Power device and control method thereof

Abstract

In an electric power device (10) and a method for controlling the same, a first circuit (84) is electrically connected to a first battery tray (40a) and a second battery tray (40b), a second circuit (86) is electrically connected to the first battery tray (40a), and a third circuit (88) is electrically connected to the second battery tray (40b). Between the first circuit (84) and the second circuit (86), a first resistor unit (90) is connected in series with the first battery tray (40a), and a first interrupting unit (94) is connected in parallel with the first resistor unit (90). Between the first circuit (84) and the third circuit (88), a second resistor unit (96) is connected in series with the second battery tray (40b), and a second interrupting unit (100) is connected in parallel with the second resistor unit (96).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 027202 discloses a charging station in which a battery can be attached and detached. The weight of the battery is a weight that can be carried by a person. The size of the battery is a size that can be carried by a person. The battery is attached to a slot of the charging station. When the battery is attached to the slot, the charging station can supply power to a power facility of a consumer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In International Publication No. 2020 / 027202, a charging station is provided with a plurality of slots. A battery (power storage device) can be attached and detached to each of the plurality of slots. The plurality of batteries attached to the plurality of slots are connected to each other. The charging station extracts power from the plurality of batteries in a state in which the plurality of batteries are connected to each other, and supplies the power to an external power facility. Alternatively, the charging station charges the plurality of batteries.

[0004] However, WO 2020 / 027202 does not assume that a battery is removed from any slot while power is being supplied to or removed from a plurality of batteries. Therefore, when a battery is removed from a slot, the remaining battery is electrically cut off. When the remaining battery is electrically cut off, it becomes difficult to supply or receive power to or from the remaining battery.

[0005] Furthermore, when a battery is installed in each of multiple slots, if the SOC (State Of Charge) or voltage of the multiple batteries differ from one another, an overcurrent may flow from a battery with a higher SOC or voltage to a battery with a lower SOC or voltage. In this case, using a DC / DC converter can make the output voltages of the multiple batteries uniform, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of overcurrent. However, using a DC / DC converter is costly.

[0006] In view of the above problems, it is desirable to be able to continue supplying and discharging power even if an arbitrary power storage device is attached or detached while power is being supplied and discharged from a plurality of power storage devices. It is also desirable to be able to suppress the occurrence of overcurrent when the power storage devices are attached. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is an electric power device having a plurality of mounting portions capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices, wherein a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion among the plurality of mounting portions are arranged to be connected in series, and the electric power device comprises a first circuit electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, a second circuit electrically connected to the first mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit, a third circuit electrically connected to the second mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit, a first resistance portion connected in series with the first mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, a first interrupter connected in parallel with the first resistance portion, a second resistance portion connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and a second interrupter connected in parallel with the second resistance portion.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric power device having a plurality of mounting sections capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices, the method including: among the plurality of mounting sections, a first mounting section and a second mounting section are arranged to be connected in series; the first mounting section and the second mounting section are electrically connected to a first circuit; a second circuit is electrically connected to the first mounting section on an opposite side to the first circuit; a third circuit is electrically connected to the second mounting section on an opposite side to the first circuit; a first resistance section is connected in series with the first mounting section between the first circuit and the second circuit; and a first interrupter section is connected to the front When a second resistance portion is connected in parallel with the first resistance portion, a second resistance portion is connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and a second interruption portion is connected in parallel with the second resistance portion, the control method includes the steps of: putting the first interruption portion in an interrupted state; mounting the energy storage device on the first mounting portion; estimating an estimated current which is a current which is assumed to flow through the energy storage device when the first interruption portion is in a connected state; and controlling the first interruption portion based on the estimated current.

[0010] In the present invention, a first mounting portion, a first resistance portion, and a first interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the second circuit. A second mounting portion, a second resistance portion, and a second interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the third circuit. As a result, even if an electric storage device is attached to or detached from one of the mounting portions, the electric storage device attached to the other mounting portion is not electrically insulated inside the power device. As a result, electric power can be continuously input to and output from a plurality of electric storage devices with a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0011] Furthermore, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment section while the first interrupter is in an interrupted state, the power storage device and the first resistance section are connected in series. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of overcurrent when the power storage device is attached. Moreover, compared to the case where a DC / DC converter is used, the occurrence of overcurrent can be suppressed with a simpler and lower-cost configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electric power device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of use of the power device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the operation panel of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the power device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the mobile battery and the battery tray of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a simplified circuit connection between the first mobile battery and the third mobile battery. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a circuit configuration diagram that simplifies the circuit connections between the first mobile battery, the third mobile battery, and the inverter when the first interlocking unit is in an off state, and Figure 7B is a circuit configuration diagram that simplifies the circuit connections between the first mobile battery, the third mobile battery, and the inverter when the first interlocking unit is in an on state. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a simplified circuit diagram of the circuit connection between the first mobile battery and the third mobile battery when the switch in the first mobile battery is off, and Figure 8B is a simplified circuit diagram of the circuit connection between the first mobile battery and the third mobile battery when the switch in the first mobile battery is on. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the power device when a mobile battery is attached to the battery tray. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the power device when the battery tray is released from the locked state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of the first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram of the second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a circuit configuration diagram of the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the power device 10 according to this embodiment houses multiple mobile batteries 12 therein. The power device 10 charges and discharges each of the mobile batteries 12. The power device 10 is a stationary battery power supply device. Each of the multiple mobile batteries 12 is detachable from the power device 10. Each of the multiple mobile batteries 12 is a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device. For example, a detachable lithium-ion battery pack is suitable as the mobile battery 12.

[0014] In the explanation of FIG. 1, the depth direction of the power device 10 is defined as the X-axis direction. The positive direction of the X-axis is the direction from the rear face 16 to the front face 14 of the power device 10. The width direction of the power device 10 is defined as the Y-axis direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis is the direction toward the right when the power device 10 is viewed from a position facing the front face 14. The up-down direction of the power device 10 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis is the direction toward the upward direction. The direction from the rear face 16 to the front face 14 of the power device 10 may be described as the front, and the direction from the front face 14 to the rear face 16 may be described as the rear.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the power device 10 is installed in, for example, a house 18. The power device 10 charges a mobile battery 12 (see Fig. 1) with power supplied from a commercial power source 20 (external power source) or power supplied from a solar power generation device 22 (external power source). The power device 10 also supplies the power stored in the mobile battery 12 to home appliances 24 (other power devices) in the house 18.

[0016] In addition to the power device 10, the house 18 can use an automobile 26 (another power device) as a power source device. The automobile 26 has a drive source battery (not shown). The automobile 26 is a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The automobile 26 is connected to an automobile power source manager 28 installed in the house 18. In this way, the automobile 26 and the automobile power source manager 28 function as a power device. The automobile power source manager 28 charges the drive source battery of the automobile 26 with power supplied from the commercial power source 20 or power supplied from the solar power generation device 22. The automobile power source manager 28 supplies the power stored in the drive source battery to the home appliances 24 in the house 18.

[0017] An integrated power manager 30 is installed in the house 18 as a Home Energy Management System (HEMS). The integrated power manager 30 manages the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 22, the amount of power stored in the mobile battery 12 of the power device 10, and the amount of power stored in the drive source battery of the automobile 26. The integrated power manager 30 controls the amount of power supplied from the commercial power source 20 to the house 18. The integrated power manager 30 controls the amount of power supplied from the house 18 to the commercial power source 20. Note that the power system extending from the commercial power source 20, the solar power generation device 22, or the automobile power manager 28 to the power device 10 is an AC power system.

[0018] The integrated power manager 30 can transmit and receive signals or information to and from the mobile device 32 via wireless communication. The mobile device 32 is a smartphone, a tablet, or the like owned by the user. The mobile device 32 can display various information received from the integrated power manager 30 on a display. Specifically, the mobile device 32 can display on a display the amount of power supplied from the commercial power source 20 to the house 18, or the amount of power supplied from the house 18 to the commercial power source 20. The user can issue desired instructions to the integrated power manager 30 by checking the contents displayed on the display and operating the mobile device 32.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the power device 10 has four slots 34 and one operation panel 36. One mobile battery 12 is set in each of the four slots 34. Openings 38 are formed in the front surface 14 of the power device 10 at positions corresponding to each slot 34. The mobile battery 12 is inserted and removed from each of the four slots 34 through the openings 38. A battery holder 42 is installed inside each of the four slots 34. The battery holder 42 has a battery tray 40 (mounting portion).

[0020] The power device 10 only needs to have at least four slots 34. Therefore, the power device 10 can mount at least four mobile batteries 12 on four battery trays 40. In the following description, the upper left slot 34 when viewing the front surface 14 of the power device 10 from the front is referred to as the first slot 34a. The upper right slot 34 is referred to as the second slot 34b. The lower left slot 34 is referred to as the third slot 34c. The lower right slot 34 is referred to as the fourth slot 34d. Therefore, the first slot 34a and the second slot 34b are installed at a higher position than the third slot 34c and the fourth slot 34d.

[0021] More specifically, a battery holder 42 having a battery tray 40 is installed in each of the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d. In the following description, the battery trays 40 in the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d are also referred to as the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d (first mounting portion to fourth mounting portion). In addition, the battery holders 42 in the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d are also referred to as the first battery holder 42a to the fourth battery holder 42d.

[0022] A mobile battery 12 is attached to each of the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d. In the following description, the mobile batteries 12 attached to the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d are also referred to as the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d (the first power storage device to the fourth power storage device).

[0023] Therefore, the first battery tray 40a and the second battery tray 40b are installed at a higher position than the third battery tray 40c and the fourth battery tray 40d.

[0024] In the power device 10, the first mobile battery 12a is detachable from the first battery tray 40a. In addition, in the power device 10, the second mobile battery 12b is detachable from the second battery tray 40b. A user can replace either the first mobile battery 12a or the second mobile battery 12b. Specifically, a user can replace a mobile battery that has become highly deteriorated due to repeated charging and discharging with a mobile battery with a lower degree of deterioration. The degree of deterioration is, for example, SOH (State Of Health).

[0025] The third mobile battery 12c mounted on the third battery tray 40c is a power storage device fixed (secured) to the third battery tray 40c. The fourth mobile battery 12d mounted on the fourth battery tray 40d is a power storage device fixed (secured) to the fourth battery tray 40d. The stationary third mobile battery 12c and fourth mobile battery 12d may be permanently fixed to the third battery tray 40c and fourth battery tray 40d. Alternatively, the third mobile battery 12c and fourth mobile battery 12d may be a power storage device that is less frequently attached and detached than the first mobile battery 12a and second mobile battery 12b. In this case, the third mobile battery 12c and fourth mobile battery 12d can be detached when the battery reaches the end of its life.

[0026] In this manner, in this embodiment, the power device 10 can accommodate at least two mobile batteries 12 (first mobile battery 12a, second mobile battery 12b) that are detachable from the power device 10. Also, in this embodiment, the power device 10 can accommodate two mobile batteries 12 (third mobile battery 12c, fourth mobile battery 12d) that are fixed to the power device 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power device 10 can accommodate, for example, 32 mobile batteries 12. In this case, two mobile batteries 12 are fixed to the power device 10. Also, 30 mobile batteries 12 are detachable from the power device 10. In other words, in this embodiment, it is sufficient that two or more mobile batteries 12 are detachable from the power device 10.

[0027] An operation panel 36 is disposed above the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d on the front surface 14 of the power device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the operation panel 36 is provided with a first lock release button 44a to a fourth lock release button 44d (instruction section), a first lock release notification section 46a to a fourth lock release notification section 46d (notification section), and a first charge completion notification section 48a to a fourth charge completion notification section 48d.

[0028] The first to fourth unlock buttons 44a to 44d correspond to the first to fourth slots 34a to 34d (the first to fourth battery trays 40a to 40d) shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the first to fourth unlock notification sections 46a to 46d are arranged to surround the first to fourth unlock buttons 44a to 44d. The first to fourth charge completion notification sections 48a to 48d are arranged to the right of the first to fourth unlock buttons 44a to 44d.

[0029] The first battery holder 42a to the fourth battery holder 42d are provided with locking units 50 (restraint units) (see Figs. 4 and 5). Each locking unit 50 normally puts the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d in a locked state (restraint state) when the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d are facing upward. In the locked state, the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d cannot be removed from the first battery holder 42a to the fourth battery holder 42d.

[0030] The first unlock notification unit 46a to the fourth unlock notification unit 46d are LED lamps. When the user operates (presses) any of the unlock buttons 44a to 44d, the unlock notification units 46a to 46d surrounding the operated unlock button 44a to 44d light up. The lock unit 50 corresponding to the operated unlock button 44a to 44d unlocks the locked state of the battery tray 40. The mobile battery 12 placed on the unlocked battery tray 40 slowly tilts forward together with the battery tray 40. The user grasps the handle 52 on the top of the mobile battery 12 and pulls out the mobile battery 12 from the battery tray 40. This allows the user to remove the mobile battery 12 from the power device 10.

[0031] After the mobile battery 12 is removed, the battery tray 40 rotates backward and faces upward. Therefore, the lock unit 50 locks the battery tray 40 again after a certain period of time (predetermined period of time) has elapsed since the lock was released. As a result, the unlock notification units 46a to 46d turn off.

[0032] When the user places the mobile battery 12 on the unlocked battery tray 40, the mobile battery 12 and the battery tray 40 rotate backward. This causes the lock unit 50 to lock the battery tray 40. In this case, the unlock notification units 46a to 46d are also turned off.

[0033] As described above, the third mobile battery 12c is placed on the third battery tray 40c. The fourth mobile battery 12d is placed on the fourth battery tray 40d. Therefore, the third battery tray 40c and the fourth battery tray 40d are always in a locked state. Therefore, even if the user operates the third unlock button 44c or the fourth unlock button 44d, the user's operation is invalid.

[0034] The first to fourth charging completion notifying units 48a to 48d are LED lamps that light up when the first to fourth mobile batteries 12a to 12d are fully charged.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a door section 54 is provided on the front surface 14 of the power device 10. A reinforcing rib 56 and four battery guides 58 are provided on the rear surface (back face) of the door section 54. The reinforcing rib 56 has two vertical ribs 60 and two horizontal ribs 62. The two vertical ribs 60 are provided on the rear surface of the door section 54 at a fixed interval. Each of the two vertical ribs 60 extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The two horizontal ribs 62 are provided on the rear surface of the door section 54 at a fixed interval. Each of the two horizontal ribs 62 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical ribs 60. By providing the reinforcing rib 56, the weight of the door section 54 can be reduced. By providing the reinforcing rib 56, the mechanical strength of the door section 54 is ensured.

[0036] The four battery guides 58 are provided on two vertical ribs 60 so as to overlap each other. Each of the four battery guides 58 is provided on the two vertical ribs 60 so as to face the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d. Specifically, the four battery guides 58 are provided on the two vertical ribs 60 so as to face the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d set in the first slot 34a to the fourth slot 34d. The four battery guides 58 are provided on the two vertical ribs 60 at positions corresponding to the upper portions of the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d. Each battery guide 58 is formed so as to extend rearward from the door portion 54 when the door portion 54 is closed.

[0037] Each of the four battery guides 58 prevents the mobile battery 12 from falling forward when the mobile battery 12 is accommodated in the slot 34. This makes it possible to prevent the mobile battery 12 from detaching from the battery tray 40. In addition, when the power device 10 is subjected to vibration, it is possible to prevent the mobile battery 12 from moving within the power device 10. Furthermore, when the mobile battery 12 is detached from the battery tray 40, the mobile battery 12 and the battery guides 58 interfere with each other when the door section 54 is closed. In this case, the door section 54 does not close completely, so the user can recognize that the mobile battery 12 has been detached from the battery tray 40.

[0038] The power device 10 is not limited to being installed in a house 18, but can also be applied to various power supply systems that supply power from a plurality of mobile batteries 12 to a load or the like, or charge a plurality of mobile batteries 12. The power device 10 is not limited to being installed in a house 18, but can also be installed in an office, a public facility, or the like.

[0039] The power device 10 can also be applied to power supply systems of various types of moving bodies. The various types of moving bodies include moving bodies that people can ride on and moving bodies that people cannot ride on. Examples of such moving bodies include vehicles, aircraft, flying objects, and ships. Furthermore, examples of vehicle power supply systems include power supply systems for electric vehicles and power supply systems for vehicles equipped with a drive motor such as hybrid vehicles. That is, the power device 10 can be applied to power supply systems for various types of vehicles such as unicycles, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

[0040] Furthermore, the power device 10 can be applied to the power supply system of various general-purpose devices that do not have a human on board. Such general-purpose devices include, for example, (1) chargers, (2) dischargers, (3) general-purpose working machines, lawnmowers, tillers, blowers, and other working machines, (4) electric devices without motors, such as floodlights and lighting equipment, and (5) devices installed in houses or buildings.

[0041] Examples of the above (5) include (A) devices that run on DC power, such as clocks, radio cassette recorders, and other audio equipment, (B) devices that run on AC power, such as electric fans, juicers, mixers, incandescent lights, (C) devices that run on DC power converted from AC power, such as televisions, radios, stereos, and personal computers, and (D) inverter-type devices including washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lights. The above (D) devices include devices that run on AC power that is first converted from AC power to DC power and then further converted from the DC power.

[0042] The circuit configuration of the power device 10 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In explaining the circuit configuration, Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 will also be referred to as necessary.

[0043] The power device 10 includes two circuit breakers 70, 72 and two inverters 74, 76 (power conversion devices). The power device 10 is electrically connected to an AC power system such as a commercial power source 20 (see FIG. 2) via a connection section 77 such as an AC outlet. In the power device 10, a wiring from the connection section 77 branches into two. One of the two branched wirings is electrically connected to a first inverter 74 via a first circuit breaker 70. The other of the two branched wirings is electrically connected to a second inverter 76 via a second circuit breaker 72. That is, a series circuit of the first circuit breaker 70 and the first inverter 74 and a series circuit of the second circuit breaker 72 and the second inverter 76 are electrically connected in parallel to the connection section 77. The first inverter 74 converts the AC voltage from the commercial power source 20 into a relatively low-voltage DC voltage (power supply voltage for driving a control circuit). The second inverter 76 converts the AC voltage from the commercial power supply 20 into a relatively high DC voltage (high DC voltage for charging), or converts a high DC voltage (high DC voltage for discharging) into an AC voltage.

[0044] The power device 10 further includes a general control unit 78 (estimation unit, control unit), a relay control unit 80, and a tray control unit 82 in addition to the operation panel 36. The low-voltage DC voltage converted by the first inverter 74 is supplied to the general control unit 78, the relay control unit 80, the tray control unit 82, and the operation panel 36. In other words, the low-voltage DC voltage is a power supply voltage for driving the general control unit 78, the relay control unit 80, the tray control unit 82, and the operation panel 36. The general control unit 78, the relay control unit 80, the tray control unit 82, and the operation panel 36 are a control system for the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d, and the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d, etc.

[0045] The power device 10 further includes a first circuit 84 to a third circuit 88. The first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88 are electrically connectable to the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d mounted on the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d. Of these, the second circuit 86 is a high-potential wiring connected to the positive terminal on the output side (secondary side) of the second inverter 76. The third circuit 88 is a low-potential (for example, ground potential) wiring connected to the negative terminal on the output side of the second inverter 76. The first circuit 84 is a wiring for generating an intermediate potential (neutral point potential) between the second circuit 86 and the third circuit 88.

[0046] The high DC voltage generated on the output side of the second inverter 76 is a charging voltage supplied from the second inverter 76 to the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d via the first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88. Alternatively, the high DC voltage generated on the output side of the second inverter 76 is a discharging voltage output from the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d to the second inverter 76 via the first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88.

[0047] Here, the circuit configuration inside the power device 10 will be specifically described.

[0048] The first battery tray 40a and the second battery tray 40b are arranged so as to be electrically connected in series. The first battery tray 40a and the second battery tray 40b are electrically connected to a first circuit 84. As shown in FIG. 4, the first circuit 84 is arranged between the first battery tray 40a and the second battery tray 40b. One end of the first battery tray 40a faces the first circuit 84 (the second battery tray 40b). One end of the first battery tray 40a is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the first mobile battery 12a when the first mobile battery 12a is attached. One end of the second battery tray 40b faces the first circuit 84 (the first battery tray 40a). One end of the second battery tray 40b is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the second mobile battery 12b when the second mobile battery 12b is attached.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the second circuit 86 is electrically connected to the opposite side of the first circuit 84 of the first battery tray 40a. The second circuit 86 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the output side of the second inverter 76. The second circuit 86 is electrically connected to the other end of the first battery tray 40a. As shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the first battery tray 40a is the opposite side of the first circuit 84 of the first battery tray 40a (the side away from the second battery tray 40b). The other end of the first battery tray 40a is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first mobile battery 12a when the first mobile battery 12a is attached.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the third circuit 88 is electrically connected to the opposite side of the first circuit 84 of the second battery tray 40b. The third circuit 88 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the output side of the second inverter 76. The third circuit 88 is electrically connected to the other end of the second battery tray 40b. As shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the second battery tray 40b is the opposite side of the first circuit 84 of the second battery tray 40b (the side away from the first battery tray 40a). The other end of the second battery tray 40b is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the second mobile battery 12b when the second mobile battery 12b is attached.

[0051] Between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86, a first resistor 90 and a fuse 92 are electrically connected in series with the first battery tray 40a. A first interrupter 94, which is a relay, is electrically connected in parallel to the first resistor 90. Note that it is sufficient that the first battery tray 40a, the parallel circuit of the first resistor 90 and the first interrupter 94, and the fuse 92 are electrically connected in series. Therefore, the first battery tray 40a may be connected to the second circuit 86 without being limited to the example of FIG. 4. Also, the parallel circuit of the first resistor 90 and the first interrupter 94 may be connected to the first circuit 84.

[0052] Between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88, the second resistor 96 and the fuse 98 are electrically connected in series with the second battery tray 40b. The second resistor 96 is electrically connected in parallel with the second interrupter 100, which is a relay. The second battery tray 40b, the parallel circuit of the second resistor 96 and the second interrupter 100, and the fuse 98 may be electrically connected in series. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. 4, and the second battery tray 40b may be connected to the third circuit 88. The parallel circuit of the second resistor 96 and the second interrupter 100 may be connected to the first circuit 84.

[0053] A series circuit of the third battery tray 40c and the fuse 102 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. This series circuit is electrically connected in parallel to the parallel circuit of the first battery tray 40a, the fuse 92, the first resistor section 90 and the first interrupter section 94. In this case, one end of the third battery tray 40c (the negative electrode of the third mobile battery 12c) is electrically connected to the first circuit 84. The other end of the third battery tray 40c (the positive electrode of the third mobile battery 12c) is electrically connected to the second circuit 86 via the fuse 102.

[0054] A series circuit of the fourth battery tray 40d and the fuse 104 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. This series circuit is electrically connected in parallel to the second battery tray 40b, the fuse 98, and the parallel circuit of the second resistor 96 and the second interrupter 100. In this case, one end of the fourth battery tray 40d (the positive electrode part of the fourth mobile battery 12d) is electrically connected to the first circuit 84 via the fuse 104. The other end of the fourth battery tray 40d (the negative electrode part of the fourth mobile battery 12d) is electrically connected to the third circuit 88.

[0055] Furthermore, a parallel circuit of a first voltage dividing resistor 106 and a first voltage dividing capacitor 108 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. Furthermore, a parallel circuit of a second voltage dividing resistor 110 and a second voltage dividing capacitor 112 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88.

[0056] Further, in the second circuit 86, a relay 114 and a fuse 116 are electrically connected in series. The relay 114 and the fuse 116 are disposed between the first voltage dividing resistor 106 and the first voltage dividing capacitor 108, and the third battery tray 40c in the second circuit 86. Further, in the third circuit 88, a relay 118 and a fuse 120 are electrically connected in series. The relay 118 and the fuse 120 are disposed between the second voltage dividing resistor 110 and the second voltage dividing capacitor 112, and the fourth battery tray 40d in the third circuit 88.

[0057] 4, the second inverter 76 can charge the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d mounted on the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d via the first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88. The second inverter 76 can extract DC power from the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d mounted on the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d via the first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88.

[0058] The first circuit 84 functions as wiring for generating a DC voltage of intermediate potential relative to the high DC voltage in the second circuit 86 and the low DC voltage in the third circuit 88. In this case, a first voltage dividing resistor 106 and a first voltage dividing capacitor 108 are provided between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. In addition, a second voltage dividing resistor 110 and a second voltage dividing capacitor 112 are provided between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. This generates a DC voltage of intermediate potential in the first circuit 84. As a result, the voltage on the output side of the second inverter 76 is divided, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of an overvoltage.

[0059] Therefore, the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c are charged with a DC voltage of the potential difference between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. Also, the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c are discharged with a DC voltage of the potential difference between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86.

[0060] Furthermore, the second mobile battery 12b and the fourth mobile battery 12d are charged with a DC voltage of the potential difference between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. Furthermore, the second mobile battery 12b and the fourth mobile battery 12d are discharged with a DC voltage of the potential difference between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88.

[0061] The overall control unit 78 is a computer that performs overall control of each unit of the power device 10. The overall control unit 78 functions as an estimation unit and a control unit by reading and executing a program stored in a memory (not shown). In this case, the function of the overall control unit 78 can be realized simply and at low cost by using a single board computer such as Raspberry Pi (registered trademark). The specific functions of the overall control unit 78 will be described later.

[0062] In the power device 10, the general control unit 78 can transmit and receive signals or information between the two inverters 74, 76, the relay control unit 80, the tray control unit 82, and the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d via a communication line 122 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network). The power device 10 further includes a communication unit 124. The general control unit 78 can transmit and receive signals or information between the integrated power manager 30 via the communication unit 124. This allows the general control unit 78 to perform control according to the operation of the portable device 32 by the user via the communication unit 124 and the integrated power manager 30. In addition, the general control unit 78 can transmit various information about the power device 10 to the portable device 32 via the communication unit 124 and the integrated power manager 30.

[0063] The relay control unit 80 switches the first interrupter 94, the second interrupter 100, and each relay 114, 118 to an off state (disconnected state) or an on state (connected state) according to the control from the general control unit 78. The tray control unit 82 controls the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d, the first mobile battery 12a to the fourth mobile battery 12d mounted on the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d, and each lock unit 50. The tray control unit 82 performs the above control according to the control from the general control unit 78 and the operation of the first lock release button 44a to the fourth lock release button 44d by the user. In addition, the tray control unit 82 controls the lighting or extinguishing of the first lock release notification unit 46a to the fourth lock release notification unit 46d and the first charge completion notification unit 48a to the fourth charge completion notification unit 48d.

[0064] In the above description, a series circuit of two detachable mobile batteries 12a and 12b is connected in parallel to a series circuit of two fixed mobile batteries 12c and 12d. The power device 10 can also be configured to connect multiple series circuits of two mobile batteries 12 in parallel to the series circuit of two fixed mobile batteries 12c and 12d.

[0065] Fig. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a plurality of battery trays 40 (first battery tray 40a to fourth battery tray 40d) and each mobile battery 12 (first mobile battery 12a to fourth mobile battery 12d) attached to each battery tray 40. Fig. 5 illustrates only one battery tray 40 and the mobile battery 12 attached to the battery tray 40. Fig. 5 also illustrates each component of the power device 10 other than the battery tray 40 and the mobile battery 12 in a simplified manner.

[0066] 5, each of the multiple mobile batteries 12 includes a switch 130, a battery 132, a battery management system (BMU) 134, a resistor 136, a temperature sensor 138, a communication unit 140, and a connector 142. Each mobile battery 12 is a battery pack that houses these components. The switch 130 is a semiconductor switch such as a FET (Field Effect Transistor).

[0067] The positive electrode of the battery 132 is electrically connected to a positive electrode terminal 142a of the connector 142 via the switch 130. The negative electrode of the battery 132 is electrically connected to a negative electrode terminal 142b of the connector 142 via a resistor 136. The communication unit 140 is also connected to a signal terminal 142c of the connector 142. The communication unit 140 is also connected to an activation signal terminal 142d.

[0068] The battery tray 40 has a connector 150, a fitting detection sensor 152, a control unit 154, a lock unit 50, and an input / output unit 156. The connector 150 has a positive terminal 150a, a negative terminal 150b, a signal terminal 150c, and an activation signal terminal 150d. The positive terminal 150a is electrically connected to any one of the fuses 92, 98, 102, and 104 (see FIG. 4). The negative terminal 150b is electrically connected to the first circuit 84 or the third circuit 88. The first circuit 84 or the third circuit 88 is a low-potential wiring. The signal terminal 150c and the activation signal terminal 150d are connected to the control unit 154. The connector 150 of the battery tray 40 fits into the connector 142 of the mobile battery 12. This electrically connects the positive terminal 142a and the positive terminal 150a. Furthermore, the negative terminal 142b is electrically connected to the negative terminal 150b. Furthermore, the signal terminal 142c is electrically connected to the signal terminal 150c. Furthermore, the activation signal terminal 142d is electrically connected to the activation signal terminal 150d.

[0069] The mating detection sensor 152 detects whether the connector 142 and the connector 150 are mated, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 154. The input / output unit 156 is connected to the communication line 122. The input / output unit 156 is capable of transmitting and receiving signals or information between the general control unit 78 and the tray control unit 82 via the communication line 122. The input / output unit 156 is also supplied with a driving DC voltage from the tray control unit 82. The locking unit 50 locks the battery tray 40. Alternatively, the locking unit 50 releases the locked state of the battery tray 40.

[0070] The control unit 154 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the tray control unit 82 via the input / output unit 156. As a result, the control unit 154 controls each unit in the battery tray 40. The control unit 154 also transmits the detection result of the fitting detection sensor 152 to the general control unit 78 via the input / output unit 156 and the communication line 122. Furthermore, when each connector 142, 150 is connected, the control unit 154 supplies an activation signal to the BMU 134 via each activation signal terminal 142d, 150d. The BMU 134 starts up upon receiving the activation signal. Furthermore, the control unit 154 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the mobile battery 12 via each signal terminal 142c, 150c. As a result, the control unit 154 transmits information acquired from the mobile battery 12 to the general control unit 78, etc. via the input / output unit 156 and the communication line 122. Furthermore, the control unit 154 transmits instructions from the general control unit 78 to the mobile battery 12. Furthermore, the control unit 154 controls the lock unit 50 by outputting instructions from the tray control unit 82 to the lock unit 50 .

[0071] In the mobile battery 12, the BMU 134 is started up when an activation signal is supplied from the control unit 154. That is, the BMU 134 is started up by receiving a power supply from a power supply unit (not shown) in the mobile battery 12 based on the supply of the activation signal. Note that a low-voltage DC voltage for driving is supplied from the tray control unit 82 to the battery tray 40. Therefore, the BMU 134 can be started up by receiving a supply of a DC voltage for driving via each of the connectors 142, 150 based on the supply of the activation signal.

[0072] The BMU 134 monitors the battery 132. Specifically, the BMU 134 electrically connects the battery 132 to the first circuit 84 to the third circuit 88 by turning on the switch 130. When a control signal is received from the control unit 154 to the communication unit 140 via each of the signal terminals 142c and 150c, the BMU 134 turns on the switch 130 based on the control signal. The BMU 134 also sequentially detects the voltage values ​​across the resistor 136. The BMU 134 sequentially calculates the current value of the current (battery current) flowing through the battery 132 based on the detected voltage value and the resistance value of the resistor 136. The BMU 134 also sequentially detects the value (voltage value) of the voltage (battery voltage) of the battery 132. The BMU 134 sequentially calculates the SOC of the battery 132 based on the detected voltage value and the calculated current value. Furthermore, the BMU 134 sequentially acquires the temperature of the battery 132 detected by a temperature sensor 138 such as a thermistor. In the following description, the temperature of the battery 132 is referred to as the battery temperature. The BMU 134 sequentially transmits various pieces of information from the communication unit 140 to the control unit 154 of the battery tray 40 via the signal terminals 142c, 150c. The various pieces of information include a voltage value, a current value, a SOC, and a battery temperature.

[0073] Next, the characteristic functions of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8B. The characteristic functions of this embodiment are the following (1) to (3). (1) The resistance value of the first resistor unit 90 (see Fig. 4) is determined. (2) The general control unit 78 functions as an estimation unit that estimates the current flowing through the first mobile battery 12a when the first interrupter unit 94 is turned on. (3) The general control unit 78 functions as a control unit that controls the first interrupter unit 94 based on the estimated current. Each of the functions (1) to (3) will be described below.

[0074] First, the function (1) above will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram that simplifies the circuit connection between the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c. Fig. 6 illustrates the first mobile battery 12a, the third mobile battery 12c, the first resistor unit 90, and wiring (a first circuit 84 and a second circuit 86) that electrically connects these components.

[0075] Here, the maximum voltage of the first mobile battery 12a attached to the first battery tray 40a (see Figures 1, 4 and 5) is V1max. The minimum voltage of the first mobile battery 12a is V1min. The number of cells of the battery 132 constituting the first mobile battery 12a is N1cell. The maximum value of the cell voltage of the battery 132 (maximum cell voltage) is V1cellmax. The minimum value of the cell voltage of the battery 132 (minimum cell voltage) is V1cellmin.

[0076] The maximum cell voltage V1cellmax is the cell voltage when the SOC of the first mobile battery 12a is maximum (for example, SOC: 100%). The minimum cell voltage V1cellmin is the cell voltage when the SOC of the first mobile battery 12a is minimum.

[0077] Furthermore, the maximum voltage of the third mobile battery 12c attached to the third battery tray 40c is V3max. The minimum voltage of the third mobile battery 12c is V3min. The number of cells of the battery 132 constituting the third mobile battery 12c is N3cell. The maximum cell voltage of the battery 132 is V3cellmax. The minimum cell voltage of the battery 132 is V3cellmin.

[0078] In this case, the maximum voltages V1max, V3max and the minimum voltages V1min, V3min are expressed by the following equations (1) to (4). V1max = V1cellmax × N1cell (1) V1min = V1cellmin × N1cell (2) V3max = V3cellmax × N3cell (3) V3min = V3cellmin × N3cell (4)

[0079] The maximum voltage difference V13max, which is the maximum value of the voltage difference between the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c, is expressed by the following formula (5). V13max = V1max - V3min = V3max - V1min (5)

[0080] When the first mobile battery 12a is attached to the first battery tray 40a, the SOC or battery voltage may differ between the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c. This may cause an overcurrent to flow from the mobile battery 12 with a higher SOC or battery voltage to the mobile battery 12 with a lower SOC or battery voltage. Therefore, the power device 10 is provided with a first resistor unit 90. The first resistor unit 90 is a current limiting resistor against overcurrent.

[0081] Here, the maximum value (maximum charge / discharge current) of the charge current or discharge current flowing through the first mobile battery 12a is Imax. In this case, Rr1min, which is the minimum value (minimum resistance value) of the resistance value Rr1 of the first resistor unit 90, is expressed by the following formula (6). Rr1min=V13max / Imax (6)

[0082] That is, in order to prevent an overcurrent from flowing to the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c, the resistance value Rr1 of the first resistor unit 90 should be set to be equal to or greater than the minimum resistance value Rr1min.

[0083] Furthermore, Joule heat is generated in the first resistance unit 90 when a current flows through the first mobile battery 12a. The minimum value (allowable power value) P1min of the power consumption due to Joule heat in the first resistance unit 90 is expressed by the following formula (7). P1min = Imax × Rr1min 2 (7)

[0084] Therefore, if the first resistance section 90 is a resistor rated for power consumption equal to or greater than the allowable power value P1max, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of overcurrent.

[0085] The above description is for determining the minimum resistance value Rr1min of the first resistor section 90. To change this description to a description for determining the minimum resistance value Rr2min of the second resistor section 96, the following modification can be made. In the above description, the word "1" can be replaced with "2" and the word "3" with "4". That is, the general control section 78 can determine the minimum resistance value Rr2min of the second resistor section 96 by replacing the second resistor section 96, etc. with the first resistor section 90, etc. Therefore, a detailed description of the determination of the minimum resistance value Rr2min will be omitted.

[0086] Next, the function (2) above will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 7A and 7B are circuit diagrams that simplify the circuit connections between the first mobile battery 12a, the third mobile battery 12c, and the second inverter 76. Figures 7A and 7B show the first mobile battery 12a, the third mobile battery 12c, the first resistance unit 90, the first interrupter unit 94, the second inverter 76, and wiring (the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86) that electrically connects these components.

[0087] In Figures 7A and 7B, the first mobile battery 12a is illustrated as a series circuit of a battery 132 and an internal impedance Z1. In Figures 7A and 7B, the third mobile battery 12c is illustrated as a series circuit of a battery 132 and an internal impedance Z3. Note that the internal impedances Z1 and Z3 are usually expressed as resistance and reactance components. In the following description, for convenience, the internal impedances Z1 and Z3 are expressed as absolute values.

[0088] As described above, the first resistor 90 functions as a current limiting resistor against overcurrent. Therefore, when the current I1 flowing through the first mobile battery 12a becomes equal to or less than the allowable current value I1th, it is desirable to switch the first interrupter 94 from OFF (disconnected state) to ON (connected state). By switching the first interrupter 94 to ON, the first resistor 90 is shorted. When the first interrupter 94 is in the OFF state, the general control unit 78 estimates an estimated current I1on, which is a current that is assumed to flow through the first mobile battery 12a when the first interrupter 94 is in the ON state. When the estimated estimated current I1on is equal to or less than the allowable current value I1th, the general control unit 78 switches the first interrupter 94 from OFF to ON. Specifically, the estimated current I1on is estimated by the following method.

[0089] 7A is a circuit diagram when the first interrupter 94 is in the off state. In this case, the current flowing from the second inverter 76 is defined as I. The current flowing to the first mobile battery 12a (first current) is defined as I1off. The current flowing to the third mobile battery 12c (first current) is defined as I3off. In this case, the current I is expressed by the following formula (8). I=I1off+I3off (8)

[0090] Moreover, the voltage on the output side of the second inverter 76 is denoted as Vsys. The battery voltage of the first mobile battery 12a is denoted as V1. In this case, the voltage Vsys is expressed by the following formula (9). Vsys = V1 + (Z1 + Rr1) × I1off (9)

[0091] Furthermore, the battery voltage of the third mobile battery 12c is V3. In this case, the voltage Vsys is expressed by the following formula (10). Vsys = V3 + Z3 × I3off (10)

[0092] From the relationship of equation (9)=equation (10), the following equation (11) is derived. (Z1+Rr1)×I1off-Z3×I3off=V3-V1 (11)

[0093] 7B is a circuit diagram when the first interrupter 94 is in the on state. In this case, the current (estimated current) flowing through the first mobile battery 12a is I1on. The current (estimated current) flowing through the third mobile battery 12c is I3on. The current I is expressed by the following formula (12). I = Ion + Ion (12)

[0094] Moreover, the voltage Vsys is expressed by the following equations (13) and (14). Vsys = V1 + Z1 × I1on (13) Vsys = V3 + Z3 × I3on (14)

[0095] From the relationship of equation (13)=equation (14), the following equation (15) is derived. Z1×I1on-Z3×I3on=V3-V1 (15)

[0096] Furthermore, the following equation (16) is derived using the relationship of equation (11)=equation (15) and equation (12). (Z1+Rr1)×I1off-Z3×I3off=Z1×I1on-Z3×I3on =Z1×I1on-Z3×(I-I1on) =Z1×I1on-Z3×I+Z3×I1on =(Z1+Z3)×I1on-Z3×I Z3×I+(Z1+Rr1)×I1off-Z3×I3off =(Z1+Z3)×I1on (16)

[0097] Using equation (16), the following equation (17) is derived. I1on={Z3×I+(Z1+Rr1)×I1off-Z3×I3off} / (Z1+Z3) I1on={(Z1+Rr1)×I1off+(I-I3off)×Z3} / (Z1+Z3) (17)

[0098] Therefore, the general control unit 78 estimates the estimated current I1on using the above formula (17). The general control unit 78 determines whether the estimated current I1on is equal to or less than the allowable current value I1th. Based on the result of this determination, the general control unit 78 determines whether to switch the first interrupter 94 from OFF to ON.

[0099] The above description is for estimating the estimated current I1on flowing through the first mobile battery 12a. To make this description for estimating the current I2on flowing through the second mobile battery 12b, it is sufficient to change it as follows. In the above description, replace the word "1" with "2" and the word "3" with "4". That is, the general control unit 78 can estimate the current I2on flowing through the second mobile battery 12b by replacing the second resistor unit 96, etc. with the first resistor unit 90, etc. Therefore, a detailed description of the method for estimating the current I2on will be omitted.

[0100] The internal impedance Z1 can be calculated as follows. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are circuit diagrams that simplify the circuit connection between the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B also illustrate the switches 130 of the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c. Fig. 8A shows a case where the switch 130 of the first mobile battery 12a is off. Fig. 8B shows a case where the switch 130 of the first mobile battery 12a is on. Note that in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the first interrupter 94 is in the off state. Also, the switch 130 of the third mobile battery 12c is on.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8B, the switch 130 of the first mobile battery 12a is turned on. This causes a current I1swon (second current) to flow through the first mobile battery 12a. A voltage drop Vdrop occurs in the internal impedance Z1. That is, the internal impedance Z1 is expressed by the following equation (18). Z1=Vdrop / I1swon (18)

[0102] In this case, the battery voltage V1 is a voltage value measured by the BMU 134. The battery voltage V1 is a voltage value affected by the internal impedance Z1. In other words, the battery voltage V1 is the sum of V1t, which is the true voltage of the battery 132 (the sum of the cell voltages of the cells that make up the battery 132), and the voltage drop Vdrop. Therefore, the battery voltage V1 is expressed by equation (19). Vdrop=|V1-V1t| (19)

[0103] Here, when the switch 130 is off, the true voltage V1t is V1oc, which is the open circuit voltage of the first mobile battery 12a. Therefore, the voltage drop Vdrop is expressed by equation (20). Vdrop = |V1-V1oc| (20)

[0104] Therefore, the internal impedance Z1 is expressed by the following equation (21) by substituting equation (20) into equation (18). Z1 = |(V1-V1oc) / I1swon| (21)

[0105] The general control unit 78 calculates the internal impedance Z1 using the above formula (21). Furthermore, the general control unit 78 can estimate the estimated current I1on using the estimated internal impedance Z1.

[0106] The above description is for calculating the internal impedance Z1 of the first mobile battery 12a. In the above description, by exchanging the positions of the first mobile battery 12a and the third mobile battery 12c, the description is for calculating the internal impedance Z3 of the third mobile battery 12c. That is, by exchanging the positions as described above, the general control unit 78 can calculate the internal impedance Z3. Therefore, a detailed description of the method for estimating the internal impedance Z3 will be omitted.

[0107] Moreover, in the above description, if the word "1" is replaced with "2" and the word "3" is replaced with "4", it becomes a description for calculating the internal impedance Z2 of the second mobile battery 12b. Furthermore, when substituted for the description of the calculation of the internal impedance Z2, it becomes a description for calculating the internal impedance Z4 of the fourth mobile battery 12d by exchanging the positions of the second mobile battery 12b and the fourth mobile battery 12d. That is, by exchanging the positions as described above, the general control unit 78 can calculate each of the internal impedances Z2 and Z4. Therefore, a detailed description of the method for estimating the internal impedances Z2 and Z4 will be omitted.

[0108] Next, the function of (3) above will be described. The general control unit 78 controls the first interrupter 94 based on the estimated current I1on. That is, when the estimated current I1on is equal to or less than the allowable current value I1th, the general control unit 78 switches the first interrupter 94 from OFF to ON. When the estimated current I1on exceeds the allowable current value I1th, the general control unit 78 maintains the OFF state of the first interrupter 94.

[0109] Based on the above-mentioned determination result, the general control unit 78 instructs the relay control unit 80 to switch the first connecting / disconnecting unit 94 to either the ON state or the OFF state. As a result, the relay control unit 80 switches the first connecting / disconnecting unit 94 to either the ON state or the OFF state in accordance with the instruction from the general control unit 78.

[0110] The above description is for switching the first intermittent portion 94 to an ON state or an OFF state. In the above description, if the word "1" is replaced with "2", the description becomes for switching the second intermittent portion 100 to an ON state or an OFF state. In other words, by replacing the second intermittent portion 100 with the position of the first intermittent portion 94, it is possible to switch the second intermittent portion 100 to an ON state or an OFF state. Therefore, a detailed description of the switching of the second intermittent portion 100 to an ON state or an OFF state will be omitted.

[0111] The operation of the power device 10 configured as above (method of controlling the power device 10) will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Here, as an example, the operation when the first mobile battery 12a is attached to the first battery tray 40a (see Fig. 9) will be described. The operation when the first mobile battery 12a is removed from the first battery tray 40a (see Fig. 10) will also be described. In describing these operations, Figs. 1 to 8B will also be referred to as necessary. Note that the same operation is performed when the second battery tray 40b is attached to the second mobile battery 12b and when the second mobile battery 12b is removed from the second battery tray 40b.

[0112] First, the operation of FIG. 9 will be described.

[0113] 9, the central control unit 78 instructs the relay control unit 80 to turn off the first interrupter 94. As a result, the relay control unit 80 turns off the first interrupter 94, which is a relay.

[0114] In step S2, the user places the first mobile battery 12a on the first battery tray 40a. As a result, the first mobile battery 12a is housed in the first slot 34a while being attached to the first battery tray 40a. In this case, the connector 142 of the first mobile battery 12a and the connector 150 of the first battery tray 40a are fitted together. The fitting detection sensor 152 detects the fitting state of the two connectors 142, 150 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 154. The control unit 154 transmits the detection result to the general control unit 78 via the input / output unit 156 and the communication line 122.

[0115] In step S3, the locking unit 50 locks the first battery tray 40a to which the first mobile battery 12a is attached based on the detection result of the mating detection sensor 152 output to the control unit 154. This makes it possible to prevent the first mobile battery 12a from being removed from the first battery tray 40a.

[0116] In step S4, the general control unit 78 instructs the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a to start supplying power to the first mobile battery 12a via the communication line 122. As a result, the control unit 154 supplies an activation signal to the BMU 134 of the first mobile battery 12a via each activation signal terminal 142d, 150d in accordance with the instruction from the general control unit 78. As a result, the BMU 134 starts up by receiving power supply from a power supply unit (not shown) based on the supply of the activation signal. Alternatively, the BMU 134 starts up by receiving a DC voltage for driving from the first battery tray 40a via each connector 142, 150 based on the supply of the activation signal.

[0117] As a result, the BMU 134 starts communication with the control unit 154 via the communication unit 140 and each of the signal terminals 142c, 150c. This enables the BMU 134 to transmit and receive signals or information to and from the general control unit 78 via the control unit 154, the input / output unit 156, and the communication line 122.

[0118] In step S5, the BMU 134 turns on the switch 130. As a result, the first mobile battery 12a is electrically connected to the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86 via the first battery tray 40a. The BMU 134 may turn on the switch 130 in accordance with an instruction from the general control unit 78 via the communication line 122 and the control unit 154. Alternatively, the BMU 134 may turn on the switch 130 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 154. Alternatively, the BMU 134 may turn on the switch 130 when started up.

[0119] In step S6, the BMU 134 measures the battery voltage, battery current, battery temperature, and SOC of the first mobile battery 12a. These measurement results are transmitted to the general control unit 78 via the communication unit 140, each signal terminal 142c, 150c, the control unit 154, the input / output unit 156, and the communication line 122.

[0120] In step S7, the general control unit 78 estimates the estimated current I1on using equation (17) based on each measurement result received from the BMU 134 of the first mobile battery 12a. The estimated current I1on is a current that flows through the first mobile battery 12a when it is assumed that the first connecting / disconnecting unit 94 is in the on state.

[0121] The internal impedance Z1 of the first mobile battery 12a, the resistance value Rr1 of the first resistor 90, and the internal impedance Z3 of the third mobile battery 12c are calculated in advance and stored in a memory (not shown). The current I1off is the current value measured in step S6. The general control unit 78 can transmit and receive signals or information between the control unit 154 of the third mobile battery 12c and the second inverter 76 via the communication line 122. Therefore, the general control unit 78 can receive the measurement result of the current I3off from the control unit 154 of the third mobile battery 12c. The general control unit 78 can also receive the measurement result of the current I flowing through the output side of the second inverter 76.

[0122] In step S8, the general control unit 78 determines whether the estimated current I1on estimated in step S7 exceeds the allowable current value I1th.

[0123] If I1on>I1th (step S8: YES), the central control unit 78 determines to maintain the first interrupter 94 in the off state. This is because if the first interrupter 94 is switched from off to on, an overcurrent exceeding the allowable current value I1th may flow through the first mobile battery 12a. As a result, the central control unit 78 returns to step S6 and repeats the processes of steps S6 to S8.

[0124] If I1on≦I1th (step S8: NO), the central control unit 78 proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the central control unit 78 determines that even if the first interrupter 94 is switched from off to on, an overcurrent exceeding the allowable current value I1th will not flow to the first mobile battery 12a. Next, based on this determination result, the central control unit 78 decides to switch the first interrupter 94 from off to on. Next, the central control unit 78 outputs an instruction to the relay control unit 80 via the communication line 122 to switch the first interrupter 94 from off to on. As a result, the relay control unit 80 switches the first interrupter 94 from off to on. As a result, the first resistor unit 90 is short-circuited by the first interrupter 94. In this state, power is supplied to and discharged from the first mobile battery 12a.

[0125] In addition, in the processing of steps S6 to S9, the current I2on flowing through the second mobile battery 12b may also be estimated. Furthermore, when I1on≦I1th and I2on≦I2th, the first interrupter 94 may be switched from off to on.

[0126] Next, the operation of FIG. 10 will be described.

[0127] When the user presses the first unlock button 44a in step S10 of FIG. 10 (step S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S11, where the first unlock notification portion 46a turns on.

[0128] In step S12, the tray control unit 82 instructs the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a to release the locked state of the first battery tray 40a. The control unit 154 controls the lock unit 50 in accordance with the instruction from the tray control unit 82 to release the locked state of the first battery tray 40a. The control unit 154 transmits a message that the locked state of the first battery tray 40a has been released to the general control unit 78 via the input / output unit 156 and the communication line 122.

[0129] In step S13, the central control unit 78 receives information on the release of the locked state. Next, the central control unit 78 instructs the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a via the communication line 122 to stop the power supply to the first mobile battery 12a. As a result, the control unit 154 stops the supply of the activation signal to the BMU 134 in accordance with the instruction from the central control unit 78. As a result, the BMU 134 is turned off. Accordingly, the switch 130 is also turned off. Therefore, the transmission and reception of signals or information between the BMU 134 and the control unit 154 and the central control unit 78 is also stopped. As a result, the central control unit 78 can recognize that the communication with the first mobile battery 12a has been interrupted. In other words, the central control unit 78 can recognize that the operation of the BMU 134 has been stopped.

[0130] In step S14, after the power supply to the first mobile battery 12a is stopped, the central control unit 78 starts a timer (not shown) and measures the passage of a certain period of time. If the certain period of time has elapsed (step S14: YES), the central control unit 78 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the central control unit 78 decides to lock the first battery tray 40a again, and instructs the tray control unit 82 and the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a.

[0131] The tray control unit 82 turns off the first unlocking notification unit 46a in response to an instruction from the overall control unit 78. In step S16, the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a controls the lock unit 50 in response to an instruction from the overall control unit 78 to lock the first battery tray 40a again. The user can know that the first battery tray 40a has entered the locked state again by the first unlocking notification unit 46a being turned off.

[0132] In the next step S17, the central control unit 78 checks whether the first mobile battery 12a has been removed from the first battery tray 40a. In this case, the central control unit 78 determines whether a detection result from the mating detection sensor 152 indicating that the two connectors 142, 150 are disengaged has been received.

[0133] If a detection result indicating that the two connectors 142, 150 are disengaged is received (step S17: YES), the general control unit 78 determines that the first mobile battery 12a has been pulled out from the first battery tray 40a. This ends the process of FIG. 10.

[0134] If a detection result indicating that the two connectors 142, 150 are engaged has been received (step S17: NO), the general control unit 78 determines that the first mobile battery 12a is attached to the first battery tray 40a.

[0135] In the next step S18, the central control unit 78 instructs the control unit 154 of the first battery tray 40a via the communication line 122 to resume power supply to the first mobile battery 12a. As a result, the control unit 154 resumes supply of an activation signal to the BMU 134 in accordance with the instruction from the central control unit 78. As a result, the BMU 134 receives the activation signal, resumes power supply from a power supply unit (not shown), and starts up again. As a result, transmission and reception of signals or information between the BMU 134 and the control unit 154 and the central control unit 78 is resumed. As a result, the central control unit 78 can recognize that communication with the first mobile battery 12a has resumed. In other words, the central control unit 78 can recognize that the BMU 134 has started up.

[0136] In the next step S19, the central control unit 78 judges whether or not to turn on the switch 130 of the first mobile battery 12a. If it is decided to turn on the switch 130 of the first mobile battery 12a (step S19: YES), the central control unit 78 proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the central control unit 78 instructs the BMU 134 of the first mobile battery 12a to turn on the switch 130 via the communication line 122 and the control unit 154. As a result, the BMU 134 turns on the switch 130 in accordance with the instruction from the central control unit 78. As a result, it becomes possible to supply and discharge power to and from the first mobile battery 12a.

[0137] Next, modified examples (first to third modified examples) of the power device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0138] 11, in the first modified example, a parallel circuit of the third resistance portion 160 and the third interrupter portion 162 is electrically connected in series with the third battery tray 40c between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. A parallel circuit of the fourth resistance portion 164 and the fourth interrupter portion 166 is electrically connected in series with the fourth battery tray 40d between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. The third interrupter portion 162 and the fourth interrupter portion 166 are controlled to be in an on state or an off state by the relay control portion 80, similarly to the first interrupter portion 94 and the second interrupter portion 100.

[0139] In the second modified example, as shown in FIG. 12, a first balancing circuit 170 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. The first balancing circuit 170 is electrically connected in parallel to the first battery tray 40a, the fuse 92, the first resistance section 90, and the first interrupting section 94. In the second modified example, a second balancing circuit 172 is electrically connected between the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. The second balancing circuit 172 is electrically connected in parallel to the second battery tray 40b, the fuse 98, the second resistance section 96, and the second interrupting section 100. The first balancing circuit 170 and the second balancing circuit 172 are provided to balance the battery voltage V1 of the first mobile battery 12a attached to the first battery tray 40a and the battery voltage V2 of the second mobile battery 12b attached to the second battery tray 40b.

[0140] In the second modified example, the first balancing circuit 170 and the second balancing circuit 172 are passive voltage balancing circuits including a resistor 174. That is, the first balancing circuit 170 and the second balancing circuit 172 are series circuits including the resistor 174 and a switch 176. The switch 176 is controlled to be turned on or off by the relay control unit 80.

[0141] When each switch 176 is on, a current flows through the resistor 174 connected to the mobile battery 12 having the higher battery voltage out of the first mobile battery 12a or the second mobile battery 12b. This causes the resistor 174 to heat up and consumes energy from the mobile battery 12. As a result, the battery voltage of the mobile battery 12 drops, and the battery voltages V1, V2 of the first mobile battery 12a and the second mobile battery 12b can be balanced.

[0142] 13, in the third modified example, a first balancing circuit 170 and a second balancing circuit 172 are active voltage balancing circuits. The first balancing circuit 170 and the second balancing circuit 172 each include an insulating DC / DC converter 178.

[0143] A primary side of a DC / DC converter 178 constituting the first balance circuit 170 is electrically connected to the first circuit 84 and the second circuit 86. In addition, a secondary side of the DC / DC converter 178 is electrically connected to the second circuit 86 and the third circuit 88.

[0144] The primary side of the DC / DC converter 178 constituting the second balance circuit 172 is electrically connected to the first circuit 84 and the third circuit 88. In addition, the secondary side of the DC / DC converter 178 is electrically connected to the second circuit 86 and the third circuit 88.

[0145] Furthermore, the low potential terminals on the secondary sides of the DC / DC converters 178 are connected to each other.

[0146] Of the first mobile battery 12a and the second mobile battery 12b, the mobile battery 12 having a higher battery voltage has its battery voltage boosted by the DC / DC converter 178 electrically connected in parallel with the mobile battery 12. As a result, DC power of the boosted voltage is output to the second inverter 76. As for the mobile battery 12 having a lower battery voltage, the secondary side voltage is stepped down by the DC / DC converter 178 electrically connected in parallel with the mobile battery 12. As a result, DC power of the stepped-down voltage is supplied to the mobile battery 12. As a result, the battery voltages V1, V2 of the first mobile battery 12a and the second mobile battery 12b can be balanced.

[0147] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0148] In addition to the above description, this embodiment can also be implemented as follows.

[0149] (1) Each mobile battery 12 can be charged and discharged. (2) The charge amount and discharge amount (instantaneous value or integrated value) of each mobile battery 12 can be grasped. (3) The state of each mobile battery 12, such as charging and discharging, can be grasped. (4) The SOC of each mobile battery 12 can be acquired, so the overall SOC can be grasped. (5) The state of each mobile battery 12 can be grasped. (6) The state of each mobile battery 12 can be confirmed with the mobile device 32. In addition, various instructions (control) can be given to the power device 10 from the mobile device 32 or an aggregator with which the user has a contract. (7) When a smart meter is attached to each device such as the photovoltaic power generation device 22 in the house 18 and communication with the integrated power manager 30 is possible, the integrated power manager 30 and the smart meter can be linked. Moreover, it is possible to give instructions to each device according to the state of each mobile battery 12. It is also possible to give instructions to each device according to the state of each mobile battery 12 in conjunction with the load in the house 18.

[0150] In the present embodiment, the first resistor section 90 and the second resistor section 96 may be variable resistors. This makes it possible to easily determine the resistance values ​​Rr1 and Rr2 of the first resistor section 90 and the second resistor section 96 by adjusting the resistance value Rr1 and the resistance value Rr2 of the second resistor section 96.

[0151] In the above description, the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d are put into a locked state (restrained state) using the locking portion 50. In this embodiment, a cover (not shown) may be provided for each slot 34, and the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d may be put into a locked state by not opening the cover. In this case, the first battery tray 40a to the fourth battery tray 40d are released from the locked state by opening the cover.

[0152] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0153] A first aspect of the present invention is an electric power device including a plurality of mounting portions (40) to which a plurality of power storage devices (12) can be attached, wherein a first mounting portion (40a) and a second mounting portion (40b) of the plurality of mounting portions are arranged to be connected in series, and the electric power device includes a first circuit (84) electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, a second circuit (86) electrically connected to the first mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit, a third circuit (88) electrically connected to the second mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit, a first resistance portion (90) connected in series with the first mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, a first interruption portion (94) connected in parallel with the first resistance portion, a second resistance portion (96) connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and a second interruption portion (100) connected in parallel with the second resistance portion.

[0154] In the present invention, a first mounting portion, a first resistance portion, and a first interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the second circuit. A second mounting portion, a second resistance portion, and a second interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the third circuit. As a result, even if an electric storage device is attached to or detached from one of the mounting portions, the electric storage device attached to the other mounting portion is not electrically insulated inside the power device. As a result, electric power can be continuously input to and output from a plurality of electric storage devices with a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0155] Furthermore, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment section while the first interrupter is in an interrupted state, the power storage device and the first resistance section are connected in series. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of overcurrent when the power storage device is attached. Moreover, compared to the case where a DC / DC converter is used, the occurrence of overcurrent can be suppressed with a simpler and lower-cost configuration.

[0156] In a first aspect of the present invention, among the multiple mounting portions, a third mounting portion (40c) is connected in parallel with the first mounting portion, the first resistance portion, and the first interruption portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, and a fourth mounting portion (40d) among the multiple mounting portions is connected in parallel with the second mounting portion, the second resistance portion, and the second interruption portion between the first circuit and the third circuit.

[0157] As a result, even if a plurality of mounting parts are connected in parallel between the first circuit and the second circuit and between the first circuit and the third circuit, the above-mentioned effects can be easily obtained.

[0158] In a first aspect of the present invention, the resistance value (Rr1) of the first resistor portion is determined based on the maximum voltage (V1max) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and the minimum voltage (V3min) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion, or is determined based on the minimum voltage (V1min) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and the maximum voltage (V3max) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion.

[0159] This makes it possible to easily calculate the resistance value of the first resistor portion as a current limiting resistor against an overcurrent, and as a result, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of an overcurrent using the first resistor portion.

[0160] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes an estimation unit (78) that, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment unit and the first interruption unit is in an interrupted state, estimates an estimated current (I1on) that is a current that is expected to flow through the power storage device when the first interruption unit is in a connected state.

[0161] This makes it possible to easily determine whether the estimated current is an overcurrent, thereby reliably preventing the occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0162] In a first aspect of the present invention, the estimation unit estimates the estimated current using an internal impedance (Z1) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting part, an internal impedance (Z3) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting part, a resistance value of the first resistance unit, and first currents (I1off, I3off) flowing respectively through the power storage device attached to the first mounting part and the power storage device attached to the third mounting part when the first interrupter unit is in an interrupted state.

[0163] This makes it possible to accurately and precisely estimate the estimated current flowing through the power storage device attached to the first attachment part, thereby making it possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of overcurrent.

[0164] In a first aspect of the present invention, the estimation unit calculates the internal impedance of the storage device attached to the first attachment part based on a second current (I1swon) flowing through the storage device attached to the first attachment part when the first interrupter is in an interrupted state, a voltage (V1) of the storage device when the second current flows, and an open circuit voltage (V1oc) of the storage device.

[0165] This makes it possible to use the calculated internal impedance to more accurately estimate the estimated current flowing through the power storage device attached to the first attachment part.

[0166] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes a control unit (78) that controls the first interrupter based on the estimated current estimated by the estimator.

[0167] This makes it possible to avoid an overcurrent flow caused by inadvertent control of the first interrupting unit.

[0168] In a first aspect of the present invention, the control unit switches the first intermittent unit to a connected state when the estimated current is equal to or less than an allowable current value (I1th), and maintains the first intermittent unit in a disconnected state when the estimated current exceeds the allowable current value.

[0169] This makes it possible to reliably and efficiently suppress the occurrence of overcurrent.

[0170] In a first aspect of the present invention, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are disposed at a higher position than the third mounting portion and the fourth mounting portion.

[0171] This allows the user to easily insert and remove the power storage device into and from the first mounting part and the second mounting part.

[0172] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes a third resistance portion (160) connected in series with the third mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, a third interruption portion (162) connected in parallel with the third resistance portion, a fourth resistance portion (164) connected in series with the fourth mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and a fourth interruption portion (166) connected in parallel with the fourth resistance portion.

[0173] As a result, even when the power storage device is inserted into and removed from the third and fourth mounting parts, the same effects (such as suppression of overcurrent generation) as with the power storage device mounted in the first and second mounting parts can be obtained.

[0174] In a first aspect of the present invention, the energy storage device attached to the third mounting portion is an energy storage device fixed in the third mounting portion, and the energy storage device attached to the fourth mounting portion is an energy storage device fixed in the fourth mounting portion.

[0175] This allows the power device to be easily used as a stationary power supply device.

[0176] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes a first balancing circuit (170) connected in parallel with the first mounting portion, the first resistance portion, and the first interrupting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, and a second balancing circuit (172) connected in parallel with the second mounting portion, the second resistance portion, and the second interrupting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and the first balancing circuit and the second balancing circuit balance the voltage (V1) of the storage device mounted to the first mounting portion and the voltage (V2) of the storage device mounted to the second mounting portion.

[0177] This makes it possible to balance the voltages of the power storage devices and make the SOCs of the power storage devices the same.

[0178] In the first aspect of the present invention, the first balancing circuit and the second balancing circuit are circuits including resistors (174) or are isolated DC / DC converters (178).

[0179] A balancing circuit including resistors can balance the voltages by dissipating the energy of a high-voltage storage device through Joule heating of the resistors, while a balancing circuit including an isolated DC / DC converter can balance the voltages by extracting energy from a high-voltage storage device and supplying it to a low-voltage storage device.

[0180] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes a restraining unit (50) that places the power storage device in a restrained state in which the power storage device cannot be removed from the first mounting portion, an instruction unit (44a, 44b) that instructs the restraining unit to release the restrained state, and a notification unit (46a, 46b) that notifies that the restrained state by the restraining unit has been released.

[0181] As a result, the restrained state is released due to the user's operation of the instruction unit. Also, the release of the restrained state is notified. As a result, after confirming the notification of the release of the restrained state, the user can easily remove the power storage device from the attachment unit corresponding to the instruction unit that was operated.

[0182] In the first aspect of the present invention, the restraining portion returns to the restrained state after a certain time has elapsed since the restraining state was released.

[0183] As a result, even if the restraint state is once released, if the user does not remove the power storage device from the mounting part within a certain period of time, the restraint state will be established again. As a result, the mounted power storage device is prevented from being inadvertently removed from the mounting part. Therefore, this is an effective measure to prevent theft of the power storage device.

[0184] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device further includes a connection portion (77) electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and connected to an external power source (20, 22) or another external power device (22, 24, 26).

[0185] This allows power to be exchanged between the power storage devices mounted in the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and a power source or another power device.

[0186] In a first aspect of the present invention, the electric power device further includes a power conversion device (74, 76) disposed on an electric power path between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and the connection portion.

[0187] This makes it possible to more easily exchange electric power between the power storage devices mounted on the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and a power source or another power device.

[0188] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric power device having a plurality of mounting sections capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices, the method including: among the plurality of mounting sections, a first mounting section and a second mounting section are arranged to be connected in series; the first mounting section and the second mounting section are electrically connected to a first circuit; a second circuit is electrically connected to the first mounting section on an opposite side to the first circuit; a third circuit is electrically connected to the second mounting section on an opposite side to the first circuit; a first resistance section is connected in series with the first mounting section between the first circuit and the second circuit; and a first interrupter section is connected to the front When a second resistance portion is connected in parallel with the first resistance portion, a second resistance portion is connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, and a second interruption portion is connected in parallel with the second resistance portion, the control method includes the steps of: putting the first interruption portion in an interrupted state; mounting the energy storage device on the first mounting portion; estimating an estimated current which is a current which is assumed to flow through the energy storage device when the first interruption portion is in a connected state; and controlling the first interruption portion based on the estimated current.

[0189] In the present invention, a first mounting portion, a first resistance portion, and a first interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the second circuit. A second mounting portion, a second resistance portion, and a second interrupting portion are provided between the first circuit and the third circuit. As a result, even if an electric storage device is attached to or detached from one of the mounting portions, the electric storage device attached to the other mounting portion is not electrically insulated inside the power device. As a result, electric power can be continuously input to and output from a plurality of electric storage devices with a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0190] Furthermore, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment section while the first interrupter is in an interrupted state, the power storage device and the first resistance section are connected in series. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of overcurrent when the power storage device is attached. Moreover, compared to the case where a DC / DC converter is used, the occurrence of overcurrent can be suppressed with a simpler and lower-cost configuration.

Claims

1. An electric power device having a plurality of mounting sections (40) capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices (12), Among the plurality of mounting parts, the first mounting part (40a) and the second mounting part (40b) are arranged to be connected in series, The power device is a first circuit (84) electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion; a second circuit (86) electrically connected to the first mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit; a third circuit (88) electrically connected to the second mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit; a first resistor portion (90) connected in series with the first mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit; a first interrupting portion (94) connected in parallel with the first resistance portion; a second resistor portion (96) connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit; A second interrupting portion (100) connected in parallel with the second resistance portion; A control unit (78) for controlling the first interrupting unit and the second interrupting unit; Equipped with The first interrupting unit and the second interrupting unit are switched between a disconnected state and a connected state by the control unit, Among the plurality of mounting portions, a third mounting portion (40c) is connected in parallel with the first mounting portion, the first resistance portion, and the first interrupter portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, Among the multiple mounting portions, a fourth mounting portion (40d) is connected in parallel with the second mounting portion, the second resistance portion, and the second interrupter portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, A power device wherein the resistance value (Rr1) of the first resistor portion is determined based on a maximum voltage (V1max) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and a minimum voltage (V3min) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion, or is determined based on a minimum voltage (V1min) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and a maximum voltage (V3max) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion.

2. An electric power device having a plurality of mounting sections (40) capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices (12), Among the plurality of mounting parts, the first mounting part (40a) and the second mounting part (40b) are arranged to be connected in series, The power device is a first circuit (84) electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion; a second circuit (86) electrically connected to the first mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit; a third circuit (88) electrically connected to the second mounting portion on the opposite side to the first circuit; a first resistor portion (90) connected in series with the first mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit; a first interrupting portion (94) connected in parallel with the first resistance portion; a second resistor portion (96) connected in series with the second mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit; A second interrupting portion (100) connected in parallel with the second resistance portion; A control unit (78) for controlling the first interrupting unit and the second interrupting unit; Equipped with The first interrupting unit and the second interrupting unit are switched between a disconnected state and a connected state by the control unit, Among the plurality of mounting portions, a third mounting portion (40c) is connected in parallel with the first mounting portion, the first resistance portion, and the first interrupter portion between the first circuit and the second circuit, Among the multiple mounting portions, a fourth mounting portion (40d) is connected in parallel with the second mounting portion, the second resistance portion, and the second interrupter portion between the first circuit and the third circuit, The power device further includes an estimation unit (78) that estimates an estimated current (I1on) that is a current that is assumed to flow through the power storage device when the first interruption unit is in the connected state, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment unit and the first interruption unit is in the disconnected state.

3. 3. The power device according to claim 2, A power device wherein the resistance value (Rr1) of the first resistor portion is determined based on a maximum voltage (V1max) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and a minimum voltage (V3min) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion, or is determined based on a minimum voltage (V1min) of the power storage device attached to the first mounting portion and a maximum voltage (V3max) of the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion.

4. 2. The power device according to claim 1, The power device further includes an estimation unit (78) that estimates an estimated current (I1on) that is a current that is assumed to flow through the power storage device when the first connection / disconnection unit is in the connected state, when the power storage device is attached to the first attachment unit and the first connection / disconnection unit is in the disconnected state.

5. In the power device according to claim 2 or 4, The estimation unit estimates the estimated current using an internal impedance (Z1) of the storage device attached to the first attachment part, an internal impedance (Z3) of the storage device attached to the third attachment part, a resistance value of the first resistance part, and a first current (I1off, I3off) flowing respectively through the storage device attached to the first attachment part and the storage device attached to the third attachment part when the first interrupter is in the interrupted state.

6. In the power device according to claim 2 or 4, The estimation unit calculates the internal impedance of the storage device attached to the first attachment part based on a second current (I1swon) flowing in the storage device attached to the first attachment part when the first interrupter is in the interrupted state, a voltage (V1) of the storage device when the second current flows, and an open circuit voltage (V1oc) of the storage device.

7. In the power device according to claim 2 or 4, The control unit controls the first interrupter based on the estimated current estimated by the estimation unit.

8. 8. The power device according to claim 7, The control unit switches the first interrupter to the connected state when the estimated current is equal to or less than an allowable current value (I1th), and maintains the interrupted state of the first interrupter when the estimated current exceeds the allowable current value.

9. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An electric power device, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are disposed at a higher position than the third mounting portion and the fourth mounting portion.

10. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a third resistor portion (160) connected in series with the third mounting portion between the first circuit and the second circuit; a third interruption portion (162) connected in parallel with the third resistance portion; a fourth resistor portion (164) connected in series with the fourth mounting portion between the first circuit and the third circuit; a fourth interruption portion (166) connected in parallel with the fourth resistance portion; The power device further comprises:

11. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the power storage device attached to the third mounting portion is a power storage device fixedly placed in the third mounting portion, The power storage device attached to the fourth mounting portion is a power storage device fixedly disposed in the fourth mounting portion.

12. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first balance circuit (170) connected in parallel with the first mounting portion, the first resistor portion, and the first interrupter portion between the first circuit and the second circuit; a second balance circuit (172) connected in parallel with the second mounting portion, the second resistor portion, and the second interrupter portion between the first circuit and the third circuit; Further equipped with The first balancing circuit and the second balancing circuit balance the voltage (V1) of the storage device attached to the first mounting portion and the voltage (V2) of the storage device attached to the second mounting portion.

13. 13. The power device according to claim 12, The power device, wherein the first balancing circuit and the second balancing circuit are circuits including resistors (174) or are isolated DC / DC converters (178).

14. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a restraining section (50) that places the power storage device in a restrained state such that the power storage device cannot be removed from the first mounting section; An instruction unit (44a) that instructs the restraining unit to release the restrained state; a notification unit (46a) that notifies that the restrained state by the restraining unit has been released; The power device further comprises:

15. 15. The power device of claim 14, The electric power device, wherein the restraint section returns to the restrained state after a certain time has elapsed since the release of the restrained state.

16. In the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The electric power device further comprises a connection portion (77) electrically connected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and connected to an external electric power source (20, 22) or another external electric power device (24, 26).

17. 17. The power device of claim 16, The electric power device further includes a power conversion device (74, 76) arranged on an electric power path between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and the connection portion.

18. A method for controlling an electric power device having a plurality of mounting sections capable of mounting a plurality of power storage devices, comprising: Among the multiple mounting parts, a first mounting part and a second mounting part are arranged to be connected in series, the first mounting part and the second mounting part are electrically connected to a first circuit, a second circuit is electrically connected to the first mounting part on the opposite side to the first circuit, a third circuit is electrically connected to the second mounting part on the opposite side to the first circuit, a first resistance part is connected in series with the first mounting part between the first circuit and the second circuit, a first interrupting part is connected in parallel with the first resistance part, a second resistance part is connected in series with the second mounting part between the first circuit and the third circuit, and the second interrupting part is connected in parallel with the second resistance part, placing the first interrupting unit in an interrupted state; mounting the power storage device on the first mounting portion; estimating an estimated current that is a current that is assumed to flow through the power storage device when the first interrupter is in a connected state; controlling the first interrupter based on the estimated current; A method for controlling a power device comprising the steps of:

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