and fixed.

[0066] The slave-side wireless IC 32 is wired to the monitoring IC 31. Furthermore, the slave-side wireless IC 32 is wired to the slave-side wireless antenna 33.

[0067] The monitoring IC 31, also known as the individual cell monitoring circuit, acquires (senses) battery information of each individual cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 via physical quantity detection sensors (not shown). These physical quantity detection sensors include, for example, voltage sensors, temperature sensors, and current sensors. The battery information includes, for example, voltage, temperature, and current information of each individual cell 22. Furthermore, the monitoring object of the battery monitoring device 30 can be either the battery block 21 or the entire battery pack 20; it can be arbitrarily changed.

[0068] When the monitoring IC 31 receives data requesting the acquisition and transmission of battery information (control data as control information), it acquires the battery information based on the control data and sends monitoring data (control result) containing at least the battery information. Additionally, the monitoring IC 31 may also perform fault diagnosis (self-diagnosis) on the circuitry of its own battery monitoring device 30, including the diagnostic results along with the acquired battery information, and then sends them.

[0069] The handset-side wireless IC 32 includes RF circuitry (not shown), a microprocessor, front-end circuitry, etc., for wireless data transmission and reception. The handset-side wireless IC 32 has a function to modulate data and transmit it at the frequency of an RF signal. Furthermore, the handset-side wireless IC 32 has a function to demodulate received data. RF is short for "radio frequency".

[0070] The handset-side wireless IC 32 modulates the monitoring data containing battery information received from the monitoring IC 31 and transmits it to the battery control device 40 via the handset-side wireless antenna 33. At this time, the handset-side wireless IC 32 adds communication control information and other data required for wireless communication to the monitoring data containing battery information and transmits it. The data required for wireless communication includes, for example, an identifier (ID) and an error detection code. Furthermore, the handset-side wireless IC 32 has functions for determining the data size, communication format, and schedule of communication between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, as well as error detection functions.

[0071] Additionally, the slave-side wireless IC 32 receives and demodulates data wirelessly transmitted from the battery control device 40 via the slave-side wireless antenna 33. For example, when the slave-side wireless IC 32 receives control data containing a request to acquire and transmit battery information, it transmits (forwards) the data to the monitoring IC 31 via a wired connection. Then, in response to the aforementioned request, upon receiving monitoring data containing battery information from the monitoring IC 31, the slave-side wireless IC 32 modulates response data containing the monitoring data and wirelessly transmits it to the battery control device 40 via the slave-side wireless antenna 33.

[0072] The sub-unit-side wireless antenna 33 converts the RF signal, which is an electrical signal, into an electromagnetic wave and radiates it into space. The sub-unit-side wireless antenna 33 also receives the electromagnetic waves propagating in space and converts them into electrical signals.

[0073] <Battery Control Device>

[0074] The battery control device 40 is also referred to as the battery ECU or BMU (Battery Management Unit). The battery control device 40 is configured to communicate wirelessly with each battery monitoring device 30.

[0075] In detail, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery control device 40 includes a battery control MCU 41, a host-side wireless IC 42, a host-side wireless antenna 43, etc. These components, when mounted on the control circuit board 44 of the battery control device 40, are housed within the ECU housing 45, which serves as the casing of the battery control device 40. Figure 2 (Used as a single-dot dash in Chinese) and fixed.

[0076] The host-side wireless IC 42 is wired to the battery control MCU 41. Furthermore, the host-side wireless IC 42 is wired to the host-side wireless antenna 43.

[0077] The battery control MCU 41 consists of a microcontroller unit (MCU) including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output interfaces. The CPU of the battery control MCU 41 expands the program stored in ROM into RAM and executes it. The program stored in ROM contains, for example, processing related to battery control.

[0078] As an example of battery control-related processing, the battery control MCU 41 is configured to acquire the inter-terminal voltage (total voltage) of the battery pack 20 via a voltage sensor (not shown). The total voltage of the battery pack 20 is input, for example, from the power line connecting the relay switch 61 to the electrical load (an external electrical load of the battery pack 11) in the junction box 60. The voltage sensor may be located inside the junction box 60, inside the battery control device 40, or elsewhere.

[0079] In addition, as one example of the main processing of the battery control MCU 41, the battery control MCU 41 sends control data requesting the acquisition and transmission of battery information to the battery monitoring device 30. Furthermore, based on the monitoring data containing battery information received from the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control MCU 41 performs various processes related to the monitoring of the battery pack 20, battery blocks 21, and individual battery cells 22. For example, the battery control MCU 41 sometimes sends monitoring results (monitoring data) to the vehicle ECU 14, which is the higher-level ECU. At this time, the battery control MCU 41 can calculate the SOC and / or SOH based on the battery information and send the battery information including the calculated SOC and SOH to the vehicle ECU 14. Additionally, based on the monitoring results, the battery control MCU 41 controls the relay switch 61 that switches the power-on and power-off states between the battery pack 20 and the PCU 12 and the motor 13. Furthermore, the battery control MCU 41 sometimes also sends equalization signals to equalize the voltage of each individual battery cell 22. In this embodiment, the vehicle ECU 14 instructs the PCU 12 to control the charging and discharging of the battery pack 20, but it can also be configured to be implemented by the battery control MCU 41. As described above, the battery control MCU 41 monitors and manages the battery pack 20, battery blocks 21, and individual battery cells 22.

[0080] Both the host-side wireless IC 42 and the slave-side wireless IC 32 include RF circuitry (not shown), a microcomputer, and front-end circuitry for wireless data transmission and reception. Both the host-side wireless IC 42 and the slave-side wireless IC 32 have both transmitting and receiving functions.

[0081] The host-side wireless IC 42 demodulates the monitoring data containing battery information received via the host-side wireless antenna 43 and transmits it to the battery control MCU 41. Additionally, the host-side wireless IC 42 modulates the control data received from the battery control MCU 41, adding communication control information and other data required for wireless communication, and transmits it to the battery monitoring device 30 via the host-side wireless antenna 43. The data required for wireless communication includes, for example, an identifier (ID) and an error detection code. Furthermore, the host-side wireless IC 42 has functions such as determining the data size, communication format, and schedule for communication between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, as well as error detection capabilities.

[0082] The mother-side wireless antenna 43 has the same structure and function as the daughter-side wireless antenna 33. That is, the mother-side wireless antenna 43 converts the RF signal, which is an electrical signal, into an electromagnetic wave and radiates it into space, and also receives electromagnetic waves propagating in space and converts them into electrical signals.

[0083] <Storage Case>

[0084] The housing 50 is made of a conductor such as metal. The housing 50 is formed as a metal box, roughly rectangular in shape. Alternatively, it may be partially or entirely made of a non-conductive component such as resin. The housing 50 houses the battery pack 20, the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery control device 40 within its internal battery storage space.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, a housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided in the housing 50. This housing explosion-proof valve 51 releases internal gas when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 50 exceeds a predetermined value. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 is constructed, for example, by sealing the through hole 51a of the housing 50 with a cover member 51b and welding it in place. When the pressure difference between the inside and outside exceeds a predetermined value, the cover member 51b falls off and releases gas through the through hole 51a. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 corresponds to the opening of the housing 50.

[0086] Furthermore, to facilitate the operation of the housing explosion-proof valve 51, the cover member 51b can be made of resin, or a groove can be formed on the cover member 51b to facilitate rupture when the gas pressure increases. Alternatively, the cover member 51b can be thinner than the housing 50. Also, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 does not necessarily have to be constructed by closing the through hole 51a with the cover member 51b; for example, a circular or hexagonal groove (thin-walled portion) can be formed in the housing 50, allowing the housing 50 to rupture and form the through hole 51a when the gas pressure increases. Furthermore, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 does not necessarily have to be formed on its upper surface; it can also be provided on the side or bottom surface. The number and arrangement of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 are arbitrary. However, it is preferable not to place it on surfaces obstructed by the vehicle body or other structures where gas release would be difficult.

[0087] Here, based on Figure 3 The configuration of the battery pack 20, battery monitoring device 30, battery control device 40, and junction box 60 is briefly described. The lower surface of the housing 50 serves as the mounting surface for the vehicle 10. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the interior of the battery pack 11 when viewed from above along the vertical direction. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, inside the roughly rectangular storage housing 50, multiple battery blocks 21 constituting the battery pack 20 are arranged along their long sides. Figure 3 The battery cells 22 are arranged in the X direction (in the housing 50). In each battery block 21, the battery cells 22 constituting the battery block 21 are arranged along the short side direction (in the housing 50). Figure 3 The housing 50 is arranged in a stacked configuration (Y direction). Hereinafter, the long side of the housing 50 will sometimes be represented as the X direction, the short side as the Y direction, and the up and down direction as the Z direction.

[0088] Moreover, on the upper surface of each battery block 21 ( Figure 3 The battery monitoring device 30 and busbar 23 are mounted on the Z+ direction side of the battery pack 21 and fixed with screws or the like. The battery control device 40 and junction box 60 are located at the far end along the long side (X direction). The battery control device 40 is positioned directly above the junction box 60 (Z+ direction side). The battery control device 40 is preferably positioned near the upper surface of the battery pack 21, and more preferably above the upper surface, with the motherboard-side wireless antenna 43 positioned thereon. Figure 3 The configuration of the battery pack 20, battery monitoring device 30, battery control device 40, and junction box 60 shown is an example and can be changed arbitrarily. Specific examples of changes will be described later.

[0089] To ensure proper wireless communication, the antenna characteristics of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 are preferably maintained within an appropriate range under any environment. To illustrate with a specific example, the reuse of the battery pack 11 is discussed for environmental considerations. Furthermore, in the reuse process, not only is the battery pack 11 reused as is, but also the battery monitoring system 100 and battery pack 20 constituting the battery pack 11 are considered for reuse. Moreover, the reuse is not limited to vehicles of the same type; reuse in different types of vehicles is also envisioned. Furthermore, in the case of reuse in different types of vehicles, it is possible to change the configuration of the battery pack 20 and the battery monitoring system 100, or to change the housing 50 housing the battery monitoring system 100 to another type of housing.

[0090] In this situation, the antenna characteristics of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 may sometimes be affected. Furthermore, antenna characteristics refer to, for example, VSVR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio). The impact on antenna characteristics will be explained in detail. In the SBM housing 35 and ECU housing 45, at least the portions opposite to antennas 33 and 43, specifically the portions that may become radio wave channels, are typically made of a material with radio wave permeability, such as resin, to avoid obstructing radio waves. In this embodiment, the SBM housing 35 and ECU housing 45 are made of resin. Therefore, electrostatic capacitance (parasitic capacitance) is generated between the antennas 33 and 43 and metal components existing outside the housings 35 and 45 (e.g., the battery housing 50, the battery cell 22, etc.). This electrostatic capacitance affects antenna characteristics. Therefore, considering these electrostatic capacitances, the shape, size, etc., of the antennas 33 and 43 are designed to ensure appropriate antenna characteristics.

[0091] Additionally, the SBM housing 35 and the ECU housing 45 are sometimes referred to as housing 35 and 45 respectively. Furthermore, the slave-side wireless antenna 33 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 are sometimes referred to as antenna 33 and 43 respectively. Also, the monitoring circuit board 34 and the control circuit board 44 are sometimes referred to as circuit board 34 and 44 respectively.

[0092] However, when reused, if the configuration of the battery monitoring device 30 (or battery control device 40) or the structure of the housing 50 is changed, the electrostatic capacitance between them may sometimes change. Furthermore, if the change in electrostatic capacitance relative to the original capacitance is too large, it may affect the antenna characteristics, preventing proper wireless operation. The change refers to the difference between the original and the original electrostatic capacitance, and the percentage of the change is the value calculated by dividing the change by the original capacitance. Hereinafter, the percentage of the change will be expressed as the change ratio.

[0093] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are studied so that, during reuse, the change ratio will not increase regardless of changes in the surrounding environment. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 5 Please provide a detailed explanation. Figure 5 This is a schematic side sectional view of the interior of the SBM housing 35 in the battery monitoring device 30.

[0094] like Figure 5As shown, in the battery monitoring device 30, a handset-side wireless antenna 33 is mounted on the upper surface of a monitoring circuit board 34, which is configured as a generally rectangular plate, and is housed and fixed in a resin SBM housing 35. The SBM housing 35 is formed as a flat cuboid. In addition, a handset-side wireless IC 32 is provided on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34 (the surface opposite to the surface where the handset-side wireless antenna 33 is located).

[0095] The handset-side wireless antenna 33 is a patterned antenna, for example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it includes: an element 33a for radiating radio waves; a ground plane 33b arranged opposite to the element 33a as a wiring pattern; and a dielectric 33c sandwiched between the element 33a and the ground plane 33b. The element 33a is a thin metal conductor, with a shape consisting of an L-shaped portion and a rectangular portion. The rectangular portion corresponds to a stub shape (the branch portion of the wiring). Because it is an open end, the rectangular portion is also called an open stub shape. A signal is input to the element 33a from a feed point not shown.

[0096] Ground plane 33b is a thin, elongated metal conductor, set to a potential corresponding to (as in this embodiment) the reference potential (e.g., ground) of monitoring circuit board 34. Component 33a is mounted on ground plane 33b via dielectric 33c. The pattern (shape, size, primarily the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the rectangular portion) of component 33a is adjusted to achieve the desired impedance between component 33a and ground plane 33b (the impedance of the handset-side wireless antenna 33). Furthermore, ground plane 33b is positioned on the lower side (monitoring circuit board 34 side), and component 33a is positioned on the upper side.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, a metal plate 37 serving as a proximity conductor is disposed on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34 via an insulating sheet 36. A proximity conductor is a conductor that exists nearby to a degree that affects the antenna characteristics of the handset-side wireless antenna 33. The effect on antenna characteristics refers to a change in the impedance of the handset-side wireless antenna 33. More specifically, it is a conductor that does not make electrical contact (connect) with the element 33a of the handset-side wireless antenna 33, and is disposed at a distance below the wavelength of the lowest frequency in the frequency band used for wireless communication. Hereinafter, the metal plate 37 serving as the proximity conductor in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0098] The metal plate 37 is disposed in the monitoring circuit board 34 on the side opposite to the surface where the handset-side wireless antenna 33 is mounted. The metal plate 37 is flat, and its plane is arranged parallel to the monitoring circuit board 34. Specifically, the metal plate 37 is laminated to the monitoring circuit board 34 via an insulating sheet 36. In addition, the metal plate 37 is disposed at the position closest to the handset-side wireless antenna 33 compared to other conductors (circuit elements, etc.) mounted on the monitoring circuit board 34. Specifically, in a predetermined direction (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34), the metal plate 37 is located at the position closest to the handset-side wireless antenna 33 compared to other conductors present inside the SBM housing 35. Other conductors present inside the SBM housing 35 include, for example, circuit elements (excluding circuit elements mounted on the monitoring circuit board 34), wiring, metal parts, etc. In addition, other conductors also include conductors present outside the SBM housing 35 (such as the battery housing accommodating the housing 50, busbar 23, and battery cells 22). In addition, the metal plate 37 is flat. Flat means that the thickness is thin enough compared to other dimensions. It goes without saying that it is a shape without any bumps or depressions, but it may contain some bumps or depressions.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when a predetermined direction is used as the projection direction, the metal plate 37 overlaps with at least a portion of the projection surface of the slave-side wireless antenna 33. The predetermined direction refers to the direction in which the projection surface of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 is the largest compared to its projection surface in other directions. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction is the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34. Furthermore, the projection surface of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 at least completely includes the projection surface of the component 33a and the projection surface of the ground plane 33b. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the metal plate 37 is determined such that the projection surface of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 completely overlaps with the metal plate 37 in the vertical direction. That is, the area of ​​the metal plate 37 is determined such that its projection surface is completely contained within the metal plate 37 when projected onto the slave-side wireless antenna 33 from the vertical direction. Additionally, in this embodiment, the metal plate 37 is configured to cover all slave-side wireless ICs 32 disposed on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34.

[0100] like Figure 5As shown, the monitoring circuit board 34 and the metal plate 37 are stacked and fixed inside the SBM housing 35. Furthermore, the size and shape of the SBM housing 35 and the fixed position of the monitoring circuit board 34 are determined such that the distance L11 from the upper surface of the monitoring circuit board 34 to the upper surface of the SBM housing 35 in the vertical direction is greater than the distance L12 from the handset-side wireless antenna 33 to the metal plate 37. Similarly, the size and shape of the SBM housing 35 and the fixed position of the monitoring circuit board 34 are determined such that the distance L13 from the lower surface of the metal plate 37 to the lower surface of the SBM housing 35 in the vertical direction is greater than the distance L12 from the handset-side wireless antenna 33 to the metal plate 37. Therefore, even if the external conditions of the battery monitoring device 30 (its configuration, the structure of the housing 50, etc.) change, as long as the internal structure of the battery monitoring device 30 remains unchanged, the metal plate 37 continues to be the conductor positioned closest to the handset-side wireless antenna 33.

[0101] The battery monitoring device 30 has been described above, but the battery control device 40 has a substantially similar structure. Therefore, the same description will be used here. Figure 5 The internal structure of the battery control device 40 will be briefly described below. In the battery control device 40, a host-side wireless antenna 43 is provided on the upper surface of the control circuit board 44, and is housed and fixed in a resin ECU housing 45 in a pre-configured state. In addition, the host-side wireless IC 42 is provided on the lower surface of the control circuit board 44 (the side opposite to the surface where the host-side wireless antenna 43 is located).

[0102] The motherboard-side wireless antenna 43 has the same structure as the slave-side wireless antenna 33. That is, the motherboard-side wireless antenna 43 includes: an element 43a for radiating radio waves; a ground plane 43b disposed opposite to the element 43a in an insulated state; and a dielectric 43c sandwiched between the element 43a and the ground plane 43b. The element 43a, ground plane 43b, and dielectric 43c are constructed in the same manner as the slave-side wireless antenna 33; therefore, their descriptions are omitted as they are described with reference to the slave-side wireless antenna 33.

[0103] On the lower surface of the control circuit board 44, a metal plate 47 serving as a proximity conductor is disposed via an insulating sheet 46. The shape, size, and arrangement of this metal plate 47 are the same as those of the metal plate 37 in the battery monitoring device 30. That is, the area of ​​the metal plate 47 is determined such that the projection surface of the motherboard-side wireless antenna 43 completely overlaps with the metal plate 47 in the vertical direction of the control circuit board 44. Furthermore, the metal plate 47 covers all the motherboard-side wireless ICs 42 disposed on the lower surface of the control circuit board 44. Therefore, following the description of the metal plate 37 in the battery monitoring device 30, a detailed description of the metal plate 47 is omitted.

[0104] Furthermore, the control circuit board 44 and the metal plate 47 are stacked and fixed inside the ECU housing 45. The ECU housing 45 has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the SBM housing 35, so a description is omitted.

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 This explains the function of the battery monitoring system 100 configured in this way when it is reused. Here, the description focuses on the battery monitoring device 30, but the battery control device 40 is also largely the same.

[0106] First, refer to Figure 8 The change in electrostatic capacitance in the comparative example where the metal plate 37 is absent will be explained. As previously stated, the battery monitoring device 30 is housed inside the housing 50, which is a metal conductor. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a), an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the wireless antenna 33 on the slave side and a conductor located outside the SBM housing 35, separated by a resin SBM housing 35. Figure 8 (Represented by dashed lines). The external conductors vary depending on the configuration of the battery monitoring device 30. Figure 8 In case (a), for simplicity, it is set as the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 50. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In case (a), assume that the total electrostatic capacitance generated between them is, for example, 8 pF (picofarad).

[0107] Furthermore, assuming that the battery monitoring device 30 is reused and housed in a storage housing 150 with a different structure than the storage housing 50. For simplicity, as follows... Figure 8 As shown in (b), the explanation is based on the condition that only the distance between the slave-side wireless antenna 33 of the battery monitoring device 30 and the upper surface of the housing 150 increases (moves away), while other conditions remain the same.

[0108] By increasing the distance between the wireless antenna 33 on the sub-unit side and the upper surface of the housing 150, the electrostatic capacitance between them is reduced. The total electrostatic capacitance after the change is, for example, 6pF. That is, the change is 2pF, and the change ratio is 25% (=2÷8×100).

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 9 The change in electrostatic capacitance in the first embodiment, which includes the metal plate 37, will be explained. As previously described, the battery monitoring device 30 is housed inside the housing 50, which is a metal conductor. Therefore, in its original state, as... Figure 9 As shown in (a), an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the wireless antenna 33 on the slave side and a conductor located outside the SBM housing 35, separated by a resin SBM housing 35. Figure 9 (Represented by dashed lines). The external conductors vary depending on the configuration of the battery monitoring device 30. Figure 9 In case (a), for simplicity, it is set as the upper surface of the housing 50. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in (a), a metal plate 37 serving as a proximity conductor is disposed on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34, therefore, with Figure 8 Unlike (a), almost no electrostatic capacitance is generated between the wireless antenna 33 on the sub-unit side and the lower surface of the housing 50.

[0110] On the other hand, a large electrostatic capacitance is generated between the wireless antenna 33 on the slave side and the metal plate 37. This is because, as mentioned earlier, the distance between the wireless antenna 33 on the slave side and the metal plate 37 is closest and the overlapping area is largest compared to other conductors (e.g., the lower surface of the housing 50). Therefore, in Figure 9 The total electrostatic capacitance generated in case (a) is equal to Figure 9 The case of (a) is much larger, for example, 15 pF (picofarad).

[0111] Furthermore, assuming that the battery monitoring device 30 is reused and connected with… Figure 8 (b) is also housed in the housing 150. In this case, as described above, only the distance between the handset-side wireless antenna 33 and the upper surface of the housing 150 is increased, thus reducing the electrostatic capacitance between them. In this case, compared with... Figure 8 The change (decrease) is the same as in (b), and the change is 2pF. Therefore, the total electrostatic capacitance after the change is 13pF, and the change percentage is approximately 13% (=2÷15×100).

[0112] Thus, when the battery monitoring device 30 of the first embodiment is reused, the variation ratio can be reduced compared to the case where the metal plate 37 is not present. Therefore, the impact on antenna characteristics can be reduced.

[0113] According to the above implementation method, the following effects are achieved.

[0114] The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 each include metal plates 37 and 47 as proximity conductors. When a predetermined direction is used as the projection direction, the metal plates 37 and 47 overlap at least a portion of the projection surfaces of the antennas 33 and 43. Electrostatic coupling is generated between the metal plates 37 and 47 and the antennas 33 and 43, thereby generating electrostatic capacitance. If this electrostatic capacitance is large, even if parasitic capacitance occurs with other conductors, the proportion of electrostatic capacitance with the antennas 33 and 43 is large (dominant), and even if the electrostatic capacitance with other conductors changes, the change ratio can be reduced. That is, large changes in electrostatic capacitance can be suppressed, and the influence on antenna characteristics can be suppressed.

[0115] Furthermore, metal plates 37 and 47 are positioned closest to antennas 33 and 43 compared to other conductors (excluding circuit elements mounted on circuit boards 34 and 44). This increases the electrostatic capacitance between metal plates 37 and 47 and antennas 33 and 43, thus increasing its proportion even after changes. Consequently, the change ratio can be reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43 are the largest compared to the projection surfaces in other directions. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance between metal plates 37 and 47 and antennas 33 and 43 increases, thus increasing its proportion even after modification. Consequently, the modification ratio can be reduced.

[0117] The specified direction (projection direction) is the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 (or the control circuit board 44 in the case of the battery control device 40). When the metal plates 37 and 47 are fixed to the circuit boards 34 and 44, the distance and overlap area between the antennas 33 and 43 and the metal plates 37 and 47 can be stabilized, and the electrostatic capacitance can be made less prone to change.

[0118] Furthermore, the metal plates 37 and 47 are flat, and their planes are arranged parallel to the circuit boards 34 and 44. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance between the metal plates 37 and 47 and the antennas 33 and 43 increases. In addition, even if the structure of the battery pack 11 on the side where the metal plates 37 and 47 are disposed changes, such as changes in the structure and arrangement of the battery pack 20 disposed on the side of the metal plates 37 in the battery monitoring device 30, the distance and overlap area between the antennas 33 and 43 and the metal plates 37 and 47 can be kept stable, and the electrostatic capacitance is not easily affected.

[0119] Furthermore, in the circuit boards 34 and 44, metal plates 37 and 47 are disposed on the lower surface opposite to the upper surface on which the components 33a and 43a are disposed. Therefore, the metal plates 37 and 47 can prevent them from blocking electromagnetic waves radiated from the components 33a and 43a.

[0120] Furthermore, in the circuit boards 34 and 44, the slave-side wireless IC 32 and the master-side wireless IC 42 are disposed on the lower surface opposite to the upper surface where components 33a and 43a are disposed, and the metal plates 37 and 47 are configured to cover the slave-side wireless IC 32 and the master-side wireless IC 42. The metal plates 37 and 47 can isolate external noise and suppress its influence on the slave-side wireless IC 32 and the master-side wireless IC 42. In addition, since the slave-side wireless IC 32 and the master-side wireless IC 42 are disposed on a different surface from the components 33a and 43a, adverse mutual influence can be prevented.

[0121] Furthermore, in the specified direction (vertical direction), the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43 completely overlap with metal plates 37 and 47. This maximizes the overlap area and increases the electrostatic capacitance ratio between metal plates 37 and 47 and antennas 33 and 43, thus reducing the variation ratio.

[0122] Components 33a and 43a have an L-shape and a stub shape, respectively. This allows for adjustment of the electrostatic capacitance between components 33a and 43a and ground planes 33b and 43b, the impedance in antennas 33 and 43, and the electrostatic capacitance between components 33a and 43a and metal plates 37 and 47, thereby improving antenna characteristics.

[0123] Insulating sheets 36 and 46 are included between the antennas 33 and 43 (more specifically, circuit boards 34 and 44) ​​and the metal plates 37 and 47. Thus, even if a high-voltage source such as the battery cell 22 is placed below the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 due to a change in configuration, leakage current from the antennas 33 and 43 can be prevented by the insulating sheets 36 and 46.

[0124] (A variation of the first embodiment)

[0125] The following describes a modified example in which a portion of the structure of the battery pack 11 is altered.

[0126] In the first embodiment described above, the SBM housing 35 and the ECU housing 45 are made of resin, but a portion of them may also be made of conductors (such as metal). For example, in this case, it could be as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the lower surface of the SBM housing 35 is made of metal, and this lower surface functions as a metal plate 37. This reduces the number of components. The ECU housing 45 can also be constructed in the same way.

[0127] • In the first embodiment described above, if part or all of the SBM housing 35 and the ECU housing 45 are made of conductors (metal, etc.), it is necessary to provide a passage portion to allow radio waves from the antennas 33 and 43 to pass through.

[0128] For example, if the SBM housing 35 is made of metal, it can be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, on the side of the SBM housing 35, at the position opposite to the handset-side wireless antenna 33 (in Figure 11A port 35a is provided near the center in the Y direction. The port 35a is positioned on the side of the radio wave propagation path closer to the communication target (battery control device 40) than the handset-side wireless antenna 33. Alternatively, the port 35a is positioned on the side of the radio wave propagation path opposite to the metal plate 37, with reference to the handset-side wireless antenna 33. Specifically, the port 35a is located on the side of the SBM housing 35, extending to the upper surface from a position higher than the monitoring circuit board 34 (Z+ side). Alternatively, the port 35a can also be positioned from the side of the SBM housing 35 to the upper surface, and the surface of the upper surface of the SBM housing 35 opposite to the handset-side wireless antenna 33 can also be the port 35a.

[0129] exist Figure 11 The opening 35a is covered by a resin cover, but it can be configured in any way as long as radio waves can pass through, and it can even be left open without any material. Thus, even when a metal plate 37 is provided, radio waves can be properly input and output.

[0130] Furthermore, the port 35a is preferably positioned opposite the handset-side wireless antenna 33, and even more preferably positioned on the side opposite to the metal plate 37. That is, when the metal plate 37 is positioned on the lower surface (Z-side) of the monitoring circuit board 34, it is preferably positioned above the upper surface (Z+side) where the handset-side wireless antenna 33 is located. Thus, even when the metal plate 37 is present, appropriate input and output of radio waves can be achieved.

[0131] Furthermore, the width of the port 35a is set to be more than half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna 33 on the sub-unit side. The width can be any directional width, either longitudinal or lateral. For example, in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the Z-direction (the direction perpendicular to the monitoring circuit board 34 as the projection direction), in... Figure 11 In the modified example shown, the width L15 of the aperture 35a in the Y direction is set to be more than half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna 33 on the sub-unit side. This ensures an appropriate propagation path for the radio wave passing through the aperture 35a in the Y direction.

[0132] In the first embodiment described above, in the projection direction (the Z direction, which is the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34), it is preferable not to place a conductor on the side of the metal plate 37 opposite to the slave-side wireless antenna 33 (i.e., the upper side of the monitoring circuit board 34). However, if a conductor is placed, it is preferable that the distance between the conductor and the slave-side wireless antenna 33 is at least half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the slave-side wireless antenna 33. Furthermore, the ECU housing 45 can also be configured similarly.

[0133] For example, as in the first embodiment, when the upper surface (conductor) of the housing 50 is arranged in the Z direction, the distance between the upper surface of the housing 50 and the sub-unit-side wireless antenna 33 is set to be more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the sub-unit-side wireless antenna 33. This ensures an appropriate propagation path for the radio wave in the Z direction.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown in the modified example, when the upper surface (conductor) of the SBM housing 35 is arranged in the Z direction, the distance L16 between the upper surface of the SBM housing 35 and the sub-unit side wireless antenna 33 is set to be more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the sub-unit side wireless antenna 33. Therefore, in the Z direction, the propagation path of the radio wave passing through the port 35a can be appropriately ensured.

[0135] In the first embodiment described above, the distance between the upper surface of the SBM housing 35 and the slave-side wireless antenna 33 is preferably at least half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the slave-side wireless antenna 33. Therefore, even if the external structure of the SBM housing 35 is changed, for example, if a conductor is placed on the outside of the SBM housing 35, the propagation path in the Z direction (vertical direction) can be set to at least half the wavelength of the radio wave through the SBM housing 35. Thus, the propagation path of the radio wave in the Z direction can be appropriately ensured. Furthermore, the ECU housing 45 can also be configured similarly.

[0136] In the first embodiment described above, the shapes of elements 33a and 43a can be arbitrarily changed to obtain the desired antenna characteristics. For example, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the stub shape (the rectangular portion) can be changed, or the stub shape can be omitted. Alternatively, it may not be an L-shape. Furthermore, it can be as follows... Figure 12 As shown, comb-shaped teeth 133 are provided on components 33a and 43a. This allows the impedance and electrostatic capacitance to be adjusted to arbitrary values.

[0137] • In the first embodiment described above, the shapes of the grounding plates 33b and 43b can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the grounding plates 33b and 43b can be modified as follows: Figure 13 As shown in (a), a comb-like shape 111 is formed, as Figure 13 As shown in (b), a serpentine shape 112 is formed. Furthermore, the ground planes 33b and 43b do not need to be opposite to the entire area of ​​components 33a and 43a; they can also be arranged as shown in [the diagram]. Figure 14 The portion shown does not overlap with components 33a and 43a. Therefore, the impedance, etc., can be adjusted appropriately. Figure 14 For ease of illustration, dielectrics 33c and 43c are omitted.

[0138] Furthermore, regardless of the shape of the components 33a, 43a, and the ground planes 33b, 43b, the projection surfaces of the antennas 33 and 43 shall at least completely encompass the projection surfaces of the components 33a, 43a and the ground planes 33b, 43b.

[0139] In the first embodiment described above, metal plates 37 and 47 are configured to cover the lower surfaces of circuit boards 34 and 44. However, if a portion of the projection surface of antennas 33 and 43 overlaps with metal plates 37 and 47, their size can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it can be as follows: Figure 15 As shown in (a), approximately half of the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43 overlap with metal plates 37 and 47. Alternatively, it can be as follows... Figure 15 As shown in (b), the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43 have the same area as, but only partially overlap with, the metal plates 37 and 47. Alternatively, although not shown, metal plates 37 and 47 can be provided that are completely identical to the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the size of metal plates 37 and 47 such that more than half of the projection surfaces of antennas 33 and 43 overlap with metal plates 37 and 47.

[0140] (Second Implementation)

[0141] The battery pack of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0142] As in the first embodiment, in the battery monitoring system 100 utilizing wireless communication, since communication is affected by electromagnetic noise, an electromagnetic wave shielding member (a metal conductor in the first embodiment) is used in the housing 50 (the housing of the battery pack 11) that houses the battery monitoring system 100 to absorb or reflect electromagnetic noise from the outside. Furthermore, as a document describing the use of an electromagnetic wave absorbing member in the housing, for example, there is the patent document shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-510956.

[0143] However, the sources of electromagnetic noise are not limited to those outside the housing 50; sometimes they also exist inside the housing 50. For example, in the first embodiment, a junction box 60, which has a relay switch 61 and performs current connection switching, is a major noise source located inside the housing 50 of the battery pack 11. Therefore, when wireless communication is used inside the housing 50, it is necessary to suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise from noise sources inside the housing 50.

[0144] The second embodiment was made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to suppress the influence of noise generated inside the housing 50. A detailed description will follow.

[0145] As described in the first embodiment, the battery control device 40 is positioned near the junction box 60 (directly above it in the first embodiment) to obtain the total voltage (inter-terminal voltage) of the battery pack 20 from the junction box 60. The relay switch 61 of the junction box 60 is connected to an external electrical load (inverter, etc.), making it a point where noise can easily enter via wiring. Furthermore, the relay switch 61 also generates electromagnetic noise during switching. Therefore, the junction box 60 can be considered a noise source within the housing 50 (battery storage space).

[0146] Therefore, in the second embodiment, as Figures 16-17 As shown, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201, which serves as an electromagnetic wave shielding member, is provided between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60, which is a noise source, thereby shielding electromagnetic wave noise directed towards the battery control device 40. Additionally, a battery cell 22, which serves as an electromagnetic wave shielding member, is provided between the battery monitoring device 30 and the junction box 60, which is a noise source, thereby shielding electromagnetic wave noise directed towards the battery monitoring device 30.

[0147] A detailed explanation will follow. First, the configuration of the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control device 40, and the junction box 60 in the second embodiment will be explained. Figure 16 This is a top view of the interior of the housing 50 in the second embodiment (viewed from the Z+ direction). Figure 17 This is a side view (viewed from the Y direction) showing the interior of the housing 50 of the second embodiment.

[0148] like Figure 16 As shown, multiple battery blocks 21 are arranged along the long side (X direction) of the housing 50. Furthermore, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are disposed between the side wall 50a of the housing 50 in the X direction and the side of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, the battery blocks 21 disposed at one end in the X direction). The battery control device 40 is positioned directly above the junction box 60. Additionally, as... Figure 17 As shown, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are positioned below the upper surface of the battery block 21.

[0149] In this embodiment, since the junction box 60 is located directly below the battery control device 40, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is provided on the lower side of the battery control device 40. This electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is made of a conductive component. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is formed of a thin metal plate.

[0150] The electromagnetic wave shield 201 is large enough to cover at least the components in the battery control device 40 that are susceptible to electromagnetic noise, such as the battery control MCU 41, the host-side wireless IC 42, and the host-side wireless antenna 43. Preferably, its size is such that it completely covers the lower surface of the control circuit board 44, and specifically, the lower surface of the ECU housing 45, in the second embodiment, it is configured to almost cover the upper surface of the junction box 60.

[0151] Furthermore, in the battery control device 40, the mother machine-side wireless antenna 43 is mounted on the upper surface of the control circuit board 44, radiating radio waves upwards. Figure 16 , Figure 17 In the diagram, a dashed line represents an example of radio waves radiated from the wireless antenna 43 on the motherboard side. Therefore, electromagnetic wave shielding 201 is used to prevent the radio waves from being shielded. Within the frequency band used for wireless communication, the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the battery control device 40 and input to the battery monitoring device 30, which is the target of communication, is determined to be stronger than the intensity of the electromagnetic noise generated by the junction box 60.

[0152] On the other hand, such as Figure 16 As shown, multiple battery monitoring devices 30 are disposed between the side wall 50b of the housing 50 in the short side direction (Y direction) and the side of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, the side of each battery block 21 in the Y direction). Additionally, as... Figure 17 As shown, the battery monitoring device 30 is positioned below the upper surface of the battery block 21. Furthermore, due to space constraints, the battery monitoring device 30 is placed vertically (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is the Y direction), but the placement method can be arbitrarily changed. The handset-side wireless antenna 33 is disposed in the Y direction on the surface opposite to the battery block 21 (on the side wall 50b side of the housing 50). Additionally, as... Figure 17 As shown, the wireless antenna 33 on the sub-unit side is positioned above the junction box 60 in the Z direction.

[0153] Thus, a battery block 21 is disposed between the junction box 60 and the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery casing of the battery block 21 (or the battery casing of the individual battery cell 22) is made of a metal conductor that shields against electromagnetic noise. Therefore, the battery casing functions as an electromagnetic shielding member sandwiched between the junction box 60 and the battery monitoring device 30. Within the frequency band used for wireless communication, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the battery monitoring device 30 and input to the battery control device 40, which is the target of communication, is determined to be stronger than the intensity of the electromagnetic noise generated by the junction box 60.

[0154] Furthermore, the wireless antenna 33 on the slave side is positioned on the upper side of the monitoring circuit board 34 in the Z direction, radiating radio waves upwards (indicated by dashed lines). As a result, the radio waves radiated upwards from the battery monitoring device 30 are reflected at the upper surface (top) of the housing 50 and other locations, and then input to the battery control device 40. Figure 16 , 17 The dashed line illustrates one example of the electromagnetic wave path. It's also possible that the electromagnetic wave radiated from the battery monitoring device 30 is first reflected at the side wall 50b of the housing 50, then repeatedly reflected at the upper surface of the housing 50, the battery casing, etc., before being input to the battery control device 40. Similarly, electromagnetic waves radiated upwards from the battery control device 40 are reflected at the upper surface of the housing 50, etc., before being input to the battery monitoring device 30. This electromagnetic wave path is also an example; sometimes, electromagnetic waves radiated from the battery control device 40 are repeatedly reflected at the upper surface of the housing 50, the battery casing, etc., and after being reflected at the side wall 50b of the housing 50, they are input to the battery monitoring device 30.

[0155] Alternatively, electromagnetic noise radiated from the side of the junction box 60 may be reflected at the side walls 50a and 50b of the housing 50, bypassing the side of the battery block 21 and reaching the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. To suppress the influence of this electromagnetic noise, electromagnetic shielding can be used to cover the sides of the junction box 60, the battery monitoring device 30, or the battery control device 40.

[0156] According to the above implementation method, the following effects are achieved.

[0157] An electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is sandwiched between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60. This suppresses electromagnetic noise from the junction box 60 affecting the battery control device 40. Similarly, a battery cell 22 (battery casing) functioning as an electromagnetic wave shielding member is sandwiched between the battery monitoring device 30 and the junction box 60. This also suppresses electromagnetic noise from the junction box 60 affecting the battery monitoring device 30.

[0158] Within the battery storage space of the housing 50, the slave-side wireless antenna 33 of the battery monitoring device 30 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 of the battery control device 40 are positioned above the junction box 60, allowing radio waves to be reflected at the upper surface of the housing 50 for communication. This prevents radio waves from being shielded by the junction box 60, enabling appropriate wireless communication.

[0159] The slave-side wireless antenna 33 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 are positioned above the electromagnetic wave shielding component 201, which separates the junction box 60. Therefore, even without the electromagnetic wave shielding component on the side, noise generated by the junction box 60 can be prevented from easily reaching the antennas 33 and 43.

[0160] The electromagnetic wave intensity radiated from the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 is stronger than the electromagnetic noise intensity generated by the junction box 60. Therefore, the influence of electromagnetic noise can be suppressed.

[0161] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0162] Hereinafter, a modified example of a portion of the structure of the battery pack 11 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0163] In the second embodiment described above, the SBM housing 35 and the ECU housing 45 are made of resin, but a portion of them may also be made of electromagnetic wave shielding components (such as metal). In this case, it is preferable that the surface of the SBM housing 35 or the ECU housing 45 disposed on the side of the junction box 60 is an electromagnetic wave shielding component. For example, such as... Figure 17 As shown, if the junction box 60 is located directly below the battery control device 40, the lower surface of the ECU housing 45 can be formed by a metal conductor, and this lower surface can function as an electromagnetic wave shield (electromagnetic wave shielding member). In this case, the electromagnetic wave shield 201 can be omitted, reducing the number of components. Alternatively, the left side of the SBM housing 35 (the side of the junction box 60) can also be formed by an electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0164] • In the second embodiment described above, if part or all of the SBM housing 35 and the ECU housing 45 are made of conductors (metal, etc.), it is necessary to provide a passage portion to allow radio waves from the antennas 33 and 43 to pass through.

[0165] For example, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, when the propagation path of the radio wave exists above (in the Z+ direction) and the electromagnetic wave shield 201 is positioned directly below the battery control device 40, it is possible to achieve the following: Figure 18 As shown, on the upper surface of the ECU housing 45, at a position opposite to the mother machine side wireless antenna 43 (in Figure 18 The port 245a is set near the right side (in the middle).

[0166] exist Figure 18 In the middle, the opening 245a is covered by a resin cover, but it can be configured in any way as long as radio waves can pass through, and it can even be left open without any decoration. The opening 245a is configured such that it is positioned in the propagation path of the radio waves closer to the communication target than antennas 33 and 43, and not positioned on the junction box 60 side. That is, in Figure 18 In the example, the port 245a of the ECU housing 45 is located on the upper surface (the side opposite to the junction box 60 side).

[0167] Alternatively, in this case, the lower surface of the ECU housing 45 can also be made of a conductor such as metal, functioning as an electromagnetic wave shielding member (electromagnetic wave shield). Therefore, it is unnecessary to install an electromagnetic wave shielding member (electromagnetic wave shield 201, etc.) outside the battery control device 40, thus reducing the number of components.

[0168] In addition, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, in the case of a battery monitoring device 30 where the propagation path of the radio waves exists on the top (Z+ direction) and the side of the battery cell 22 (battery block 21) is arranged in the Y direction, a passage can also be provided on the upper surface (Z+ direction surface) of the SBM housing 35, at a position opposite to the handset-side wireless antenna 33 (near the center in the X direction). Alternatively, assuming that the propagation path of the radio waves is reflected at the side wall 50b of the housing 50 and enters and exits from the side wall 50b side of the battery monitoring device 30, a passage can be provided on the side of the SBM housing 35 (side wall 50b), at a position opposite to the handset-side wireless antenna 33. Furthermore, the passage provided in the SBM housing 35 preferably opens in a direction different from the direction of the battery cell 22, which functions as an electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0169] • Antennas 33 and 43 in the second embodiment described above may also be directional antennas that radiate radio waves in a directional manner. A directional antenna is an antenna with strong radio wave intensity in a specified direction. When using a directional antenna, it is preferable to determine the direction of the antenna as follows: the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the directional antenna are stronger is directed toward the communication target, and not toward noise sources or electromagnetic wave shielding components.

[0170] For example, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, when the junction box 60 and the electromagnetic wave shield 201 are positioned directly below the battery control device 40 and the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave is set on the upper side, it is preferable to determine the direction of the directional antenna as follows: the direction in which the electromagnetic wave radiated from the directional antenna is stronger is directed upward (to the side of the battery monitoring device 30 in the propagation path), and not downward (to the side of the junction box 60, etc.).

[0171] Similarly, as Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, with a battery cell 22 (battery block 21) arranged on one side in the Y direction, a side wall 50b of the housing 50 arranged on the other side, and the battery monitoring device 30 located on the upper side as the propagation path of the radio waves, the direction of the directional antenna is preferably determined as follows: the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the directional antenna are stronger is directed upwards (towards the battery control device 40 side in the propagation path), and not to the side (towards the battery cell 22 or the side wall 50b side). Alternatively, assuming that the radio waves are reflected at the side wall 50b of the housing 50 and enter / exit from the side wall 50b side of the battery monitoring device 30, the direction of the directional antenna can be determined as follows: the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the directional antenna are stronger is directed towards the side of the SBM housing 35 (the side of the side wall 50b).

[0172] Therefore, it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves from being shielded by the directional antenna due to the influence of electromagnetic wave shielding components and noise sources, and to enable proper wireless communication.

[0173] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, the configuration of the battery block 21 (including battery cells 22), battery monitoring device 30, battery control device 40, and junction box 60 can be arbitrarily changed. See below for reference. Figures 19-23 This section provides an explanation of configuration-related changes.

[0174] exist Figure 19 In the illustrated modification, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are disposed between the side wall 50a of the housing 50 in the X direction and the side of the battery pack 20. Furthermore, the battery control device 40 is arranged laterally with the junction box 60 in the Y direction. Additionally, in Figure 19 In the middle, the junction box 60 is located on the left side in the Y direction, and the battery control device 40 is located on the right side. Furthermore, in Figure 19 In a modified example, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is disposed between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40. That is, it almost covers the side of the junction box 60 on the side of the battery control device 40 in the Y direction. Figure 19 Electromagnetic wave shielding component 201 is installed in a manner that is located on the right side of the screen.

[0175] exist Figure 19 In a modified example, similar to the modified example described above, if the ECU housing 45 is provided with a passage 245a for radio waves to pass through, it can be configured to open towards the communication target, and not towards the junction box 60 or the electromagnetic wave shielding member 201, which are noise sources. For example, it can be on the upper surface of the ECU housing 45 or on the side of the battery monitoring device 30 in the Y direction ( Figure 19On the right side of the device, a port 245a is provided at a position corresponding to the wireless antenna 43 on the motherboard side. Furthermore, if the battery control device 40 uses a directional antenna, the direction of the directional antenna should be determined so that the direction of stronger radio wave intensity is towards the communication target, and not towards the junction box 60 or the electromagnetic wave shield 201. For example, in... Figure 19 In the example, the direction in which the radio wave intensity increases can be upward or... Figure 19 To the right of the middle.

[0176] Similarly, if the SBM housing 35 has a passageway for radio waves to pass through, the passageway can be provided on the upper surface of the SBM housing 35, on the side of the battery control device 40 in the X direction, or on the side of the side wall 50b of the housing 50 in the Y direction, at a position corresponding to the wireless antenna 33 on the handset side. Furthermore, if the battery monitoring device 30 uses a directional antenna, in... Figure 19 In this example, the direction in which the radio wave intensity increases can be upward or in the direction of the battery monitoring device 30 in the propagation path.

[0177] exist Figure 20 In the modified example shown in (a), the battery blocks 21 (or battery cells 22) are arranged in two rows in the X direction with a central gap in the short side direction (Y direction) of the housing 50. Hereinafter, the central gap in the Y direction will be referred to as the central passage 210. Furthermore, as... Figure 20 As shown in (b), at one end of the housing 50 in the X direction, the battery block 21 (or battery cell 22) is multi-layered in the Z direction (in Figure 20 The cells are stacked in two layers. In addition, a small gap 211 is formed in the X direction between the multi-layered battery block 21 and the single-layer battery block 21.

[0178] The battery control device 40 is disposed in the central passage 210. The position of the battery control device 40 within the central passage 210 is arbitrary. Figure 20 (a) is located near the multi-layered battery block 21.

[0179] The battery monitoring device 30 is fixed to the side of the central passage 210 in each battery block 21. Additionally, as... Figure 20 As shown in (b), a battery monitoring device 30 is fixed to the side of each of the multilayer battery blocks 21 (the side of the battery control device 40 in the X direction). In this modified example, the battery monitoring device 30 is fixed in a longitudinal position (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is the Y direction or the X direction), but the placement method can be changed arbitrarily.

[0180] Furthermore, the battery monitoring device 30 and battery control device 40, which are disposed in the central passage 210, use the central passage 210 as a propagation path for wireless communication. In addition, the battery monitoring device 30, which is fixed to the side of each of the multi-layered battery blocks 21, uses the gap 211 formed between the multi-layered battery blocks 21 and the single-layered battery blocks 21, and the space above the battery blocks 21 as a propagation path for wireless communication.

[0181] Junction box 60 is positioned at any location within the central passageway 210. Since junction box 60 is covered by a metal casing (electromagnetic wave shielding component), electromagnetic noise leakage to the outside of junction box 60 is suppressed. Therefore, even if the central passageway 210 is used as a propagation path for electromagnetic waves, the influence of electromagnetic noise generated by junction box 60 can be suppressed.

[0182] exist Figure 21 In variations of (a) and (b) of 21, the configuration of battery block 21, battery monitoring device 30, and junction box 60 is the same as... Figure 20 The variations are the same. For example... Figure 21 As shown in (a), the battery control device 40 is fixed to the side of the multilayer battery block 21 in the Y direction. The battery control device 40 uses the space above the battery block 21 as a propagation path for radio waves.

[0183] exist Figure 22 In the variations of (a) and (b) of 22, such as Figure 22 As shown in (b), a storage housing 250 with an L-shaped (stepped) profile (viewed from the Y direction) is used. Battery blocks 21 (or individual battery cells 22) are arranged in one or more rows along the X direction in the short side direction (Y direction) of the storage housing 250. Furthermore, at one end of the long side direction (X direction) of the storage housing 250, the battery blocks 21 (or individual battery cells 22) are arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction (Z direction). Figure 22 The layers are stacked in a manner that consists of two layers.

[0184] And, as Figure 22 As shown in (b), a battery monitoring device 30 is fixed to the side of each battery block 21 (the side on one side in the Y direction). Additionally, a battery control device 40 is fixed to the side of the two stacked battery blocks 21 (the same side as the side where the battery monitoring device 30 is fixed). The battery control device 40 is positioned below the upper battery block 21 in a manner that does not interfere with the battery monitoring device 30.

[0185] The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are located in the housing 250 and use the space between the Y-direction sidewall 250b and the battery block 21, that is, the space in the Y-direction side inside the housing 250 (battery storage space), to conduct wireless communication.

[0186] like Figure 22 As shown in (a), the junction box 60 is fixed to the X-direction side of the upper battery block 21 of the two stacked battery blocks 21. In this modified example, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is provided to cover the side of the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 in the Y-direction of the junction box 60. As a result, electromagnetic wave noise radiated from the side of the junction box 60 to the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can be suppressed.

[0187] Furthermore, the X-direction side of the junction box 60 is covered by the side wall of the battery block 21 or the housing 250. Therefore, electromagnetic noise radiated from the X-direction side of the junction box 60 can be suppressed.

[0188] in addition, Figure 23 (a) and Figure 23 (b) shows Figure 22 Variations. For example... Figure 23 As shown in (a), the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40 can be disposed at one end of the housing 250 in the X direction (the side opposite to the two battery cells 21). In this case, it is sufficient to place the battery control device 40 directly above the junction box 60 and arrange the electromagnetic wave shield 201 to cover the upper surface of the junction box 60. Then, the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 use the space between the side wall 250b of the housing 250 in the Y direction and the battery cells 21 as the propagation path for radio waves to perform wireless communication.

[0189] in addition, Figure 23 The example in (b) is also similar to Figure 23 Similarly, in (a), the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40 are located at one end of the housing 250 in the X direction (the side opposite to the two battery packs 21). Additionally, Figure 23 (b) is also with Figure 23 Similarly, in (a) the battery control device 40 is positioned directly above the junction box 60, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is positioned to cover the upper surface of the junction box 60. Furthermore, in Figure 23 In example (b), the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of each battery block 21. Furthermore, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the X-direction side of the upper battery block 21. And, in Figure 23 In example (b), the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 use the space above the battery block 21 as the propagation path of radio waves to conduct wireless communication.

[0190] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, such as Figure 24As shown, a long, plate-shaped blade cell 260 extending along the Y direction of the housing 50 can be used as the battery cell. This blade cell 260 is stacked in the X direction of the housing 50. Furthermore, the electrode terminals of the blade cell 260 are arranged on either side or both sides of the Y direction. Alternatively, the electrode terminals of the blade cell 260 can also be provided on the upper surface.

[0191] Furthermore, in the Y direction, on one side of the blade unit 260 (in Figure 24 The right side (center) is equipped with multiple battery monitoring devices 30. Additionally, at one end of the housing 50 in the X direction, the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40 are arranged laterally in the Y direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 24 As shown, similarly to the above, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 201 is arranged between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40, with the battery control device 40 positioned on the side of the battery monitoring device 30. The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 utilize the space on the Y-direction side of the housing 50 and above the blade unit 260 as the propagation path for electromagnetic waves to conduct wireless communication.

[0192] Additionally, by placing it on the opposite side of the battery monitoring device 30 in the Y direction ( Figure 24 The left side of the blade unit 260 is provided with electrode terminals and busbar 23, which can suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise generated by the electrode terminals and busbar 23.

[0193] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, it can be as follows: Figure 25 As shown, the battery blocks 21 are arranged in multiple rows along the long side (X direction) of the housing 50 (in... Figure 25 The cells are arranged in a four-row configuration along the short side (Y direction). At this time, the individual cells 22 constituting each battery block 21 can be stacked along the Y direction with their electrode terminals concentrated at one end in the X direction.

[0194] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 25 As shown, a communication path 270 is provided at the center of the housing 50 in the Y direction. The battery blocks 21 are arranged symmetrically about the communication path 270. Additionally, as... Figure 25 As shown in the third row from the top, when the number of battery blocks 21 arranged along the Y direction is less than that of other rows, the battery blocks 21 are arranged closer to the central communication path 270.

[0195] exist Figure 25In this configuration, the battery monitoring device 30 is arranged along the communication path 270. Additionally, the battery control device 40 is arranged laterally with the junction box 60 in the Y direction at one end of the housing 50 in the X direction. Furthermore, an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is provided between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60, its size being such that it almost completely covers the side of the junction box 60 or the side of the ECU housing 45. Moreover, the battery control device 40 is preferably arranged closer to the communication path 270 than the junction box 60. Figure 25 In this configuration, the battery control device 40 is positioned on the communication path 270. The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 use the communication path 270 as a propagation path for radio waves to conduct wireless communication.

[0196] In addition, Figure 25 In a modified example, the electrode terminals of the battery cells 22 constituting the battery block 21 are preferably disposed on the upper surface or other surfaces that are not opposite to the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40. This helps to suppress the influence of noise that may be generated by the electrode terminals and the busbar 23.

[0197] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, the shapes of the housings 50, 150, and 250 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, Figure 26 The sidewall 50a of the housing 251 shown in (a) has a storage space 252 at a protrusion 250a that protrudes along the long side. The battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are housed in the storage space 252. The storage space 252 is closed at its opening by a partition 253 and is separated from the space 254 for housing the battery pack 21. The partition 253 is formed of a material that allows radio waves to pass through (e.g., resin).

[0198] The battery control device 40 allows radio waves to pass through via the partition 253, enabling wireless communication with the battery monitoring device 30 located near the battery pack 21. The junction box 60 can be enclosed by a metal housing (electromagnetic wave shielding component).

[0199] Alternatively, the partition 253 of the storage space 252 can also be made of an electromagnetic wave shielding component. In this case, an electromagnetic wave shielding component 201 is provided between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40, and only the mother unit-side wireless antenna 43 is placed in the space where the battery pack 21 is stored. Alternatively, a passageway for radio waves can be provided in the partition 253, through which radio waves are input and output.

[0200] In addition, such as Figure 26 As shown in (b) the housing 255, the protrusion 250a (i.e. the storage space 252) may not be provided on the side wall 50a, but on the upper surface.

[0201] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, it is also possible to... Figure 27 The configuration is changed as shown. The battery blocks 21 are arranged in two rows along the long side (X direction) of the housing 50 in the short side direction (Y direction). The battery blocks 21 are configured as multiple battery cells 22 stacked along the X direction. In addition, the electrode terminals of each battery cell 22 are arranged in one or both of the Y directions and connected to each other to form the battery blocks 21.

[0202] A central passage 280 is provided in the center of the Y-direction, and multiple battery monitoring devices 30 are configured in the central passage 280. Figure 27 The middle element is placed vertically, but the placement method is arbitrary.

[0203] exist Figure 27 In the middle, the number of battery blocks 21 in the left column is one less than the number of battery blocks 21 in the right column, and a storage space is provided at the end in the X direction. A battery control device 40 and a junction box 60 are arranged in this storage space. Figure 27 In the variant shown, junction box 60 includes a metal housing (electromagnetic shielding member), but an electromagnetic shielding member may also be provided to separate it from battery control device 40 and battery monitoring device 30.

[0204] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, it is also possible to... Figure 28 The configuration is changed as shown. The battery blocks 21 are arranged in two rows along the long side (X direction) in the short side direction (Y direction) of the housing 50. The battery blocks 21 are configured as multiple battery cells 22 stacked along the Y direction. In addition, the electrode terminals of each battery cell 22 are provided on the upper surface (Z+ direction) and connected to each other to form the battery blocks 21.

[0205] A central passage 290 is provided in the center of the Y direction, and multiple battery monitoring devices 30 are configured in the central passage 290. Figure 28 The middle element is placed vertically, but the placement method is arbitrary.

[0206] exist Figure 28 In the housing 50, a junction box 60 is positioned near the center in the Y direction at the X-direction end. A battery control device 40 is also positioned next to it. Figure 28 In the illustrated variation, the junction box 60 includes a metal housing (electromagnetic wave shielding component), making it difficult for electromagnetic noise to leak to the outside. Alternatively, an electromagnetic wave shielding component can be provided to separate it from the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30. Figure 28 In this process, the space above the battery block 21 is used as the propagation path for radio waves.

[0207] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, the structure of the electromagnetic wave shielding member can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it can be as follows: Figure 29As shown in (a), the metal casing 292 housing the circuit board 291 is used as an electromagnetic wave shielding member sandwiched between the battery control device 40 (or battery monitoring device 30) and the junction box 60, which is a noise source. Additionally, Figure 29 The circuit board 291 of (a) is, for example, a circuit board equipped with an abnormality monitoring device that detects the current value and commands the current to be cut off when an abnormal value is detected.

[0208] • In the second embodiment and its variations described above, such as Figure 29 As shown in (b), the heat sink 293 (conductor) used in the junction box 60 can also be used as an electromagnetic wave shielding component.

[0209] In the second embodiment and its variations described above, the junction box 60 is specifically designated as a noise source. However, other structures can also be designated as noise sources, and they can be separated by electromagnetic wave shielding members. For example, busbar 23 and power terminals, where current may flow from external electrical loads, can be considered noise sources. When busbar 23 and power terminals are considered noise sources, they can be covered with a metal casing or the like. If the intensity of the radiated electromagnetic noise is above a predetermined threshold, it can be considered a noise source.

[0210] In the above embodiments and modifications, the electromagnetic wave shielding component is not limited to metal; it can also be a component coated with a conductive coating or a component made of metal fibers. Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave shielding component can be a metal such as copper or aluminum, which has a high electromagnetic wave reflection loss, or a metal such as iron, which has a high electromagnetic wave absorption loss. Additionally, the electromagnetic wave noise targets noise in the frequency range of approximately 300Hz to 3THz that interferes with RF signals, but may also include electromagnetic wave noise in other frequency ranges.

[0211] • In the second embodiment described above, the metal plates 37 and 47 that are close to the antennas 33 and 43 and are electrostatically coupled as proximity conductors may not be provided.

[0212] (Third implementation method)

[0213] The battery pack of the third embodiment will now be described.

[0214] As described in the first embodiment, explosion-proof valves are typically provided in the battery pack 11 and the individual battery cells 22 to release gas when the internal pressure (more specifically, the pressure difference between the inside and outside) exceeds a predetermined value. Explosion-proof valves are described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-074279. However, in the case of wireless communication, when gas is ejected from such an explosion-proof valve, the gas may affect wireless communication.

[0215] The third embodiment was made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a battery pack 11 (power unit) that can suppress the impact on wireless communication even when gas is ejected from the explosion-proof valve.

[0216] The following is for reference Figure 30 The battery pack 11 of the third embodiment is described in detail.

[0217] like Figure 30 As shown, multiple battery blocks 21 are arranged along the long side (X direction) of the housing 50. Furthermore, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are disposed between the side wall 50a of the housing 50 in the X direction and the side of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, the battery blocks 21 disposed at the end in the X direction). The battery control device 40 is arranged laterally with the junction box 60 in the Y direction. Figure 30 In the middle, the battery control device 40 is located near the right side wall 50b.

[0218] In the third embodiment, the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a is disposed on the upper surface of each battery cell 22 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see reference). Figure 30 The housing explosion-proof valve 51 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 50 (shown by dashed lines) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 is disposed vertically opposite (overlapping) to each individual explosion-proof valve 22a, but its arrangement can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, the size, number, and shape of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 can also be arbitrarily changed. For example, a larger housing explosion-proof valve 51 can be disposed only in the center of the upper surface of the housing 50. Additionally, the battery control device 40 is placed vertically, but the placement method is arbitrary.

[0219] On the other hand, such as Figure 30 As shown, multiple battery monitoring devices 30 are arranged in the space between the right-side sidewall 50b in the Y direction and the right-side side of each battery block 21. The battery monitoring devices 30 are placed vertically, but the placement method can be changed arbitrarily. Then, the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring devices 30 use the space on the right side of the battery block 21 as the propagation path of radio waves (shown by dashed lines) to conduct wireless communication.

[0220] According to the above implementation method, the following effects are achieved.

[0221] Each individual battery cell 22 is provided with a cell explosion-proof valve 22a on its upper surface. Therefore, gas from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is discharged upwards towards the battery block 21. Furthermore, a housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 50. Therefore, gas discharged upwards towards the battery block 21 is discharged through the housing explosion-proof valve 51, thus creating a structure where gas is less likely to discharge to the side of the battery block 21.

[0222] On the other hand, the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 utilize the space located on the right side of the battery block 21 as a propagation path for radio waves to conduct wireless communication. Therefore, the propagation path of radio waves can be separated from the gas exhaust path, thus suppressing interference with wireless communication.

[0223] The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 are disposed on the side of the battery block 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent direct gas injection from the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a into the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions of the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 due to gas.

[0224] On the upper surface of the housing 50, the area where the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is located is structurally thinner than other parts of the housing 50, such as the sides, making it easier for external electromagnetic noise to intrude. Therefore, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are located at a different position than the area where the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is located, that is, at a position that does not overlap with the area of ​​the housing explosion-proof valve 51 in the vertical direction (Z direction). This suppresses the influence of external noise.

[0225] Furthermore, the space located to the right of the battery block 21 is in a different position from the location where the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is located, that is, a position that does not overlap with the area of ​​the housing explosion-proof valve 51 in the vertical direction (Z direction). When using the space to the right of the battery block 21 as a propagation path for wireless communication, the influence of electromagnetic noise intruding through the housing explosion-proof valve 51 can be suppressed.

[0226] Furthermore, the explosion-proof valve 51 of the housing faces the upper surface of the battery cell 22, and no battery monitoring device 30 or battery control device 40 is disposed between the explosion-proof valve 51 and the battery cell 22. Therefore, electromagnetic noise entering from the outside via the explosion-proof valve 51 is easily reflected by the battery cell 22 (the battery housing) and released back to the outside via the explosion-proof valve 51. That is, the battery cell 22 blocks the path of electromagnetic noise entering from the outside via the explosion-proof valve 51, thus suppressing the impact on wireless communication.

[0227] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0228] Hereinafter, a modified example of a portion of the structure of the battery pack 11 in the third embodiment will be described.

[0229] In the above embodiments and modifications, the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a can also be provided on the side of the battery cell 22. That is, it can be provided on either the side in the X direction or the side in the Y direction. In this case, it is sufficient to arrange the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 opposite to the side where the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a is not provided. Alternatively, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can be provided on the upper surface of the battery cell 22.

[0230] For example, for such Figure 31 As shown in (a), when the battery cells 22 are arranged along the X direction, on one side of each battery cell 22 in the Y direction (in Figure 31 The following explanation will focus on the case where a single explosion-proof valve 22a is installed on the side of the paper near the front (in section (a)). In this case, as... Figure 31 As shown in (a), the battery monitoring device 30 can be positioned on the upper surface of the battery cell 22, and the battery control device 40 can be positioned adjacent to the side of the battery cell 22 in the X direction. That is, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can be positioned as long as they are not opposite to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a. Alternatively, although not shown, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can also be positioned in the Y direction on the side opposite to the battery cell 22 (the side without the cell explosion-proof valve 22a).

[0231] In the above embodiments and modifications, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is preferably disposed on the surface opposite to the surface where the individual explosion-proof valve 22a is disposed. More preferably, it is desirable to provide the housing explosion-proof valve 51 at a position opposite to the individual explosion-proof valve 22a. In this case, it is preferable that there is no obstruction between the individual explosion-proof valve 22a and the housing explosion-proof valve 51.

[0232] For example, it can be like Figure 31 As shown in (a), when a cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the side of each cell 22, a housing explosion-proof valve 51 (indicated by dashed lines) is provided on the side wall of the housing 50 opposite to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0233] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 31As shown in (b), when viewing the interior of the battery pack 11 from above, the gap between the right side of each battery cell 22 and the right side wall 50b of the housing 50 serves as a gas discharge passage 301. This gas discharge passage 301 is formed to extend in the X direction. Furthermore, a housing explosion-proof valve 51 can be provided on the side wall 50a of the housing 50 that the gas discharge passage 301 abuts in the X direction. In this way, gas discharged from the right side of the battery cell 22 passes through the gas discharge passage 301 and is discharged to the outside through the housing explosion-proof valve 51 provided on the side wall 50a of the housing 50 in the X direction. In addition, when the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the side wall 50a opposite to the battery control device 40 in the X direction, it is possible to prevent gas from filling the area around the battery control device 40.

[0234] In the above embodiments and modifications, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may also be arranged opposite to the surface where the individual explosion-proof valve 22a is provided. In this case, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are arranged in a staggered manner so as not to be opposite to the individual explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0235] Here, refer to Figure 32 Please provide a detailed explanation. Figure 32 In this configuration, multiple battery blocks 21 are arranged along the X direction. Within each battery block 21, multiple individual battery cells 22 are arranged along the Y direction. On the upper surface of each individual battery cell 22, on one side of the X direction (in... Figure 32 (The middle part is on the right) is equipped with a single explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0236] The battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 on the opposite side in the X direction (in Figure 32 (The middle is on the left). That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 at a different position than the cell explosion-proof valve 22a (not opposite to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a, and not overlapping in the Z direction (vertical direction)). Additionally, as... Figure 32 As shown, the battery monitoring device 30 can also be configured across multiple battery cells 22. Additionally, in Figure 32 In this configuration, the battery control device 40 is positioned to the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction. This prevents direct gas injection into the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, even when gas is discharged from the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0237] Furthermore, the explosion-proof valve 51 of the housing 50 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 50 approximately directly above each individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a (illustration omitted). As a result, gas is discharged upwards towards the battery cell 22, thus preventing gas from crossing the propagation path of electromagnetic waves and suppressing it from becoming an obstacle. Additionally, in Figure 32The image shows an example of a radio wave propagation path indicated by a dashed line.

[0238] In the above embodiments and modifications, the individual explosion-proof valve 22a and the housing explosion-proof valve 51 can also be disposed on the lower surface (Z-direction plane) of the housing 50. In this case, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can be disposed above or to the side of the battery block 21, that is, outside the lower part of the battery block 21. In this way, the propagation path of the radio wave can be separated from the gas exhaust path. In addition, it is possible to prevent gas from being directly injected from the individual explosion-proof valve 22a onto the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40.

[0239] In the above embodiments and modifications, a smoke exhaust duct may also be provided, which guides the gas discharged from the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a of the battery cell 22 to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 of the housing 50. This smoke exhaust duct is preferably configured not to interfere with the propagation path of electromagnetic waves (not to cross them).

[0240] Here, refer to Figure 33 Please provide a detailed explanation. Figure 33 In a modified example, multiple battery blocks 21 are arranged along the X direction. Within each battery block 21, multiple battery cells 22 are arranged along the Y direction. On the upper surface of each battery cell 22, on one side of the X direction (in... Figure 33 A single explosion-proof valve 22a is installed on the right side (in the middle). Additionally, in... Figure 33 In the image, the single-unit explosion-proof valve 22a is shown with a dashed line.

[0241] The battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 on the opposite side in the X direction (in Figure 33 (The middle is on the left). That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 at a different position than the cell explosion-proof valve 22a (not opposite to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a, and not overlapping in the Z direction). Additionally, in Figure 33 In the middle, the battery control device 40 is disposed to the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction.

[0242] The exhaust duct 350 is configured as a cylindrical tube extending linearly along the Y direction, positioned directly above each individual explosion-proof valve 22a in the vertical direction. The exhaust duct 350 is typically made of metal. The exhaust duct 350 is provided for each battery block 21 and extends to the individual explosion-proof valves 22a of the multiple battery cells 22 constituting the battery block 21. Figure 32 In a modified example, a single-cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided to cover all the single-cell batteries 22 constituting the battery block 21.

[0243] In the exhaust duct 350, a through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the individual explosion-proof valve 22a. When the individual explosion-proof valve 22a is open, the interior of the battery cell 22 and the exhaust duct 350 are connected through this through hole. Therefore, the gas discharged from the individual explosion-proof valve 22a is discharged into the exhaust duct 350. The exhaust duct 350 is formed to extend toward the housing explosion-proof valve 51 provided on the side wall 50b of the housing 50, and opens at a position corresponding to the housing explosion-proof valve 51. That is, in the Y direction, the end of the exhaust duct 350 on the housing explosion-proof valve 51 side is open and connected to the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Therefore, the gas through the exhaust duct 350 is discharged to the outside via the housing explosion-proof valve 51. In addition, in the Y direction, the end of the exhaust duct 350 on the side opposite to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is closed.

[0244] On the other hand, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 on the opposite side in the X direction (in Figure 33 (The middle is on the left). That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is positioned on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 in a location that does not interfere with the exhaust duct 350. Additionally, in Figure 33 In this configuration, the battery control device 40 is positioned to the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction, and is located on the side opposite to the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Therefore, even if gas is discharged from the individual explosion-proof valve 22a, direct gas injection into the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 can be prevented.

[0245] Furthermore, the propagation path of the radio waves between the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 is configured not to intersect with the exhaust duct 350. For example, Figure 33 The propagation path indicated by the dashed arrow is parallel to the exhaust duct 350. Therefore, the gas does not obstruct the propagation path, allowing for reliable wireless communication.

[0246] Furthermore, the exhaust duct 350 extends all the way to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 located on the side wall 50b of the housing 50. Moreover, the exhaust duct 350 is made of metal. Therefore, even if the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is open, allowing external electromagnetic noise to easily intrude, leakage to the outside of the exhaust duct 350 is prevented because the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is covered by the metal exhaust duct 350. In other words, the exhaust duct 350 functions as an electromagnetic shield to block electromagnetic noise intruding from the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the impact of external electromagnetic noise on the battery control device 40, battery monitoring device 30, etc., located outside the exhaust duct 350.

[0247] In the above embodiments and modifications, the battery cell 22 may also be composed of a long, plate-shaped blade cell. In this case, for example, as... Figure 34 As shown, multiple blade units 401 are arranged along a specified direction (in... Figure 34 The cells are stacked in the Z direction (up and down) to form battery block 421. Figure 34 The blade unit 401 has a positive electrode terminal 404a at one end along its long side and a negative electrode terminal 404b at the other end. Therefore, the battery monitoring device 30 is positioned at the center along the long side of the blade unit 401, with a positive electrode detection line 402 and a negative electrode detection line 403 extending from the center along the long side to both sides, and connected to each electrode terminal 404a, 404b. This ensures that the wiring resistance of the positive electrode detection line 402 connected to the positive electrode side is the same as the wiring resistance of the negative electrode detection line 403 connected to the negative electrode side, preventing deterioration of detection accuracy.

[0248] exist Figure 34 In this configuration, a battery monitoring device 30, a positive electrode side detection line 402, and a negative electrode side detection line 403 are disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 421. Furthermore, the positive electrode side detection line 402 and the negative electrode side detection line 403 are positioned in the middle along the width direction (orthogonal to the long side direction) of the battery block 421. On the other hand, the battery monitoring device 30 is offset from the positive electrode side detection line 402 and the negative electrode side detection line 403 in the width direction.

[0249] Furthermore, the wireless circuit 410 (shown as dashed lines) included in the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the monitoring circuit board 34 in the width direction on the side opposite to the connection position of the positive-side detection line 402 and the negative-side detection line 403. That is, the wireless circuit 410 is positioned as far away as possible from the noisier positive-side detection line 402 and the negative-side detection line 403. The wireless circuit 410 is a wireless-related circuit element, including the handset-side wireless antenna 33, the handset-side wireless IC 32, and front-end circuitry, etc.

[0250] exist Figure 34 In this design, the explosion-proof valve 401a of the blade unit 401 is located on the end face along its long side. Therefore, it prevents gas from the explosion-proof valve 401a from directly spraying onto the battery monitoring device 30 disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 421. Furthermore, it suppresses the propagation path of gas intrusion waves.

[0251] • In the third embodiment described above, the metal plates 37 and 47 that act as proximity conductors and are electrostatically coupled to the antennas 33 and 43 may not be provided. Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 201, which shields against electromagnetic noise from noise sources located within the battery storage space, may not be provided.

[0252] Alternatively, the above-described embodiments and their variations can be combined and implemented within a range of possible combinations.

[0253] For example, in the battery monitoring device 30 and battery control device 40 described in the second embodiment (and its variations, the same below) and the third embodiment (and its variations, the same below), the internal structure of the battery monitoring device 30 or battery control device 40 of the first embodiment (and its variations) may also be adopted, specifically the structure of antennas 33, 43, metal plates 37, 47, etc.

[0254] Furthermore, the form or configuration of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a described in the third embodiment can also be adopted as appropriate in the housing 50 and the battery cell 22 of the first embodiment (and its variations, the same below). For example, in the first and second embodiments, as in the third embodiment, it is of course possible to derive a structure in which the individual cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the upper surface or side of the battery cell 22, and the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the upper surface (central part of the upper surface) or side of the housing 50.

[0255] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the individual explosion-proof valve 22a can also be configured, similar to the third embodiment, to avoid the propagation path of electromagnetic waves between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. Additionally, in the first and second embodiments, the battery monitoring device 30 (or battery control device 40) can also be configured, similar to the third embodiment, to avoid the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the individual explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0256] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the same as in the third embodiment, structures such as gas exhaust passage 301 and smoke exhaust pipe 350 can be used to suppress the influence of exhaust gas on wireless communication.

[0257] In addition, all the contents of the first implementation method, the second implementation method, and the third implementation method can be combined.

[0258] The following describes the characteristic structures extracted from the above embodiments.

[0259] [Structure 1]

[0260] A wireless device, in the wireless devices (30, 40) of the battery monitoring system (100), includes: Wireless antennas (33, 43); and The proximity conductors (37, 47) overlap with at least a portion of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when the specified direction is taken as the projection direction.

[0261] [Structure 2]

[0262] The wireless device described in Structure 1 includes a circuit board (34, 44) on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The proximity conductor is positioned closest to the wireless antenna compared to other conductors mounted on the circuit board.

[0263] [Structure 3]

[0264] In the wireless device described in Structure 2, the specified direction is the vertical direction of the circuit board.

[0265] [Structure 4]

[0266] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 3, the projection surface of the wireless antenna in the specified direction is the largest compared to the projection surfaces in other directions.

[0267] [Structure 5]

[0268] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 2 to 4, the proximity conductor is flat, and its plane is arranged parallel to the circuit board.

[0269] [Structure 6]

[0270] In the wireless device described in structure 2 or 3, the wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board. In the circuit board, the proximity conductor is disposed on the side opposite to the surface on which the element is disposed.

[0271] [Structure 7]

[0272] The wireless device described in Structure 6 includes a wireless IC (32, 42) connected to the wireless antenna. In the circuit board, the wireless IC is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the component is disposed. The proximity conductor is configured to cover the wireless IC.

[0273] [Structure 8]

[0274] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 7, the projection surface of the wireless antenna completely overlaps with the proximity conductor in the specified direction.

[0275] [Structure 9]

[0276] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 8, the proximity conductor forms part of the housing of the wireless device.

[0277] [Structure 10]

[0278] In any of the structures 1 to 9 described in the wireless device, the housing of the wireless device is provided with a passage portion for allowing radio waves from the wireless antenna to pass through.

[0279] [Structure 11]

[0280] In the wireless device described in structure 10, the passage portion is disposed on the side closer to the communication target than the wireless antenna, and is disposed on the side opposite to the proximity conductor with reference to the wireless antenna.

[0281] [Structure 12]

[0282] In the wireless device described in structure 10 or 11, the width dimension of the through portion in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the specified direction is more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0283] [Structure 13]

[0284] In any of the structures 10 to 12, in the specified direction, no conductor is provided on the side opposite to the proximity conductor relative to the wireless antenna, or if a conductor is provided, the distance between the conductor and the wireless antenna is more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0285] [Structure 14]

[0286] In the wireless device described in structure 13, in the specified direction, the distance between the housing of the wireless device and the wireless antenna is more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio waves radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0287] [Structure 15]

[0288] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 14, the wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The wiring pattern has a comb-like or serpentine shape. The projection surface of the wireless antenna at least completely encompasses the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

[0289] [Structure 16]

[0290] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 15, the wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The element has at least one of the following shapes: comb-shaped, L-shaped, and stub-shaped. The projection surface of the wireless antenna at least completely encompasses the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

[0291] [Structure 17]

[0292] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 16, an insulating sheet (36, 46) is included between the wireless antenna and the proximity conductor.

[0293] [Structure 18]

[0294] In any of the wireless devices described in structures 1 to 7, the electrostatic capacitance generated between the proximity conductor and the wireless antenna is greater than the electrostatic capacitance generated between other conductors and the wireless antenna.

[0295] [Structure 19]

[0296] A power supply unit (11) includes a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) as described in any one of structures 1 to 18 and a battery unit (20, 21, 22), and transmits and receives battery information wirelessly among the wireless devices. Including noise sources that generate electromagnetic wave noise (60). Multiple wireless devices and noise sources are disposed within the battery storage space of the power unit, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member (201) is sandwiched between the wireless devices and the noise sources.

[0297] [Structure 20]

[0298] In the power supply unit described in structure 19, a passage portion for allowing radio waves to pass through is provided in the housing (35, 45) of the wireless device. The passage portion is positioned in the propagation path of the radio waves on the side closer to the communication target than the wireless antenna (33, 43) of the wireless device, and is positioned on the side opposite to the noise source with reference to the wireless antenna.

[0299] [Structure 21]

[0300] In the power supply unit described in structure 19 or 20, the surface of the housing constituting the wireless device, on the side of the noise source, is the electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0301] [Structure 22]

[0302] In any of the power supply units described in structures 19 to 21, the wireless device has a directional antenna for radiating radio waves. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the stronger direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna is toward the communication target, and not toward the noise source.

[0303] [Structure 23]

[0304] In the power supply unit described in structure 22, the direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction of the stronger electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna does not face the electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0305] [Structure 24]

[0306] In the power supply unit described in structure 22 or 23, the housing of the wireless device is configured adjacent to any one of the battery cells constituting the battery section, or adjacent to the sidewall that divides the battery storage space. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the antenna are stronger does not face the battery cell and the sidewall.

[0307] [Structure 25]

[0308] In any of the power supply units described in structures 19 to 24, the battery section is composed of multiple battery cells (22). The noise source is a junction box (60) having one or more relay switches (61) that switch the power on and off of the battery section. The wireless device includes: a battery monitoring device (30) for setting, acquiring and transmitting battery information for each or more individual battery cells; and a battery control device (40) for receiving battery information from the battery monitoring device. The battery control device, compared to the battery monitoring device, is located near the junction box and obtains the total voltage of the battery from the junction box. The electromagnetic wave shielding component is provided between the battery control device and the junction box.

[0309] [Structure 26]

[0310] In the power supply unit described in structure 25, the battery control device is positioned above the junction box within the battery storage space, allowing radio waves to be reflected from the top surface of the battery storage space for communication.

[0311] [Structure 27]

[0312] The power supply unit described in any of structures 19 to 26 includes a housing that houses the battery and the wireless device. The noise source is fixed to the outside of the housing. The fixed surface of the noise source constituting the housing is the electromagnetic wave shielding component.

[0313] [Structure 28]

[0314] A power supply unit (11) includes a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) as described in any one of structures 1 to 18 and a battery unit (20, 21, 22), and transmits and receives battery information wirelessly among the wireless devices. An explosion-proof valve (22a) is provided in the battery section. The explosion-proof valve is configured to avoid the propagation path of radio waves radiated from the wireless device.

[0315] [Structure 29]

[0316] In the power supply unit described in structure 28, the wireless device is configured to avoid a position opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

[0317] [Structure 30]

[0318] In the power supply unit described in structure 28 or 29, the explosion-proof valve is disposed on any one of the side, upper surface, or bottom surface of the battery section. The wireless device is configured opposite to the surface of the explosion-proof valve other than the mounting surface.

[0319] [Structure 31]

[0320] The power supply unit described in any one of structures 28 to 30 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

[0321] [Structure 32]

[0322] In the power supply unit described in structure 31, the opening of the housing is provided on its upper surface. The wireless device is configured to avoid the space between the battery section and the upper surface of the housing.

[0323] [Structure 33]

[0324] The power supply unit described in any one of structures 28 to 32 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned not opposite to the explosion-proof valve, and a pre-determined exhaust path is provided for the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve to pass through before reaching the opening. The wireless device is configured to avoid the smoke exhaust path.

[0325] [Structure 34]

[0326] In the power supply unit described in structure 33, the explosion-proof valve is located on the side of the battery section. The opening is located on the side wall of the housing. The exhaust path is formed between the side of the battery section and the side wall of the housing. The wireless device is positioned above the battery unit, and the propagation path is above the battery unit.

[0327] [Structure 35]

[0328] In the power supply unit described in structure 33 or 34, the battery section is arranged opposite to the opening, and the wireless device and the propagation path are not disposed between the opening and the battery section.

[0329] [Structure 36]

[0330] The power supply unit described in any of structures 28 to 35 includes a smoke exhaust duct (350) through which the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes. The wireless device is located at a different position than the exhaust duct.

[0331] [Structure 37]

[0332] In the power supply unit described in structure 36, the exhaust duct is configured parallel to the propagation path.

[0333] [Structure 38]

[0334] In the power supply unit described in structure 36 or 37, when the explosion-proof valve is open, the port of the explosion-proof valve is in communication with the interior of the smoke exhaust duct.

[0335] [Structure 39]

[0336] The power supply unit described in any of structures 36 to 38 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The exhaust duct is a metal pipe, and the opening is connected to the end of the exhaust duct in such a way that the opening communicates with the interior of the exhaust duct.

[0337] [Structure 201]

[0338] A power supply unit (11) has a battery section (20, 21, 22) and includes: Multiple wireless devices (30, 40) that transmit and receive battery information wirelessly; and Noise source that generates electromagnetic wave noise (60). Multiple wireless devices and noise sources are disposed within the battery storage space of the power unit, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member (201) is sandwiched between the wireless devices and the noise sources.

[0339] [Structure 202]

[0340] In the power supply unit described in structure 201, a passage portion for allowing radio waves to pass through is provided in the housing (35, 45) of the wireless device. The passage portion is positioned in the propagation path of the radio waves on the side closer to the communication target than the wireless antenna (33, 43) of the wireless device, and is positioned on the side opposite to the noise source with reference to the wireless antenna.

[0341] [Structure 203]

[0342] In the power supply unit described in structure 201 or 202, the surface of the housing constituting the wireless device is the electromagnetic wave shielding member on the side of the noise source.

[0343] [Structure 204]

[0344] In any of the power supply units described in structures 201 to 203, the wireless device has an antenna that radiates radio waves in a directional manner. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the stronger direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna is toward the communication target, and not toward the noise source.

[0345] [Structure 205]

[0346] In the power supply unit described in structure 204, the direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction of the stronger electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna does not face the electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0347] [Structure 206]

[0348] In the power supply unit described in structure 204 or 205, the housing of the wireless device is configured adjacent to any one of the battery cells constituting the battery section, or adjacent to the sidewall that divides the battery storage space. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the antenna are stronger does not face the battery cell and the sidewall.

[0349] [Structure 207]

[0350] In any of the power supply units described in structures 201 to 206, the battery section is composed of multiple battery cells (22). The noise source is a junction box (60) having one or more relay switches (61) that switch the power on and off of the battery section. The wireless device includes: a battery monitoring device (30) for setting, acquiring and transmitting battery information for each or more individual battery cells; and a battery control device (40) for receiving battery information from the battery monitoring device. The battery control device, compared to the battery monitoring device, is located near the junction box and obtains the total voltage of the battery from the junction box. The electromagnetic wave shielding component is provided between the battery control device and the junction box.

[0351] [Structure 208]

[0352] In the power supply unit described in structure 207, the battery control device is positioned above the junction box within the battery storage space, so that radio waves are reflected from the top surface of the battery storage space for communication.

[0353] [Structure 209]

[0354] The power supply unit described in structure 201 includes a housing that houses the battery and the wireless device. The noise source is fixed to the outside of the housing. The fixed surface of the noise source constituting the housing is the electromagnetic wave shielding component.

[0355] [Structure 301]

[0356] A power supply unit (11) has a battery section (22). Includes multiple wireless devices (30, 40) that transmit and receive battery information wirelessly. An explosion-proof valve (22a) is provided in the battery section. The explosion-proof valve is configured to avoid the propagation path of radio waves radiated from the wireless device.

[0357] [Structure 302]

[0358] In the power supply unit described in structure 301, the wireless device is configured to avoid a position opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

[0359] [Structure 303]

[0360] In the power supply unit described in structure 301 or 302, the explosion-proof valve is disposed on any one of the side, upper surface, or bottom surface of the battery section. The wireless device is configured opposite to the surface of the explosion-proof valve other than the mounting surface.

[0361] [Structure 304]

[0362] The power supply unit described in any one of structures 301 to 303 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

[0363] [Structure 305]

[0364] In the power supply unit described in structure 304, the opening of the housing is provided on its upper surface. The wireless device is configured to avoid the space between the battery section and the upper surface of the housing.

[0365] [Structure 306]

[0366] The power supply unit described in any one of structures 301 to 305 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned not opposite to the explosion-proof valve, and a pre-determined exhaust path is provided for the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve to pass through before reaching the opening. The wireless device is configured to avoid the smoke exhaust path.

[0367] [Structure 307]

[0368] In the power supply unit described in structure 306, the explosion-proof valve is located on the side of the battery section. The opening is located on the side wall of the housing. The exhaust path is formed between the side of the battery section and the side wall of the housing. The wireless device is positioned above the battery unit, and the propagation path is above the battery unit.

[0369] [Structure 308]

[0370] In the power supply unit described in any of structures 304 to 307, the battery section is arranged opposite to the opening, and the wireless device and the propagation path are not disposed between the opening and the battery section.

[0371] [Structure 309]

[0372] The power supply unit described in any of structures 301 to 308 includes a smoke exhaust duct (350) through which the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes. The wireless device is located at a different position than the exhaust duct.

[0373] [Structure 310]

[0374] In the power supply unit described in structure 309, the exhaust duct is configured parallel to the propagation path.

[0375] [Structure 311]

[0376] In the power supply unit described in structure 309 or 310, when the explosion-proof valve is open, the port of the explosion-proof valve is in communication with the interior of the smoke exhaust duct.

[0377] [Structure 312]

[0378] The power supply unit described in any one of structures 309 to 311 includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The exhaust duct is a metal pipe, and the opening is connected to the end of the exhaust duct in such a way that the opening communicates with the interior of the exhaust duct.

[0379] While this disclosure has been described based on embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations and arrangements, and consequently, combinations and arrangements comprising only one element, or more or less thereof, also fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A wireless device, comprising, in the wireless devices (30, 40) of a battery monitoring system (100): Wireless antennas (33, 43); as well as The proximity conductors (37, 47) overlap with at least a portion of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when the specified direction is taken as the projection direction.

2. The wireless device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes circuit boards (34, 44) on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The proximity conductor is positioned closest to the wireless antenna compared to other conductors mounted on the circuit board.

3. The wireless device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specified direction is the vertical direction of the circuit board.

4. The wireless device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The projection surface of the wireless antenna in the specified direction is the largest compared to the projection surfaces in other directions.

5. The wireless device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The proximity conductor is flat, and its plane is positioned opposite to the circuit board.

6. The wireless device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board. In the circuit board, the proximity conductor is disposed on the side opposite to the surface on which the element is disposed.

7. The wireless device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes wireless ICs (32, 42) connected to the wireless antenna. In the circuit board, the wireless IC is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the component is disposed. The proximity conductor is configured to cover the wireless IC.

8. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, In the specified direction, the projection surface of the wireless antenna completely overlaps with the proximity conductor.

9. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The proximity conductor forms part of the housing of the wireless device.

10. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The housing of the wireless device is provided with a passage portion for allowing radio waves from the wireless antenna to pass through.

11. The wireless device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The passage portion is located on the side closer to the communication object than the wireless antenna, and is located on the side opposite to the proximity conductor with reference to the wireless antenna.

12. The wireless device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The width of the passage is more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated by the wireless antenna.

13. The wireless device according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the specified direction, if no conductor is provided on the side opposite to the proximity conductor relative to the wireless antenna, or if a conductor is provided, the distance between the conductor and the wireless antenna is more than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

14. The wireless device according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the specified direction, the distance between the housing of the wireless device and the wireless antenna is greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio waves radiated from the wireless antenna.

15. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The wiring pattern has a comb-like or serpentine shape. The projection surface of the wireless antenna at least completely encompasses the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

16. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The wireless antenna includes elements (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and wiring patterns (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the elements. The wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board on which the wireless antenna is mounted. The element has at least one of a comb shape, an L-shape, and a stub shape. The projection surface of the wireless antenna at least completely encompasses the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

17. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, An insulating sheet (36, 46) is included between the wireless antenna and the proximity conductor.

18. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The electrostatic capacitance generated between the proximity conductor and the wireless antenna is greater than the electrostatic capacitance generated between other conductors and the wireless antenna.

19. A power supply unit, The power supply unit (11) includes a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and a battery unit (20, 21, 22), and transmits and receives battery information wirelessly between the wireless devices. Including noise sources that generate electromagnetic wave noise (60). Multiple wireless devices and noise sources are disposed within the battery storage space of the power unit, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member (201) is sandwiched between the wireless devices and the noise sources.

20. The power supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The housing (35, 45) of the wireless device is provided with a passage for radio waves to pass through. The passage portion is positioned in the propagation path of the radio waves on the side closer to the communication target than the wireless antenna (33, 43) of the wireless device, and is positioned on the side opposite to the noise source with reference to the wireless antenna.

21. The power supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, Among the surfaces constituting the housing of the wireless device, the surface on the noise source side is the electromagnetic wave shielding member.

22. The power supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The wireless device has a directional antenna that radiates radio waves. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction of the strong radio waves radiated from the antenna is toward the communication target, and not toward the noise source.

23. The power supply unit according to claim 22, characterized in that, The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction of the strong electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna does not face the electromagnetic wave shielding member.

24. The power supply unit according to claim 22, characterized in that, The housing of the wireless device is configured adjacent to any one of the battery cells constituting the battery section, or adjacent to the sidewall that divides the battery storage space. The direction of the antenna is determined and configured such that the direction of the strong radio waves radiated from the antenna does not point towards the battery cell and the sidewall.

25. The power supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The battery section is composed of multiple battery cells (22). The noise source is a junction box (60) having one or more relay switches (61) that switch the power on and off of the battery section. The wireless device includes: a battery monitoring device (30) for setting, acquiring and transmitting battery information for each or more individual battery cells; and a battery control device (40) for receiving battery information from the battery monitoring device. The battery control device, compared to the battery monitoring device, is located near the junction box and obtains the total voltage of the battery from the junction box. The electromagnetic wave shielding component is provided between the battery control device and the junction box.

26. The power supply unit according to claim 25, characterized in that, Within the battery storage space, the battery control device is positioned above the junction box, allowing radio waves to be reflected from the top surface of the battery storage space for communication.

27. The power supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, Includes a housing that houses the battery and the wireless device. The noise source is fixed to the outside of the housing. The fixed surface of the noise source constituting the housing is the electromagnetic wave shielding component.

28. A power supply unit, The power supply unit (11) includes a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and a battery unit (20, 21, 22), and transmits and receives battery information wirelessly between the wireless devices. An explosion-proof valve (22a) is provided in the battery section. The explosion-proof valve is configured to avoid the propagation path of radio waves radiated from the wireless device.

29. The power supply unit according to claim 28, characterized in that, The wireless device is configured to avoid a position opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

30. The power supply unit according to claim 28, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve is located on any one of the side, top surface, or bottom surface of the battery section. The wireless device is configured opposite to the surface of the explosion-proof valve other than the mounting surface.

31. The power supply unit according to claim 28, characterized in that, Includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned opposite to the explosion-proof valve.

32. The power supply unit according to claim 31, characterized in that, The opening of the housing is located on its upper surface. The wireless device is configured to avoid the space between the battery section and the upper surface of the housing.

33. The power supply unit according to claim 28, characterized in that, Includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The opening is positioned not opposite to the explosion-proof valve, and a pre-determined exhaust path is provided for the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve to pass through before reaching the opening. The wireless device is configured to avoid the smoke exhaust path.

34. The power supply unit according to claim 33, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve is located on the side of the battery section. The opening is located on the side wall of the housing. The exhaust path is formed between the side of the battery section and the side wall of the housing. The wireless device is positioned above the battery unit, and the propagation path is above the battery unit.

35. The power supply unit according to claim 33, characterized in that, The battery section is disposed opposite to the opening, and the wireless device and the propagation path are not disposed between the opening and the battery section.

36. The power supply unit according to claim 28, characterized in that, Includes a smoke exhaust duct (350) through which the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes. The wireless device is located at a different position than the exhaust duct.

37. The power supply unit according to claim 36, characterized in that, The smoke exhaust duct is configured in parallel with the propagation path.

38. The power supply unit according to claim 36, characterized in that, When the explosion-proof valve is open, the port of the explosion-proof valve is connected to the interior of the smoke exhaust duct.

39. The power supply unit according to claim 36, characterized in that, Includes a housing (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery. The housing has an opening (51) that opens due to the internal pressure of the housing. The exhaust duct is a metal pipe, and the opening is connected to the end of the exhaust duct in such a way that the opening communicates with the interior of the exhaust duct.

Images