Charging control system and charging method

Abstract

To provide a charging control system and a charging method capable of easily preventing damage to a battery pack and easily performing charging by using various power sources.SOLUTION: A charging control system 100 includes: a chargeable / dischargeable battery body 11; a power source 2 for generating electric power; a charging circuit 12 for electrically connecting the power source 2 and the battery body 11 so that the power source 2 charges the battery body 11, the charging circuit 12 being capable of limiting a magnitude of a charging current flowing from the power source 2 to the battery body 11; and a charging control device 19 for controlling the charging circuit 12. The charging control device 19 limits a magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit 12 when it is determined that predetermined limitation conditions are satisfied, and releases limitation of the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit 12 when it is determined that the predetermined limitation release conditions are satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control system and a charging method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery (hereinafter referred to as a battery pack) that can be removed from a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-89754 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, a battery pack removed from a vehicle body is charged by a charger disposed outside the vehicle.

[0005] Generally, a battery pack is charged by a dedicated charger that is compatible with the battery pack, and if a dedicated charger is not used, a current exceeding the allowable current may flow through the battery pack. If a current exceeding the allowable current flows through the battery pack, there is a risk of electrical damage to the electrical components of the battery, such as the battery cell or wires.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging control system and a charging method that can easily prevent damage to a battery pack and can easily charge the battery pack using various power sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is A rechargeable battery body; A power source that generates power; a charging circuit that electrically connects the power source and the battery body so that the power source charges the battery body, the charging circuit being capable of limiting the magnitude of a charging current flowing from the power source to the battery body; A charging control device that controls the charging circuit, The charging control device includes: limiting the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit when determining whether a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied; When it is determined that a predetermined restriction release condition is satisfied, the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current is released by controlling the charging circuit. Provide a charging control system.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the charge control device of the charge control system controls the charging circuit to limit the magnitude of the charging current when it determines that a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery body and the charging circuit. Furthermore, when the charge control device of the charge control system determines that a predetermined restriction release condition is satisfied, it controls the charging circuit to release the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current. By releasing the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to a state in which the magnitude of the charging current is limited, which makes it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery body. Furthermore, in the charge control system, since the charge control device controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source that charges the battery body does not need to have a function for adjusting the power supplied according to the battery body. Therefore, the charge control system increases the versatility of the power source that can be applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources. Effect of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, according to the charging control system and charging method according to the present disclosure, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery pack and to charge it using various power sources. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack and a power source according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the charge control device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a charging method performed by the charge control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack and a power source according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack and a power source according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack and a power source according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack and a power source according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Circuit configuration] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack 1 and a power source 2 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, the battery pack 1 is used as a drive source for driving an electric motorcycle. The electric motorcycle includes a drive electric motor that rotates drive wheels, and an inverter that is a motor control device that controls the drive electric motor. The battery pack 1 rotates the drive wheels by supplying power to the drive electric motor via the inverter. In the first embodiment, the battery pack 1 is detachably attached to the body of the electric motorcycle.

[0013] 1, a battery pack 1 is electrically connected to a power source 2 in a state where it is removed from a vehicle body. The battery pack 1 is charged by being supplied with power from the power source 2. The battery pack 1 constitutes a charging control system 100 by being electrically connected to the power source 2 so as to be charged by the power source 2.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the power source 2 includes a charger 2A that is electrically connected to a commercial AC power source 2B and converts AC power supplied from the commercial AC power source 2B into DC power and outputs the DC power. The charger 2A may be installed at a location away from the vehicle body, for example, indoors or in a parking lot. The charger 2A is of a type that outputs a predetermined constant voltage. In other words, the charger 2A outputs a constant voltage regardless of the charging state or temperature state of the battery pack 1. The battery pack 1 is detachably and electrically connected to the charger 2A.

[0015] The battery pack 1 is placed in a chargeable state by being electrically connected to the charger 2A. The chargeable state of the battery pack 1 is released by being detached from the charger 2A. The battery pack 1 is placed in a dischargeable state by being detached from the charger 2A and electrically connected to the body of the electric motorcycle. The dischargeable state of the battery pack 1 is released by being detached from the body.

[0016] [Battery pack configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 1 has a positive terminal 1a electrically connected to a high potential terminal 2C of a charger 2A, and a negative terminal 1b electrically connected to a ground terminal 2D of the charger 2A. When the battery pack 1 is electrically connected to the body of an electric motorcycle, the positive terminal 1a and the negative terminal 1b are electrically connected to terminals on the vehicle body side. More specifically, the positive terminal 1a is electrically connected to the high potential terminal on the vehicle body side. Furthermore, the negative terminal 1b is electrically connected to a ground terminal on the vehicle body side. By electrically connecting the positive terminal 1a and the negative terminal 1b of the battery pack 1 to terminals on the vehicle body side, it is possible to supply power to electrical components such as an inverter provided on the vehicle body.

[0017] The battery pack 1 has a battery body 11 capable of charging and discharging power. In the first embodiment, the battery body 11 is composed of a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The battery cells may be, for example, lithium ion batteries. The positive electrode of the battery body 11 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 1a. The negative electrode of the battery body 11 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 1b.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the battery pack 1 has a charge / discharge circuit 12 that electrically connects the positive electrode terminal 1a and the positive electrode of the battery body 11. The charge / discharge circuit 12 includes a charge circuit portion 13 that can permit or prohibit a current from flowing from the charger 2A toward the battery body 11, and a discharge circuit portion 14 that can permit or prohibit a current from flowing from the battery body 11 toward the vehicle body. The charge circuit portion 13 and the discharge circuit portion 14 are electrically connected to each other in series.

[0019] The charging circuit portion 13 includes a first electric circuit 15 and a second electric circuit 16. The first electric circuit 15 and the second electric circuit 16 are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The second electric circuit 16 has a larger electrical resistance than the first electric circuit 15. Specifically, the second electric circuit 16 includes a resistor 16R that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 16 larger than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 15.

[0020] The first electric circuit 15 and the second electric circuit 16 each have a switching element 15a, 16a that switches between an electrically conductive state. The switching elements 15a, 16a each switch between a conductive state and a non-conductive state when a voltage is applied via a control device described later. Hereinafter, the switching element 15a of the first electric circuit 15 is referred to as the first switching element 15a. Also, the switching element 16a of the second electric circuit 16 is referred to as the second switching element 16a.

[0021] The first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a are each a transistor. Specifically, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a are each a FET (Field Effect Transistor), and more specifically, a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor).

[0022] The first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each have a switching characteristic. More specifically, when a control device described later applies a voltage to the gate, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each switch to a conductive state in which the source and the drain are conductive. When the control device does not apply a voltage to the gate, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each switch to a non-conductive state in which the source and the drain are not conductive.

[0023] The first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each have a diode characteristic. More specifically, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each allow a current to flow from the source to the drain and prohibit a current from flowing from the drain to the source. Therefore, when expressed as an equivalent circuit, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each have a switching portion that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state, and a diode portion that is electrically connected in parallel to the switch portion and allows a current to flow from the source to the drain (see FIG. 1).

[0024] The first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each have a source electrically connected to the battery body 11 and a drain connected to the positive electrode terminal 1a. Therefore, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each allow a current to flow from the battery body 11 toward the positive electrode terminal 1a, regardless of whether a voltage is applied to the gate. In addition, the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a each allow a current to flow from the positive electrode terminal 1a toward the battery body 11 by applying a voltage to the gate.

[0025] For the resistor 16R included in the second electric circuit 16, various resistors are applied, such as, for example, a carbon film resistor, a metal film resistor, a metal oxide film resistor, a metal glaze resistor, a winding resistor, a cement resistor, etc. Therefore, by switching the first switching element 15a to a non-conductive state and switching the second switching element 16a to a conductive state, it is possible to limit the current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11, compared to the case where the first switching element 15a is switched to a conductive state and the second switching element 16a is switched to a non-conductive state.

[0026] The discharge circuit portion 14 includes a third electric path 17 and a fourth electric path 18. The third electric path 17 and the fourth electric path 18 are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The fourth electric path 18 has a larger electrical resistance than the third electric path 17. Specifically, the fourth electric path 18 includes a resistor 18R that makes the electrical resistance of the fourth electric path 18 larger than the electrical resistance of the third electric path 17.

[0027] The third electric circuit 17 and the fourth electric circuit 18 have switching elements 17a and 18a that switch the electrical conduction state, respectively, similar to the first electric circuit 15 and the second electric circuit 16. Hereinafter, the switching element 17a of the third electric circuit 17 will be referred to as the third switching element 17a. Also, the switching element 18a of the fourth electric circuit 18 will be referred to as the fourth switching element 18a.

[0028] The third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a are transistors, more specifically, MOSFETs, similar to the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a. The third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a have their sources electrically connected to the positive terminal 1a and their drains connected to the battery body 11. Therefore, the third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a each allow a current to flow from the positive terminal 1a toward the battery body 11, regardless of whether a voltage is applied to the gate. In addition, the third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a each allow a current to flow from the battery body 11 toward the positive terminal 1a by applying a voltage to the gate.

[0029] In this embodiment, the charging circuit portion 13 and the discharging circuit portion 14 are arranged on a common substrate in the battery pack 1. The first switching element 15a, the second switching element 16a, the third switching element 17a, and the fourth switching element 18a may each be the same type of MOSFET. Also, the resistor 16R of the second electric path 16 and the resistor 18R of the fourth electric path 18 may be the same type of resistor. As described above, by arranging the charging circuit portion 13 and the discharging circuit portion 14 on a common substrate, it is easy to reduce the types of components and reduce costs. Also, by making the elements of the charging circuit portion 13 and the discharging circuit portion 14 the same type, the charging circuit portion 13 and the discharging circuit portion 14 can be realized by simply changing the connection direction of each element.

[0030] The battery pack 1 has a battery management unit 19 (hereinafter, referred to as BMU). The BMU 19 is a control device for controlling the charge / discharge state of the battery body 11. In the first embodiment, the BMU 19 controls the current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery body 11 via the charge / discharge circuit 12. Specifically, the BMU 19 controls the first switching element 15a, the second switching element 16a, the third switching element 17a, and the fourth switching element 18a. More specifically, the BMU 19 selectively applies a voltage to each of the gates of the first switching element 15a, the second switching element 16a, the third switching element 17a, and the fourth switching element 18a. The BMU 19 controls each of the switching elements 15a, 16a, 17a, and 18a to switch between a conductive state and a non-conductive state of each of the switching elements 15a, 16a, 17a, and 18a. For example, the BMU 19 controls the current to flow from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11 by switching the first switching element 15a or the second switching element 16a to the conductive state. The BMU 19 also controls the current to flow from the battery main body 11 to the electrical components of the vehicle body by switching the third switching element 17a or the fourth switching element 18a to the conductive state.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the BMU 19 is an integrated circuit, and includes a processor 19a (see FIG. 2) that performs arithmetic processing, a memory 19b (see FIG. 2) that stores an arithmetic program and arithmetic results, and an interface (not shown) that converts signals from various sensors described later into signals readable by the processor 19a and transmits them to the processor 19a, and applies voltages to the switching elements 15a, 16a, 17a, and 18a according to the arithmetic results. The BMU 19 controls the switching elements 15a, 16a, 17a, and 18a based on signals transmitted from various sensors described later so that the battery body 11 can be charged and discharged while preventing damage to the battery body 11 and the charging and discharging circuit 12. The BMU 19 may control the switching elements 15a, 16a, 17a, and 18a based on signals provided from a charger 2A connected to the battery pack 1 or a control device of the vehicle body.

[0032] The battery pack 1 has various sensors. Specifically, the battery pack 1 has a first voltmeter 20, a second voltmeter 21, and an ammeter 22. The first voltmeter 20 detects the voltage between the terminals of the battery body 11, for example, the open circuit voltage. The second voltmeter 21 detects the voltage applied from the charger 2 to the battery pack 1, that is, the applied voltage of the charger 2A. The ammeter 22 detects the current flowing through the charge / discharge circuit 12. The first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, and the ammeter 22 are electrically connected to the BMU 19 so as to transmit the detected information as a signal to the BMU 19. The battery pack 1 also has a temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature inside the battery body. Furthermore, the battery pack 1 may have other sensors, such as a sensor that detects a physical connection with the charger 2A.

[0033] [Battery management unit configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the BMU 19 of FIG. The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general purpose processors, application specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. Processors include transistors and other circuits and are considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to perform or executes the described functions. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed in this specification or any hardware that is programmed to perform or is known to perform the described functions. When the hardware is a processor, which is considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0034] The processor 19a has a charge control unit 19c and a discharge control unit 19d. In the first embodiment, the charge control unit 19c is functionally realized by the processor 19a executing a charge control program stored in the memory 19b. The discharge control unit 19d is also functionally realized by the processor 19a executing a discharge control program stored in the memory 19b.

[0035] When the charging control unit 19c determines whether a predetermined charging limiting condition is satisfied, it controls the charging / discharging circuit 12 to limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the power source 2 to the battery main body 11. Specifically, the charging control unit 19c controls the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a to prohibit the current from flowing through the first electric circuit 15 and to permit the current to flow through the second electric circuit 16. When the current flows through the second electric circuit 16, the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 16 is larger than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 15, so the charging current is limited and becomes smaller than when the current flows through the first electric circuit 15.

[0036] When the charging control unit 19c determines that a predetermined charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it controls the charging / discharging circuit 12 to release the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current. Specifically, the charging control unit 19c controls the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a to permit the current to flow through the first electric circuit 15 and to prohibit the current from flowing through the second electric circuit 16. When the current flows through the first electric circuit 15, the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 15 is smaller than the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 16, so that the restriction on the charging current is released and the charging current becomes larger than when the current flows through the second electric circuit 16.

[0037] The charging control unit 19c determines whether the charging limiting condition is satisfied based on a signal transmitted from at least one of the first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, and the ammeter 22. In the first embodiment, the charging limiting condition is that charging of the battery main body 11 is started. For example, when the second voltmeter 21 detects an increase in the applied voltage of the charger 2A and transmits the detected increase in the applied voltage as a signal to the BMU 19, the charging control unit 19c determines that charging of the battery main body 11 has been started. When charging of the battery main body 11 has been started, the charging control unit 19c determines that the charging limiting condition is satisfied and limits the magnitude of the charging current.

[0038] The charging control unit 19c judges whether the charging limit release condition is satisfied based on a signal transmitted from at least one of the first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, and the ammeter 22. In the first embodiment, the charging limit release condition is at least one of the following: the potential difference between the battery main body 11 and the power source 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined potential difference threshold, the charging current becomes equal to or less than a predetermined charging current threshold, and the time during which the battery main body 11 is charged with the magnitude of the charging current limited exceeds a predetermined time. When the charging control unit 19c judges whether any of the charging limit release conditions is satisfied based on a signal transmitted from at least one of the first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, and the ammeter 22, the charging control unit 19c releases the limit on the magnitude of the charging current because the charging current has reached a stable state.

[0039] The discharge control unit 19d limits the magnitude of the discharge current flowing from the battery main body 11 to the electrical components of the vehicle body by controlling the charge / discharge circuit 12. Specifically, the discharge control unit 19d controls the third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a to prohibit the current from flowing through the third electric circuit 17 and to permit the current to flow through the fourth electric circuit 18. When the current flows through the fourth electric circuit 18, the electrical resistance of the fourth electric circuit 18 is larger than the electrical resistance of the third electric circuit 17, and therefore the discharge current is limited and reduced compared to when the current flows through the third electric circuit 17.

[0040] The discharge control unit 19d releases the restriction on the magnitude of the discharge current by controlling the charge / discharge circuit 12. Specifically, the discharge control unit 19d controls the third switching element 17a and the fourth switching element 18a to permit the current to flow through the third electric circuit 17 and to prohibit the current from flowing through the fourth electric circuit 18. When the current flows through the third electric circuit 17, the electrical resistance of the third electric circuit 17 is smaller than the electrical resistance of the fourth electric circuit 18, and therefore the restriction on the discharge current is released and the discharge current becomes larger than when the current flows through the fourth electric circuit 18.

[0041] The memory 19b of the BMU 19 stores a charge control program and a discharge control program for executing the functions of the charge control unit 19c and the discharge control unit 19d described above.

[0042] The processor 19a executes a charge control program and a discharge control program stored in the memory 19b to realize the functions of a charge control unit 19c and a discharge control unit 19d.

[0043] In this embodiment, the processor 19a is an integrated circuit, but may be a microprocessor in which the functions of the charge control unit 19c and the discharge control unit 19d are integrated.

[0044] [Charging method] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a charging method by the BMU 19 of FIG. 2. When the battery pack 1 is in a standby state, not in a charging state or a discharging state, the charging control unit 19c proceeds to step S1 to start charging. When the battery pack 1 is in a standby state, the charging control unit 19c controls the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a so that a current does not flow from the charger 2A to the battery body 11. Specifically, the charging control unit 19c switches the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a to a non-conductive state. In other words, the charging control unit 19c maintains a state in which no voltage is applied to the gates of the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a. By the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a being in a non-conductive state, a current is prohibited from flowing from the charger 2A to the battery body 11 via the first electric circuit 15 and the second electric circuit 16.

[0045] In step S1, the charging control unit 19c determines whether the charging limit condition is satisfied. When the charging control unit 19c determines whether the charging limit condition is satisfied (YES in step S1), the control process proceeds to step S2. For example, the charging control unit 19c determines whether charging of the battery main body 11 has started based on a change in a signal received from the second voltmeter 21, and determines whether the charging limit condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the second voltmeter 21 detects an increase in the applied voltage of the charger 2A and transmits the detected increase in the applied voltage as a signal to the BMU 19, the charging control unit 19c determines whether charging of the battery main body 11 has started. When the charging control unit 19c does not determine whether the charging limit condition is satisfied (NO in step S1), the control process repeats step S1.

[0046] In step S2, the charging control unit 19c judges whether or not charging of the battery pack 11 is to be started. The charging control unit 19c judges whether or not the charging start condition for starting charging is satisfied based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery main body 11 obtained from signals transmitted from the first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, the ammeter 22, and the temperature sensor 23, the state of health (SOH) of the battery main body 11, the temperature inside the battery pack, the presence or absence of abnormalities in various sensors, and the like. For example, when the battery main body 11 exceeds a predetermined charging upper limit, the charging control unit 19c judges that the charging start condition is not satisfied (NO in step S2) in order to prevent overcharging of the battery main body, and the control process proceeds to step S7 and ends charging. When the charging control unit 19c judges that the charging start condition is satisfied (YES in step S2), the control process proceeds to step S3.

[0047] In step S3, the charging control unit 19c limits the charging current flowing from the power source 2 toward the battery main body 11, as described above, to charge the battery main body 11. The charging control unit 19c maintains the first switching element 15a in a non-conductive state and switches the second switching element 16a to a conductive state. In other words, the charging control unit 19c maintains a state in which no voltage is applied to the gate of the first switching element 15a and applies a voltage to the gate of the second switching element 16a. Therefore, the charging current is prohibited from flowing through the first electric circuit 15, and the charging current is permitted to flow from the charger 2A through the second electric circuit 16 toward the battery main body 11. When the battery main body 11 is charged in a state in which the charging current is limited, the control process proceeds to step S4.

[0048] In step S4, the charging control unit 19c judges whether the charging limit release condition is satisfied. When the charging control unit 19c judges whether the charging limit release condition is satisfied (YES in step S4), the control process proceeds to step S5. For example, the charging control unit 19c judges whether the charging limit release condition is satisfied based on a change in a signal transmitted from at least one of the first voltmeter 20, the second voltmeter 21, and the ammeter 22. Specifically, the charging control unit 19c judges whether at least one of the following is satisfied: the potential difference between the battery main body 11 and the power source 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined potential difference threshold, the charging current becomes equal to or less than a predetermined charging current threshold, and the time for charging the battery main body 11 by limiting the magnitude of the charging current exceeds a predetermined time, based on the open circuit voltage of the battery main body 11 detected by the first voltmeter 20, the applied voltage of the power source 2A detected by the second voltmeter 21, and the charging current flowing through the charging / discharging circuit 12 detected by the ammeter 22. When the charge control unit 19c does not determine that the charge restriction release condition is satisfied (NO in step S4), the control process returns to step S3, and steps S3 and S4 are repeated.

[0049] In step S5, the charging control unit 19c releases the restriction on the charging current flowing from the power source 2 to the battery main body 11, as described above, and continues charging the battery main body 11. The charging control unit 19c switches the first switching element 15a to a conductive state and switches the second switching element 16a to a non-conductive state. In other words, the charging control unit 19c applies a voltage to the gate of the first switching element 15a and stops applying a voltage to the gate of the second switching element 16a. Therefore, the charging current is permitted to flow from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11 through the first current circuit 15, and the charging current is prohibited from flowing through the second current circuit 16. When charging is performed in a state in which the restriction on the charging current is released, the control process proceeds to step S6.

[0050] In step S6, the charging control unit 19c judges whether or not to terminate charging of the battery main body 11. The charging control unit 19c judges whether or not the charging termination condition for terminating charging is satisfied based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery main body, the state of health (SOH) of the battery main body, the temperature inside the battery pack 11, the presence or absence of abnormalities in various sensors, and the like. For example, when the battery main body reaches a predetermined charging upper limit, the charging control unit 19c judges that the charging termination condition is satisfied in order to prevent overcharging of the battery main body 11 (YES in step S6), and the control process proceeds to step S7 and terminates charging. When the charging control unit 19c judges that the charging termination condition is not satisfied (NO in step S6), the control process returns to step S5, and steps S5 and S6 are repeated.

[0051] In step S7, the charging control unit 19c controls the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a so that a current does not flow from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11. Specifically, the charging control unit 19c switches the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a to a non-conductive state. In other words, the charging control unit 19c stops applying a voltage to the gates of the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a. Since the first switching element 15a and the second switching element 16a are in a non-conductive state, a current is prohibited from flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11 through the first electric circuit 15 and the second electric circuit 16. When the charging control unit 19c controls so that a current does not flow from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11, the battery pack 1 transitions to a standby state and ends charging.

[0052] The battery pack 1 is charged according to the flow including steps S1 to S7. When proceeding to the next step after satisfying the conditions in steps S1, S2, and S4, another process may be interposed between the steps, or a waiting time before proceeding to the next step may be set.

[0053] The charging control unit 19c may determine whether or not a predetermined charging end condition, such as removing the battery pack 1 from the charger 2A, is satisfied even while the processing of each step is being performed. When the charging control unit 19c determines that the charging end condition is satisfied, it ends the charging. The charging end condition may include other conditions. For example, the charging end condition may include an abnormality in various sensors, the temperature inside the battery pack 11, or the deterioration of the battery exceeding a predetermined amount.

[0054] In the above-mentioned step S1, for example, when the battery pack 1 has a sensor that detects a physical connection with the charger 2A, the charge control unit 19c may determine that charging of the battery main body 11 has started based on the physical connection between the battery pack 1 and the charger 2A, and determine whether the charging limit condition is satisfied. Also, for example, when the charger 2A transmits a signal including a charging start command to the battery pack 1, the charge control unit 19c may determine that charging of the battery main body 11 has started based on the signal including the charging start command, and determine whether the charging limit condition is satisfied. Furthermore, the charge control unit 19c may determine that the charging limit condition is satisfied by estimating that an excessively large current flows from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11 in a short period of time.

[0055] [Effects] The battery pack 1 equipped with the BMU 19 configured in this manner has the following features.

[0056] The charging control system 100 of the first embodiment includes: A chargeable and dischargeable battery body 11; A power source 2 for generating power; a charging circuit portion 13 that electrically connects the power source 2 and the battery body 11 so that the power source 2 charges the battery body 11, the charging circuit portion 13 being capable of limiting the magnitude of a charging current flowing from the power source 2 to the battery body 11; A BMU (19) that controls the charging circuit portion (13), BMU19 is, When it is determined that a predetermined charging limiting condition is satisfied, the magnitude of the charging current is limited by controlling the charging circuit portion 13, When it is determined that the predetermined charging limit release condition is satisfied, the charging circuit portion 13 is controlled to release the limit on the magnitude of the charging current.

[0057] According to the first embodiment, when the BMU 19 of the charging control system 100 determines whether a predetermined charging limit condition is satisfied, it limits the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit portion 13. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery main body 11 and the charging circuit portion 13. Furthermore, when the BMU 19 of the charging control system 100 determines that the charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it releases the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit portion 13. By releasing the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to the state in which the magnitude of the charging current is restricted, which makes it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery main body 11. Furthermore, in the charging control system 100, since the BMU 19 controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source 2 that charges the battery body 11 does not need to have a function of adjusting the power supplied in accordance with the battery body 11. Therefore, the charging control system 100 increases the versatility of the power source 2 to be applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources 2.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the BMU 19 of the charge control system 100 can limit the charge current that flows when charging starts. By limiting the charge current that flows when charging starts, the battery main body 11 and the charging circuit part 13 can withstand the excessive current at the start of charging, so there is no need to set the allowable current of the electrical elements of the battery pack 1 to an excessively large value, which makes it easier to reduce the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 1. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the charge control system 100 can improve the convenience for the user since it can charge using various power sources 2. For example, it is possible to use other types of battery packs and chargers, and to use a general-purpose charger. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by limiting the charging current that flows at the start of charging, it is possible to easily use the charger 2A capable of outputting a relatively high voltage. By using the charger 2A capable of outputting a relatively high voltage, it is easy to further shorten the charging time of the battery main body 11 while preventing damage to the battery main body 11 and the charging circuit part 13. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the BMU 19 of the charging control system 100 controls the second switching element 16a to prohibit the charging current from flowing through the second current circuit 16, thereby preventing power consumption in the resistor 16R and improving the charging efficiency of the charging control system 100.

[0059] The charging circuit portion 13 includes: a first current path 15 including a first switching element 15a; a second electric circuit (16) electrically connected in parallel to the first electric circuit (15), the second electric circuit (16) including a resistor (16R) that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit (16) greater than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit (15); BMU19 is, When determining whether the charging limit condition is satisfied, the first switching element 15a is controlled to be opened, When it is determined that the charging restriction release condition is satisfied, the first switching element 15a is controlled to be closed.

[0060] According to the first embodiment, when the BMU 19 determines whether the charging limit condition is satisfied, it prohibits the charging current from flowing through the first current circuit 15 and permits the charging current to flow through the second current circuit 16. Since the second current circuit 16 has a larger electrical resistance than the first current circuit 15, it is possible to limit the excessive current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery body 11 at the start of charging. Furthermore, when the BMU 19 determines whether the charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it permits the charging current to flow through the first current circuit 15 and prohibits the charging current from flowing through the second current circuit 16. The first current circuit 15 has a smaller electrical resistance than the second current circuit 16, and therefore it is possible to release the restriction on the charging current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11. Therefore, by releasing the restriction on the charging current when the charging current is smaller than when charging started, it is possible to increase the charging current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the charging control system 100.

[0061] In addition, the first switching element 15a is a switching portion that switches the first switching element 15a between a conductive state and a non-conductive state; and a diode portion electrically connected in parallel to the switching portion to allow charging current to flow from the battery body 11.

[0062] According to the first embodiment, since the first switching element 15a has a diode portion, it is possible to discharge the battery main body 11 regardless of the state of the first switching element 15a.

[0063] The charging limiting condition is that charging of the battery main body 11 is started.

[0064] According to the first embodiment, the charging limiting condition is that charging of the battery main body 11 is started, so that the excessive current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11 at the start of charging can be limited.

[0065] In addition, the conditions for releasing the charging restriction are as follows: The potential difference between the battery body 11 and the power source 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined potential difference threshold value. the charging current is below a predetermined charging current threshold; the time during which the battery main body 11 is charged by limiting the magnitude of the charging current exceeds a predetermined time.

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the BMU 19 determines whether to lift the limit on the charging current based on the detected value of the electrical condition or the passage of time. This makes it easier to lift the limit on the charging current when the charging current has decreased and stabilized, and also makes it easier to prevent the limit on the charging current from becoming insufficient.

[0067] In addition, the charging method of the first embodiment is as follows: When determining whether a predetermined charging limit condition is satisfied, the charging circuit portion 13 electrically connects the power source 2 and the battery body 11 so that the power source 2 charges the battery body 11, and limits the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit portion 13 that can limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the power source 2 to the battery body 11; and releasing the limit on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit portion 13 when it is determined that the predetermined charging limit release condition is satisfied.

[0068] According to the first embodiment, when the charging control method determines whether the charging limit condition is satisfied, it controls the charging circuit portion 13 to limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the charger 2A to the battery main body 11. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, damage to the battery main body 11 and the charging circuit portion 13 can be easily prevented. Furthermore, when the charging control method determines whether the charging limit release condition is satisfied, it releases the limit on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit portion 13. By releasing the limit on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to a state in which the magnitude of the charging current is limited, making it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery main body 11. Furthermore, since the charging control method controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source 2 that charges the battery body 11 does not need to have a function of adjusting the power supplied according to the battery body 11. Therefore, the charging control system 100 increases the versatility of the power source 2 to be applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources 2.

[0069] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Descriptions of contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, for the reference numerals common to the first embodiment, reference numerals with 100 added will be used instead.

[0070] 4 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack 101 and a power source 102 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 101 is attached to a body 130 of an electric two-wheeler and electrically connected to the power source 102. Specifically, the battery pack 101 is electrically connected to a charging connector 140 attached to the body, and is electrically connected to a charger 102A via the charging connector 140, thereby becoming chargeable by power supplied from a commercial AC power source 2B.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the charging connector 140 has a positive terminal 141a electrically connected to the high potential side terminal 102C of the charger 102A, and a negative terminal 141b electrically connected to the ground side terminal 102D of the charger 102A.

[0072] The electric two-wheeler includes a drive electric motor 150 that rotates the drive wheels, and an inverter 160 that is a motor control device that controls the drive electric motor 150. The inverter 160 is electrically connected in parallel to the battery pack 101. The battery pack 101 and the inverter 160 are electrically connected to a control unit 170 of the electric two-wheeler, and receive signals transmitted from the control unit 170. The control unit 170 is electrically connected to vehicle-side sensors 180 that include various sensors attached to the vehicle body, and receives signals transmitted from the vehicle-side sensors 180.

[0073] The inverter 160 has a capacitor that stores power supplied from the battery pack 101 to the driving electric motor 150 when the electric motorcycle is driven, or power supplied from the driving electric motor 150 to the battery pack 101 when the electric motorcycle is regeneratively braked. When power remains in the capacitor and the battery pack 101 is charged by the power source 102 via the charging connector 140, there is a risk that an excessive current flowing from the capacitor and the power source 102 will flow toward the battery pack 101. If the battery pack 101 of the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, even if an excessive current flowing from the capacitor and the power source 102 flows toward the battery pack 101, the magnitude of the charging current can be limited to easily prevent damage to the battery body and the charging circuit. Therefore, the battery pack 101 is easily electrically protected even if it is charged while attached to the body of the electric motorcycle.

[0074] [Third embodiment] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Descriptions of contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, for the reference numerals common to the first embodiment, reference numerals with 200 added will be used instead.

[0075] 5 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack 201 and a power source 202 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. A charge / discharge circuit 212 of the battery pack 201 includes a charge circuit portion and a discharge circuit portion as a common circuit. The charge / discharge circuit 212 includes a first electric circuit 215 and a second electric circuit 216. The first electric circuit 215 and the second electric circuit 216 are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The second electric circuit 216 has a higher electrical resistance than the first electric circuit 215. Specifically, the second electric circuit 216 includes a resistor 216R that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 216 higher than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 215.

[0076] The charge / discharge circuit 212 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second electric circuit 216 does not include a switching element, whereas the first electric circuit 215 includes a first switching element 215a.

[0077] When the charge control unit 219c of the BMU 219 determines whether a predetermined charge limiting condition is satisfied, it controls the charge / discharge circuit 212 to limit the magnitude of the charge current flowing from the power source 202 to the battery main body 211. Specifically, the charge control unit 219c controls the first switching element 215a to prohibit the current from flowing through the first electric circuit 215. By prohibiting the current from flowing through the first electric circuit 215, the current flows through the second electric circuit 216. When the current flows through the second electric circuit 216, the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 216 is larger than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 215, so the charge current is limited and becomes smaller than when the current flows through the first electric circuit 215.

[0078] When the charging control unit 219c determines that a predetermined charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it controls the charging / discharging circuit 212 to release the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current. Specifically, the charging control unit 219c controls the first switching element 215a to allow the current to flow through the first electric circuit 215. By allowing the current to flow through the first electric circuit 215, the current flows through the first electric circuit 215, which has a smaller electrical resistance than the second electric circuit 216. When the current flows through the first electric circuit 215, the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 215 is smaller than the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 216, so that the restriction on the charging current is released and the charging current becomes larger than when the current flows through the second electric circuit 216.

[0079] According to the third embodiment, when the BMU 219 of the charge control system 300 determines whether a predetermined charge limit condition is satisfied, it limits the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charge / discharge circuit 212. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery body 211 and the charging circuit part 213. Furthermore, when the BMU 219 of the charge control system 300 determines whether the charge restriction release condition is satisfied, it releases the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charge / discharge circuit 212. By releasing the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to a state in which the magnitude of the charging current is restricted, which makes it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery main body 211. Furthermore, in the charging control system 300, since the BMU 219 controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source 202 that charges the battery body 211 does not need to have a function of adjusting the power supplied in accordance with the battery body 211. Therefore, the charging control system 300 increases the versatility of the power source 202 applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources 202.

[0080] [Fourth embodiment] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Descriptions of contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, reference numerals common to the first embodiment will be replaced with reference numerals with 300 added.

[0081] 6 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack 301 and a power source 302 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. A charge / discharge circuit 312 of the battery pack 301 includes a charge circuit portion and a discharge circuit portion as a common circuit. Unlike the first embodiment, the charge / discharge circuit 312 of the fourth embodiment does not include a circuit electrically connected in parallel, but includes a single variable resistor 312R.

[0082] When the charge control unit 319c of the BMU 319 determines whether a predetermined charge limiting condition is satisfied, it controls the charge / discharge circuit 312 to limit the magnitude of the charge current flowing from the power source 302 to the battery main body 311. Specifically, the charge control unit 319c controls the variable resistor 312R to increase the electrical resistance of the charge / discharge circuit 312. By increasing the electrical resistance of the charge / discharge circuit 312, the charge current flowing through the charge / discharge circuit 312 is limited and reduced.

[0083] When the charging control unit 319c determines that a predetermined charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it releases the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging / discharging circuit 312. Specifically, the charging control unit 319c controls the variable resistor 312R to reduce the electrical resistance of the charging / discharging circuit 312. As the electrical resistance of the charging / discharging circuit 312 decreases, the restriction on the charging current flowing through the charging / discharging circuit 312 is released and the charging current increases.

[0084] According to the fourth embodiment, when the BMU 319 of the charging control system 400 determines whether a predetermined charging limit condition is satisfied, it limits the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging / discharging circuit 312. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery body 311 and the charging circuit part 313. Furthermore, when the BMU 319 of the charging control system 400 determines whether the charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it releases the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging / discharging circuit 312. By releasing the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to a state in which the magnitude of the charging current is restricted, which makes it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery main body 311. Furthermore, in the charging control system 400, since the BMU 319 controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source 302 that charges the battery body 311 does not need to have a function of adjusting the power supplied in accordance with the battery body 311. Therefore, the charging control system 400 increases the versatility of the power source 302 to be applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources 302.

[0085] [Fifth embodiment] Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Descriptions of contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, reference numerals common to the first embodiment will be replaced with reference numerals with 400 added.

[0086] 7 is a circuit diagram showing a battery pack 401 and a power source 402 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 401 is electrically connected to the power source 402 in a state where it is removed from the vehicle body. Unlike the first embodiment, the battery pack 401 of the fifth embodiment does not have a charge / discharge circuit.

[0087] A positive terminal 401a of the battery pack 401 is electrically connected to a high potential side terminal 402C of a charger 402A via a charge / discharge circuit 412 arranged outside the battery pack 401. A negative terminal 401b of the battery pack 401 is electrically connected to a ground side terminal 402D of the charger 402A, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0088] The charge / discharge circuit 412 includes a charge circuit portion and a discharge circuit portion as a common circuit. The charge / discharge circuit 412 includes a first electric circuit 415 and a second electric circuit 416. The first electric circuit 415 and the second electric circuit 416 are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The second electric circuit 416 has a larger electrical resistance than the first electric circuit 415. Specifically, the second electric circuit 416 includes a resistor 416R that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 416 larger than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 415.

[0089] The first electric circuit 415 and the second electric circuit 416 each have a first switching element 415a and a second switching element 416a that switch an electrical conduction state. The first switching element 415a and the second switching element 416a are disposed externally and electrically connected to the charging control device 470, and receive signals transmitted from the charging control device 470. The charging control device 470 is electrically connected to a charging control device side sensor 480 including various sensors attached to the vehicle body, and receives signals transmitted from the charging control device side sensor 480.

[0090] When the charging control device 470 determines whether a predetermined charging limit condition is satisfied, it controls the charging / discharging circuit 412 to limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the power source 402 to the battery main body 411. Specifically, the charging control device 470 controls the first switching element 415a and the second switching element 416a to prohibit the current from flowing through the first electric circuit 415 and to permit the current to flow through the second electric circuit 416. When the current flows through the second electric circuit 416, the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 416 is larger than the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 415, so that the charging current is limited and becomes smaller than when the current flows through the first electric circuit 415.

[0091] When the charging control device 470 determines that a predetermined charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it controls the charging / discharging circuit 412 to release the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current. Specifically, the charging control device 470 controls the first switching element 415a and the second switching element 416a to permit the current to flow through the first electric circuit 415 and to prohibit the current from flowing through the second electric circuit 416. When the current flows through the first electric circuit 415, the electrical resistance of the first electric circuit 415 is smaller than the electrical resistance of the second electric circuit 416, so that the restriction on the charging current is released and the charging current becomes larger than when the current flows through the second electric circuit 416.

[0092] According to the fifth embodiment, when the BMU 419 of the charging control system 500 determines whether a predetermined charging limit condition is satisfied, it limits the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging / discharging circuit 412. By limiting the magnitude of the charging current, it is easy to prevent damage to the battery body 411 and the charging circuit part 413. Furthermore, when the BMU 419 of the charging control system 500 determines whether the charging restriction release condition is satisfied, it releases the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging / discharging circuit 412. By releasing the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current, the charging current can be increased compared to a state in which the magnitude of the charging current is restricted, which makes it easier to shorten the charging time of the battery main body 411. Furthermore, in the charging control system 500, since the BMU 419 controls the magnitude of the charging current, the power source 402 that charges the battery body 411 does not need to have a function of adjusting the power supplied in accordance with the battery body 411. Therefore, the charging control system 500 increases the versatility of the power source 402 to be applied, making it easy to charge using various power sources 402.

[0093] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0094] In the above-described embodiments, particularly the first embodiment, the charging circuit portion 13 and the discharging circuit portion 14 are electrically connected in series to each other, but for example, they may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, the charge / discharge circuits 12, 212, 312, 412 include a charge circuit portion and a discharge circuit portion, but may include only the charge circuit portion.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, the charging control system 100, 300, 400, 500 is equipped with various sensors used to determine the charging restriction conditions and the charging restriction release conditions, but may be equipped with only any single sensor, for example, at least one of the first voltmeter 20, 220, 320, the second voltmeter 21, 221, 321, and the ammeter 22, 222, 322.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the battery body 11, 211, 311 is configured from a plurality of battery cells connected in series, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery body 11, 211, 311 may be configured from a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel. The battery body 11 may include at least one battery cell. Also, the battery cell is a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell may be a known battery such as a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or an all-solid-state battery.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first switching element 15a, 215a, 415a, the second switching element 16a, 416a, the third switching element 17a, and the fourth switching element 18a are each a MOSFET, but are not limited to this. Each switching element may be an active element that can be controlled by a control device, and may be a relay-type switching element such as a mechanical relay or a solid-state relay.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the battery pack 1 is attached to an electric two-wheeled vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. The battery pack is preferably used as a drive source for a moving body that requires a large battery capacity. For example, the battery pack may be attached to an electrically driven moving body such as a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle other than a two-wheeled vehicle, a water vehicle, or an aircraft. The battery pack 1 may also be used to rotate a rotating machine, and may be used to drive electrical components other than a rotating machine, without being limited to a moving body.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, particularly in the first embodiment, the memory 19b of the BMU 19 stores a charging control program for executing the charging method, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the charging control program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a flash memory.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to electric vehicles, but can also be applied to hybrid vehicles that have a mode in which they run on a motor.

[0102] The first aspect of the present disclosure is A rechargeable battery body; A power source that generates power; a charging circuit that electrically connects the power source and the battery body so that the power source charges the battery body, the charging circuit being capable of limiting the magnitude of a charging current flowing from the power source to the battery body; A charging control device that controls the charging circuit, The charging control device includes: limiting the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit when determining whether a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied; When it is determined that a predetermined restriction release condition is satisfied, the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current is released by controlling the charging circuit. Provide a charging control system.

[0103] A second aspect of the present disclosure is The charging circuit includes: a first current path including a switching element; a second electric path electrically connected in parallel to the first electric path, the second electric path including a resistor that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric path greater than the electrical resistance of the first electric path; The charging control device includes: When determining whether the limiting condition is satisfied, the switching element is controlled to be opened, The charging control system according to the first aspect provides a charging control system in which, when it is determined that the restriction removal condition is satisfied, the switching element is controlled to be closed.

[0104] A third aspect of the present disclosure is The switching element is a switching portion that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state of the switching element; a diode portion electrically connected in parallel to the switching portion to allow current to flow from the battery body.

[0105] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is In the present invention, there is provided a charge control system according to any one of first to third aspects, wherein the limiting condition is that charging of the battery body is started.

[0106] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is The restriction release condition is: a potential difference between the battery body and the power source becomes equal to or less than a predetermined potential difference threshold; the charging current being equal to or less than a predetermined charging current threshold; The present invention provides a charging control system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the charging control system is characterized in that the magnitude of the charging current is limited to charge the battery body for a period exceeding a predetermined period of time.

[0107] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is When determining whether a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied, limiting the magnitude of the charging current by controlling a charging circuit that electrically connects a power source and the battery body so that the power source charges the battery body and can limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the power source to the battery body; and releasing the limit on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit when it is determined that a predetermined limit release condition is satisfied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 2 Power source 11 Battery body 12 Charge / discharge circuit (charging circuit) 19 Battery management unit (charging control device) 100 Charging control system

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery body; A power source that generates power; a charging circuit that electrically connects the power source and the battery body so that the power source charges the battery body, the charging circuit being capable of limiting the magnitude of a charging current flowing from the power source to the battery body; A charging control device that controls the charging circuit, The charging control device includes: limiting the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit when determining whether a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied; When it is determined that a predetermined restriction release condition is satisfied, the restriction on the magnitude of the charging current is released by controlling the charging circuit. Charging control system.

2. The charging circuit includes: a first current path including a switching element; a second electric path electrically connected in parallel to the first electric path, the second electric path including a resistor that makes the electrical resistance of the second electric path greater than the electrical resistance of the first electric path; The charging control device includes: When it is determined that the limiting condition is satisfied, the switching element is controlled to be opened, The charging control system according to claim 1 , wherein when it is determined that the restriction removal condition is satisfied, the switching element is controlled to be closed.

3. The switching element is a switching portion that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state of the switching element; 3. The charging control system according to claim 2, further comprising: a diode portion electrically connected in parallel with said switching portion to allow current to flow from said battery body.

4. The charging control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the limiting condition is that charging of the battery body is started.

5. The restriction release condition is: a potential difference between the battery body and the power source becomes equal to or less than a predetermined potential difference threshold; the charging current being equal to or less than a predetermined charging current threshold; 3. The charging control system according to claim 1, wherein the charging current is limited to a value that is sufficient to charge the battery body.

6. When determining whether a predetermined limiting condition is satisfied, limiting the magnitude of the charging current by controlling a charging circuit that electrically connects a power source and the battery body so that the power source charges the battery body and can limit the magnitude of the charging current flowing from the power source to the battery body; and releasing the limit on the magnitude of the charging current by controlling the charging circuit when it is determined that a predetermined limit release condition is satisfied.

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