Battery charging equipment

Abstract

To provide a battery charging device capable of efficiently charging a battery.SOLUTION: A battery charging device includes a charging part 3 for charging a plurality of battery storage parts 9 and batteries B, a first duct 11 and a second duct 12 for making the plurality of battery storage parts 9 respectively communicate with each other and making air flow, an electric fan 5c for making air forcibly flow to the respective ducts 11, 12, control valves 6 provided in the respective ducts 11, 12, and a control device 7 having a data acquisition part for acquiring temperature information of the batteries B and performing drive control of the control valves 6 on the basis of the temperature information of the batteries acquired by the data acquisition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the demand for electric vehicles driven by electric motors has increased to replace gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition, various technologies have been proposed for efficiently charging the batteries of electric motors. For example, an energy supply station has been proposed that always holds a number of cassette-type batteries, treats the number of batteries required for an electric vehicle as one unit, and performs charging operations on each group of batteries individually. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-57711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is known that if the battery is below a certain temperature, it cannot output the rated capacity of the battery. Also, it is known that if the battery is above a certain temperature, the life of the battery will be shortened. If the battery temperature is not properly controlled and an energy supply station is simply provided as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is a problem that the battery cannot be charged efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a battery charging device that can efficiently charge a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the battery charging device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of battery storage sections in which batteries are stored, a charging section which charges the batteries, a first flow path which connects each of the plurality of battery storage sections and through which a heat exchange medium flows, a second flow path which connects each of the plurality of battery storage sections and is separate from the first flow path through which the heat exchange medium flows, a heating section which heats the heat exchange medium, a sending section which is provided in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path and which forcibly flows the heat exchange medium into the first flow path and the second flow path, a control valve which is provided in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path and which allows or blocks the flow of the heat exchange medium in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and a control device which has a temperature information acquisition section which acquires temperature information of the battery and which controls the drive of the control valve based on the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the temperature of the battery can be quickly adjusted to a desired temperature range according to the temperature of the battery. For example, when a high-temperature battery and a low-temperature battery are present among a plurality of batteries, heat exchange between these batteries can be performed, eliminating the need to waste energy to cool or heat the battery, and allowing the temperature of the battery to be adjusted efficiently and in an energy-saving manner. In addition, the battery can be quickly charged after the battery temperature is adjusted to an appropriate temperature, improving the efficiency of battery charging. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a battery charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is an operation flowchart of the battery charging device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the battery charging device in the first embodiment of the present invention when a high temperature battery and a low temperature battery are present among the batteries. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the battery charging device in the first embodiment of the present invention when the battery is only a high-temperature battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the battery charging device in the first embodiment of the present invention when the battery is only a low-temperature battery. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a battery charging device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] <Battery charging device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device 1. As shown in FIG. The battery charging device 1 is a device that removes a plurality of batteries B mounted on an electric vehicle from the electric vehicle and attaches the batteries B to the battery charging device 1 to charge the batteries B.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery charging device 1 includes a battery BOX 2 that individually houses multiple batteries B (for example, four in this embodiment), a charging unit 3 that charges the batteries B, a flow path section 4 connected to the battery BOX 2 and through which air flows, a heater-equipped blower 5 and multiple control valves 6 provided in the flow path section 4, and a control device 7 that collectively controls the drive of the heater-equipped blower 5, the charging unit 3 and the control valves 6.

[0012] <Battery> Battery B is, for example, a lithium ion battery. Battery B has a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as "BMS"). The BMS monitors the remaining charge capacity and temperature of battery B itself, and stores the monitoring information. Then, it outputs the monitoring information to the control device 7 as a signal.

[0013] <Battery box> The battery BOX 2 includes a box-shaped BOX body 8 and a plurality of partition plates 10 that divide the inside of the BOX body 8 into a plurality of (for example, four in this embodiment) battery storage sections 9. The wall surface 8a of the BOX body 8 and the partition plates 10 are formed of a heat insulating material with a low thermal conductivity, or a metal plate or the like covered with a heat insulating material.

[0014] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the BOX body 8 is provided with doors for individually opening and closing each battery storage section 9. By opening and closing these doors, a battery B is individually stored in each battery storage section 9. Each battery storage section 9 is provided with a terminal (not shown) that is connected to the battery B stored in the battery storage section 9. Each battery B and the charging section 3 are electrically connected via this terminal.

[0015] Additionally, the battery B may be provided with rollers for inserting and removing the battery B from the battery storage section 9. For example, a removable rail for the rollers may be provided in the battery storage section 9, and the battery B may be placed in the battery storage section 9 by guiding the rollers along the rail. Also, the battery B can be easily inserted and removed from the battery storage section 9 by pulling the rail out of the battery storage section 9 or pushing the rail into the battery storage section 9.

[0016] <Flow passage section> The flow path section 4 includes a first duct (an example of the first flow path in the claims) 11, a second duct (an example of the second flow path in the claims) 12, a bypass duct (an example of the bypass path in the claims) 13 that connects the first duct 11 and the second duct 12, an intake duct (an example of the supply path in the claims) 14 connected to the bypass duct 13, an exhaust duct (an example of the exhaust path in the claims) 15, and a circulation duct (an example of the circulation path in the claims) 16 that connects the bypass duct 13 and the exhaust duct 15. The circulation duct 16 has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the other ducts 11 to 15.

[0017] The first duct 11 comprises a plurality of first connecting ducts (an example of a connecting flow path in the claims) 11a each connected to each battery storage section 9, and a first duct body (an example of a flow path body in the claims) 11b that communicates with each of the first connecting ducts 11a. The second duct 12 comprises a plurality of second connecting ducts (an example of a connecting flow path in the claims) 12a each connected to each battery storage section 9, and a second duct body (an example of a flow path body in the claims) 12b that communicates with each second connecting duct 12a.

[0018] Each of the first connecting ducts 11a and each of the second connecting ducts 12a are connected to the same wall surface 8a of the BOX body 8. The bypass duct 13 communicates one end of the first duct body 11b with one end of the second duct body 12b. The intake duct 14 connected to the bypass duct 13 is provided with an intake port 14a for taking in air from the outside.

[0019] The exhaust duct 15 includes a plurality of exhaust connection ducts 15a each connected to each battery storage section 9, and an exhaust duct body 15b that communicates with each of the exhaust connection ducts 15a. Each exhaust connection duct 15a is connected to a wall surface 8a different from the wall surface 8a to which the first connection duct 11a and the second connection duct 12a of the BOX body 8 are connected. An exhaust port 15c for discharging air to the outside is provided at one end of the exhaust duct body 15b.

[0020] <Blower with heater> The heater-equipped blower 5 is provided near the bypass duct 13 of the first duct body 11b. The heater-equipped blower 5 includes a cylindrical body 5a, a heater (an example of a heating section in the claims) 5b provided in the cylindrical body 5a for heating the air, and an electric fan (an example of a blowing section in the claims) 5c provided in the cylindrical body 5a for blowing air into the first duct body 11b. The heater 5b and the electric fan 5c are each electrically connected to the control device 7.

[0021] The heater 5b may be, for example, an electric heater. The electric fan 5c drives a fan (neither of which are shown) by an electric motor. As the fan, various fans such as an axial flow fan or a sirocco fan can be used. In the first embodiment, the electric fan 5c blows air in the left direction in FIG. 1. The first connection duct 11a is disposed downstream of the heater-equipped blower 5.

[0022] <Control valve> The control valves 6 are provided in the first connecting duct 11a, the second connecting duct 12a, near the intake port 14a of the intake duct 14, and near the exhaust port 15c of the exhaust duct 15. The control valves 6 allow or block the flow of air in the ducts 11a, 12a, 14, and 15 provided therein. The control valves 6 are electrically connected to the control device 7.

[0023] <Control device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 7 includes a data acquisition unit (an example including a temperature information acquisition unit in the claims) 21 that acquires information about the battery B, a charger drive control unit 22 that controls the drive of the charging unit 3 based on the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 21, an airflow control unit 23 that controls the flow of air in the flow path unit 4 based on the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 21, and a heater-equipped blower control unit 24 that controls the drive of the heater-equipped blower 5 based on the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and the airflow control unit 23.

[0024] The data acquisition unit 21 receives a signal output from the BMS of battery B stored in the battery storage unit 9. As a result, the data acquisition unit 21 acquires information about battery B. The information acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 is various types of information about battery B, such as remaining charge capacity information and temperature information about battery B. Of these, the battery charging device 1 uses temperature information about battery B. The data acquisition unit 21 outputs the acquired information as signals to the charger drive control unit 22, the airflow control unit 23, and the heated fan control unit 24.

[0025] The charger drive control unit 22 includes a charging control unit 25 to which the signal output from the data acquisition unit 21 is input, and a charging temperature reference value storage unit 26. The charging temperature reference value storage unit 26 stores a high charging temperature reference value and a low charging temperature reference value when the charging unit 3 charges the battery B.

[0026] The high temperature charging reference value is a high temperature threshold value of the temperature of the battery B itself that may shorten the life of the battery B. The high temperature charging reference value is, for example, 60°C. The charging low temperature reference value is the low temperature threshold value of the temperature of battery B itself at which it becomes difficult to charge battery B efficiently. In other words, if the temperature of battery B is equal to or lower than the low temperature threshold value, for example, lithium ions released from the positive electrode of battery B are not easily absorbed by the negative electrode, and lithium metal is easily precipitated. This increases the possibility that battery B will break down. The charging low temperature reference value is, for example, 25°C.

[0027] The charging control unit 25 refers to the high charging temperature reference value and the low charging temperature reference value stored in the charging temperature reference value storage unit 26. Based on the result of this reference and the temperature information of battery B from the data acquisition unit 21, the charging control unit 25 controls the driving of the charging unit 3. That is, when the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or higher than the high charging temperature reference value, charging of battery B by the charging unit 3 is stopped. In this case, the heat dissipation operation of battery B is prioritized based on the specific operation of the battery charging device 1 described later.

[0028] When the temperature of the battery B itself is equal to or lower than the low charging temperature reference value, charging of the battery B by the charging unit 3 is suppressed and controlled. When the temperature of battery B itself is lower than the high charging temperature reference value and higher than the low charging temperature reference value, charging unit 3 charges battery B at maximum output. The relationship between the operations of charging control unit 25, airflow control unit 23, and heated fan control unit 24 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The airflow control unit 23 controls the airflow in the flow path unit 4 to exchange heat between the batteries B stored in each battery storage unit 9 by utilizing the temperature difference between the batteries B. The airflow control unit 23 also controls the airflow in the flow path unit 4 to dissipate heat and heat the batteries B. The airflow control unit 23 includes a path identification unit 27 to which a signal output from the data acquisition unit 21 is input, a valve control unit 28 to which a signal output from the path identification unit 27 is input, and a battery temperature reference value storage unit 29.

[0030] The battery temperature reference value storage unit 29 stores a reference value for determining the temperature range of the battery B. That is, the battery temperature reference value storage unit 29 stores a high battery temperature reference value and a low battery temperature reference value. The high battery temperature reference value is a value for determining whether or not the temperature of the battery B itself is high. The high battery temperature reference value is, for example, 45°C. The battery low temperature reference value is a value for determining whether or not the temperature of the battery B itself is low. The battery low temperature reference value is, for example, 25°C. These high battery temperature reference value and low battery temperature reference value are determined by the rated value of battery B.

[0031] In the following description, when the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or higher than the high battery temperature reference value, battery B is referred to as a high temperature battery. When the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or lower than the low battery temperature reference value, battery B is referred to as a low temperature battery. When the temperature of battery B itself is lower than the high battery temperature reference value and higher than the low battery temperature reference value, battery B is referred to as an appropriate temperature battery.

[0032] The path identification unit 27 refers to the high battery temperature reference value and the low battery temperature reference value stored in the battery temperature reference value storage unit 29. Based on the result of this reference and the temperature information of the battery B from the data acquisition unit 21, the path identification unit 27 identifies the air circulation path in the flow path unit 4. The identified information is output to the valve control unit 28 as a signal. The valve control unit 28 outputs a control valve drive signal to each control valve 6 and the heater-equipped fan control unit 24 based on the signal output from the path identification unit 27.

[0033] Each control valve 6 opens and closes based on a control valve drive signal output from the valve control unit 28. As a result, ducts 11a, 12a, 14, and 15 through which air flow is permitted and ducts 11a, 12a, 14, and 15 through which air flow is blocked are formed, and the path of the air flow within the flow path unit 4 is specified.

[0034] The heater-equipped blower control unit 24 includes a fan control unit (an example of a blow-out control unit in the claims) 31 to which a signal output from the valve control unit 28 is input, and a heater control unit (an example of a heating control unit in the claims) 32.

[0035] The fan control section 31 outputs a fan drive signal to the electric fan 5c based on the control valve drive signal from the valve control section 28. The electric fan 5c is driven when any of the multiple control valves 6 provided in the first duct 11 is open. This generates an air flow (wind) in the first duct 11. The electric fan 5c is stopped when none of the multiple control valves 6 provided in the first duct 11 is open.

[0036] The heater control unit 32 refers to the high battery temperature reference value and the low battery temperature reference value stored in the battery temperature reference value storage unit 29. Based on the result of this reference and the temperature information of battery B from the data acquisition unit 21, the heater control unit 32 outputs a heater drive signal to the heater 5b. Based on this heater drive signal, the heater 5b is driven when the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or lower than the low battery temperature reference value.

[0037] <Specific operation of the battery charging device> Next, a specific operation of the battery charger 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 3 is an operation flowchart of the battery charging device 1. Fig. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the battery charging device 1 when the batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9 include a high-temperature battery and a low-temperature battery.

[0038] First, the state of the battery B immediately before using the battery charging device 1 will be described. For example, a plurality of batteries B mounted on an electric vehicle will have variations in temperature of the batteries B themselves depending on the load caused by the running of the electric vehicle. In this state, the batteries B are each removed from the electric vehicle and stored in the battery storage section 9 of the battery charging device 1. Then, charging of each battery B is started by the battery charging device 1.

[0039] At this time, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the control device 7 of the battery charging device 1 acquires temperature information of each battery B from the BMS of the battery B stored in each battery storage section 9 via the data acquisition unit 21 (step S101 in Figure 3). Next, the path identification unit 27 refers to the high battery temperature reference value and the low battery temperature reference value stored in the battery temperature reference value storage unit 29. Based on the result of this reference and the temperature information of battery B from the data acquisition unit 21, the path identification unit 27 determines whether each battery B is a high temperature battery, a low temperature battery, or an appropriate temperature battery (step S102 in FIG. 3).

[0040] Furthermore, the path identification unit 27 determines whether or not both a high temperature battery and a low temperature battery are present among the plurality of batteries B (step S103 in FIG. 3).

[0041] If the determination in step S103 is "Yes", that is, if both high temperature batteries and low temperature batteries are present among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed: That is, the path identification unit 27 identifies a path for heat exchange between the high temperature battery and the low temperature battery in the flow path unit 4 using air as a heat exchange medium (step S104 in FIG. 3).

[0042] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when the battery B arranged on the left side of the figure is a high-temperature battery and the battery B arranged on the right side of the figure is a low-temperature battery, the following path is taken to exchange heat between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery. That is, the path is one in which air flows in the following order: the battery storage section 9 in which the low-temperature battery is stored, the second connection duct 12a of this battery storage section 9, the second duct main body 12b, the bypass duct 13, the first duct main body 11b, the first connection duct 11a of the battery storage section 9 in which the high-temperature battery is stored, the battery storage section 9 to which the first connection duct 11a is connected, the exhaust connection duct 15a of the battery storage section 9 in which the high-temperature battery is stored, the exhaust duct main body 15b, and the exhaust connection duct 15a of the battery storage section 9 in which the low-temperature battery is stored (see the arrow Y1 in Fig. 4). Heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery through this path.

[0043] In Fig. 4, the two batteries B in the center are considered to be optimum temperature batteries. Optimum temperature batteries do not require any heat exchange, heating, or heat dissipation. Note that even if the battery storage section 9 does not contain a battery B and is empty, the path identification section 27 treats the battery storage section 9 in the same way as if it contains an optimum temperature battery.

[0044] The valve control unit 28 identifies the control valves 6 to be opened so that air flows through the identified path (step S105 in FIG. 3). That is, in FIG. 4, the control valves 6 to be opened are identified as the control valve 6 provided in the second connection duct 12a of the battery storage unit 9 in which the low-temperature battery is stored, and the control valve 6 provided in the first connection duct 11a of the battery storage unit 9 in which the high-temperature battery is stored. The fan control unit 31 drives the electric fan 5c of the heater-equipped blower 5 (step S106 in FIG. 3).

[0045] The valve control unit 28 outputs control signals to the control valves 6 identified in step S105 to open these control valves 6, thereby opening the identified control valves 6 (step S107 in FIG. 3). The control valves 6 excluded from the identification (the control valves 6 provided in the connecting ducts 11a, 12a of the battery storage section 9 in which the optimum temperature battery is stored) remain closed. In other words, the valve control section 28 outputs a control signal to the control valves 6 excluded from the identification to close these control valves 6 (step S108 in FIG. 3).

[0046] The second connecting duct 12a and the first connecting duct 11a, in which the control valve 6 is open, allow air to flow. The second connecting duct 12a and the first connecting duct 11a, in which the control valve 6 is closed, block air from flowing. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, a closed path is formed through which air circulates between the low-temperature battery and the high-temperature battery. Then, the electric fan 5c circulates air between the low-temperature battery and the high-temperature battery (see arrow Y1 in FIG. 4). This allows heat exchange between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery, using air as a heat exchange medium.

[0047] Simultaneously with the heat exchange between the high temperature battery and the low temperature battery, charging of each battery B is performed by the charger drive control unit 22. This allows efficient charging of each battery B when both high temperature batteries and low temperature batteries are present among the multiple batteries B. When charging is completed, the operation of the battery charging device 1 is completed.

[0048] On the other hand, if the determination in step S103 is "No", that is, if both a high temperature battery and a low temperature battery are not present among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed: That is, the path identification unit 27 determines whether or not a high temperature battery is present among the multiple batteries B (step S111 in FIG. 3). If the determination in step S111 is "Yes", that is, if a high temperature battery is present among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed. That is, the path identifying unit 27 identifies a flow path in the flow path unit 4 for air that dissipates heat from the high temperature battery.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery charging device 1 when the battery B stored in the battery storage section 9 is only a high-temperature battery. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when all batteries B are high-temperature batteries, the path is as follows. That is, the path is one in which air is taken in from the outside via the intake duct 14 (intake port 14a), and the air heated by the high-temperature batteries is exhausted via the exhaust duct 15 (exhaust port 15c). More specifically, the path is one in which air flows through the intake duct 14 (intake port 14a), the first duct 11, the corresponding battery storage section 9, and the exhaust duct 15 (exhaust port 15c) in this order (see arrow Y2 in Fig. 5).

[0050] The valve control unit 28 identifies the control valves 6 to be opened so that air flows through the identified path. That is, in FIG. 5, all the control valves 6 provided in the first connection duct 11a and the control valves 6 in the intake duct 14 and the exhaust duct 15 are identified as the control valves 6 to be opened. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, fan control section 31 drives electric fan 5c of heater-equipped blower 5 (step S112 in FIG. 3).

[0051] The valve control unit 28 outputs control signals to the identified control valves 6 to open these control valves 6, thereby opening the identified control valves 6. Specifically, the control valve 6 in the intake duct 14 and the control valve 6 in the exhaust duct 15 are opened (step S113 in FIG. 3). In addition, all the control valves 6 provided in the first connection duct 11a are opened (step S114 in FIG. 3). The control valves 6 excluded from the identification remain closed. In other words, the valve control unit 28 outputs a control signal to the control valves 6 excluded from the identification to close these control valves 6 (step S108 in FIG. 3). In FIG. 5, all the control valves 6 provided in the second connection duct 12a are closed.

[0052] Air is permitted to flow through the intake duct 14, the first duct 11, and the exhaust duct 15, where the control valve 6 is open. Air is blocked from flowing through the second duct 12, where the control valve 6 is closed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, air is taken in from the outside through the intake duct 14 (intake port 14a), and air heated by the high-temperature battery is exhausted through the exhaust duct 15 (exhaust port 15c) (see arrow Y2 in FIG. 5). This promotes heat dissipation from the high-temperature battery, and the high-temperature battery is quickly cooled.

[0053] When the high-temperature battery is cooled to a certain temperature, the charger drive control unit 22 also charges each battery B. This allows efficient charging of each battery B when a high-temperature battery is present among multiple batteries B. When charging is completed, the operation of the battery charging device 1 is completed.

[0054] On the other hand, if the determination in step S111 is “No”, that is, if there is no high temperature battery among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed: That is, the path identification unit 27 determines whether or not there is a low temperature battery among the multiple batteries B (step S121 in FIG. 3). If the determination in step S121 is "Yes", that is, if a low temperature battery is present among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed. That is, the path identification unit 27 identifies a flow path in the flow path unit 4 for air that heats the low temperature battery.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery charging device 1 when the batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9 are all low-temperature batteries. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when all the batteries B are low-temperature batteries, the path is as follows. That is, the path is such that hot air is generated by the heater-equipped blower 5, and the hot air is passed through the low-temperature batteries and circulated. More specifically, the path is such that the air flows through the first duct 11, the corresponding battery storage section 9, the exhaust duct 15, and the circulation duct 16 in this order (see arrow Y3 in Fig. 6).

[0056] The valve control unit 28 identifies the control valves 6 to be opened so that air flows through the identified path. That is, in FIG. 6, all the control valves 6 provided in the first connection duct 11a are identified as the control valves 6 to be opened. 3 and 6, heater control unit 32 drives heater 5b of heater-equipped blower 5 (step S122 in FIG. 3). Fan control unit 31 drives electric fan 5c of heater-equipped blower 5 (step S123 in FIG. 3).

[0057] The valve control unit 28 outputs control signals to the identified control valves 6 to open these control valves 6, thereby opening the identified control valves 6. Specifically, all the control valves 6 provided in the first connection duct 11a are opened (step S124 in FIG. 3). The control valves 6 excluded from the identification remain closed. In other words, the valve control unit 28 outputs a control signal to the control valves 6 excluded from the identification to close these control valves 6 (step S108 in FIG. 3). In FIG. 6, all the control valves 6 provided in the second connection duct 12a, the control valves 6 in the intake duct 14, and the control valves 6 in the exhaust duct 15 are closed.

[0058] The first duct 11 with the control valve 6 open allows air to flow. Since the control valves of the intake duct 14 and the exhaust duct 15 are closed, the air flow is blocked at the intake port 14a and the exhaust port 15c. Then, the air flowing to the exhaust duct main body 15b via the exhaust connection duct 15a is returned to the first duct main body 11b via the circulation duct 16. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the heater-equipped blower 5 does not heat air from the outside. The heater-equipped blower 5 heats the low-temperature battery by heating and circulating the warm air used to heat the low-temperature battery (see arrow Y3 in FIG. 6). This promotes heating of the low-temperature battery, and the low-temperature battery is heated quickly.

[0059] When the low-temperature battery is heated to a certain temperature, the charger drive control unit 22 also charges each battery B. This allows efficient charging of each battery B when a low-temperature battery is present among multiple batteries B. When charging is completed, the operation of the battery charging device 1 is completed.

[0060] On the other hand, if the determination in step S121 is "No", that is, if there is no low-temperature battery among the multiple batteries B, the following is executed. That is, the path identification unit 27 determines that all of the batteries B are optimum-temperature batteries. Therefore, the heater control unit 32 stops the heater 5b of the heated blower 5. The fan control unit 31 stops the electric fan 5c of the heated blower 5 (step S131 in FIG. 3).

[0061] Furthermore, the valve control unit 28 outputs, to each control valve 6, a control signal for closing the control valve 6 (step S108 in FIG. 3). In this state, each battery B is charged by the charger drive control unit 22. Since each battery B is a suitable temperature battery, charging of each battery B is performed efficiently. Then, when charging is completed, the operation of the battery charging device 1 is completed.

[0062] As described above, in the first embodiment, the battery charging device 1 includes the flow path section 4 that connects the plurality of battery storage sections 9 to each other, the heater-equipped blower 5 provided in the first duct 11, the control valve 6 provided in each of the connecting ducts 11a, 12a, and the control device 7 that has a data acquisition section 21 that acquires temperature information of the battery B and controls the driving of the control valve 6 based on the temperature information of the battery B acquired by the data acquisition section 21. Therefore, the temperature of the battery B can be quickly brought into a desired temperature range according to the temperature of the battery B itself.

[0063] Moreover, for example, when there are high-temperature batteries and low-temperature batteries among the multiple batteries B, by exchanging heat between these batteries B through the flow path section 4, it is not necessary to consume energy to wastefully cool or heat the battery B. That is, for example, it is not necessary to wastefully heat the low-temperature battery by driving the heater 5b of the heater-equipped blower 5 to heat the air. The low-temperature battery can be heated by utilizing the heat of the high-temperature battery. Then, the temperature of the battery B can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature and then the battery B can be charged quickly, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the battery B.

[0064] By quickly bringing the temperature of battery B into the desired temperature range, it is possible to suppress deterioration of battery B. Also, it is possible to bring the performance of battery B closer to the rated characteristics. Furthermore, it is possible to charge battery B efficiently by setting the charging current to the rated upper limit. For example, in an electric vehicle having a device for heating the battery B, the battery B can be kept at an appropriate temperature by the battery charging device 1 without using the heating device of the electric vehicle. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the electric vehicle, and as a result, to extend the cruising distance of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to remove the device for heating the battery B from the electric vehicle.

[0065] The wall surface 8a and the partition plate 10 of the BOX body 8 are formed of a heat insulating material with a low thermal conductivity, or a metal plate or the like covered with a heat insulating material. In other words, the battery storage section 9 is covered with a heat insulating material. Therefore, the battery B stored in the battery storage section 9 can be stored at an appropriate temperature for a long period of time. Therefore, the battery B can be charged more efficiently.

[0066] The first duct 11 includes a plurality of first connection ducts 11a each connected to each battery storage 9, and a first duct body 11b that communicates with each of the first connection ducts 11a. The second duct 12 includes a plurality of second connection ducts 12a each connected to each battery storage 9, and a second duct body 12b that communicates with each of the second connection ducts 12a. By configuring the ducts 11 and 12 in this manner, the path of the flow path section 4 can be flexibly specified according to the temperature pattern of each battery B. For example, if the ducts connected to each battery storage 9 are each connected in parallel to the heater-equipped blower 5, it becomes difficult to set a heat exchange path between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery. For this reason, by configuring as described above, the path of the flow path section 4 can be flexibly specified according to the temperature pattern of each battery B, and the temperature of the battery B can be adjusted more accurately and quickly.

[0067] The battery charging device 1 includes an intake duct 14, an exhaust duct 15, and a control valve 6 provided in the intake duct 14 and the exhaust duct 15. Therefore, cold air from the outside can be taken into each battery storage section 9, and warm air from each battery storage section 9 can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, even if all the batteries B are high-temperature batteries (see FIG. 5), heat can be quickly dissipated from all the batteries B. Also, even if all the batteries B are low-temperature batteries (see FIG. 6), heat can be quickly heated up from all the batteries B.

[0068] The first connecting duct 11a is disposed downstream of the heated blower 5. Each of the first connecting ducts 11a is provided with a control valve 6. With this configuration, all air supplied to each battery storage section 9 can be passed through the heated blower 5. This makes it possible to provide a battery charging device 1 that can appropriately handle all temperature distribution patterns of each battery B.

[0069] The control device 7 includes a data acquisition unit 21, a charging control unit 25, a battery temperature reference value storage unit 29, a path identification unit 27, a heater control unit 32, a valve control unit 28, and a fan control unit 31. The data acquisition unit 21 acquires temperature information of the battery B. The charging control unit 25 performs charging control of the charging unit 3 based on the temperature information of the battery B acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. The battery temperature reference value storage unit 29 stores a high battery temperature reference value and a low battery temperature reference value. The path identification unit 27 identifies the air flow path in the flow path unit 4 based on the temperature information of the battery B, the high battery temperature reference value, and the low battery temperature reference value. The heater control unit 32 performs drive control of the heater 5b based on the high battery temperature reference value, the low battery temperature reference value, and the temperature information of the battery B. The valve control unit 28 performs opening and closing control of the control valve 6 based on the path identified by the path identification unit 27. The fan control unit 31 performs drive control of the electric fan 5c based on the path identified by the path identification unit 27. Therefore, the battery charging device 1 can quickly determine an appropriate air flow path and adjust the temperature of the battery B efficiently, energy-savingly, and without driving the heater 5b unnecessarily.

[0070] When the battery storage unit 9 does not contain battery B and is empty, the path identification unit 27 of the battery charger 1 treats it as if a suitable temperature battery is stored in the battery storage unit 9. Therefore, even if the battery storage unit 9 is empty, the battery charger 1 can be operated properly.

[0071] The charging control unit 25 refers to the high charging temperature reference value and the low charging temperature reference value stored in the charging temperature reference value storage unit 26. Based on the result of this reference and the temperature information of battery B from the data acquisition unit 21, the charging control unit 25 controls the driving of the charging unit 3. That is, when the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or higher than the high charging temperature reference value, the charging of battery B by the charging unit 3 is stopped. When the temperature of battery B itself is equal to or lower than the low charging temperature reference value, the charging of battery B by the charging unit 3 is suppressed and controlled. When the temperature of battery B itself is lower than the high charging temperature reference value and higher than the low charging temperature reference value, the charging of battery B by the charging unit 3 is performed at maximum output. In this way, an appropriate charging pattern is selected according to the temperature of battery B, and battery B can be charged more efficiently.

[0072] The battery charger 1 includes a circulation duct 16 that connects the bypass duct 13 and the exhaust duct 15. The bypass duct 13 connects the first duct 11 and the second duct 12. That is, the circulation duct 16 connects the exhaust duct 15 with the first duct 11 and the second duct 12. By providing such a circulation duct 16, the temperature of the battery B can be adjusted efficiently by utilizing the heat of the air in the flow path portion 4. By circulating the air using the circulation duct 16, there is no need to use the heater 5b or the like unnecessarily. Therefore, the battery charger 1 can charge the battery B efficiently and in an energy-saving manner.

[0073] The battery charging device 1 can charge the battery B efficiently and in an energy-saving manner, making it possible to contribute to Goal 7 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all."

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where the heater-equipped blower 5 is provided in the first duct 11 has been described. However, this is not limited to this, and the heater-equipped blower 5 may be provided in the second duct 12. It is only necessary that an air flow can be generated in the flow path portion 4.

[0075] [Modification of the first embodiment] <Battery charging device> Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a battery charger 1 in a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the battery charging apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to include the circulation duct 16.

[0076] <Specific operation of the battery charging device> Next, a specific operation of the battery charging device 1 in the modified example will be described. In the battery charger 1 of the modified example, when both high temperature batteries and low temperature batteries are present among the multiple batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9 (see FIG. 4), it is the same as the above-described embodiment. When there is a high temperature battery and no low temperature battery among the multiple batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9 (see FIG. 5), it is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a description of the operation of the battery charger 1 in these cases will be omitted.

[0077] 7, when a low-temperature battery is present but no high-temperature battery is present among the multiple batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9, the following is executed. That is, the heated air supplied to the battery storage section 9 storing the low-temperature battery is exhausted from the exhaust port 15c without being circulated. This is a difference from the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned modified example, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment are achieved.

[0078] [Second embodiment] <Battery charging device> Next, a battery charger 201 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a battery charging device 201 in the second embodiment. Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 1 described above. In the second embodiment, the same aspects as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, the difference between the battery charger 1 of the first embodiment and the battery charger 201 of the second embodiment is that the battery charger 1 of the first embodiment is provided with an intake duct 14 and an exhaust duct 15, whereas the battery charger 201 of the second embodiment does not include the intake duct 14 and the exhaust duct 15. The flow path section 204 of the battery charging device 201 configures a closed circuit through which air flows by the first duct 11, the second duct 12, and each battery storage section 9.

[0080] Moreover, the heated blower 205 is disposed approximately in the center of the battery box 2. The first duct body 11b of the first duct 11 and the second duct body 12b of the second duct 12 are connected to both sides of the heated blower 205. The heated blower 205 can send air to each of the duct bodies 11b, 12b on both sides. Furthermore, in the battery charger 201, the control valve 6 is not provided in either of the connecting ducts 11a, 12a, but is provided only in the first connecting duct 11a.

[0081] In this configuration, for example, if the battery B arranged on the left side of the figure is a high-temperature battery and the battery B arranged on the right side of the figure is a low-temperature battery, the following path is taken to exchange heat between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery. That is, the path is one in which air flows in the following order: the battery storage section 9 in which the low-temperature battery is stored, the first connecting duct 11a of this battery storage section 9, the first duct main body 11b, the first connecting duct 11a of the battery storage section 9 in which the high-temperature battery is stored, the battery storage section 9 to which the first connecting duct 11a is connected, the second connecting duct 12a of the battery storage section 9 in which the high-temperature battery is stored, the second duct main body 12b, and the second connecting duct 12a of the battery storage section 9 in which the low-temperature battery is stored (see arrow Y4 in FIG. 8). Heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery through this path.

[0082] In order to achieve the above-mentioned path, the first connecting duct 11a in which the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery are housed is opened and the others are closed as the control valve 6. Although the second connecting duct 12a is not provided with a control valve 6, by closing the control valve 6 of the corresponding first connecting duct 11a, the air flow of the second connecting duct 12a corresponding to the closed control valve 6 is consequently blocked.

[0083] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, a closed path is formed through which air circulates between the low-temperature battery and the high-temperature battery. Then, air is circulated between the low-temperature battery and the high-temperature battery by the heater-equipped blower 205 (see arrow Y4 in Fig. 8). The heater (not shown) of the heater-equipped blower 205 is stopped. This allows heat exchange to be performed between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery using air as a heat exchange medium.

[0084] At the same time as heat exchange between the high temperature battery and the low temperature battery, charging is also performed to each battery B. This allows each battery B to be charged efficiently, and when charging is completed, the operation of the battery charging device 1 is completed. In this manner, in the above-described second embodiment, when the batteries B stored in the battery storage section 9 include both high temperature batteries and low temperature batteries, the battery charging device 201 can be suitably used.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0086] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the battery charging device 1, 201 is described as a device that removes a plurality of batteries B mounted on an electric vehicle from the electric vehicle, attaches the batteries B to the battery charging device 1, 201, and charges the batteries B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the battery charging device 1, 201 described above can be applied as a charging device for batteries used for various purposes.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the battery charging device 1, 201 has been described as having, for example, four battery storage units 9. However, this is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that there are at least two battery storage units 9. The battery charging device 1, 201 may have four or more battery storage units 9.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the battery storage section 9 is formed by dividing the box-shaped BOX main body 8 with a plurality of partition plates 10. However, this is not limited to this, and the battery storage sections 9 may be prepared individually. It is sufficient that the flow path section 4 is connected to each battery storage section 9.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the battery B has a BMS, and the remaining charge capacity, temperature, etc. of the battery B are output as signals to the control device 7. However, this is not limited to the above, and the battery charging device 1, 201 may be provided with a sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery B. The air flow path may be identified by the path identification unit 27 based on the detection result of this sensor. The battery charging device 1, 201 does not need to obtain information other than the temperature information of the battery B, that is, information such as the remaining charge capacity.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the battery charger 1, 201 is provided with the heater-equipped blower 5, 205 having the heater 5b and the electric fan 5c. However, this is not limited to this, and the heater 5b and the electric fan 5c may be provided separately in the flow path section 4. When only heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature battery and the low-temperature battery, the battery charger 1, 201 does not need to include the heater 5b.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the case where air is used as the heat exchange medium for adjusting the temperature of the battery B has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any heat exchange medium capable of heating and dissipating heat from the battery B may be used. For example, a liquid may be used instead of air. When a liquid is used, for example, a heat pipe or the like may be routed around the battery storage section 9.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the heater 5b for heating the air is, for example, an electric heater. However, this is not limited to this, and any heater that can heat a heat exchange medium such as air may be used. For example, geothermal energy, sunlight, or outside air in summer may be used. Furthermore, the above-mentioned battery charging device 1, 201 may be provided with a display unit (not shown) for displaying information such as temperature information of the battery B and remaining charge capacity.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the intake duct 14 is connected to the bypass duct 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The intake duct 14 may be connected to the first duct 11 or the second duct 12.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the case has been described where the control valve 6 is provided in each of the first duct 11 and the second duct 12 among the first duct 11, the second duct 12, and the exhaust duct 15 connected to the battery storage section 9. However, this is not limited to this, and the control valve 6 may be provided in the exhaust connection duct 15a of the exhaust duct 15 and controlled by the valve control section 28. This makes it possible to clarify the flow path in the exhaust duct 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1,201...battery charging device, 2...battery box, 3...charging section, 4,204...flow path section, 5,205...blower with heater, 5a...cylinder, 5b...heater (heating section), 5c...electric fan (sending section), 6...control valve, 7...control device, 8...BOX body, 8a...wall, 9...battery storage section, 10...partition plate, 11...first duct (first flow path), 11a...first connecting duct (connecting flow path), 11b...first duct body (flow path body), 12...second duct (second flow path), 12a...second connecting duct (connecting flow path), 12b...second duct body (flow path body), 13...bypass Duct (bypass path), 14... intake duct (supply path), 14a... intake port, 15... exhaust duct (exhaust path), 15a... exhaust connection duct, 15b... exhaust duct main body, 15c... exhaust port, 16... circulation duct (circulation path), 21... data acquisition unit (temperature information acquisition unit), 22... charger drive control unit, 23... air flow control unit, 24... blower control unit, 25... charging control unit, 26... charging temperature reference value storage unit, 27... path determination unit, 28... valve control unit, 29... battery temperature reference value storage unit, 31... fan control unit (output control unit), 31... fan control unit, 32... heater control unit (heating control unit)

Claims

1. a plurality of battery storage sections in which batteries are stored; A charging unit that charges the battery; a first flow path that connects the plurality of battery storage sections to each other and through which a heat exchange medium flows; a second flow path that communicates with each of the plurality of battery storage sections and is different from the first flow path through which the heat exchange medium flows; a delivery section provided in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path, forcing the heat exchange medium to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a control valve provided in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path and configured to allow or block a flow of the heat exchange medium in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path; a control device including a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires temperature information of the battery, and that controls the drive of the control valve and the delivery unit based on the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit; Equipped with The first flow path and the second flow path are a connecting passage connected to the battery storage section; A flow path main body that connects the respective connecting flow paths; Equipped with The control valve is provided in the connecting passage, a bypass passage that communicates the flow passage body of the first flow passage and the flow passage body of the second flow passage; a supply path for supplying the heat exchange medium to at least one of the flow path body of the first flow path and the flow path body of the second flow path; a discharge path that communicates with each of the battery storage units separately from the first flow path and the second flow path, and through which the heat exchange medium is discharged; a supply passage opening / closing valve that opens and closes the supply passage and is driven and controlled by the control device; a discharge passage opening / closing valve that opens and closes the discharge passage and is driven and controlled by the control device; Equipped A battery charging device comprising:

2. A heating unit that heats the heat exchange medium, The control device controls the driving of the heating unit.

2. The battery charging device according to claim 1 .

3. The battery compartment is covered with a heat insulating material.

3. The battery charging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A heating unit that heats the heat exchange medium, The heating unit and the delivery unit are provided in the first flow path, Each of the connecting channels is provided downstream of the heating section and the delivery section, The control valve is provided in each of the connecting passages.

4. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging voltage is set to 0.5 V.

5. The control device includes: a charge control unit that controls the charging unit based on the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit; a battery temperature reference value storage unit storing a high battery temperature reference value and a low battery temperature reference value of the battery; a path identifying unit that identifies a flow path of the heat exchange medium among the first flow path, the second flow path, the bypass path, the supply path, and the discharge path based on the high battery reference value and the low battery reference value of the battery temperature reference value storage unit and the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquiring unit; a heating control unit that controls driving of the heating unit based on the high battery reference value and the low battery reference value stored in the battery temperature reference value storage unit and temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit; a valve control unit that controls the drive of the control valve, the supply path opening / closing valve, and the discharge path opening / closing valve based on the distribution path identified by the path identification unit; A sending control unit that controls the driving of the sending unit based on the distribution route identified by the route identification unit; Equipped 5. The battery charging device according to claim 4.

6. The path identification unit regards the battery storage unit in which the battery is not stored as a battery storage unit in which the battery is stored, the battery having a temperature lower than the high battery temperature reference value and higher than the low battery temperature reference value.

6. The battery charging device according to claim 5.

7. The charging control unit is When the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit is equal to or higher than a pre-stored high temperature reference value for charging, charging by the charging unit is stopped; When the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit is equal to or lower than a pre-stored low charging temperature reference value, charging by the charging unit is performed by suppressing and controlling a current value; When the temperature information of the battery acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit is lower than the high charging reference value and higher than the low charging reference value, charging by the charging unit is performed at a maximum current.

7. The battery charging device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. a circulation path that communicates the discharge path with the first flow path and the second flow path; 8. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the charging voltage is set to 0.5 V.

Images