Wireless device

Abstract

To provide a wireless device and a power supply unit capable of maintaining antenna characteristics at appropriate values.SOLUTION: A battery monitoring device 30 and a battery control device 40 of a battery monitoring system 100 transmit and receive battery information by wireless communication, and include: antennas 33, 43; circuit boards 34, 44; and metal plates 37, 47 that overlap with the entire projection surfaces of the antennas 33, 34 when the vertical direction of the circuit boards 34, 44 is the projection direction. The metal plates 37, 47 are disposed closest to the antennas 33, 43 compared to other conductors, and the projection surfaces of the antennas 33, 43 in the vertical direction have the largest areas compared to the projection surfaces in other directions. The metal plates 37, 47 are flat and disposed with their planes parallel to the circuit boards 34, 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless device and a power supply unit of a battery monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been battery monitoring systems that transmit or receive the battery status of a battery cell by wireless communication. Such a battery monitoring system is described in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0301961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to design such wireless devices so that the antenna characteristics can be maintained at appropriate values ​​under any environment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a wireless device and a power supply unit that can maintain antenna characteristics at appropriate values. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the above problem is a wireless device of a battery monitoring system, comprising a wireless antenna and a nearby conductor that overlaps with at least a portion of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when a specified direction is the projection direction.

[0007] This nearby conductor creates electrostatic coupling with the wireless antenna, generating electrostatic capacitance. If this electrostatic capacitance is large, even if stray capacitance occurs with other conductors, the proportion of the electrostatic capacitance with the wireless antenna becomes large (becomes dominant), and the proportion of the stray capacitance with other conductors, that is, the amount of fluctuation, can be made relatively small compared to the original electrostatic capacitance. As a result, even if the surrounding environment changes, the effect on the antenna characteristics can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of the battery monitoring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a slave device side wireless antenna. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a projection surface of a slave unit side wireless antenna. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a change in capacitance in a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a change in capacitance in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the inside of a battery monitoring device according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery monitoring device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an element according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a ground plate according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a slave unit side wireless antenna in a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a metal plate according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 11 is a side view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an ECU case according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 20] 13A is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example, and FIG. 13B is a side view showing the inside of the battery pack according to the modified example. [Figure 21] 13A is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example, and FIG. 13B is a side view showing the inside of the battery pack according to the modified example. [Figure 22] 13A is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example, and FIG. 13B is a side view showing the inside of the battery pack according to the modified example. [Figure 23] 13A is a side view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example, and FIG. 13B is a side view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic wave shield according to a modified example. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13(a) is a side view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 13(a) is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a battery pack according to a modified example. [Diagram 34]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery block according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the wireless device and the power supply unit according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, between the embodiments and the modifications, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated in principle. Below, the case where the present invention is applied to a vehicle will be described, but the present invention can also be applied to applications other than vehicles, such as flying objects such as drones, ships, construction machines, agricultural machines, etc.

[0010] (First embodiment) <Vehicle> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HV), or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV). The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack 11 (shown as "Battery" in FIG. 1), a power control unit (hereinafter referred to as "PCU") 12 as a power conversion device, a motor 13 (shown as "MG" in FIG. 1) as an electric load, and a vehicle ECU 14 (shown as "ECU" in FIG. 1). Note that PCU is an abbreviation for "Power Control Unit", MG is an abbreviation for "Motor Generator", and ECU is an abbreviation for "Electronic Control Unit".

[0011] The battery pack 11 is mounted on the vehicle 10 as a power supply unit (driving power supply) of the vehicle 10. In Fig. 1, the battery pack 11 is arranged, for example, in a front compartment. The battery pack 11 may also be arranged in a rear compartment, under a seat, under a floor, or the like.

[0012] The battery pack 11 includes a battery assembly 20, which will be described later, and is a chargeable and dischargeable DC voltage source. The battery pack 11 supplies power to an electrical load of the vehicle 10. The battery pack 11 also converts power via the PCU 12 and supplies the power to the motor 13. The battery pack 11 is also charged via the PCU 12.

[0013] The PCU 12 performs bidirectional power conversion between the battery pack 11 and the motor 13 in accordance with a control signal from the vehicle ECU 14. The PCU 12 includes, for example, an inverter that converts a DC voltage from the battery pack 11 into an AC voltage to drive the motor 13, and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to an output voltage of the battery pack 11 or higher.

[0014] The motor 13 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a permanent magnet embedded in the rotor. The motor 13 is driven by the PCU 12 to generate a rotational driving force, and the driving force generated by the motor 13 is transmitted to the driving wheels. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is braked, the motor 13 operates as a generator and performs regenerative power generation. The electric power generated by the motor 13 is supplied to the battery pack 11 via the PCU 12 and stored in the battery pack 20.

[0015] The vehicle ECU 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals, etc. The CPU loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes 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 the 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 driving of the motor 13 and the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11.

[0016] <Battery pack> The battery pack 11 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery pack 11, and Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic arrangement of various elements housed inside the battery pack 11. The battery pack 11 includes a battery pack 20, a junction box 60, a battery monitoring system 100, and a housing case 50 (shown by a dashed line) that houses them. The battery monitoring system 100 is a system that monitors and manages the battery state of the battery pack 20 using wireless communication. The battery monitoring system 100 includes a plurality of battery monitoring devices 30 and a battery control device 40, and wireless communication is performed between them. The battery monitoring devices 30 and the battery control device 40 each correspond to a wireless device.

[0017] In this embodiment, the battery pack 20, the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery control device 40 are housed inside the housing case 50 (battery housing space), but they may be disposed outside the housing case 50. Also, the housing case 50 may not be provided, and the battery pack 20 and the battery monitoring system 100 may be directly attached to a battery housing space provided in a vehicle body frame or the like. In other words, the vehicle body frame may replace the housing case 50.

[0018] <Battery pack> The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery blocks 21 (sometimes referred to as battery stacks or battery modules). The battery pack 20 is configured by connecting the plurality of battery blocks 21 in series and / or parallel. Each battery block 21 includes a plurality of battery cells 22. Each battery cell 22 is configured by a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery, or the like. The lithium ion secondary battery is a secondary battery that uses lithium as a charge carrier, and may include a general lithium ion secondary battery with a liquid electrolyte as well as a so-called all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte. The battery block 21 is configured by connecting the plurality of battery cells 22 in series and / or in parallel via a bus bar 23. It is optional whether or not to provide the battery block 21, and the battery pack 20 may be configured by connecting the plurality of battery cells 22 in series and / or in parallel. In this embodiment, the battery pack 20, the battery block 21, and the battery cells 22 correspond to a battery section.

[0019] The battery cell 22 is provided 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 case reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. In the first embodiment, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided at any location, and for example, in FIG. 3, it is provided on the top surface of the battery cell 22. <Junction box> The junction box 60 houses one or more relay switches 61 and the like. As shown in Fig. 2, the relay switches 61 are for connecting the battery blocks 21 (or the battery cells 22) in series and / or parallel to each other. The relay switches 61 can also switch between energizing and cutting off the energization of the battery pack 20 to charge and discharge the battery pack 11. The on / off of these relay switches 61 is controlled by the battery control device 40 or the like.

[0020] <Battery monitoring device> The battery monitoring device 30 will be described. Note that each battery monitoring device 30 has a common configuration. The battery monitoring device 30 is also called a satellite battery module (SBM), and is provided for each battery block 21, that is, for each of a plurality of battery cells 22. As shown in FIG. 2, each battery monitoring device 30 includes a monitoring IC 31, a child device side wireless IC 32, a child device side wireless antenna 33, and the like. These are mounted on a monitoring circuit board 34 of the battery monitoring device 30 and are housed and fixed in an SBM case 35 (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2) that serves as the housing of the battery monitoring device 30.

[0021] The slave-side wireless IC 32 is connected to the monitoring IC 31 by a wire. The slave-side wireless IC 32 is connected to the slave-side wireless antenna 33 by a wire.

[0022] The monitoring IC 31 is also called a cell monitoring circuit, and acquires (senses) battery information of each battery cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 via a physical quantity detection sensor (not shown) or the like. The physical quantity detection sensor is, for example, a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, or the like, and the battery information includes, for example, voltage information, temperature information, current information, and the like of each battery cell 22. Note that the object to be monitored by the battery monitoring device 30 may be the battery block 21 or the entire battery pack 20, and may be changed as desired.

[0023] When the monitoring IC 31 receives data (control data as control information) requesting acquisition and transmission of battery information, it acquires the battery information according to the control data and transmits monitoring data (control result) including at least the battery information. Note that the monitoring IC 31 may have a function of executing a fault diagnosis (self-diagnosis) of the circuit part of the battery monitoring device 30 including itself, and transmitting the monitoring data including the diagnosis result together with the acquired battery information.

[0024] The slave-side wireless IC 32 includes an RF circuit, a microcomputer, a front-end circuit, and the like (not shown) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. The slave-side wireless IC 32 has a transmission function of modulating data and oscillating at the frequency of an RF signal. In addition, the slave-side wireless IC 32 has a reception function of demodulating received data. RF is an abbreviation for "radio frequency."

[0025] The slave-side wireless IC 32 modulates the monitoring data including the battery information received from the monitoring IC 31 and transmits it to the battery control device 40 via the slave-side wireless antenna 33. At this time, the slave-side wireless IC 32 adds data necessary for wireless communication, such as communication control information, to the monitoring data including the battery information and transmits it. Data necessary for wireless communication is, for example, an identifier (ID) and an error detection code. The slave-side wireless IC 32 also has a function of determining the data size, communication format, and schedule of communication between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, a function of detecting errors, and the like.

[0026] Furthermore, 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. When the slave side wireless IC 32 receives control data including a request to acquire and transmit battery information, for example, the slave side wireless IC 32 transmits (transfers) the control data via a wired connection to the monitoring IC 31. When the slave side wireless IC 32 receives monitoring data including battery information from the monitoring IC 31 in response to the request, the slave side wireless IC 32 modulates response data including the monitoring data and wirelessly transmits the response data to the battery control device 40 via the slave side wireless antenna 33.

[0027] The slave side wireless antenna 33 converts the RF signal, which is an electrical signal, into radio waves and radiates it into space. The slave side wireless antenna 33 also receives the radio waves propagating through space and converts them into an electrical signal.

[0028] <Battery control device> The battery control device 40 is also called a battery ECU or a BMU (Battery Management Unit). The battery control device 40 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with each battery monitoring device 30.

[0029] 2, the battery control device 40 includes a battery control MCU 41, a parent device side wireless IC 42, and a parent device side wireless antenna 43. These are mounted on a control circuit board 44 of the battery control device 40 and are housed and fixed in an ECU case 45 (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2) which serves as the housing of the battery control device 40.

[0030] The master-side wireless IC 42 is connected by wire to the battery control MCU 41. The master-side wireless IC 42 is also connected by wire to a master-side wireless antenna 43.

[0031] The battery control MCU 41 is composed of a microcontroller unit (microcontroller unit) including a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input / output interface, etc. The CPU of the battery control MCU 41 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM contains, for example, processes related to battery control.

[0032] As an example of processing related to battery control, the battery control MCU 41 is configured to acquire the 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 a power supply line to which a relay switch 61 and an electric load (an electric load external to the battery pack 11) are connected in a junction box 60. The voltage sensor may be provided inside the junction box 60, inside the battery control device 40, or in a location other than these.

[0033] As an example of the main processing of the battery control MCU 41, the battery control MCU 41 transmits control data to the battery monitoring device 30 to request acquisition and transmission of battery information. The battery control MCU 41 also performs various processing related to monitoring the assembled battery 20, the battery block 21, and the battery cells 22 based on the monitoring data including the battery information received from the battery monitoring device 30. For example, the battery control MCU 41 may transmit the monitoring result (monitoring data) to the vehicle ECU 14, which is a higher-level ECU. In this case, the battery control MCU 41 may calculate the SOC and / or SOH based on the battery information and transmit the battery information including the calculated SOC and SOH to the vehicle ECU 14. The battery control MCU 41 also controls the relay switch 61, which switches between the energized and de-energized states of the assembled battery 20 and the PCU 12 or the motor 13, based on the monitoring result, etc. The battery control MCU 41 may also transmit an equalization signal to equalize the voltages of the battery cells 22. In this embodiment, the vehicle ECU 14 issues instructions to the PCU 12 to control the charging and discharging of the battery pack 20, but the battery control MCU 41 may be configured to perform this function. As described above, the battery control MCU 41 monitors and manages the battery pack 20, the battery block 21, and the battery cells 22.

[0034] The master-side wireless IC 42 includes an RF circuit, a microcomputer, a front-end circuit, and the like (not shown) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, similar to the slave-side wireless IC 32. The master-side wireless IC 42 has a transmitting function and a receiving function, similar to the slave-side wireless IC 32.

[0035] The master unit side wireless IC 42 demodulates the received monitoring data including the battery information via the master unit side wireless antenna 43 and transmits the demodulated data to the battery control MCU 41. The master unit side wireless IC 42 also modulates the control data received from the battery control MCU 41 with data necessary for wireless communication such as communication control information, and transmits the modulated data to the battery monitoring device 30 via the master unit side wireless antenna 43. The data necessary for wireless communication includes, for example, an identifier (ID) and an error detection code. The master unit side wireless IC 42 also has a function of determining the data size, communication format, schedule, and the like of the communication between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, a function of detecting errors, and the like.

[0036] The parent-side wireless antenna 43 has the same configuration and function as the child-side wireless antenna 33. That is, the parent-side wireless antenna 43 converts an RF signal, which is an electrical signal, into a radio wave and radiates it into space, and also receives the radio wave propagating through space and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0037] <Containment Case> The storage case 50 is made of a conductor such as metal. The storage case 50 is formed in a metal box shape, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Note that the storage case 50 may be made in whole or in part of a non-conductive material such as resin. The storage case 50 houses the battery pack 20, the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery control device 40 in the internal battery housing space.

[0038] 4, the housing case 50 is provided with a housing explosion-proof valve 51 that releases the gas inside when the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing case 50 exceeds a predetermined value. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 is configured, for example, by closing a through hole 51a penetrating the housing case 50 with a cover member 51b and welding it, and is configured such that when the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing case exceeds a predetermined value, the cover member 51b is removed to allow the gas to escape from the through hole 51a. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 corresponds to an opening of the housing case 50.

[0039] In order to facilitate the operation of the housing explosion-proof valve 51, the cover member 51b may be made of resin, or a groove may be formed in the cover member 51b so that it is easily broken when the air pressure increases. The cover member 51b may be made thinner than the thickness of the storage case 50. In addition, it is not necessary to form the housing explosion-proof valve 51 by blocking the through-hole 51a with the cover member 51b. For example, a circular or hexagonal groove (thin portion) may be formed in the storage case 50 so that the storage case 50 breaks and the through-hole 51a is formed when the air pressure increases. In addition, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 does not need to be formed on the top surface, and may be provided on the side surface or bottom surface. The number and arrangement of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 are arbitrary. However, it is preferable that the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is not provided on a surface that is blocked by the vehicle body or the like and from which gas is difficult to escape.

[0040] Here, the arrangement of the battery pack 20, the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control device 40, and the junction box 60 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. The lower surface of the storage case 50 is the mounting surface of the vehicle 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the inside of the battery pack 11 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3, inside the storage case 50 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a plurality of battery blocks 21 constituting the battery pack 20 are arranged in the longitudinal direction (X direction in FIG. 3). In each battery block 21, the battery cells 22 constituting the battery block 21 are arranged so as to be stacked in the lateral direction of the storage case 50 (Y direction in FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the storage case 50 may be referred to as the X direction, the lateral direction as the Y direction, and the up-down direction as the Z direction.

[0041] The battery monitoring device 30 and the bus bar 23 are arranged on the upper surface of each battery block 21 (the surface on the Z+ direction side in FIG. 3) and fixed with screws or the like. The battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are arranged at the very end in the longitudinal direction (X direction). In this case, the battery control device 40 is placed directly above the junction box 60 (on the Z+ direction side). It is preferable to arrange the battery control device 40 so that the parent device side wireless antenna 43 is arranged near the upper surface of the battery block 21, more preferably above the upper surface. The arrangement of the battery pack 20, the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control device 40, and the junction box 60 shown in FIG. 3 is one example and may be changed as desired. Specific examples of the changes will be described later.

[0042] In order to perform wireless communication appropriately, it is desirable that the antenna characteristics of the slave-side wireless antenna 33 and the master-side wireless antenna 43 are maintained within an appropriate range regardless of the environment. To explain with a specific example, it is considered to reuse the battery pack 11 in consideration of the environment. In addition, when the battery pack 11 is reused, it is also considered to reuse the battery monitoring system 100 and the assembled battery 20 constituting the battery pack 11 individually, rather than simply reusing the battery pack 11 as it is. In addition, when the battery pack 11 is reused, it is assumed that the battery pack 11 is reused not only in the same type of vehicle, but also in a different type of vehicle. In addition, when the battery pack 11 is reused in a different type of vehicle, the arrangement of the assembled battery 20 and the battery monitoring system 100 may be changed, or the housing case 50 housing the battery monitoring system 100 may be changed to another case.

[0043] In such a case, the antenna characteristics of the child device side wireless antenna 33 and the parent device side wireless antenna 43 may be affected. The antenna characteristics may be, for example, VSVR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio). The effects on the antenna characteristics will be described in detail. In the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45, at least the portions facing the antennas 33 and 43, more specifically, the portions that may be the path of radio waves, are generally made of a material having radio wave permeability, such as resin, so as not to obstruct the radio waves. In this embodiment, the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 are made of resin. Therefore, electrostatic capacitance (stray capacitance) is generated between the antennas 33 and 43 and metal parts (for example, the storage case 50 and the battery case of the battery cell 22) present outside the cases 35 and 45 through the cases 35 and 45. This electrostatic capacitance affects the antenna characteristics. Therefore, the shape and size of the antennas 33 and 43 are designed in consideration of these electrostatic capacitances so that the antenna characteristics are appropriate.

[0044] The SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 may be collectively referred to as cases 35, 45. The slave side wireless antenna 33 and the master side wireless antenna 43 may be collectively referred to as antennas 33, 43. The monitoring circuit board 34 and the control circuit board 44 may be collectively referred to as circuit boards 34, 44.

[0045] However, when the arrangement of the battery monitoring device 30 (or the battery control device 40) or the configuration of the storage case 50 is changed during reuse, the capacitance generated between them may change. If the ratio of the amount of change is too large compared to the capacitance before the change, the antenna characteristics may be affected, and there is a risk that wireless communication may not be performed properly. Note that the amount of change is the difference between the capacitance before the change and the capacitance after the change, and the ratio of the amount of change is a value calculated by dividing the amount of change by the capacitance before the change. Hereinafter, the ratio of the amount of change is referred to as the variation ratio.

[0046] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are designed to prevent the rate of fluctuation from becoming large regardless of how the surrounding environment changes, such as when the battery is reused. This will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of the inside of the SBM case 35 in the battery monitoring device 30.

[0047] 5, in the battery monitoring device 30, the slave side wireless antenna 33 is placed on the upper surface of a monitoring circuit board 34 configured in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate, and in this state, the battery monitoring device 30 is housed and fixed in a resin SBM case 35. The SBM case 35 is formed into a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The slave side wireless IC 32 is installed on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the slave side wireless antenna 33 is installed).

[0048] The slave side wireless antenna 33 is a pattern antenna, and includes, for example, an element 33a for radiating radio waves, a ground plate 33b as a wiring pattern arranged opposite the element 33a, and a dielectric 33c interposed between the element 33a and the ground plate 33b, as shown in Fig. 6. The element 33a is a thin metal conductor, and has a shape in which an L-shaped portion and a rectangular portion are combined. The rectangular portion corresponds to a stub shape (a portion where the wiring branches out). Since 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 power supply point (not shown).

[0049] The ground plate 33b is a thin, long metal conductor, and has a potential corresponding to (equivalent to) the reference potential (e.g., ground) of the monitoring circuit board 34 (in this embodiment, the potential is the same). The element 33a is placed on the ground plate 33b via a dielectric 33c. The pattern (shape and size, mainly the length and width of the rectangular portion) of the element 33a is adjusted so that the impedance between the element 33a and the ground plate 33b (the impedance of the slave side wireless antenna 33) becomes a desired impedance. The ground plate 33b is disposed on the lower side (the monitoring circuit board 34 side), and the element 33a is disposed on the upper side.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, a metal plate 37 is disposed on the lower surface side of the monitoring circuit board 34 via an insulating sheet 36 as a nearby conductor. The nearby conductor is a conductor that is close enough to affect the antenna characteristics of the slave side wireless antenna 33. The influence on the antenna characteristics refers to a change in the impedance of the slave side wireless antenna 33. More specifically, it is a conductor that is not in electrical contact (connected) with the element 33a of the slave side wireless antenna 33 and is disposed at a distance equal to or less than the wavelength of the lowest frequency among the frequency bands used in wireless communication. The metal plate 37 as the nearby conductor of this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0051] The metal plate 37 is disposed on the monitoring circuit board 34 on the opposite side to the surface on which the child device side wireless antenna 33 is installed. The metal plate 37 is flat and disposed with its plane parallel to the monitoring circuit board 34. Specifically, the metal plate 37 is laminated on the monitoring circuit board 34 via the insulating sheet 36. The metal plate 37 is disposed closest to the child device side wireless antenna 33 compared to other conductors excluding the conductors (circuit elements, etc.) mounted on the monitoring circuit board 34. Specifically, the metal plate 37 is disposed closest to the child device side wireless antenna 33 in a predetermined direction (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34) compared to other conductors present inside the SBM case 35. The other conductors present inside the SBM case 35 include, for example, circuit elements (excluding the circuit elements mounted on the monitoring circuit board 34), wiring, metal parts, etc. The other conductors also include conductors that are present outside the SBM case 35 (such as the housing case 50, the bus bar 23, and the battery case of the battery cell 22). Although the metal plate 37 is described as being flat, flat refers to a shape that is sufficiently thin compared to other dimensions, and may include some unevenness as well as a shape without any irregularities.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the metal plate 37 overlaps at least a part of the projection surface of the slave side wireless antenna 33 when the predetermined direction is the projection direction. The predetermined direction is a direction in which the projection surface of the slave side wireless antenna 33 in the predetermined direction is the largest surface compared to the projection surface in other directions. The predetermined direction in this embodiment is the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34. The projection surface of the slave side wireless antenna 33 includes at least the projection surface of the element 33a and the projection surface of the ground plate 33b. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the metal plate 37 is determined so that the entire projection surface of the slave side wireless antenna 33 overlaps with the metal plate 37 in the vertical direction. In other words, the area of ​​the metal plate 37 is determined so that when the slave side wireless antenna 33 is projected from the vertical direction, the entire projection surface is included in the metal plate 37. In this embodiment, the metal plate 37 is configured to cover all of the slave side wireless ICs 32 arranged on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring circuit board 34 and the metal plate 37 are housed and fixed inside the SBM case 35 in a stacked state. The size and shape of the SBM case 35 and the fixing position of the monitoring circuit board 34 are determined so that the distance L11 from the upper surface of the monitoring circuit board 34 to the upper surface of the SBM case 35 in the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is greater than the distance L12 from the child device side wireless antenna 33 to the metal plate 37. The size and shape of the SBM case 35 and the fixing position of the monitoring circuit board 34 are determined so that the distance L13 from the lower surface of the metal plate 37 to the lower surface of the SBM case 35 in the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is greater than the distance L12 from the child device side wireless antenna 33 to the metal plate 37. Therefore, even if the external situation of the battery monitoring device 30 (such as its arrangement and the configuration of the housing case 50) is changed, the metal plate 37 will continue to be the conductor disposed closest to the child device side wireless antenna 33 unless the internal configuration of the battery monitoring device 30 is changed.

[0054] The battery monitoring device 30 has been described above, and the battery control device 40 has a similar configuration. Here, the internal configuration of the battery control device 40 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 5. In the battery control device 40, the control circuit board 44 has the parent unit side wireless antenna 43 mounted on the upper surface of the control circuit board 44, and in this installed state is housed and fixed in a resin ECU case 45. The parent unit side wireless IC 42 is mounted on the lower surface of the control circuit board 44 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the parent unit side wireless antenna 43 is mounted).

[0055] The parent-side wireless antenna 43 has a similar configuration to the child-side wireless antenna 33. That is, the parent-side wireless antenna 43 includes an element 43a for radiating radio waves, a ground plate 43b arranged opposite the element 43a in an insulated state, and a dielectric 43c interposed between the element 43a and the ground plate 43b. Since the element 43a, the ground plate 43b, and the dielectric 43c are configured in the same manner as the child-side wireless antenna 33, the description of the child-side wireless antenna 33 will be used and their description will be omitted.

[0056] A metal plate 47 is disposed on the lower surface side of the control circuit board 44 via an insulating sheet 46 as a proximal conductor. The shape, size, and arrangement of this metal plate 47 are similar to those of the metal plate 37 of the battery monitoring device 30. That is, the area of ​​the metal plate 47 is determined so that the entire projection surface of the parent unit side wireless antenna 43 overlaps with the metal plate 47 in the vertical direction of the control circuit board 44. The metal plate 47 also covers the entire parent unit side wireless IC 42 disposed on the lower surface of the control circuit board 44. For this reason, the description of the metal plate 37 of the battery monitoring device 30 will be used and a detailed description of the metal plate 47 will be omitted.

[0057] The control circuit board 44 and the metal plate 47 are then housed and fixed in a stacked state inside the ECU case 45. The ECU case 45 has substantially the same configuration as the SBM case 35, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] Next, the operation of the battery monitoring system 100 configured as above when it is reused will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Here, the explanation will be centered on the battery monitoring device 30, but the battery control device 40 is almost the same.

[0059] First, referring to Fig. 8, a change in capacitance in a comparative example in which the metal plate 37 is not present will be described. As described above, the battery monitoring device 30 is housed inside the housing case 50, which is a metal conductor. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 8(a), a capacitance (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 8) is generated between the child device side wireless antenna 33 and a conductor present outside the SBM case 35, with the resin SBM case 35 in between. The conductor present outside differs depending on the arrangement of the battery monitoring device 30, and in the case of Fig. 8(a), for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that it is the upper and lower surfaces of the housing case 50. In the case of Fig. 8(a), the total capacitance generated between them is, for example, 8 pF (picofarad).

[0060] Then, assume that this battery monitoring device 30 is reused and stored in a storage case 150 having a different configuration from the storage case 50. For the sake of simplicity, it will be assumed that only the distance between the slave side wireless antenna 33 of the battery monitoring device 30 and the upper surface of the storage case 150 becomes larger (separate) as shown in Fig. 8(b) and the other conditions are the same.

[0061] The capacitance between the slave wireless antenna 33 and the upper surface of the housing case 150 decreases as the distance between them increases. The total capacitance after the change is assumed to be 6 pF, for example. In other words, the change amount is 2 pF, and the change rate is 25% (=2÷8×100).

[0062] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the change in capacitance in the first embodiment in which the metal plate 37 is present will be described. As described above, the battery monitoring device 30 is housed inside the housing case 50, which is a metal conductor. Therefore, in the state before the change, as shown in FIG. 9(a), a capacitance (shown by a broken line in FIG. 9) is generated between the child device side wireless antenna 33 and a conductor existing outside the SBM case 35, with the resin SBM case 35 in between. The conductor existing outside differs depending on the arrangement of the battery monitoring device 30, and in the case of FIG. 9(a), it is assumed to be the upper surface of the housing case 50 for the sake of simplicity of explanation. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the metal plate 37, which is a nearby conductor, is arranged on the lower surface of the monitoring circuit board 34, so that almost no capacitance is generated between the child device side wireless antenna 33 and the lower surface of the housing case 50, unlike FIG. 8(a).

[0063] On the other hand, a large capacitance occurs between the child device side wireless antenna 33 and the metal plate 37. This is because, as described above, the distance between the child device side wireless antenna 33 and the metal plate 37 is the closest compared to other conductors (e.g., the bottom surface of the casing 50) and the overlapping area is the largest. Therefore, the total capacitance occurring in the case of Fig. 9(a) is much larger than that in the case of Fig. 9(a), and is, for example, 15 pF (picofarads).

[0064] Then, assume that the battery monitoring device 30 is reused and stored in the storage case 150 as in FIG. 8(b). In this case, as in the above, only the distance between the slave side wireless antenna 33 and the top surface of the storage case 150 increases, and the capacitance therebetween decreases. In this case, as in FIG. 8(b), the amount of change (amount of decrease) is 2 pF. Therefore, the total capacitance after the change is 13 pF, and the change rate is about 13% (= 2 ÷ 15 × 100).

[0065] In this way, when the battery monitoring device 30 of the first embodiment is reused, the rate of fluctuation can be made smaller than when the metal plate 37 is not present, and therefore the effect on the antenna characteristics can be reduced.

[0066] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0067] The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 each include a metal plate 37, 47 that is a nearby conductor that overlaps at least a part of the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 when a predetermined direction is the projection direction. The metal plate 37, 47 generates electrostatic coupling with the antenna 33, 43, generating electrostatic capacitance. If the electrostatic capacitance is large, even if stray capacitance occurs between the antenna 33, 43 and another conductor, the proportion of the electrostatic capacitance between the antenna 33, 43 becomes large (becomes dominant), and even if the electrostatic capacitance between the antenna 33, 43 and another conductor fluctuates, the fluctuation rate can be reduced. In other words, the electrostatic capacitance can be prevented from being significantly changed, and the effect on the antenna characteristics can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, the metal plates 37, 47 are disposed closest to the antennas 33, 43 compared to other conductors (excluding the circuit elements mounted on the circuit boards 34, 44). This increases the electrostatic capacitance between the metal plates 37, 47 and the antennas 33, 43, so that the rate can be increased even after the fluctuation. As a result, it is possible to reduce the rate of fluctuation.

[0069] In addition, the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 is the largest compared to the projection surface in other directions. This increases the capacitance between the metal plate 37, 47 and the antenna 33, 43, so that the ratio can be increased even after the fluctuation. As a result, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation ratio.

[0070] The predetermined direction (projection direction) is a direction perpendicular to the monitoring circuit board 34 (control circuit board 44 in the case of the battery control device 40). When the metal plates 37, 47 are fixed to the circuit boards 34, 44, the distance and overlapping area between the antennas 33, 43 and the metal plates 37, 47 can be stabilized, making it possible to make the capacitance less likely to fluctuate.

[0071] Moreover, the metal plates 37, 47 are flat and arranged with their planes parallel to the circuit boards 34, 44. This increases the capacitance between the metal plates 37, 47 and the antennas 33, 43. Even if the configuration of the battery pack 11 on the side where the metal plates 37, 47 are arranged, for example, the configuration or arrangement of the assembled battery 20 arranged on the side of the metal plate 37 in the battery monitoring device 30, is changed, the distance and overlapping area between the antennas 33, 43 and the metal plates 37, 47 can be stabilized, making it possible to make the capacitance less likely to fluctuate.

[0072] Furthermore, in the circuit boards 34, 44, the metal plates 37, 47 are disposed on the lower surface opposite to the upper surface on which the elements 33a, 43a are disposed, thereby preventing the metal plates 37, 47 from interfering with the radio waves radiated from the elements 33a, 43a.

[0073] Moreover, in the circuit boards 34, 44, the child device side wireless IC 32 and the parent device side wireless IC 42 are arranged on a lower surface opposite to the upper surface on which the elements 33a, 43a are arranged, and the metal plates 37, 47 are configured to cover the child device side wireless IC 32 and the parent device side wireless IC 42. The metal plates 37, 47 can block external noise and suppress influence on the child device side wireless IC 32 and the parent device side wireless IC 42. Moreover, since the child device side wireless IC 32 and the parent device side wireless IC 42 are arranged on a surface different from the elements 33a, 43a, they can be prevented from adversely affecting each other.

[0074] Moreover, in a predetermined direction (vertical direction), the entire projection surface of the antennas 33, 43 overlaps with the metal plates 37, 47. This maximizes the overlapping area, making it possible to maximize the proportion of the capacitance between the metal plates 37, 47 and the antennas 33, 43, and reduce the fluctuation rate.

[0075] The elements 33a, 43a have an L-shape and a stub shape, which allows the electrostatic capacitance between the elements 33a, 43a and the ground plates 33b, 43b, the impedance of the antennas 33, 43, and the electrostatic capacitance between the elements 33a, 43a and the metal plates 37, 47 to be adjusted, thereby improving the antenna characteristics.

[0076] Insulating sheets 36, 46 are provided between the antennas 33, 43 (more specifically, the circuit boards 34, 44) and the metal plates 37, 47. As a result, even if a high-voltage source such as the battery cell 22 is placed below the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40 due to a change in position, the insulating sheets 36, 46 can prevent leakage of electricity from the antennas 33, 43.

[0077] (Modification of the first embodiment) Below, a modified example in which the configuration of the battery pack 11 is partially changed will be described.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 are made of resin, but a part of them may be made of a conductor (metal, etc.). In that case, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, the lower surface of the SBM case 35 may be made of metal and function as a metal plate 37. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts. The ECU case 45 may be constructed in the same way.

[0079] In the first embodiment, if the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 are partially or entirely made of a conductor (such as metal), it is necessary to provide a passage portion that allows radio waves from the antennas 33, 43 to pass through.

[0080] For example, when the SBM case 35 is made of metal, as shown in FIG. 11, a passage opening 35a may be provided on the side of the SBM case 35 at a position facing the child device side wireless antenna 33 (near the center in the Y direction in FIG. 11). The passage opening 35a is provided on the side of the communication partner (battery control device 40) of the child device side wireless antenna 33 in the radio wave propagation path. The passage opening 35a is also provided on the opposite side of the metal plate 37 with the child device side wireless antenna 33 as a reference in the radio wave propagation path. Specifically, the passage opening 35a is provided on the side of the SBM case 35, above the monitoring circuit board 34 (Z+ side), up to the top surface. The passage opening 35a may be provided from the side to the top surface of the SBM case 35, and it is even better if the surface of the top surface of the SBM case 35 facing the child device side wireless antenna 33 also has a passage opening 35a.

[0081] 11, the passage opening 35a is covered with a resin cover, but it may be configured in any way as long as it can pass radio waves, and it may also be an open opening without any cover. This allows radio waves to be appropriately input and output even when the metal plate 37 is provided.

[0082] Moreover, the passage opening 35a is preferably provided at a position facing the slave unit side wireless antenna 33, and desirably provided on the opposite side to the metal plate 37. In other words, when the metal plate 37 is provided on the lower surface side (Z- side) of the monitoring circuit board 34, it is desirably provided on the upper side (Z+ side) of the upper surface on which the slave unit side wireless antenna 33 is provided. This allows appropriate input and output of radio waves even when the metal plate 37 is provided.

[0083] Further, the width dimension of the passage opening 35a is set to be equal to or more than 1 / 2 the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the slave unit side wireless antenna 33. The width dimension may be the width dimension in any direction, and may be the vertical width or the horizontal width. For example, in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the Z direction (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 which is the projection direction), in the modified example shown in FIG. 11, the width dimension L15 of the passage opening 35a in the Y direction is set to be equal to or more than 1 / 2 the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the slave unit side wireless antenna 33. This makes it possible to properly ensure the propagation path of the radio wave passing through the passage opening 35a in the Y direction.

[0084] In the first embodiment, it is preferable that no conductor is arranged on the opposite side of the metal plate 37 from the slave unit side wireless antenna 33 (i.e., on the upper side of the monitoring circuit board 34) in the projection direction (Z direction that is the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34). However, if any conductor is arranged, it is preferable that the distance between the conductor and the slave unit side wireless antenna 33 is equal to or greater than ½ of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the slave unit side wireless antenna 33. The ECU case 45 may be configured in a similar manner.

[0085] For example, as in the first embodiment, when the upper surface (conductor) of the casing 50 is arranged in the Z direction, the distance between the upper surface of the casing 50 and the child device side wireless antenna 33 is set to be equal to or greater than half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the child device side wireless antenna 33. This makes it possible to properly ensure the propagation path of the radio wave in the Z direction.

[0086] 11, when the upper surface (conductor) of the SBM case 35 is arranged in the Z direction, the distance L16 between the upper surface of the SBM case 35 and the child device side wireless antenna 33 is set to be equal to or greater than half the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the child device side wireless antenna 33. This makes it possible to properly ensure the propagation path of the radio wave passing through the passage opening 35a in the Z direction.

[0087] In the first embodiment described above, it is desirable that the distance between the top surface of the SBM case 35 and the child device side wireless antenna 33 be equal to or greater than 1 / 2 the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the child device side wireless antenna 33. As a result, even if the external configuration of the SBM case 35 is changed, for example, if a conductor is placed outside the SBM case 35, the SBM case 35 can make the size of the propagation path in the Z direction (vertical direction) equal to or greater than 1 / 2 the wavelength of the radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately ensure the propagation path of the radio waves in the Z direction. The ECU case 45 may be configured in a similar manner.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the shape of the elements 33a, 43a may be changed as desired to obtain desired antenna characteristics. For example, the length and width of the stub shape (rectangular portion) may be changed, or the stub shape may not be provided. Also, the L-shape may not be used. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the elements 33a, 43a may be provided with a comb-tooth shape 133. This makes it possible to adjust the impedance and capacitance to any value.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the shape of the ground plates 33b and 43b may be changed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the ground plates 33b and 43b may be formed with a comb-tooth shape 111, or as shown in FIG. 13(b), a meandering shape 112. Incidentally, the ground plates 33b and 43b do not need to face the entire area of ​​the elements 33a and 43a, and may not overlap with a part of the elements 33a and 43a, as shown in FIG. 14. This allows the impedance and the like to be appropriately adjusted. In FIG. 14, the dielectrics 33c and 43c are omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0090] Regardless of the shapes of the elements 33a, 43a and the ground plates 33b, 43b, the projection plane of the antennas 33, 43 includes at least the projection plane of the elements 33a, 43a and the projection plane of the ground plates 33b, 43b.

[0091] In the first embodiment, the metal plate 37, 47 is configured to cover the lower surface of the circuit board 34, 44. However, as long as a part of the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 overlaps with the metal plate 37, 47, the size of the metal plate 37, 47 may be changed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), about half of the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 may overlap with the metal plate 37, 47. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 and the metal plate 37, 47 may have the same area, but only a part of the projection surface may overlap. Also, although not shown, the metal plate 37, 47 may be provided so as to completely match the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43. It is preferable to set the size of the metal plate 37, 47 so that more than half of the projection surface of the antenna 33, 43 overlaps with the metal plate 37, 47.

[0092] Second embodiment The battery pack of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0093] In the battery monitoring system 100 using wireless communication as in the first embodiment, communication is affected by electromagnetic noise, so an electromagnetic wave shielding material (metal conductor in the first embodiment) that absorbs or reflects external electromagnetic noise is used in the storage case 50 (housing of the battery pack 11) in which the battery monitoring system 100 is stored. Note that an example of a document that describes the use of an electromagnetic wave absorbing material in a storage case is the patent document shown in JP2020-510956A.

[0094] However, the source of electromagnetic noise (noise source) is not necessarily present outside the storage case 50, and may be present inside the storage case 50. For example, in the first embodiment, a main noise source present inside the storage case 50 of the battery pack 11 is a junction box 60 having a relay switch 61 and the like for switching current connections. For this reason, when wireless communication is used inside the storage case 50, it is necessary to suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise from noise sources inside the storage case 50.

[0095] The second embodiment has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to suppress the effects of noise generated inside the housing case 50. This will be described in detail below.

[0096] As described in the first embodiment, the battery control device 40 is disposed near the junction box 60 (directly above it in the first embodiment) in order to obtain the total voltage (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 (such as an inverter), and is a location into which noise is likely to enter via wiring. The relay switch 61 can also generate electromagnetic noise when switched. For this reason, the junction box 60 can be said to be a noise source inside the housing case 50 (battery housing space).

[0097] 16-17, in the second embodiment, an electromagnetic shield 201 is provided as an electromagnetic wave blocking member between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 as a noise source, thereby blocking electromagnetic noise to the battery control device 40. In addition, a battery cell 22 is provided as an electromagnetic wave blocking member between the battery monitoring device 30 and the junction box 60 as a noise source, thereby blocking electromagnetic noise to the battery monitoring device 30.

[0098] A detailed description will be given below. First, the arrangement of the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control device 40, and the junction box 60 in the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a top view (as viewed from the Z+ direction) of the inside of the storage case 50 in the second embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a side view (as viewed from the Y direction) showing the inside of the storage case 50 in the second embodiment.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 16, a plurality of battery blocks 21 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage case 50. The battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are arranged between one side wall 50a in the X direction of the storage case 50 and a side surface of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, the battery block 21 arranged at one end on the X direction). The battery control device 40 is arranged directly above the junction box 60. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 17, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are arranged below the top surface of the battery block 21.

[0100] In this embodiment, the junction box 60 is provided directly below the battery control device 40, and therefore an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is provided below the battery control device 40. This electromagnetic wave shield 201 is made of a conductive material. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave shield 201 is formed of a thin metal plate.

[0101] The electromagnetic wave shield 201 is large enough to cover at least those components in the battery control device 40 that are susceptible to the effects of electromagnetic noise, such as the battery control MCU 41, the parent device side wireless IC 42, and the parent device side wireless antenna 43. It is desirable for the electromagnetic wave shield 201 to be large enough to cover the entire lower surface of the control circuit board 44, specifically the lower surface of the ECU case 45, and in the second embodiment, it is configured to cover almost all of the upper surface of the junction box 60.

[0102] In the battery control device 40, the parent unit wireless antenna 43 is mounted on the upper surface of the control circuit board 44 and is configured to radiate radio waves upward. In Figures 16 and 17, an example of radio waves radiated from the parent unit wireless antenna 43 is shown by a dashed line. For this reason, the electromagnetic wave is prevented from being blocked by the electromagnetic wave shield 201. In the frequency band used in wireless communication, the radio wave intensity of the radio waves radiated from the battery control device 40 and input to the battery monitoring device 30 with which it communicates is set so that the radio wave intensity is stronger than the radio wave intensity of electromagnetic noise generated from the junction box 60.

[0103] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the battery monitoring devices 30 are disposed between one side wall 50b in the short-side direction (Y direction) of the storage case 50 and a side surface of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, one side surface of each battery block 21 in the Y direction). Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the battery monitoring devices 30 are disposed below the upper surface of the battery block 21. Note that, for space reasons, the battery monitoring devices 30 are vertically placed (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is the Y direction), but the placement may be changed as desired. The child device side wireless antenna 33 is disposed on the surface opposite the battery block 21 in the Y direction (the side of the side wall 50b of the storage case 50). Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the child device side wireless antenna 33 is disposed above the junction box 60 in the Z direction.

[0104] In this manner, the battery block 21 is disposed between the junction box 60 and the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery case of the battery block 21 (or the battery case of the battery cell 22) is made of a metal conductor that blocks electromagnetic noise. For this reason, the battery case functions as an electromagnetic wave blocking member interposed between the junction box 60 and the battery monitoring device 30. In the frequency band used in wireless communication, the radio wave intensity of the radio waves radiated from the battery monitoring device 30 and input to the battery control device 40 with which it communicates is set so that the radio wave intensity is stronger than the radio wave intensity of the electromagnetic wave noise generated from the junction box 60.

[0105] The slave-side wireless antenna 33 is disposed above the monitoring circuit board 34 in the Z direction, and is adapted to radiate radio waves (indicated by dashed lines) upward. As a result, the radio waves radiated upward from the battery monitoring device 30 are reflected by the upper surface (ceiling) of the housing case 50, etc., and are input to the battery control device 40. The radio wave paths shown by dashed lines in Figs. 16 and 17 are merely examples, and the radio waves radiated from the battery monitoring device 30 may be reflected once by the side wall 50b of the housing case 50, and then repeatedly reflected by the upper surface of the housing case 50 or the battery case, etc., before being input to the battery control device 40. Similarly, the radio waves radiated upward from the battery control device 40 are reflected by the upper surface of the housing case 50, etc., before being input to the battery monitoring device 30. This radio wave path is also merely an example, and the radio waves radiated from the battery control device 40 may be reflected repeatedly by the upper surface of the housing case 50 or the battery case, etc., before being reflected by the side wall 50b of the housing case 50, and are input to the battery monitoring device 30.

[0106] It should be noted that there is a possibility that electromagnetic noise radiated from the side of the junction box 60 may be reflected by the side walls 50a, 50b of the housing case 50, and may travel around the side of the battery block 21 to reach the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40. If it is desired to suppress the effects of such electromagnetic noise, the side of the junction box 60, the side of the battery monitoring device 30, or the side of the battery control device 40 may be covered with an electromagnetic shield.

[0107] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0108] An electromagnetic wave shield 201 is interposed between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise from the junction box 60 on the battery control device 40. Similarly, a battery cell 22 (battery case) that functions as an electromagnetic wave blocking member is interposed between the battery monitoring device 30 and the junction box 60. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise from the junction box 60 on the battery monitoring device 30.

[0109] In the battery storage space of the storage case 50, the child device side wireless antenna 33 of the battery monitoring device 30 and the parent device side wireless antenna 43 of the battery control device 40 are disposed above the junction box 60, and communication is performed by reflecting radio waves off the upper surface of the storage case 50. This prevents radio waves from being blocked by the junction box 60, and enables appropriate wireless communication.

[0110] The child device side wireless antenna 33 and the parent device side wireless antenna 43 are disposed above the electromagnetic shield 201, and the junction box 60 is separated by the electromagnetic shield 201. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for noise generated from the junction box 60 to reach the antennas 33, 43, even if an electromagnetic shield is not provided on the side surface.

[0111] The radio wave intensity of the radio waves emitted from the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 is stronger than the radio wave intensity of the electromagnetic noise generated from the junction box 60. Therefore, the influence of the electromagnetic noise can be suppressed.

[0112] (Modification of the second embodiment) A modified example in which the configuration of the battery pack 11 in the second embodiment is partially changed will be described below.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 are made of resin, but a part of them may be made of an electromagnetic wave blocking material (metal, etc.). In this case, it is preferable that the surface of the SBM case 35 or the ECU case 45 that is disposed on the junction box 60 side is made of an electromagnetic wave blocking material. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the junction box 60 is disposed directly below the battery control device 40, the lower surface of the ECU case 45 may be made of a metal conductor and the lower surface may function as an electromagnetic wave shield (electromagnetic wave blocking material). In this case, the electromagnetic wave shield 201 can be omitted, and the number of parts can be reduced. Similarly, in the SBM case 35, the left side surface of the SBM case 35 (the side surface on the junction box 60 side) may be made of an electromagnetic wave blocking material.

[0114] In the second embodiment, if the SBM case 35 and the ECU case 45 are partially or entirely made of a conductor (such as metal), it is necessary to provide a passage portion that allows radio waves from the antennas 33, 43 to pass through.

[0115] For example, in the case of a battery control device 40 in which the radio wave propagation path is upward (Z+ direction) and the electromagnetic wave shield 201 is located directly below as shown in Figures 16 and 17, a passage opening 245a may be provided on the top surface of the ECU case 45 at a position opposite the parent unit side wireless antenna 43 (near the right side in Figure 18) as shown in Figure 18.

[0116] 18, the passage opening 245a is covered with a resin cover, but may be configured in any manner as long as it allows radio waves to pass through, and may also be an open opening without any cover. The passage opening 245a is disposed on the communication partner side of the antennas 33, 43 in the radio wave propagation path, but is disposed so as not to be disposed on the junction box 60 side. That is, in the example of FIG. 18, the passage opening 245a of the ECU case 45 is disposed on the upper surface (the surface opposite to the junction box 60 side).

[0117] In this case, the bottom surface of the ECU case 45 may be made of a conductor such as metal to function as an electromagnetic wave blocking member (electromagnetic wave shield). This eliminates the need to provide an electromagnetic wave blocking member (such as the electromagnetic wave shield 201) on the outside of the battery control device 40, allowing the number of parts to be reduced.

[0118] 16 and 17, in the case of a battery monitoring device 30 in which the radio wave propagation path is located above (Z+ direction) and the battery cells 22 (battery blocks 21) are arranged on the side surface in the Y direction, a passage opening may be provided on the top surface (surface in the Z+ direction) of the SBM case 35 at a position facing the child device side wireless antenna 33 (near the center in the X direction). If a propagation path is assumed in which radio waves are reflected by the side wall 50b of the storage case 50 and input / output from the side of the side wall 50b of the battery monitoring device 30, a passage opening may be provided on the side surface of the SBM case 35 (side surface of the side wall 50b) at a position facing the child device side wireless antenna 33. In addition, it is preferable that the passage opening provided in the SBM case 35 opens in a direction different from the side of the battery cells 22 that function as an electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0119] A directional antenna that radiates radio waves having directionality may be used as the antennas 33 and 43 in the second embodiment. A directional antenna is an antenna that has strong radio wave strength in a predetermined direction. When a directional antenna is used, it is desirable to determine the direction of the antenna so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the directional antenna are strong is toward the communication partner, but is not toward a noise source or an electromagnetic wave blocking material.

[0120] For example, in the case of a battery control device 40 in which a junction box 60 and an electromagnetic wave shield 201 are placed directly below and the radio wave propagation path is provided on the upper side, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, it is desirable to determine the direction of the directional antenna so that the direction in which the radio waves radiated from the directional antenna are strong is toward the upper side (the side of the battery monitoring device 30 in the propagation path) but not toward the lower side (the side of the junction box 60, etc.).

[0121] 16 and 17, in the case of a battery monitoring device 30 in which the battery cells 22 (battery blocks 21) are arranged on one side in the Y direction and the side wall 50b of the storage case 50 is arranged on the other side, with the radio wave propagation path provided on the upper side, the direction of the directional antenna is determined so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the directional antenna are strong faces the upper side (the side of the battery control device 40 in the propagation path) but does not face the side (the side of the battery cells 22 or the side wall 50b). Note that, if a propagation path is assumed in which the radio waves are reflected by the side wall 50b of the storage case 50 and input / output from the side of the side wall 50b of the battery monitoring device 30, the direction of the directional antenna may be determined so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the directional antenna are strong faces the side surface of the SBM case 35 (the side surface of the side wall 50b).

[0122] This makes it possible to prevent radio waves from the directional antenna from being blocked by the influence of electromagnetic wave blocking materials or noise sources, thereby enabling proper wireless communication.

[0123] In the second embodiment and its modified examples, the arrangement of the battery block 21 (including the battery cells 22), the battery monitoring device 30, the battery control device 40, and the junction box 60 may be changed as desired. Modifications to the arrangement will be described below with reference to Figs. 19 to 23.

[0124] In the modified example shown in Fig. 19, the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are disposed between one side wall 50a in the X direction of the housing case 50 and the side surface of the battery pack 20. The battery control device 40 is disposed side by side with the junction box 60 in the Y direction. In Fig. 19, the junction box 60 is disposed on the left side in the Y direction, and the battery control device 40 is disposed on the right side. In the modified example shown in Fig. 19, an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is disposed between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40. That is, the electromagnetic wave shield 201 is provided so as to cover almost the entire side surface of the junction box 60 on the side of the battery control device 40 in the Y direction (the right side surface in Fig. 19).

[0125] In the modification of FIG. 19, when the ECU case 45 is provided with a passage opening 245a for passing radio waves as in the above modification, the passage opening 245a may be provided so as to open toward the communication partner, but not toward the junction box 60 or the electromagnetic shield 201, which are noise sources. For example, the passage opening 245a may be provided at a position corresponding to the master-side wireless antenna 43 on the top surface of the ECU case 45 or on the side surface (right side surface in FIG. 19) on the side of the battery monitoring device 30 in the Y direction. In addition, when a directional antenna is adopted for the battery control device 40, the direction of the directional antenna may be determined so that the direction of the strong radio wave intensity faces the communication partner, but not toward the junction box 60 or the electromagnetic shield 201. For example, in the example of FIG. 19, the direction of the strong radio wave intensity may be set to face upward or to the right in FIG. 19.

[0126] Similarly, when providing the SBM case 35 with a passage opening for passing radio waves, the passage opening may be provided at a position corresponding to the child-side wireless antenna 33 on the top surface of the SBM case 35, or on the side surface on the side of the battery control device 40 in the X direction, or on the side surface on the side wall 50b of the storage case 50 in the Y direction. Furthermore, when a directional antenna is used for the battery monitoring device 30, in the example of Fig. 19, the direction in which the radio wave intensity becomes stronger may be upward, or may face toward the battery monitoring device 30 in the propagation path.

[0127] In the modified example shown in FIG. 20(a), the battery blocks 21 (or battery cells 22) are aligned in two rows in the X direction with a gap in the center in the short side direction (Y direction) of the storage case 50. Hereinafter, the central gap in the Y direction will be referred to as a central passage 210. Also, at one end of the storage case 50 in the X direction, the battery blocks 21 (or battery cells 22) are placed in multiple stages (two stages in FIG. 20) stacked in the Z direction, as shown in FIG. 20(b). Note that a small gap 211 is formed in the X direction between the battery blocks 21 stacked in multiple stages and a single battery block 21.

[0128] The battery control device 40 is disposed in the central passage 210. The battery control device 40 may be disposed anywhere in the central passage 210, and in Fig. 20(a) it is disposed near the battery blocks 21 which are stacked in multiple stages.

[0129] The battery monitoring devices 30 are fixed to the side surface of each battery block 21 facing the central passage 210. Also, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the battery monitoring devices 30 are fixed to the side surface (the side surface on the battery control device 40 side in the X direction) of each battery block 21 mounted in multiple stages. In this modification, the battery monitoring devices 30 are fixed in a vertical orientation (the vertical direction of the monitoring circuit board 34 is the Y direction or the X direction), but the orientation may be changed as desired.

[0130] The battery monitoring devices 30 and battery control devices 40 arranged in the central passage 210 perform wireless communication using the central passage 210 as a propagation path. The battery monitoring devices 30 fixed to the side surfaces of each of the battery blocks 21 stacked in multiple stages perform wireless communication using the gaps 211 formed between the stacked battery blocks 21 in multiple stages and each battery block 21 in one stage, and the space above the battery block 21 as a propagation path.

[0131] The junction box 60 is disposed at any position in the central passage 210. The junction box 60 is covered with a metal case (electromagnetic wave shielding member), which can prevent electromagnetic noise from leaking outside the junction box 60. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of electromagnetic noise generated from the junction box 60 even when the central passage 210 is used as a radio wave propagation path.

[0132] In the modified examples of Figures 21(a) and 21(b), the arrangement of the battery blocks 21, battery monitoring device 30, and junction box 60 is the same as in the modified example of Figure 20. As shown in Figure 21(a), the battery control device 40 is fixed to the side surface in the Y direction of multiple stages of battery blocks 21. The battery control device 40 uses the space above the battery blocks 21 as a propagation path for radio waves.

[0133] 22(a) and 22(b), as shown in Fig. 22(b), a storage case 250 that is L-shaped (step-shaped) in side view (when viewed from the Y direction) is used. The battery blocks 21 (or battery cells 22) are aligned in the X direction in one or more rows in the short direction (Y direction) of the storage case 250. Furthermore, at one end of the storage case 250 in the long direction (X direction), the battery blocks 21 (or battery cells 22) are stacked in multiple stages (two stages in Fig. 22) in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0134] 22(b), a battery monitoring device 30 is fixed to a side surface (one side surface in the Y direction) of each battery block 21. A battery control device 40 is fixed to a side surface (the same side surface to which the battery monitoring device 30 is fixed) of the battery blocks 21 stacked in two stages. The battery control device 40 is disposed below the upper stage battery block 21 so as not to interfere with the battery monitoring device 30.

[0135] The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 communicate wirelessly using the space between the side wall 250b in the Y direction and the battery block 21 in the accommodating case 250, i.e., the lateral space in the Y direction within the interior of the accommodating case 250 (battery accommodating space).

[0136] 22(a), the junction box 60 is fixed to the side surface in the X direction of the upper battery block 21 of the two stacked battery blocks 21. In this modification, an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is provided to cover the side surface of the junction box 60 in the Y direction that faces the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. This makes it possible to suppress radiation of electromagnetic noise from the side surface of the junction box 60 toward the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40.

[0137] The side surface of the junction box 60 in the X direction is covered by the side wall of the battery block 21 or the housing case 250. Therefore, radiation of electromagnetic noise from the side surface of the junction box 60 in the X direction can be suppressed.

[0138] 23(a) and 23(b) show modified examples of Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 23(a), the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40 may be disposed at one end of the accommodation case 250 in the X direction (the opposite side to the two-stage battery block 21). In this case, the battery control device 40 is disposed directly above the junction box 60, and an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is disposed so as to cover the top surface of the junction box 60. The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 then use the space between the side wall 250b of the accommodation case 250 in the Y direction and the battery block 21 as a radio wave propagation path to perform wireless communication.

[0139] 23(b), similarly to FIG. 23(a), the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40 are disposed at one end side in the X direction of the housing case 250 (the side opposite to the two-tiered battery blocks 21). Similarly to FIG. 23(a), the battery control device 40 is disposed directly above the junction box 60 in FIG. 23(b), and an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is disposed so as to cover the top surface of the junction box 60. In the example of FIG. 23(b), the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the top surface of each battery block 21. The battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the side surface of the upper-tiered battery block 21 in the X direction. In the example of FIG. 23(b), the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 use the space above the battery block 21 as a radio wave propagation path to perform wireless communication.

[0140] In the second embodiment and its modified example, as shown in Fig. 24, long plate-like blade cells 260 extending in the Y direction of the casing 50 may be used as battery cells. The blade cells 260 are stacked in the X direction of the casing 50. The electrode terminals of the blade cells 260 are arranged side by side on one or both sides in the Y direction. The electrode terminals of the blade cells 260 may be provided on the upper surface.

[0141] A plurality of battery monitoring devices 30 are arranged on one side of the blade cells 260 in the Y direction (the right side in FIG. 24). Furthermore, a junction box 60 and a battery control device 40 are arranged side by side in the Y direction at one end of the storage case 50 in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 24, an electromagnetic wave shield 201 is arranged between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40, as described above, and the battery control device 40 is arranged on the side of the battery monitoring device 30. The battery monitoring devices 30 and the battery control device 40 perform wireless communication by using the spaces on the sides of the storage case 50 in the Y direction and above the blade cells 260 as radio wave propagation paths.

[0142] Furthermore, by arranging the electrode terminals and bus bar 23 of the blade cell 260 on the opposite side in the Y direction from the side on which the battery monitoring device 30 is arranged (the left side in Figure 24), the effects of electromagnetic noise generated from the electrode terminals and bus bar 23 can be suppressed.

[0143] In the second embodiment and its modified example described above, as shown in Fig. 25, the battery blocks 21 may be aligned in the short direction (Y direction) so as to form multiple rows (four rows in Fig. 25) in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing case 50. In this case, the battery cells 22 constituting each battery block 21 may be stacked in the Y direction so that their electrode terminals are gathered at one end in the X direction.

[0144] 25, a communication path 270 may be provided in the center of the housing case 50 in the Y direction. The battery blocks 21 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the communication path 270. When the number of battery blocks 21 arranged in the Y direction is smaller than the other rows, as shown in the third row from the top in FIG. 25, the battery blocks 21 are arranged closer to the central communication path 270.

[0145] In FIG. 25, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed along the communication path 270. The battery control device 40 is disposed at one end side of the housing case 50 in the X direction, next to the junction box 60 in the Y direction. An electromagnetic wave shield 201 having a size sufficient to cover almost the entire side surface of the junction box 60 or the side surface of the ECU case 45 is provided between the battery control device 40 and the junction box 60. The battery control device 40 is desirably disposed closer to the communication path 270 than the junction box 60. In FIG. 25, the battery control device 40 is disposed on the communication path 270. The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 perform wireless communication using the communication path 270 as a radio wave propagation path.

[0146] 25, the electrode terminals of the battery cells 22 constituting the battery block 21 are desirably provided on a surface, such as the top surface, that does not face the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of noise that may be generated from the electrode terminals and the bus bars 23.

[0147] In the second embodiment and its modified examples, the shape of the storage cases 50, 150, 250 may be changed as desired. For example, a storage case 251 shown in Fig. 26(a) has a storage space 252 in a protruding portion 250a that protrudes in the longitudinal direction on a side wall 50a. The storage space 252 contains a battery control device 40 and a junction box 60. The storage space 252 has an opening closed by a partition plate 253 made of a material (e.g., resin) that allows radio waves to pass through, and is separated from a space 254 in which the battery block 21 is contained.

[0148] The battery control device 40 allows radio waves to pass through (pass) through the partition plate 253, and performs wireless communication with the battery monitoring device 30 disposed near the battery block 21. The junction box 60 may be surrounded by a metal case (electromagnetic wave blocking member).

[0149] The partition plate 253 of the accommodation space 252 may be made of an electromagnetic wave blocking material. In this case, an electromagnetic wave shield 201 may be provided between the junction box 60 and the battery control device 40, and only the parent unit side wireless antenna 43 may be disposed in the space accommodating the battery block 21. Alternatively, a passage portion that allows radio waves to pass through may be provided in the partition plate 253, and radio waves may be input and output via the passage portion.

[0150] As in the case of a storage case 255 shown in FIG. 26(b), a protrusion 250a (that is, a storage space 252) may be provided on the top surface instead of the side wall 50a.

[0151] In the second embodiment and its modified examples described above, the arrangement may be changed as shown in Fig. 27. The battery blocks 21 are aligned along the longitudinal direction (X direction) so as to form two rows in the lateral direction (Y direction) of the housing case 50. The battery block 21 is configured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 22 in the X direction. In addition, the electrode terminals of the battery cells 22 are arranged on either one or both sides in the Y direction and are connected to each other to configure the battery block 21.

[0152] A central passage 280 is provided in the center in the Y direction, and a plurality of battery monitoring devices 30 are arranged in the central passage 280. In Fig. 27, they are placed vertically, but the placement may be arbitrary.

[0153] 27, 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 an accommodation space is provided at the end in the X direction. The battery control device 40 and junction box 60 are disposed in this accommodation space. In the modification shown in FIG. 27, the junction box 60 includes a metal case (electromagnetic wave blocking member), but an electromagnetic wave shield may be provided to separate the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30.

[0154] In the second embodiment and its modified examples described above, the arrangement may be changed as shown in Fig. 28. The battery blocks 21 are aligned along the longitudinal direction (X direction) so as to form two rows in the lateral direction (Y direction) of the housing case 50. The battery block 21 is configured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 22 in the Y direction. In addition, the electrode terminals of each battery cell 22 are provided on the upper surface (Z+ direction) and are connected to each other to configure the battery block 21.

[0155] A central passage 290 is provided in the center in the Y direction, and a plurality of battery monitoring devices 30 are arranged in the central passage 290. In Fig. 28, they are placed vertically, but the placement may be arbitrary.

[0156] In Fig. 28, a junction box 60 is disposed near the center in the Y direction at the end of the housing case 50 in the X direction. The battery control device 40 is disposed next to it. In the modified example shown in Fig. 28, the junction box 60 has a metal case (electromagnetic wave blocking member) to prevent electromagnetic noise from leaking to the outside. An electromagnetic wave shield may be provided to separate the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30. In Fig. 28, the space above the battery block 21 is used as a propagation path for radio waves.

[0157] In the second embodiment and its modified examples, the configuration of the electromagnetic wave blocking member may be changed as desired. For example, as shown in Fig. 29(a), a metal case 292 housing a circuit board 291 may be used as an electromagnetic wave blocking member interposed between the battery control device 40 (or the battery monitoring device 30) and a junction box 60 that is a noise source. The circuit board 291 in Fig. 29(a) is, for example, a circuit board equipped with an abnormality monitoring device that detects a current value and issues a command to cut off the current if the current value is abnormal.

[0158] In the second embodiment and its modified example, as shown in FIG. 29(b), a heat sink 293 (conductor) employed in the junction box 60 may be used as an electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0159] In the second embodiment and its modified example, the junction box 60 is specified as the noise source, but something else may be specified as the noise source and separated from it by an electromagnetic wave shielding member. Assumed noise sources other than the junction box 60 include, for example, the bus bar 23 and the power terminal through which a current may flow from an external electrical load. If the bus bar 23 and the power terminal are assumed to be noise sources, the bus bar 23 and the power terminal may be covered with a metal case or the like. If the radio wave intensity of the radiated electromagnetic noise is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, they may be regarded as a noise source.

[0160] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the electromagnetic wave shielding member is not limited to metal, and may be coated with conductive paint or made of metal fibers. The electromagnetic wave shielding member may be made of metal such as copper or aluminum, which has a large reflection loss of electromagnetic waves, or may be made of metal such as iron, which has a large absorption loss of electromagnetic waves. Note that the electromagnetic wave noise refers to noise in a frequency band of about 300 Hz to 3 THz that interferes with RF signals, but may also include electromagnetic wave noise in other frequency bands.

[0161] In the second embodiment, the metal plates 37, 47 that are adjacent conductors that are electrostatically coupled to the antennas 33, 43 do not need to be provided.

[0162] Third embodiment The battery pack of the third embodiment will be described below.

[0163] As described in the first embodiment, the battery pack 11 and the battery cell 22 are generally provided with an explosion-proof valve for releasing gas when the internal pressure (more specifically, the pressure difference between the inside and outside) exceeds a specified value. Explosion-proof valves are described in, for example, JP 2020-074279 A. However, when performing wireless communication, if gas is ejected from such an explosion-proof valve, there is a concern that the gas may affect the wireless communication.

[0164] The third embodiment has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a battery pack 11 (power supply unit) that can suppress the impact on wireless communication even if gas is ejected from an explosion-proof valve.

[0165] Hereinafter, the battery pack 11 of the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0166] As shown in Fig. 30, a plurality of battery blocks 21 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the storage case 50. The battery control device 40 and the junction box 60 are arranged between one side wall 50a in the X direction of the storage case 50 and a side surface of the battery pack 20 (more specifically, the battery block 21 arranged at one end of the X direction). The battery control device 40 is arranged side by side with the junction box 60 in the Y direction. In Fig. 30, the battery control device 40 is arranged near the right side wall 50b.

[0167] In the third embodiment, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the upper surface of each battery cell 22 (see FIG. 30) as in the first embodiment, and the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the upper surface of the storage case 50 (shown by a broken line) as in the first embodiment. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided at a position facing (overlapping) each cell explosion-proof valve 22a in the vertical direction, but the arrangement can be changed arbitrarily. The size, number, and shape of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 can also be changed arbitrarily. For example, only one large housing explosion-proof valve 51 may be provided in the center of the upper surface of the storage case 50. The battery control device 40 is vertically placed, but the placement can be arbitrary.

[0168] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 30, the multiple battery monitoring devices 30 are disposed in the space provided between the right side wall 50b in the Y direction and the right side surface of each battery block 21. The battery monitoring devices 30 are placed vertically, but the placement may be changed as desired. The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring devices 30 perform wireless communication using the space provided on the right side of the battery block 21 as a radio wave propagation path (illustrated by the dashed line).

[0169] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0170] A cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the upper surface of each battery cell 22. Therefore, gas from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is discharged above the battery block 21. A housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the upper surface of the storage case 50. Therefore, gas discharged above the battery block 21 is discharged from the housing explosion-proof valve 51, making it difficult for gas to be discharged to the side of the battery block 21.

[0171] Meanwhile, the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 perform wireless communication by using the space provided on the right side of the battery block 21 as a radio wave propagation path. This allows the radio wave propagation path and the gas exhaust path to be separated, preventing interference with wireless communication.

[0172] The battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 are disposed to the side of the battery block 21. This makes it possible to prevent gas from being directly injected from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a onto the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. This makes it possible to prevent the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 from being damaged by gas.

[0173] Due to its structure, the area on the top surface of the storage case 50 where the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided is thinner than other parts of the storage case 50, such as the side surfaces, making it easier for electromagnetic noise from the outside to penetrate. For this reason, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are provided at positions different from the position where the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided, that is, at positions that do not overlap with the area of ​​the housing explosion-proof valve 51 in the vertical direction (Z direction). This makes it possible to suppress the effects of noise from the outside.

[0174] In addition, the space provided to the right of battery block 21 is located at a position different from the position where housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided, i.e., at a position that does not overlap in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the area of ​​housing explosion-proof valve 51. When wireless communication is performed using the space provided to the right of battery block 21 as a radio wave propagation path, the effects of electromagnetic noise entering through housing explosion-proof valve 51 can be suppressed.

[0175] Furthermore, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 faces the upper surface of the battery cell 22, and the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are not disposed between the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the battery cell 22. For this reason, electromagnetic noise that enters from the outside through the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is reflected by the battery cell 22 (its battery case) and is likely to be released to the outside again through the housing explosion-proof valve 51. In other words, the battery cell 22 blocks the path of electromagnetic noise that enters from the outside through the housing explosion-proof valve 51, so that the impact on wireless communication can be suppressed.

[0176] (Modification of the third embodiment) A modified example in which the configuration of the battery pack 11 in the third embodiment is partially changed will be described below.

[0177] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a may be provided on a side surface of the battery cell 22. That is, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a may be provided on either the side surface in the X direction or the side surface in the Y direction. In this case, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may be disposed so as to face the side surface on which the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is not provided. Alternatively, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may be disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 22.

[0178] For example, as shown in FIG. 31(a), a case will be described where the battery cells 22 are arranged in the X direction and the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on one side surface of each battery cell 22 in the Y direction (the side surface on the front side of the paper in FIG. 31(a)). In this case, as shown in FIG. 31(a), the battery monitoring device 30 may be provided on the upper surface of the battery cell 22, and the battery control device 40 may be provided in a position adjacent to the side surface of the battery cell 22 in the X direction. In other words, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 need not be provided in a position facing the cell explosion-proof valve 22a. Although not shown, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may also be provided on the opposite side surface of the battery cell 22 in the Y direction (the side surface on which the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is not provided).

[0179] In the above embodiment and modified examples, it is preferable that the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on a surface opposite to the surface on which the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is arranged. More preferably, it is preferable that the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided at a position opposite to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a. In this case, it is preferable that there is nothing between the cell explosion-proof valve 22a and the housing explosion-proof valve 51.

[0180] For example, as shown in FIG. 31(a), when a cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the side surface of each battery cell 22, a housing explosion-proof valve 51 (shown by a dashed line) may be provided on the side wall of the storage case 50 opposite the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 31(b), when the inside of the battery pack 11 is viewed from above, the gap between the right side surface of each battery cell 22 and the right side wall 50b of the storage case 50 may be the gas discharge passage 301. The gas discharge passage 301 is formed to extend in the X direction. The housing explosion-proof valve 51 may be provided on the side wall 50a of the storage case 50 where the gas discharge passage 301 abuts in the X direction. In this way, the gas discharged from the right side surface of the battery cell 22 passes through the gas discharge passage 301 and is discharged to the outside from the housing explosion-proof valve 51 provided on the side wall 50a of the storage case 50 in the X direction. In addition, when the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the side wall 50a on the opposite side to the battery control device 40 in the X direction, it is possible to prevent the battery control device 40 from being filled with gas.

[0182] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may be disposed so as to face the surface on which the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided. In this case, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are disposed at different positions so as not to face the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0183] Here, a specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 32. In Fig. 32, multiple battery blocks 21 are arranged in the X direction. In each battery block 21, multiple battery cells 22 are arranged in the Y direction, and a cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the top surface of each battery cell 22 on one side in the X direction (the right side in Fig. 32).

[0184] The battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the other side in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 32) on the upper surface of the battery cell 22. That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is provided on the upper surface of the battery cell 22 at a position different from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a (a position that does not face the cell explosion-proof valve 22a and does not overlap in the Z direction (up and down direction)). As shown in FIG. 32, the battery monitoring device 30 may be disposed across multiple battery cells 22. Also, in FIG. 32, the battery control device 40 is disposed on the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to prevent gas from being directly injected into the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40 even if gas is discharged from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0185] In addition, the housing explosion-proof valves 51 of the storage case 50 are provided on the top surface of the storage case 50, approximately directly above each cell explosion-proof valve 22a (not shown). This allows the gas to be discharged above the battery cells 22, preventing the gas from crossing the radio wave propagation path and becoming an obstacle. An example of the radio wave propagation path is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 32.

[0186] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a and the housing explosion-proof valve 51 may be provided on the bottom surface (Z-direction surface) of the storage case 50. In this case, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 may be provided above or to the side of the battery block 21, i.e., other than below the battery block 21. In this way, the radio wave propagation path and the gas exhaust path can be separated. Also, gas can be prevented from being directly injected from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a to the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40.

[0187] In the above embodiment and modified examples, a smoke exhaust duct may be provided to guide gas exhausted from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a of the battery cell 22 to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 of the storage case 50. It is preferable to provide this smoke exhaust duct so as not to interfere with (cross) the propagation path of radio waves.

[0188] Here, a specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 33. In the modified example of Fig. 33, a plurality of battery blocks 21 are arranged in the X direction. In each battery block 21, a plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in the Y direction, and a cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on one side in the X direction (the right side in Fig. 33) on the upper surface of each battery cell 22. Note that in Fig. 33, the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is indicated by a dashed line.

[0189] The battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the other side in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 33) on the top surface of the battery cell 22. That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is provided on the top surface of the battery cell 22 at a position different from the cell explosion protection valve 22a (a position that does not face the cell explosion protection valve 22a and does not overlap with it in the Z direction). Also, in FIG. 33, the battery control device 40 is disposed on the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction.

[0190] The smoke exhaust duct 350 is configured in a cylindrical shape that extends linearly in the Y direction, and is disposed directly above each cell explosion-proof valve 22a in the up-down direction. The smoke exhaust duct 350 is generally formed of metal. The smoke exhaust duct 350 is provided for each battery block 21, and is provided across the cell explosion-proof valves 22a of the multiple battery cells 22 that make up the battery block 21. In the modified example of FIG. 32, the smoke exhaust duct 350 is provided so as to cover the cell explosion-proof valves 22a of all the battery cells 22 that make up the battery block 21.

[0191] The smoke exhaust duct 350 has a through hole at a position corresponding to the cell explosion-proof valve 22a, and when the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is opened, the inside of the battery cell 22 and the smoke exhaust duct 350 communicate with each other through the through hole. Therefore, the gas exhausted from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is exhausted to the smoke exhaust duct 350. The smoke exhaust duct 350 is formed so as to extend toward the housing explosion-proof valve 51 provided on the side wall 50b of the storage case 50, and opens at a position corresponding to the housing explosion-proof valve 51. That is, in the Y direction, the end of the smoke exhaust duct 350 on the side of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is open and connected to the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Therefore, the gas that has passed through the smoke exhaust duct 350 is exhausted to the outside through the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Note that, in the Y direction, the end of the smoke exhaust duct 350 opposite to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is closed.

[0192] On the other hand, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed on the other side in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 33) on the top surface of the battery cell 22. That is, the battery monitoring device 30 is provided at a position on the top surface of the battery cell 22 that does not interfere with the smoke exhaust duct 350. Also, in FIG. 33, the battery control device 40 is disposed on the side of the battery block 21 in the Y direction, opposite the housing explosion-proof valve 51. This makes it possible to prevent gas from being directly injected into the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40, even if gas is discharged from the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0193] The propagation path of radio waves between the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 is set so as not to intersect with the smoke exhaust duct 350. For example, the propagation path indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 33 is parallel to the smoke exhaust duct 350. This prevents gas from interfering with the propagation path, enabling wireless communication to be performed appropriately.

[0194] The smoke exhaust duct 350 is provided up to the housing explosion-proof valve 51 provided on the side wall 50b of the storage case 50. The smoke exhaust duct 350 is made of metal. Therefore, even if the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is opened and electromagnetic noise from the outside becomes easy to enter, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is covered by the metal smoke exhaust duct 350, so that leakage to the outside of the smoke exhaust duct 350 can be prevented. In other words, the smoke exhaust duct 350 can be made to function as an electromagnetic wave shield that blocks electromagnetic noise entering from the housing explosion-proof valve 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of electromagnetic noise from the outside on the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 arranged outside the smoke exhaust duct 350.

[0195] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the battery cell 22 may be configured as a long plate-shaped blade cell. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of blade cells 401 are stacked in a predetermined direction (Z direction (up and down direction) in FIG. 34) to configure a battery block 421. The blade cell 401 in FIG. 34 has a positive electrode terminal 404a at one end in the longitudinal direction and a negative electrode terminal 404b at the other end. For this reason, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed in the longitudinal center of the blade cell 401, and the positive detection line 402 and the negative detection line 403 are extended from the longitudinal center to both sides in the longitudinal direction and connected to the respective electrode terminals 404a, 404b. This allows the wiring resistance of the positive detection line 402 connected to the positive side to be the same as the wiring resistance of the negative detection line 403 connected to the negative side, preventing deterioration of detection accuracy.

[0196] 34, the battery monitoring device 30, the positive detection line 402, and the negative detection line 403 are provided on the upper surface of a battery block 421. The positive detection line 402 and the negative detection line 403 are provided in the center in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the battery block 421. On the other hand, the battery monitoring device 30 is disposed offset from the positive detection line 402 and the negative detection line 403 in the width direction.

[0197] The wireless circuit 410 (indicated by a dashed line) included in the battery monitoring device 30 is provided on the monitoring circuit board 34 on the opposite side in the width direction to the connection position of the positive detection line 402 and the negative detection line 403. In other words, the wireless circuit 410 is disposed in a position as far away as possible from the noisy positive detection line 402 and negative detection line 403. The wireless circuit 410 refers to circuit elements related to wireless communication, and includes the child device side wireless antenna 33, the child device side wireless IC 32, and a front-end circuit.

[0198] 34, the explosion-proof valve 401a of the blade cell 401 is provided on an end surface in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to prevent gas from being directly injected from the explosion-proof valve 401a onto the battery monitoring device 30 disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 421. It is also possible to prevent gas from entering the propagation path of radio waves.

[0199] In the third embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the metal plates 37, 47 that are proximate conductors that are electrostatically coupled to the antennas 33, 43. Also, in the third embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an electromagnetic wave blocking member, such as the electromagnetic wave shield 201, that blocks electromagnetic noise from a noise source disposed in the battery accommodating space.

[0200] The above-described embodiments and their modified examples can be combined to the extent possible.

[0201] For example, in the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40 described in the second embodiment (and its variations, the same applies below) or the third embodiment (and its variations, the same applies below), the internal structure of the battery monitoring device 30 or the battery control device 40 of the first embodiment (and its variations), specifically, the structure of the antennas 33, 43 and the metal plates 37, 47, may be adopted.

[0202] Furthermore, the configurations and arrangements of the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the cell explosion-proof valve 22a described in the third embodiment may be appropriately adopted in the storage case 50 and the battery cell 22 of the first embodiment (and its modified examples, the same applies below) and the second embodiment. For example, in the first and second embodiments, a configuration can be naturally derived in which the cell explosion-proof valve 22a is provided on the upper surface or side surface of the battery cell 22, and the housing explosion-proof valve 51 is provided on the upper surface (center of the upper surface) or side surface of the storage case 50, as in the third embodiment.

[0203] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, similar to the third embodiment, the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the cell explosion-proof valve 22a may be arranged so as to avoid the propagation path of radio waves between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, similar to the third embodiment, the battery monitoring device 30 (or the battery control device 40) may be arranged so as to avoid the housing explosion-proof valve 51 and the cell explosion-proof valve 22a.

[0204] In the first and second embodiments, similarly to the third embodiment, configurations for suppressing the influence of exhaust gas on wireless communication, such as the gas exhaust passage 301 and the smoke exhaust duct 350, may be adopted.

[0205] In addition, the first, second and third embodiments may all be combined.

[0206] Characteristic configurations extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0207] [Configuration 1] In a wireless device (30, 40) of a battery monitoring system (100), A radio antenna (33, 43); A wireless device comprising: a proximate conductor (37, 47) that overlaps with at least a portion of the projection surface of the wireless antenna when a predetermined direction is the projection direction.

[0208] [Configuration 2] A circuit board (34, 44) on which the wireless antenna is mounted, 2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the proximate conductor is disposed closest to the wireless antenna compared to other conductors other than conductors mounted on the circuit board.

[0209] [Configuration 3] 3. The wireless device of claim 2, wherein the predetermined direction is a vertical direction of the circuit board.

[0210] [Configuration 4] 4. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein a projection surface of the wireless antenna in the predetermined direction is a surface that is maximum compared to projection surfaces in other directions.

[0211] [Configuration 5] 5. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, wherein the proximate conductor is flat and disposed with its plane parallel to the circuit board.

[0212] [Configuration 6] the wireless antenna includes an element (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and a wiring pattern (33b, 43b) disposed opposite the element, the wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to a reference potential of the circuit board, 4. The wireless device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the proximity conductor is arranged on a side of the circuit board opposite to a side on which the element is arranged.

[0213] [Configuration 7] A wireless IC (32, 42) connected to the wireless antenna, the wireless IC is disposed on a surface of the circuit board opposite to a surface on which the elements are disposed, 7. The wireless device of claim 6, wherein the proximity conductor is configured to cover the wireless IC.

[0214] [Configuration 8] 8. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the entire projection surface of the wireless antenna overlaps with the adjacent conductor in the predetermined direction.

[0215] [Configuration 9] 9. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the proximal conductor constitutes a part of a housing of the wireless device.

[0216] [Configuration 10] 10. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein a housing of the wireless device is provided with a passage portion that allows radio waves from the wireless antenna to pass therethrough.

[0217] [Configuration 11] 11. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein the passing portion is provided on the communication partner side of the wireless antenna and on the opposite side of the wireless antenna to the proximate conductor.

[0218] [Configuration 12] 12. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein a width dimension of the passing portion in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0219] [Configuration 13] 13. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 10 to 12, wherein in the specified direction, no conductor is arranged on the opposite side of the proximate conductor with respect to the wireless antenna, or, if a conductor is arranged, the distance between the conductor and the wireless antenna is equal to or greater than half the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0220] [Configuration 14] 14. The wireless device according to claim 13, wherein the distance between a housing of the wireless device and the wireless antenna in the specified direction is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

[0221] [Configuration 15] the wireless antenna includes an element (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and a wiring pattern (33b, 43b) disposed opposite the element, the wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to a reference potential of a circuit board on which the wireless antenna is mounted, The wiring pattern has a comb-tooth shape or a meandering shape, 15. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the projection surface of the wireless antenna includes at least the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

[0222] [Configuration 16] the wireless antenna includes an element (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and a wiring pattern (33b, 43b) disposed opposite the element, the wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to a reference potential of a 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, 16. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the projection surface of the wireless antenna includes at least the projection surface of the element and the projection surface of the wiring pattern.

[0223] [Configuration 17] 17. The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, further comprising an insulating sheet (36, 46) between the wireless antenna and the proximate conductor.

[0224] [Configuration 18] The wireless device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein a capacitance generated between the proximal conductor and the wireless antenna is larger than a capacitance generated between another conductor and the wireless antenna.

[0225] [Configuration 19] A power supply unit (11) having a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) according to any one of configurations 1 to 18 and a battery section (20, 21, 22), which transmits and receives battery information between the wireless devices by wireless communication, A noise source (60) that generates electromagnetic noise is provided, The multiple wireless devices and the noise source are both arranged within the battery storage space of the power supply unit, and an electromagnetic wave blocking member (201) is interposed between the wireless devices and the noise source.

[0226] [Configuration 20] The housing (35, 45) of the wireless device is provided with a passage portion through which radio waves pass, The power supply unit according to configuration 19, wherein the passing section is arranged on the communication partner side of the radio antenna (33, 43) of the wireless device in the radio wave propagation path, and on the opposite side of the noise source with respect to the wireless antenna.

[0227] [Configuration 21] 21. The power supply unit according to claim 19, wherein the surface of the housing of the wireless device facing the noise source is made of the electromagnetic wave blocking material.

[0228] [Configuration 22] The wireless device has an antenna that radiates radio waves with directionality, A power supply unit according to any one of configurations 19 to 21, wherein the antenna is oriented in a predetermined direction so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the antenna are strong is toward the communication partner, but not toward the noise source.

[0229] [Configuration 23] 23. The power supply unit according to claim 22, wherein the antenna is oriented so that a direction in which a strong radio wave is radiated from the antenna is not directed toward the electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0230] [Configuration 24] the housing of the wireless device is disposed adjacent to any one of the battery cells constituting the battery unit, or adjacent to a side wall that divides the battery accommodating space, 24. The power supply unit according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the antenna is oriented so that a direction in which a strong radio wave is radiated from the antenna is not directed toward the battery cell and the side wall.

[0231] [Configuration 25] The battery section is composed of a plurality of battery cells (22), the noise source is a junction box (60) having one or more relay switches (61) for switching between energization and de-energization of the battery unit; The wireless device includes a battery monitoring device (30) provided for each of one or more battery cells, the battery monitoring device (30) acquiring and transmitting battery information, and a battery control device (40) receiving the battery information from the battery monitoring device, the battery control device is disposed closer to the junction box than the battery monitoring device and acquires a total voltage of the battery unit from the junction box; The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 19 to 24, wherein the electromagnetic wave blocking member is provided between the battery control device and the junction box.

[0232] [Configuration 26] 26. The power supply unit according to claim 25, wherein the battery control device is disposed above the junction box in the battery accommodating space and communicates by reflecting radio waves off a ceiling surface of the battery accommodating space.

[0233] [Configuration 27] a case that houses the battery unit and the wireless device, the noise source is fixed to the outside of the case; 27. The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 19 to 26, wherein a surface of the case to which the noise source is fixed is the electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0234] [Configuration 28] A power supply unit (11) having a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) according to any one of configurations 1 to 18 and a battery section (20, 21, 22), which transmits and receives battery information between the wireless devices by wireless communication, The battery section is provided with an explosion-proof valve (22a), The power supply unit, wherein the explosion-proof valve is arranged to avoid a propagation path of radio waves emitted from the wireless device.

[0235] [Configuration 29] 29. The power supply unit according to claim 28, wherein the wireless device is positioned to avoid facing the explosion-proof valve.

[0236] [Configuration 30] The explosion-proof valve is provided on any one of a side surface, a top surface, or a bottom surface of the battery portion, 30. The power supply unit according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the wireless device is disposed facing a surface other than the installation surface of the explosion-proof valve.

[0237] [Configuration 31] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 28 to 30, wherein the opening is disposed opposite the explosion-proof valve.

[0238] [Configuration 32] The opening of the storage case is provided on the top surface thereof, 32. The power supply unit according to claim 31, wherein the wireless device is positioned so as to avoid being between the battery unit and the top surface of the housing case.

[0239] [Configuration 33] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, The opening is disposed at a position not facing the explosion-proof valve, and a smoke exhaust path through which the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes before reaching the opening is determined in advance, 33. The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 28 to 32, wherein the wireless device is arranged to avoid the smoke exhaust path.

[0240] [Configuration 34] The explosion-proof valve is provided on a side of the battery unit, The opening is provided in a side wall of the housing case, The smoke exhaust path is formed between a side of the battery unit and a side wall of the housing case, 34. The power supply unit according to claim 33, wherein the wireless device is disposed above the battery unit, and the propagation path is above the battery unit.

[0241] [Configuration 35] A power supply unit according to configuration 33 or 34, wherein the battery unit is disposed opposite the opening, and the wireless device and the propagation path are not provided between the opening and the battery unit.

[0242] [Configuration 36] A smoke exhaust duct (350) through which gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes, 36. The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 28 to 35, wherein the wireless device is disposed at a position different from the smoke exhaust duct.

[0243] [Configuration 37] 37. The power supply unit of claim 36, wherein the smoke exhaust duct is arranged parallel to the propagation path.

[0244] [Configuration 38] 38. The power supply unit according to claim 36 or 37, wherein when the explosion-proof valve is open, the port of the explosion-proof valve is in communication with the inside of the smoke exhaust duct.

[0245] [Configuration 39] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, A power supply unit according to any one of configurations 36 to 38, wherein the smoke exhaust duct is a metal tube, and the opening and an end of the smoke exhaust duct are connected so that the opening and the inside of the smoke exhaust duct are in communication.

[0246] [Configuration 201] In a power supply unit (11) having a battery portion (20, 21, 22), A plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) for transmitting and receiving battery information by wireless communication; A noise source (60) that generates electromagnetic noise, The multiple wireless devices and the noise source are both arranged within the battery storage space of the power supply unit, and an electromagnetic wave blocking member (201) is interposed between the wireless devices and the noise source.

[0247] [Configuration 202] The housing (35, 45) of the wireless device is provided with a passage portion through which radio waves pass, The power supply unit according to configuration 201, wherein the passing section is arranged on the communication partner side of the radio antenna (33, 43) of the wireless device in the radio wave propagation path, and on the opposite side of the noise source with respect to the wireless antenna.

[0248] [Configuration 203] The power supply unit according to structure 201 or 202, wherein, among the surfaces constituting the housing of the wireless device, the surface on the noise source side is made of the electromagnetic wave blocking material.

[0249] [Configuration 204] The wireless device has an antenna that radiates radio waves with directionality, A power supply unit described in any one of configurations 201 to 203, in which the direction of the antenna is determined and arranged so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the antenna are strong is toward the communication partner, but not toward the noise source.

[0250] [Configuration 205] 25. The power supply unit according to claim 204, wherein the antenna is oriented so that the direction of the strong radio waves emitted from the antenna is not directed toward the electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0251] [Configuration 206] the housing of the wireless device is disposed adjacent to any one of the battery cells constituting the battery unit, or adjacent to a side wall that divides the battery accommodating space, A power supply unit as described in structure 204 or 205, wherein the antenna is oriented and positioned so that the direction in which the radio waves emitted from the antenna are strong is not directed toward the battery cell and the side wall.

[0252] [Configuration 207] The battery section is composed of a plurality of battery cells (22), the noise source is a junction box (60) having one or more relay switches (61) for switching between energization and de-energization of the battery unit; The wireless device includes a battery monitoring device (30) provided for each of one or more battery cells, the battery monitoring device (30) acquiring and transmitting battery information, and a battery control device (40) receiving the battery information from the battery monitoring device, the battery control device is disposed closer to the junction box than the battery monitoring device and acquires a total voltage of the battery unit from the junction box; The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 201 to 206, wherein the electromagnetic wave blocking member is provided between the battery control device and the junction box.

[0253] [Configuration 208] The power supply unit according to configuration 207, wherein the battery control device is disposed above the junction box in the battery accommodating space, and communication is performed by reflecting radio waves off a ceiling surface of the battery accommodating space.

[0254] [Configuration 209] a case that houses the battery unit and the wireless device, the noise source is fixed to the outside of the case; 202. The power supply unit according to claim 201, wherein a fixing surface of the noise source constituting the case is the electromagnetic wave blocking member.

[0255] [Configuration 301] In a power supply unit (11) having a battery section (22), A battery information storage device includes a plurality of wireless devices (30, 40) for transmitting and receiving battery information by wireless communication; The battery section is provided with an explosion-proof valve (22a), The power supply unit, wherein the explosion-proof valve is arranged to avoid a propagation path of radio waves emitted from the wireless device.

[0256] [Configuration 302] The power supply unit of configuration 301, wherein the wireless device is positioned to avoid a position facing the explosion-proof valve. [Configuration 303] The explosion-proof valve is provided on any one of a side surface, a top surface, or a bottom surface of the battery portion, The power supply unit according to structure 301 or 302, wherein the wireless device is arranged facing a surface other than the installation surface of the explosion-proof valve.

[0257] [Configuration 304] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 301 to 303, wherein the opening is disposed opposite the explosion-proof valve.

[0258] [Configuration 305] The opening of the storage case is provided on the top surface thereof, The power supply unit according to configuration 304, wherein the wireless device is positioned to avoid being between the battery unit and the top surface of the housing case.

[0259] [Configuration 306] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, The opening is disposed at a position not facing the explosion-proof valve, and a smoke exhaust path through which the gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes before reaching the opening is determined in advance, The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 301 to 305, wherein the wireless device is arranged to avoid the smoke exhaust path.

[0260] [Configuration 307] The explosion-proof valve is provided on a side of the battery unit, The opening is provided in a side wall of the housing case, The smoke exhaust path is formed between a side of the battery unit and a side wall of the housing case, The power supply unit according to configuration 306, wherein the wireless device is disposed above the battery unit, and the propagation path is above the battery unit.

[0261] [Configuration 308] A power supply unit according to any one of configurations 304 to 307, wherein the battery section is disposed opposite the opening, and the wireless device and the propagation path are not provided between the opening and the battery section.

[0262] [Configuration 309] A smoke exhaust duct (350) through which gas discharged from the explosion-proof valve passes, The power supply unit according to any one of configurations 301 to 308, wherein the wireless device is disposed at a position different from the smoke exhaust duct.

[0263] [Configuration 310] 309. The power supply unit of claim 309, wherein the smoke exhaust duct is arranged parallel to the propagation path.

[0264] [Configuration 311] A power supply unit as described in structure 309 or 310, wherein when the explosion-proof valve is open, the port of the explosion-proof valve is in communication with the inside of the smoke exhaust duct.

[0265] [Configuration 312] a housing case (50) for housing the wireless device and the battery unit, The storage case has an opening (51) that opens due to internal pressure of the storage case, A power supply unit according to any one of configurations 309 to 311, wherein the smoke exhaust duct is a metal tube, and the opening and an end of the smoke exhaust duct are connected so that the opening and the inside of the smoke exhaust duct are in communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0266] 11... battery pack (power supply unit), 20... battery pack, 21... battery block, 22... battery cell, 22a... cell explosion-proof valve, 23... bus bar, 30... battery monitoring device (wireless device), 31... monitoring IC, 32... child device side wireless IC, 33... child device side wireless antenna, 33a, 43a... element, 33b, 43b... ground plate, 34... monitoring circuit board, 35... SBM case, 37, 47... metal plate (nearby conductor) , 40... battery control device (wireless device), 42... parent unit wireless IC, 43... parent unit wireless antenna, 44... control circuit board, 45... ECU case, 50, 150, 250, 251, 255... storage case, 51... housing explosion-proof valve, 60... junction box (noise source), 100... battery monitoring system, 201... electromagnetic wave shield (electromagnetic wave blocking material), 260... blade cell, 350... smoke exhaust duct.

Claims

1. In a wireless device (30, 40) removably attached within a housing case of a battery monitoring system (100), a wireless antenna (33, 43); a proximity conductor (37, 47) that overlaps at least a part of the projected surface of the wireless antenna when a predetermined direction is taken as the projection direction; a circuit board (34, 44) on which the wireless antenna is mounted; a housing that houses the wireless antenna, the proximity conductor, and the circuit board, a part or all of the housing is made of a material having radio wave permeability, in the housing, the proximity conductor is arranged closest to the wireless antenna as compared to other conductors mounted on the circuit board. A wireless device.

2. The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the circuit board.

3. The wireless device according to claim 2, wherein the projected surface of the wireless antenna in the predetermined direction is the largest surface as compared to the projected surfaces in other directions.

4. The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the proximity conductor is flat and its plane is arranged opposite to the circuit board.

5. The wireless antenna includes an element (33a, 43a) for radiating radio waves and a wiring pattern (33b, 43b) arranged opposite to the element, the wiring pattern has a potential corresponding to the reference potential of the circuit board, in the circuit board, the proximity conductor is arranged on the side opposite to the surface on which the element is arranged. The wireless device according to claim 1.

6. including a wireless IC (32, 42) connected to the wireless antenna, in the circuit board, the wireless IC is arranged on the surface opposite to the surface on which the element is arranged, The wireless device according to claim 5, wherein the proximity conductor is configured to cover the wireless IC.

7. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein all of the projected surface of the wireless antenna in the predetermined direction overlaps with the proximity conductor.

8. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the proximity conductor constitutes a part of the housing of the wireless device.

9. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a passing portion for passing radio waves from the wireless antenna is provided in the housing of the wireless device.

10. The wireless device according to claim 9, wherein the passing portion is on the side of the communication partner with respect to the wireless antenna, and is provided on the side opposite to the proximity conductor with reference to the wireless antenna.

11. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein the width dimension of the passing portion is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

12. In the predetermined direction, on the side opposite to the proximity conductor with respect to the wireless antenna, no conductor is arranged, or when a conductor is arranged, the distance between the conductor and the wireless antenna is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna. The wireless device according to claim 10.

13. The wireless device according to claim 12, wherein the distance between the housing of the wireless device and the wireless antenna in the predetermined direction is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the wireless antenna.

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 shape or a meander shape. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projection surface of the wireless antenna includes at least the projection surfaces of the elements and the wiring patterns.

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 a comb field shape, an L shape, and a stub shape. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projection surface of the wireless antenna includes at least the projection surfaces of the elements and the wiring patterns.

16. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising insulating sheets (36, 46) between the wireless antenna and the proximity conductor.

17. The capacitance generated between the proximity conductor and the wireless antenna is greater than the capacitance generated between the wireless antenna and other conductors. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images