Battery system, battery network system, ultra-integrated power battery, method for manufacturing a battery system, and method for installing a battery system.

JP2026165937APending Publication Date: 2026-10-14白井久三
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025058601
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-31
Publication Date
2026-10-14

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Abstract

To provide an applicable battery system using integrated power batteries. [Solution] (a) shows the state in which the input control circuit 16 is set to "12V x 4" and the output control circuit 17 is set to "48V x 1". The input control circuit 16 isolates the input circuits 4 of each basic configuration battery 10. The output control circuit 17 connects the output circuits 5 of all basic configuration batteries 10 in series. That is, it is a boost circuit that sets the input voltage to 12V and the load voltage to 48V. (b) shows the state where the input control circuit 16 is set to "48V x 1" and the output control circuit 17 is set to "24V x 1". The input control circuit 16 connects all the input circuits 4 of the basic configuration batteries 10 in series. The output control circuit 17 connects two output circuits 5 of the basic configuration batteries 10 in series, and then connects each of these in parallel. In other words, it is a step-down circuit that sets the input voltage to 48V and the load voltage to 24V.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery system, a battery network system, a super-integrated power battery, a method for manufacturing a battery system, and a method for installing a battery system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the development of renewable energy technologies and the like, demand for efficient energy storage means has been increasing. Accordingly, high-efficiency and highly reliable storage batteries are required.

[0003] As such a storage battery, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an integrated power battery in which unit cell batteries are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the respective unit cell batteries are connected to each other via a flat conductor plate to form a plurality of battery blocks.

[0004] The integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of unit cell batteries are connected in parallel and in series via flat conductor plates. Therefore, even when a unit cell battery fails, the connection is maintained, so that the reliability of the entire system is improved. In addition, compared to battery systems of different configurations in which unit cell batteries are connected to each other by conductive wires, the circuit resistance is more easily reduced, and furthermore, since the unit cell batteries are connected in parallel, the load balance between the unit cell batteries is maintained at a high level, which is a characteristic feature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 is, so to speak, a basic technology; therefore, further developments are desired for the social implementation of this technology. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a battery system that can be applied by utilizing such an integrated power battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a battery system that can be applied to various applications by configuring the connections inside an integrated power battery to be switchable, or by providing multiple integrated power batteries and configuring the connections of each to be switchable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an applicable battery system by utilizing an integrated power battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] (a) A diagram showing the structure of a basic battery configuration, and (b) A diagram showing the structure of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates the connection patterns of the input control circuit and output control circuit of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of a composite battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the structure of a subdivided battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an ultra-integrated power battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a frame-integrated battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a) A schematic diagram showing the structure of a local battery unit, and (b) and (c) Schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a battery network system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]This is a photograph showing the magnetic field of a cylinder battery. [Figure 9] This diagram schematically shows the arrangement of single-cell batteries for constructing a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an arrangement that reduces magnetic flux density. [Figure 10] This diagram schematically shows the arrangement of single-cell batteries for constructing a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows an arrangement that increases magnetic flux density. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing a method for arranging a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the drawings are schematic. Therefore, it should be noted that the relationship and ratios between thickness and planar dimensions may differ from those in reality, and there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below illustrate devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments in terms of the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc., of the components.

[0011] <Basic Battery Configuration> The battery systems described in each embodiment of this application have the structure of the integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 as their basic configuration battery 10. Therefore, we will first describe the basic configuration battery 10 common to each embodiment.

[0012] The structure of the integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described again. In the following description, when describing three-dimensional elements such as "vertical direction" and "front-back, left-right", the terms up, down, left, right, front and back are used based on a virtual orthogonal coordinate system in which the lower side in the direction of gravity is defined as down. However, the definitions of up, down, left, right, front and back in the following description are only meaningful as axes orthogonal to each other in a three-dimensional space, and do not strictly define, in particular, the arrangement direction and the like of the single cell battery to be described next.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of adjacent battery blocks each configured by arranging a plurality of batteries in multiple rows and multiple columns such that the orientations of their terminals are the same within a predetermined row, and all positive terminals constituting at least one of the battery blocks and all negative terminals in another battery block adjacent to the battery block are coupled by a conductor member.

[0014] That is, a plurality of battery blocks 2 each configured by combining a plurality of single cell batteries 1 are provided. Specifically, a plurality of single cell batteries 1 included in one battery block 2 are arranged in front-back, left-right directions with the orientations of their positive electrodes and negative electrodes aligned along the vertical direction. Then, the positive electrodes of all the arranged single cell batteries 1 are fixed to one conductor flat plate 3, and the negative electrodes thereof are further fixed to another conductor flat plate 3. In this way, one battery block in which the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the plurality of single cell batteries 1 are connected in parallel is constituted. The battery block 2 shown in this figure is formed by arranging the single cell batteries 1 in 4 rows and 2 columns.

[0015] One conductor flat plate 3 which is a conductor member is fixed to the positive electrode of one battery block 2 and coupled to the negative electrode of another battery block 2. That is, electrically, the single cell batteries 1 constituting one battery block 2 are connected in parallel, and the two battery blocks 2 are connected in series. As described above, the integrated power battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a plurality of single cell batteries 1 are connected in parallel and in series by the conductor flat plates 3.

[0016] In addition, the basic configuration battery 10 includes an input circuit 4 and an output circuit 5. The input circuit 4 is a circuit connected to a power supply for charging, and the output circuit 5 is a circuit connected to a load. The input circuit 4 and the output circuit 5 are respectively connected to the conductor flat plates 3 located at the ends in the electrical connection between the battery blocks 2, that is, the one to which only the positive electrode of the unit cell battery 1 is fixed, and the one to which only the negative electrode of the unit cell battery 1 is fixed.

[0017] Specifically, the input circuit 4 is connected to the positive-electrode-side conductor flat plate 3P to which only the positive electrode of the unit cell battery 1 is fixed via a positive-electrode-side wiring 6, and is connected to the negative-electrode-side conductor flat plate 3M to which only the negative electrode of the unit cell battery 1 is connected via a negative-electrode-side wiring 7. Like the input circuit 4, the output circuit 5 is also connected to the positive-electrode-side conductor flat plate 3P via a positive-electrode-side wiring 8, and connected to the negative-electrode-side conductor flat plate 3M via a negative-electrode-side wiring 9. With such a structure, the basic configuration battery 10 can perform charging and output at the same time.

[0018] It should be noted that the arrangement method of the basic configuration battery 10, the unit cell battery 1 in each embodiment described below, and the battery blocks 2, the shape of the conductor flat plate 3, and the fixing method between the conductor flat plate and the electrode of the unit cell battery 1 can be arbitrarily modified within a range that does not lose the electrical properties described for the basic configuration battery 10.

[0019] <First Embodiment> The structure of the battery system according to the first embodiment will be described with appropriate reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the battery system 11 includes a plurality of basic configuration batteries 10 and a connection control circuit 12 that switches the connection between the basic configuration batteries 10. Hereinafter, the battery system 11 will be described by taking the case of including four basic configuration batteries 10 as an example, but the number of basic configuration batteries can be changed.

[0020] The connection control circuit 12 is connected to all of the input circuits 4 and output circuits 5 of each basic configuration battery 10, and includes input wiring 13 for connecting itself to a power supply and output wiring 14 for connecting itself to a load.

[0021] The connection control circuit 12 includes a connection switching unit 15, an input control circuit 16, and an output control circuit 17 within itself. As will be described in more detail later, the connection switching unit 15 is a control circuit that includes, for example, two rotary switches and switches the signals transmitted to the input control circuit 16 and the output control circuit 17 depending on the switching position of the rotary switches. The input control circuit 16 is connected to the input circuit 4 of each basic configuration battery 10 and switches the connections between the basic configuration batteries 10 in accordance with the signal transmitted from the connection switching unit 15. The output control circuit 17 is connected to the output circuit 5 of each basic configuration battery 10, and switches the connections between the basic configuration batteries 10 in accordance with the signal transmitted from the connection switching unit 15.

[0022] Next, we will describe the specific connection patterns of the input control circuit 16 and the output control circuit 17, and the operation of the battery system 11. The input control circuit 16 and the output control circuit 17 can each be configured with their own connection patterns, and here the connection pattern will be described as "voltage of the power supply or load × number of power supplies or loads".

[0023] Figure 2(a) shows the state where the connection pattern of the input control circuit 16 is set to "12V x 4" and the connection pattern of the output control circuit 17 is set to "48V x 1". While configured in this way, the input control circuit 16 isolates the input circuits 4 of each basic configuration battery 10. The output control circuit 17 connects the output circuits 5 of all basic configuration batteries 10 in series. In other words, the battery system 11 is configured as a boost circuit with an input voltage of 12V and a load voltage of 48V.

[0024] Figure (b) shows the state where the connection pattern of the input control circuit 16 is set to "48V x 1" and the connection pattern of the output control circuit 17 is set to "24V x 1". While configured in this way, the input control circuit 16 connects all the input circuits 4 of the basic configuration batteries 10 in series. The output control circuit 17 connects two output circuits 5 of the basic configuration batteries 10 in series, and then connects each of these in parallel. In other words, the battery system 11 is configured as a step-down circuit with an input voltage of 48V and a load voltage of 24V.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure (c), the battery system 11 can also be configured such that the input control circuit 16 is used as a voltage stabilization circuit when regenerative power is generated. Specifically, the output control circuit 17 is configured to output a voltage suitable for the load, and the input control circuit 16 is configured to switch the connection of the basic configuration battery 10 according to the range of regenerative power generated by the load. The input control circuit 16 then measures the input voltage and switches the connection pattern.

[0026] Thus, the input control circuit 16 and the output control circuit 17 are configured to be switchable to connection patterns based on the voltage and number of power supplies or loads. Furthermore, since the number of connection patterns increases depending on the number of power supplies or loads, manufacturing costs can be reduced by selecting commonly used connection patterns and configuring the system to allow switching only to those.

[0027] In addition to the configuration examples described above, the battery system 11 can be configured to provide the desired rated voltage according to its application. Table 1 summarizes the rated voltages of commonly used battery cells and the rated voltage when battery cells are connected in series. The basic configuration battery 10 and battery system 11 have a structure in which multiple single-cell batteries 1 are integrated and connected, and therefore have the advantage that various types of battery cells can be used with the same structure.

[0028] [Table 1]

[0029] Thus, among the various combinations available, for example, if we want to set the rated voltage of the battery system 11 to 24V using iron phosphate battery cells, each of which has a rated voltage of 3.2V as shown in Table 2, then we can configure the battery system 11 so that eight single-cell batteries can be connected in series. Furthermore, if the voltage is 400V, which is mainly used in electric vehicles, the battery system 11 can be configured so that 128 single-cell batteries 1 can be connected in series.

[0030] [Table 2]

[0031] On the other hand, if a lithium titanate battery cell with a rated voltage of 2.4V per single cell, as shown in Table 3, is used to achieve a similar rated voltage, the voltage can be set to 24V if 10 single cell batteries are connected in series, and to 400V if 167 single cell batteries are connected in series.

[0032] [Table 3]

[0033] If the number of single-cell batteries 1 connected in series increases, it is also possible to connect single-cell batteries 1 in series with a number of connections less than or equal to that number. In other words, without using a transformer, it is possible to output an additional voltage below the maximum rated voltage determined by the maximum number of single-cell batteries 1 connected in series by setting the connection pattern of the output control circuit 17. The resolution of the output voltage setting is determined by the rated voltage of the battery cell itself, as shown in Tables 1 to 3. However, the present invention does not prevent the inclusion of a voltage control circuit in the output control circuit 17 or between the output control circuit 17 and the load, making it possible to perform finer voltage adjustments than those of the battery cell itself.

[0034] In Figure 1(b), the input wiring 13 and output wiring 14 are shown in the same number and size as the basic configuration batteries 10 provided in the battery system 11. However, this does not necessarily strictly define the structure of the input wiring 13 and output wiring 14. For example, additional wiring for connecting multiple power sources or loads in parallel may be added to provide more input wiring 13 and output wiring 14 than the number of basic configuration batteries 10. Alternatively, wiring consisting of multiple wires such as 2-core or 4-core wires bundled together may be used, or the outer diameter of the input wiring 13 and output wiring 14 may be changed according to the number of series connections.

[0035] Furthermore, the connection switching unit 15 can be equipped with a control device that measures the input voltage and automatically switches the connection. For example, when connecting to a power supply, the input control circuit 16 is switched to a connection pattern that provides a voltage suitable for charging, according to the input voltage.

[0036] In addition, by installing a voltage indicator device at the connection point to the power supply device, which stores the rated voltage of the device and transmits the rated voltage information to the control device, it is possible to automatically switch the output control circuit 17 to a connection pattern that provides an appropriate voltage to the output. Furthermore, it is possible to include and modify voltage stabilization circuits that correspond to the discharge characteristics of the battery cells used.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example configuration of a composite battery system 20 constructed by combining multiple basic battery components 10 or battery systems 11 will be described. The combined battery system 20 is a battery system that can receive one type of input voltage and output multiple voltages. Specifically, it comprises multiple battery systems 123 (basic configuration battery 10 or battery system 11) configured to output a voltage set to the maximum rating of the combined battery system 20. Each battery system 123 is connected via its respective input circuit 22 corresponding to a common charging power source and connected to an independent output terminal via its respective output circuit 21.

[0038] As an example, each battery system 123 includes a 12V battery system 123A with an output circuit 21A that internally connects to the battery system 123 so that its output voltage is 12V, a 24V battery system 123B with an output circuit 21B that internally connects to the battery system 123 so that its output voltage is 24V, and a 100V battery system 123C with an output circuit 21C that internally connects to the battery system 123 so that its output voltage is 100V. Furthermore, each battery system 123 is connected to a power supply via an input circuit 22 that internally connects to a battery system 124 so that its own input voltage becomes 12V.

[0039] Specifically, each battery system 123 is equipped with the same number of single-cell batteries 1 or basic configuration batteries 10, and the output circuits 21A to 21C change the output voltage by switching the connection of the single-cell batteries 1 or basic configuration batteries 10 equipped in the battery system 123 between series and parallel.

[0040] By configuring the combined battery system in this way, users of the combined battery system can receive power at the appropriate voltage simply by connecting their devices to the output terminal of the desired voltage.

[0041] Furthermore, the combined battery system 20 can also be modified with a bypass circuit 23 that interconnects the battery systems 123 to share power. As described above, since the voltage of such a combined battery system 20 is determined by the output circuit, depending on the application, it is conceivable that one battery system may be used frequently, resulting in insufficient charge, while the charge levels of the other battery systems may not decrease easily.

[0042] Therefore, in the example above, if the remaining battery charge of battery system 123A, which is set to an output voltage of 12V, is around 30%, and the remaining charge of the other battery systems 123B and 123C is 80% or more, or if the remaining charge of one battery system is significantly lower than that of the other battery systems, then one or both of the battery systems with sufficient remaining charge will step down the voltage via the bypass circuit 23 and supply power to the 12V output terminal. Of course, if power is to be supplied to battery system 123C, which has an output voltage of 100V, the bypass circuit will step up the voltage. Furthermore, while the bypass circuit 23 is operating, the configuration may be such that the battery system with sufficient remaining charge charges the battery system with reduced charge.

[0043] The battery system 11 and the combined battery system 20 described above significantly reduce the effort required for the user to construct wiring and rearrange components when multiple basic battery configurations 10 are to be used.

[0044] Furthermore, the circuit configurations of each embodiment described above are applicable to batteries other than cylindrical batteries, such as rectangular batteries or sheet-shaped batteries. In addition, the present invention is applicable to battery cells other than the iron phosphate battery cells and lithium titanate battery cells exemplified earlier, such as fuel cells and lead-acid batteries, without specifying the composition of the battery cell. In other words, even with batteries other than those exemplified and explained above, it is possible to construct a battery system 11 or a composite battery system 20 by integrating them and connecting the positive electrodes to each other and the negative electrodes to each other, similar to the basic configuration battery 10.

[0045] <Second Embodiment> As shown in Figure 4, the subdivided battery system 30 replaces the input circuit 4 and output circuit 5 of the basic configuration battery 10 with a switching circuit 31 that switches the connections between multiple battery blocks 2 to perform input and output, and further includes additional input wiring 34i to 37i and output wiring 34o to 37o.

[0046] Specifically, the input wiring 34i and output wiring 34o are connected to the positive electrode side conductor plate 3P, and the input wiring 35i and output wiring 35o are connected to the negative electrode side conductor plate 3M, which is the same as the basic configuration battery 10. To this configuration, input wiring 36i, 37i and output wiring 36o, 37o are added, which are connected to each conductor plate 3 provided between the positive electrode side conductor plate 3P and the negative electrode side conductor plate 3M. In other words, the subdivided battery system 30 has a configuration in which each conductor plate 3 of the basic configuration battery 10 is connected to the switching circuit 31.

[0047] The switching circuit 31 switches the connections of the input wiring 34i to 37i and the output wiring 34o to 37o so that the desired voltage can be obtained at both the input and output. As an example, we will explain the case where the voltage per single cell battery is 4V, using a calculated voltage value for simplification. In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the input and output sides, the suffixes i and o will be omitted, and wiring 34 to 37 will be used.

[0048] Since the subdivided battery system 30 has three battery blocks 2, the input voltage when the combination of wiring 34 and wiring 35 is selected becomes 12V, which is the same as the basic configuration battery 10. The voltage will be 4V when the combination of wiring 34 and wiring 36, or wiring 35 and wiring 37, or wiring 36 and wiring 37 is selected, and the voltage will be 8V when the combination of wiring 34 and wiring 37, or wiring 35 and wiring 36 is selected.

[0049] Thus, the subdivided battery system 30 is configured to adjust the input and output voltages by switching the connections of battery blocks even within the basic configuration battery 10, and the more battery blocks 2 that the basic configuration battery 10 has, the more the settable voltages can be changed.

[0050] <Third Embodiment> The ultra-integrated power battery 50 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The ultra-integrated power battery 50 is constructed by arranging multiple basic configuration batteries 10, each representing a single cell battery 1 or battery block 2 of the basic configuration battery 10, and connecting them to a conductor member 51. In other words, an ultra-integrated power battery has a structure in which a single-cell battery constituting one battery system is made up of multiple battery cells smaller than itself, and this same structure is repeated a predetermined number of times, exhibiting self-similarity.

[0051] The maximum voltage that the basic configuration battery 10 can deliver is essentially determined by the number of battery cells connected. Therefore, even when a large number of battery cells can be arranged, the ultra-integrated power battery 50 can maintain high redundancy against premature degradation and damage of battery cells.

[0052] <Fourth Embodiment> Referring to Figure 6, a frame-integrated battery system 60 equipped with a basic configuration battery 10 will be described. As described above, the basic configuration battery 10 is composed of multiple single-cell batteries 1 arranged in a row, with the positive and negative electrodes fixed by a conductive plate 3. Therefore, by changing the arrangement method of the single-cell batteries 1 and changing the shape of the conductive plate 3 to suit the arrangement, it is possible to configure the entire battery system as a frame-integrated battery system 60, which has a complex three-dimensional structure.

[0053] To illustrate one example of the configuration, a battery block 2 is formed by arranging single-cell batteries 1 to conform to the shape of the frame 61 of the mechanical device. Here, the negative electrode side conductor plate 3M of the conductor plate 3 of the battery block 2 is fixed to the frame 61 to serve as a so-called body ground. In this way, it becomes possible to mount batteries across the entire frame of the mechanical device.

[0054] For example, in a battery system configured for an electric vehicle, a high-voltage circuit for driving the traction motor and a low-voltage circuit for operating on-board equipment and control devices are used in conjunction. Therefore, an output circuit is connected that consists of a high-voltage connection circuit and a low-voltage connection circuit to the battery block 2, corresponding to these voltages. An input circuit corresponding to the charging voltage is also connected.

[0055] Conventional electric vehicles typically have a layout in which rectangular batteries are concentrated at the bottom of the chassis frame, i.e., the part located under the floor after completion, which severely limits the amount of battery that can be installed. However, by using the battery system according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to install batteries throughout the entire chassis frame or in part of the sheet metal components, thereby extending the driving range.

[0056] The battery network system will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure (a) shows the structure of a local battery unit 62 equipped with multiple of the battery systems described above. In this figure, the rated voltage of the basic configuration battery 10 is assumed to be 12V, and the rated voltage of the load is assumed to be 24V.

[0057] The local battery unit 62 is configured by combining multiple basic configuration batteries 10 around the load and connecting them to the connection control circuit 12, the load, and the network control circuit 63. Here, the local battery unit 62 is configured in a shape that can be housed in the location where it is to be placed, similar to the frame-integrated battery system 60, and is provided either integrally with the load or in the vicinity of the load.

[0058] Figure (b) shows an electric vehicle MV configured with a battery network system. The electric vehicle MV is equipped with a drive motor for each of its four wheels, and each motor is equipped with a local battery unit 62. Each rotary battery unit 62 is connected to a central battery unit 64 via its own network control circuit 63.

[0059] The central battery unit 64 is configured by adding a central network control device that transmits and receives signals to a battery unit similar to those found in typical electric vehicles, along with a network control circuit 63 provided in each local battery unit 62.

[0060] In the electric vehicle MV, the local battery unit 62 supplies power to the drive motor with priority over the central battery unit 64. Furthermore, when regenerative power is generated during deceleration, the connection control circuit 12 acts as the aforementioned voltage stabilization circuit, charging the local battery unit 62. Furthermore, if the battery level of the local battery unit 62 decreases, power is supplied to the local battery unit 62 from the battery unit of the central battery unit 64.

[0061] Figure (c) shows the walking robot WR configured with a battery network system. The walking robot WR is equipped with multiple legs 65 each having multiple degrees of freedom, and also has an additional superstructure 66 including cameras, sensors, and arms. The walking robot WR exemplified here is equipped with local battery units 62 in each drive motor section of the legs 65 and in the superstructure 66, but it does not have a central battery unit 64 like the one described with the electric vehicle MV.

[0062] Thus, when the battery network system is configured without a central battery unit 64, the network control circuit 63 in each local battery network system monitors the status of the local battery unit 62 it is equipped with and communicates with the network control circuits 63 in other local battery units 62. Based on information such as the battery level and load voltage of the local battery unit 62 it is equipped with, it provides power to other local battery units 62 when necessary.

[0063] In particular, in the case of the walking robot WR, if the power supply to the legs 65 is interrupted, the walking ability is lost or significantly reduced. However, as shown in this embodiment, by providing a local battery unit 62 for each drive motor, the possibility of the power supply to the legs 65 being interrupted can be reduced. Furthermore, even if one of the drive motors malfunctions, as long as the signal transmission path remains functional, the other drive motors can operate normally, thus maintaining a minimum level of walking ability. In addition, it is easy to adopt a separable configuration in which a running device equipped with multiple legs 65 serves as the mother unit, and the superstructure 66 serves as the mother unit.

[0064] As explained above, the battery network system utilizes the high degree of freedom in the shape and layout of the basic configuration battery to distribute batteries among the equipment. More specifically, the batteries are placed near the load. By using this battery arrangement, the wiring inside the equipment can be simplified compared to conventional configurations that use a single large battery.

[0065] In other words, if only one battery is provided, all the installed devices are ultimately connected to that single battery, requiring extensive wiring and considerable effort for assembly and maintenance. On the other hand, by placing multiple local battery units near the load, it is possible to shorten the wiring connecting each mounted device to the battery. This also makes it possible to reduce power consumption due to wiring resistance. Furthermore, since each drive motor is equipped with a local battery unit 62, it is possible to improve the overall redundancy of the device compared to conventional battery units.

[0066] Furthermore, by controlling the operation of each drive motor wirelessly, it is possible to keep all drive motors running even if the wiring connecting the local battery units 62 is severed.

[0067] <Fifth Embodiment> As shown in Figure 8, a so-called cylindrical single-cell battery 1 has a magnetic field even when it is not energized. Therefore, the battery system 70 according to this embodiment controls the magnetic field of the entire battery system 70 by the arrangement of the single-cell batteries 1.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9(a) or Figure 9(b), arranging the battery blocks 2 so that the positive terminals of the single-cell batteries 1 are oriented in opposite directions reduces the magnetic flux density, while arranging the battery blocks 2 so that the positive terminals of the single-cell batteries 1 are oriented in one direction increases the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 10.

[0069] Therefore, by arranging the single-cell batteries 1 such that the magnetic field generated by one battery block 2 cancels out the magnetic fields generated by other battery blocks 2, the magnetic field generated by the battery system 70 can be minimized without using magnetic shielding.

[0070] Strong magnetic fields can negatively affect wireless communication and cause electronic devices to malfunction; therefore, the larger the battery system 70, the higher the noise suppression effect it can provide. Furthermore, this arrangement also provides the same effect when the system is powered on.

[0071] Such magnetic field control is particularly effective when installed in facilities that use precision instruments such as electron microscopes, or when mounted on unmanned vehicles that utilize geomagnetic sensors as part of their control system.

[0072] Furthermore, since the battery system 70 using a single-cell battery 1 has the magnetic properties described above, in order to reduce the impact on the environment outside the battery system 70, the following installation method of the battery system 70 shown in Figure 11(a) can be implemented.

[0073] First, a grounding position magnetic field measurement process is performed to measure the magnetic field present at the planned installation location of the battery system 70. Next, a battery installation process is performed in which the battery system is installed in a direction aligned with the magnetic field of the planned installation location, as measured in the installation location magnetic field measurement process. Furthermore, a battery magnetic field measurement process is performed in the battery system 70, and a magnetic field adjustment process is also performed to adjust the combination of the orientations of the positive and negative electrodes of the single-cell batteries 1 that constitute the battery system 70, so that the magnetic field of the battery system 70 is equivalent to the strength of the magnetic field at the installation location.

[0074] This method of installing battery systems is particularly effective when manufacturing large-scale energy storage plants and other applications where battery systems are large. Specifically, as the number of single-cell batteries increases, the magnetic field of the entire battery system becomes stronger, thus increasing the cost of magnetic shielding. Therefore, by weakening the magnetic field of the battery system itself, it is possible to reduce the cost required for shielding.

[0075] Conversely, it is also possible to utilize the magnetic field of the battery system by aligning the positive terminals of single-cell batteries perfectly in one direction and increasing the magnetic flux density. For example, as shown in Figure 11(b), a battery system 70 configured to increase magnetic flux density is housed inside the artificial satellite 80.

[0076] By having this configuration, the satellite 80 is protected by a magnetic field around its body. In other words, just as the Earth's surface is protected from solar wind by the Earth's magnetic field, the satellite 80 can be protected from solar wind. Moreover, since the battery system 70 is the power source, it can effectively utilize the mass of the satellite, which is subject to particularly strict weight restrictions. Although we used satellite 80 as an example here, this method can also be applied to manned spacecraft. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1...Single cell battery, 2...Battery block, 3...Conducting plate, 3P...Positive electrode conductor plate, 3M...Negative electrode conductor plate, 4...Input circuit, 5...Output circuit, 6...Positive electrode wiring, 7...Negative electrode wiring, 8...Positive electrode wiring, 9...Negative electrode wiring, 10...Basic configuration battery, 11...Battery system, 12...Connection control circuit, 13...Input wiring, 14...Output wiring, 15...Connection switching section, 16...Input control circuit, 17...Output control circuit, 20...Composite battery system, 21A...Output circuit (12V), 21B...Output circuit (24V), 21C...Output circuit (100V), 22...Input circuit, 23...Bypass circuit 30…Fragmented battery system, 31…Switching circuit, 34i~37i…Input wiring, 34o~37o…Output wiring, 50…Ultra-integrated power battery, 51…Conductor component, 60…Frame-integrated battery system, 61…Frame, 62…Local battery unit, 63…Network control circuit, 64…Central battery unit, 65…Legs, 66…Superstructure, 70…Battery system, 80…Artificial satellite, 123A…12V battery system, 123B…24V battery system, 123C…100V battery system, MV…Electric vehicle, WR…Walking robot

Claims

1. A battery system comprising multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged in multiple rows x multiple columns such that the orientation of their terminals is the same within a predetermined row, wherein all positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to it are connected by a conductive member, the battery system comprising an integrated power battery, The aforementioned integrated power battery includes an input circuit and an output circuit. The system includes a connection control circuit that connects at least all of the input circuits or output circuits of multiple integrated power batteries, The connection control circuit has multiple connection patterns for connecting the integrated power batteries to the power supply or load in series, parallel, or independently, based on the voltage and number of the power supply or load, and the connection pattern can be switched and set.

2. A battery system comprising multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged in multiple rows x multiple columns such that the orientation of their terminals is the same within a predetermined row, wherein all positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to it are connected by a conductive member, the battery system comprising an integrated power battery, Equipped with multiple integrated power batteries, A battery system characterized in that each of the integrated power batteries comprises an input circuit connected to the conductor member such that the rated voltage of the battery block provided by all of the integrated power batteries is constant, and an output circuit connected to the conductor member such that the rated voltage of one of the integrated power batteries is different from the rated voltage of all of the other integrated power batteries.

3. A battery system comprising multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged in multiple rows x multiple columns such that the orientation of their terminals is the same within a predetermined row, wherein all positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to it are connected by a conductive member, the battery system comprising an integrated power battery, The conductor member and the positive and negative terminals of the integrated power battery are connected to a switching circuit, The switching circuit is connected to each of the conductor members, and is configured to switch the conductor members connected to it so that a predetermined number of battery blocks constituting one integrated power battery are connected in series, characterized in that the battery system is configured such that the switching circuit is connected to each of the conductor members, and the conductor members connected to it are switched so that a predetermined number of battery blocks constituting one integrated power battery are connected in series.

4. A super-integrated power battery characterized by being configured by arranging and coupling a plurality of the aforementioned integrated power battery or the battery system described in any one of claims 1 to 3 in such a way that they have self-similar electrical connections.

5. A battery system comprising a battery power battery comprising multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged so that the orientation of their terminals is the same, wherein all the positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all the negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to that battery block are connected by a conductive member, The integrated power supply battery is characterized in that the batteries are arranged to conform to the shape of at least a part of the frame of the mechanical device to which it is fixed.

6. A battery network system comprising multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged so that their terminal orientations are the same, and a plurality of integrated power batteries connected, wherein all positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks are connected to all negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to the aforementioned battery block by a conductive member, The battery network system is characterized in that the integrated power battery is arranged to conform to the shape of at least a part of the frame of the mechanical device to which it is fixed, and includes a network control circuit that connects itself to other integrated power batteries and switches between connected or independent states for power input or output between the integrated power batteries.

7. A method for manufacturing a battery system comprising a battery power battery having multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged so that the orientation of their terminals is the same, wherein all the positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all the negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to it are connected by a conductive member, A method for manufacturing a battery system, characterized by arranging the terminals of the battery in the integrated power supply battery in an aligned or alternating orientation to adjust the direction and strength of the magnetic field of the entire battery system.

8. A method for installing a battery system comprising a battery power battery having multiple adjacent battery blocks, each consisting of multiple batteries arranged so that the orientation of their terminals is the same, wherein all the positive terminals of at least one of the battery blocks and all the negative terminals of other battery blocks adjacent to it are connected by a conductive member, The installation location magnetic field measurement process involves measuring the magnetic field present at the planned installation location, A battery magnetic field measurement step for measuring the magnetic field possessed by the aforementioned battery system, A method for installing a battery system, characterized by performing a battery installation step of installing the battery system such that the direction of the magnetic field of the battery system is aligned with the direction of the magnetic field of the planned installation location.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Power cell apparatus with three dimensional interconnect

    JP2010092841A