Battery Monitoring System and Battery Diagnosis System

Abstract

To provide a battery monitoring system and a battery diagnosing system capable of size reduction of a housing.SOLUTION: A battery monitoring system includes a battery block 110, a monitoring unit 200, a battery control device 310, a control side antenna, and a housing. The housing includes a bottom plate part 410, a wall part 420 formed along a peripheral edge part of the bottom plate part 410, and a cover 440 covering the wall part 420 from above. An accommodation space formed by the bottom plate part 410, the wall part 420, and the cover 440 accommodates the battery block 110 and the monitoring unit 200. On a surface of the housing or on the outside, a control unit of the battery control device 310 and the control side antenna are disposed. The housing includes a relay device 220 that relays the communication between the control side antenna and the monitoring unit 200. The control unit receives battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit 200 through the relay device 220 and the control side antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery monitoring system and a battery diagnosis system.

Background Art

[0002] A battery monitoring system includes a battery monitoring device that detects battery information (such as voltage) of battery cells, and a battery ECU. The battery ECU transmits various control signals (commands) to the battery monitoring device, and the battery monitoring device is configured to return the detected battery information based on the received control signals (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration where the battery ECU is arranged in the accommodation space of the housing of the battery pack, it is necessary to provide a dedicated space. In this case, it becomes impossible to reduce the size of the housing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a battery monitoring system and a battery diagnosis system capable of reducing the size of the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery monitoring system for solving the above problems includes a battery, a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit that communicates with the monitoring unit to obtain the battery information and executes various controls, a control-side antenna that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit, and a housing. The housing has a bottom plate portion, a wall portion formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover that covers the wall portion from above. The battery and the monitoring unit are accommodated in an accommodation space formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portion, and the cover. The control unit and the control-side antenna are disposed on the surface or outside of the housing. The housing is provided with a relay device that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit. The control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna. A battery diagnosis system for solving the above problems includes the above battery monitoring system and a battery diagnosis device existing outside the housing. The battery diagnosis device has an antenna that performs wireless communication with the monitoring unit via the relay device, and obtains the battery information from the monitoring unit by the wireless communication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the battery monitoring system in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated in principle. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the battery monitoring system 1 is applied to a vehicle will be described, but the battery monitoring system 1 according to the present disclosure can also be applied to uses other than vehicles.

[0009] (First Embodiment) <Overall Configuration of Vehicle 10> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack 11 (shown as "Battey" in FIG. 1), a power control unit (hereinafter referred to as "PCU (Power Control Unit)") 12, a motor 13 (shown as "MG" in FIG. 1), and a vehicle ECU 14 (shown as "ECU" in FIG. 1).

[0010] The battery pack 11 is mounted on the vehicle 10 as a driving power source of the vehicle 10. In FIG. 1, the battery pack 11 is installed in the engine room of the vehicle 10, but it may be installed in other places such as the trunk room, under the seat, or under the floor. The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that runs using the electric power stored in the battery pack 11.

[0011] The battery pack 11 includes a battery module 20 configured to include a number of battery cells 22 (secondary single cells). The battery pack 11 stores power for driving the motor 13 in the battery module 20 and can supply power to the motor 13 through the PCU 12. Also, the battery pack 11 is charged by receiving the generated power of the motor 13 through the PCU 12 during regenerative power generation of the motor 13 such as during vehicle braking.

[0012] Further, the battery pack 11 is provided with a battery monitoring device 30 for monitoring the battery module 20 and a battery control device 40 for controlling the battery monitoring device 30. That is, the battery pack 11 of the present embodiment houses a battery system 1 including the battery module 20, the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery control device 40. Note that the configurations of the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 will be described in detail after FIG. 2.

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

[0014] The motor 13 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor having permanent magnets embedded in a rotor. The motor 13 is driven by the PCU 12 to generate a rotational driving force, and the driving force generated by the motor 13 is transmitted to the drive wheels. On the other hand, during braking of the vehicle 10, the motor 13 operates as a generator to perform regenerative power generation. The power generated by the motor 13 is supplied to the battery pack 11 through the PCU 12 and stored in the battery module 20 in the battery pack 11.

[0015] The vehicle ECU 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals, and the like. The CPU expands and executes the program stored in the ROM in the RAM. The program stored in the ROM describes the processing of the vehicle ECU 14. As an example of the main processing of the vehicle ECU 14, the vehicle ECU 14 receives information such as the voltage, current, and SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery pack 11 from the battery pack 11 to the assembled battery 20, and controls the PCU 12 to control the driving of the motor 13 and the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11.

[0016] <Configuration of the battery pack 11> Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the battery pack 11. The battery pack 11 includes an assembled battery 20, a plurality of battery monitoring devices 30, a battery control device 40, and a housing 50 (shown by a broken line) that houses them. In this embodiment, the battery control device 40 is housed inside the housing 50, but it may be arranged outside the housing 50.

[0017] <Configuration of the assembled battery 20> The assembled battery 20 has a plurality of battery blocks 21 (which may also be referred to as a battery stack or a battery module). The assembled battery 20 is configured by connecting these plurality of battery blocks 21 in series and / or in parallel. Each battery block 21 has a plurality of battery cells 22. Each battery cell 22 is composed of a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, or the like. The lithium-ion secondary battery is a secondary battery using lithium as a charge carrier, and includes not only a general lithium-ion secondary battery with a liquid electrolyte but also a so-called all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte. The battery block 21 is configured by connecting these plurality of battery cells 22 in series and / or in parallel.

[0018] <Configuration of the battery monitoring device 30> The battery monitoring device 30, also called a satellite battery module (SBM), is provided for each battery block 21. As shown in FIG. 2, each battery monitoring device 30 includes a monitoring IC 31 as a monitoring unit, a wireless IC 32 which is a slave unit side wireless control unit, a wireless antenna 33, and the like. The monitoring IC 31, also called a cell supervising circuit (CSC), acquires battery information from each battery cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 or a sensor (not shown). The battery information includes, for example, voltage information, temperature information, current information, etc. of each battery cell 22. Further, the monitoring IC 31 performs self-diagnosis and generates self-diagnosis information. The self-diagnosis information is, for example, information regarding the operation confirmation of the battery monitoring device 30, that is, information regarding abnormalities or failures of the battery monitoring device 30. Specifically, it is information regarding the operation confirmation of the monitoring IC 31, wireless IC 32, etc. constituting the battery monitoring device 30.

[0019] The wireless IC 32 is wired-connected to the monitoring IC 31 and has a wireless MCU (Micro Control Unit), an RF device (high-frequency device module), and the like. The wireless IC 32 wirelessly transmits the data (including control signals, etc.) received from the monitoring IC 31 via the wireless antenna 33. Further, the wireless IC 32 sends the data received via the wireless antenna 33 to the monitoring IC 31.

[0020] <Configuration of the battery control device 40> The battery control device 40, also called a battery ECU or BMU (Battery Management Unit), is attached to the outer side surface of the battery block 21 or the like. The battery control device 40 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with each battery monitoring device 30.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery control device 40 includes a battery control MCU 41 as a battery control unit, a wireless IC 42 which is a master unit side wireless control unit, a wireless antenna 43, and the like. The battery control MCU 41 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like. The CPU of the battery control MCU 41 expands and executes the program stored in the ROM in the RAM. The program stored in the ROM describes the processing related to battery control.

[0022] As an example of the main processing, the battery control MCU 41 instructs the battery monitoring device 30 to acquire and transmit battery information. Further, the battery control MCU 41 monitors the assembled battery 20, the battery block 21, and the battery cell 22 based on the battery information received from the battery monitoring device 30. Further, the battery control MCU 41 controls a relay switch that switches the energization and non-energization states between the assembled battery 20 and the PCU 12 or the motor 13 based on the monitoring results and the like. Further, the battery control MCU 41 may transmit an equalization signal for equalizing the voltages of the respective battery cells 22. In the present embodiment, the vehicle ECU 14 has been instructing the PCU 12 to perform charge and discharge control of the assembled battery 20, but the battery control MCU 41 may be configured to be capable of performing it.

[0023] The wireless IC 42 is connected to the battery control MCU 41 by wire, and like the wireless IC 32, has a wireless MCU, an RF device, and the like. The wireless IC 42 wirelessly transmits the data received from the battery control MCU 41 via the wireless antenna 43. Further, the wireless IC 42 sends the data received via the wireless antenna 43 to the battery control MCU 41. In the present embodiment, the wireless MCU of the wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 is denoted as the master unit side wireless IC 42, and the wireless MCU of the wireless IC 32 of the battery monitoring device 30 is denoted as the slave unit side wireless IC 32.

[0024] <Configuration of the housing 50> The housing 50 is made of a conductor such as metal. The housing 50 is formed in a box shape made of metal and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 50 houses the assembled battery 20, the battery monitoring device 30, and the battery control device 40.

[0025] By the way, it is desirable that the housing 50 of the battery pack 11 is configured to cover the contents such as the battery monitoring device 30 with a conductor to completely block radio waves from the outside. However, in reality, it is difficult to completely cover the contents with a conductor. For example, it is necessary to provide the housing 50 with a seal member, an explosion-proof valve, a connector, etc. that fill the gap between the housing body and the cover, and external radio waves are likely to enter these locations. Also, originally for weight reduction, it is desired to configure the housing 50 with resin or the like, and in this case, radio waves from the outside cannot be blocked.

[0026] For this reason, in order to reliably perform wireless communication between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40, processes such as authentication and error detection, which are not very necessary to perform with wired communication, are executed. Also, in order to perform authentication and the like, the amount of communication data increases compared to wired communication. From the above, wireless communication generally has a problem that the time required for communication tends to be longer compared to wired communication.

[0027] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to reliably perform wireless communication while shortening the time required for communication, the configuration and wireless communication method as described below are implemented.

[0028] <Processing related to wireless communication> Next, the processing related to wireless communication will be described. Below, first, the processing at the start of communication will be described, and then the processing related to wireless communication in the steady state will be described. After that, the processing at the end of communication will be described. Also, an explanation will be given about a protection mechanism for appropriately detecting the influence of noise and the like.

[0029] <Processing at the start of communication> As shown in FIG. 3, when starting wireless communication, the battery control MCU 41 outputs a communication start command to the master unit side wireless IC 42 (step S11). The trigger for outputting the communication start command is, for example, when an IG-ON signal indicating that the ignition switch has been turned on is input. Note that the trigger for outputting the communication start command does not necessarily have to be limited to signal inputs such as the IG-ON signal, and it may be changed to any timing. For example, the elapse of a predetermined time since the wireless communication was disconnected may be used as the trigger for outputting the communication start command. Also, for example, the arrival of a predetermined time may be used as the trigger for outputting the communication start command. Specifically, when checking the variation in the cell voltage at regular intervals and performing the equalization process of the cell voltage, the timing of checking the cell voltage and equalization may be used as the trigger for outputting the communication start command. Also, although the battery control MCU 41 determines the communication start trigger, the master unit side wireless IC 42 may make the determination.

[0030] When the master unit side wireless IC 42 receives the communication start command, it executes wireless communication connection processing (step S12). Here, the master unit side wireless IC 42 searches for and detects a connection request signal (step S0) periodically output from the slave unit side wireless IC 32. Note that the connection request signal may be output randomly. When the master unit side wireless IC 42 detects the connection request signal and discovers the slave unit side wireless IC 32, it outputs a slave unit discovery signal notifying the slave unit side wireless IC 32 that the master unit side wireless IC 42 has discovered the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (step S13).

[0031] When the slave unit side wireless IC 32 receives the slave unit discovery signal, it executes authentication processing with the master unit side wireless IC 42 (step S14). In this authentication processing, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the master unit side wireless IC 42 communicate with each other multiple times to exchange information related to authentication and perform authentication and various settings.

[0032] Also, when the slave unit side wireless IC 32 receives the slave unit discovery signal, it issues an operation instruction related to the initial operation to the monitoring IC 31 in parallel with the authentication process. That is, in the authentication process, as described above, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the master unit side wireless IC 42 communicate with each other multiple times to exchange information. Therefore, after the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits information, a waiting time occurs until a reply is received from the master unit side wireless IC 42. Thus, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 utilizes this waiting time to output (issue) a command related to the initial operation to the monitoring IC 31, thereby enabling parallel execution of the authentication process and the initial operation by the monitoring IC 31. Note that the slave unit side wireless IC 32 may be provided with a plurality of processors, with one processor executing the authentication process and the other processor executing the initial operation.

[0033] The operation instruction related to the initial operation is realized by sequentially outputting commands to be executed by the monitoring IC 31 in the initial operation to the monitoring IC 31. There are multiple types of commands to be executed by the monitoring IC 31 in the initial operation, which are pre-stored in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32.

[0034] Specifically, in the initial operation, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits an execution instruction command for initial settings to the monitoring IC 31. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 performs initial settings (step S15). In the initial settings of the monitoring IC 31, refresh and ID number settings are performed. The ID number is assigned by the battery control MCU 41, and a separate number is allocated to each monitoring IC 31, which is stored and managed by the battery control MCU 41. Note that the ID number is included in the execution instruction command for initial settings in advance. When the initial settings are completed, the monitoring IC 31 returns information on whether the initial settings have been successfully completed as a processing result to the slave unit side wireless IC 32. The slave unit side wireless IC 32 stores the returned information in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32.

[0035] Also, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits to the monitoring IC 31 an execution instruction command for a sensing operation to detect various battery information (step S16). At this time, in the sensing operation, it is specified what types of battery information (such as cell voltage, block voltage, battery temperature, etc.) are to be detected. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 detects the specified type of battery information and returns the battery information as a detection result to the slave unit side wireless IC 32. The slave unit side wireless IC 32 stores the returned battery information in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32.

[0036] Also, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits to the monitoring IC 31 an execution instruction command for self-diagnosis. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 performs self-diagnosis and returns self-diagnosis information as a result. The slave unit side wireless IC 32 stores the returned self-diagnosis information in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32. Thereafter, during the authentication process, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 similarly repeats the process of giving an operation instruction to the monitoring IC 31 and receiving the processing result.

[0037] The command to be output in the initial operation is received from the battery control device 40 at the end of the previous wireless communication, for example, when the ignition switch is turned off, and is stored in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (details will be described later). The type, execution order, and number of commands to be stored are specified at that time.

[0038] Note that the type, etc. of the commands related to the initial operation (type, number, execution order, output timing, etc., the same applies hereinafter) may be changed according to the situation. For example, when communication is started triggered by a signal input such as an IG-ON signal, the commands related to the above-described initial settings, etc. are included, while when communication is started triggered by the timing of cell voltage confirmation and equalization, commands related to the equalization process, etc. may be included.

[0039] As described above, when the initial operation is executed, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 stores the processing result related to the initial operation (such as battery information) in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32. Then, when the authentication process and the processing related to the initial operation are completed (step S18), the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits the processing result related to the initial operation stored in the storage device of the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (step S19). When the battery control MCU 41 receives the processing result related to the initial operation, it executes various controls based on the battery information detected in the initial operation and the like. For example, when the battery control MCU 41 determines that there is no abnormality in the assembled battery 20 and the battery monitoring device 30 based on the self-diagnosis information and the battery information and they are in a chargeable and dischargeable state, the battery control MCU 41 permits the charge and discharge from the assembled battery 20. When permitted, power is supplied from the assembled battery 20 or the assembled battery 20 is charged based on a vehicle request or the like. Also, when it is determined that the assembled battery 20, the battery monitoring device 30, etc. are normal, a steady state is reached, and data transfer necessary for battery control is performed by wireless communication.

[0040] <Communication Processing in Steady State> During the steady state, in principle, the battery control device 40 transmits a plurality of commands instructing the processing content to be executed by the battery monitoring device 30 in a batch, and receives the results of the processing instructed to the battery monitoring device 30 in a batch. Then, this series of processes is repeatedly executed. This will be described in more detail below.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the battery control MCU 41 of the battery control device 40 generates a data unit including a command or the like that instructs the processing content to be executed by the battery monitoring device 30 according to the communication schedule, and transmits the data unit to the master unit side wireless IC 42 via wire (step S21). The data unit includes a plurality of types of commands. For example, an execution instruction command for instructing the detection of the cell voltage, a read instruction command for instructing the reading of the detected cell voltage, an execution instruction command for instructing the detection of the block voltage, a read instruction command for instructing the reading of the detected block voltage, an execution instruction command for instructing the detection of the battery temperature, a read instruction command for instructing the reading of the detected battery temperature, etc., a plurality of commands are included in one data unit. The types and numbers of commands included in one data unit may be arbitrarily changed. For example, a command for performing self-diagnosis may be included.

[0042] The master unit side wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 generates wireless data by attaching data (information) necessary for wireless communication, such as communication control information, to the received data unit (step S22). The master unit side wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 transmits the generated wireless data wirelessly via the wireless antenna 43 (step S22).

[0043] When the slave unit side wireless IC 32 of the battery monitoring device 30 receives wireless data via the wireless antenna 33, it determines whether the wireless data is addressed to itself based on the communication control information of the wireless data (step S23). When the slave unit side wireless IC 32 determines that the wireless data is addressed to itself, it extracts the data unit from the wireless data (step S24). Then, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 sequentially transmits the commands included in the data unit to the monitoring IC 31 via wire (step S25). Note that the transmission order and transmission timing of the commands may be included in the data unit, or the slave unit side wireless IC 32 may determine them based on the types of commands or the like.

[0044] When the monitoring IC 31 receives a command from the wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side, it performs the processing of the content instructed by the received command (step S26). For example, when the monitoring IC 31 inputs an execution instruction command for instructing the detection of battery information, it detects the battery information of the instructed type and stores it in the storage device of the monitoring IC 31. Also, when the monitoring IC 31 inputs a read instruction command for instructing the reading of battery information, it reads the battery information of the instructed type from the storage device, converts the read battery information into electronic data, and transmits it to the wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side (step S27). The wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side stores the received data such as battery information (step S28). The wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side repeats the processing of steps S25 to S28 until all commands are output.

[0045] Then, when the wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side has transmitted all commands and the processing instructed by those commands is completed, it generates a data unit from the battery information and the like stored in the storage device of the wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side (step S29). Then, the wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side attaches data (information) necessary for wireless communication such as communication control information to the data unit to generate wireless data. The wireless IC 32 on the slave unit side of the battery monitoring device 30 transmits (returns) the generated wireless data via the wireless antenna 33 (step S30).

[0046] Then, when the master unit side wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 receives the wireless data via the wireless antenna 43, it determines whether the wireless data is addressed to itself based on the communication control information of the wireless data (step S31). When the master unit side wireless IC 42 determines that the wireless data is addressed to itself, it extracts the data unit from the wireless data and transmits it to the battery control MCU 41 via a wire (step S32).

[0047] When the battery control MCU 41 receives a data unit from the master unit side wireless IC 42, it acquires a processing result (such as battery information) from the data unit (step S33). Then, based on the acquired processing result, the battery control MCU 41 executes various controls (step S33). For example, the battery control MCU 41 notifies the received battery information to an external vehicle ECU 14 or the like. Also, when an abnormality is detected in the battery cell 22 based on the battery information, the battery control MCU 41 outputs a signal to an external vehicle ECU 14 or the like to stop the charge and discharge of the assembled battery 20. Further, when there is a variation in the voltage of the battery cell 22, the battery control MCU 41 executes an equalization process.

[0048] Thereafter, until the steady state ends, that is, until the wireless communication ends, the battery control device 40 repeatedly executes this series of processes according to the communication schedule. Note that the battery control MCU 41 may transmit a data unit to a certain battery monitoring device 30 (step S21), and then transmit a data unit to another battery monitoring device 30 while waiting to receive a processing result from the battery monitoring device 30 (step S33). As a result, it becomes possible to communicate with another battery monitoring device 30 in parallel during the processing of a certain battery monitoring device 30, or to cause another battery monitoring device 30 to perform parallel processing. Also, since commands are transmitted collectively and processing results are received collectively, it is also possible to reduce the communication data volume.

[0049] <Processing at the end of communication> As shown in FIG. 5, when ending wireless communication triggered by, for example, the ignition switch being turned off (input of an IG-OFF signal), the battery control device 40 executes processing related to the time of communication end. In the processing related to the time of communication end, first, the battery control device 40 gives an operation instruction related to the initial operation to be executed during the authentication process at the time of the next start of wireless communication. More specifically, the battery control MCU 41 of the battery control device 40 generates a data unit including various commands related to the initial operation, and transmits the data unit to the wireless IC 42 via a wire (step S41). When outputting a command related to the initial setting, the command includes an ID number given to the connection destination, that is, the monitoring IC 31 of the output destination.

[0050] The master unit side wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 adds data (information) necessary for wireless communication, such as communication control information, to the received data unit to generate wireless data. The master unit side wireless IC 42 of the battery control device 40 transmits the generated wireless data wirelessly via the wireless antenna 43 (step S42).

[0051] When the slave unit side wireless IC 32 of the battery monitoring device 30 receives wireless data via the wireless antenna 33, it determines whether the wireless data is addressed to itself based on the communication control information of the wireless data (step S43). When the wireless IC 32 determines that the wireless data is addressed to itself, it extracts unit data from the wireless data (step S44). At this time, if the wireless IC 32 determines that the unit data includes a command related to the initial operation, it stores the various commands included in the unit data in the storage device (step S45). In step S45, for example, a command related to the initial setting, a command related to the equalization process, etc. are stored.

[0052] Thereafter, the battery control device 40 and the battery monitoring device 30 execute a process (such as a disconnection process) to terminate the wireless communication (step S46), and shift to a standby state (step S47). In this standby state, as described above, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 outputs a connection request signal at a predetermined cycle (step S0). Note that the connection request signal may be output at random timing.

[0053] <Configuration of the protection mechanisms 38 and 48> As described above, the housing 50 of the battery pack 11 may allow external noise radio waves to enter. For this reason, the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are each provided with protection mechanisms 38 and 48 for detecting communication errors such as errors in communication data when performing wireless communication. These protection mechanisms 38 and 48 are provided in the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41, respectively. Specifically, the monitoring IC 31 functions as the protection mechanism 38 when a program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU. Similarly, the battery control MCU 41 functions as the protection mechanism 48 when a program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU. Note that the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 may be configured by hardware (such as a circuit) and mounted on the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41.

[0054] Message data (protected data) such as commands and battery information transmitted and received by wireless communication is protected by the battery control MCU 41 and the monitoring IC 31, which serve as the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 on the transmission side and the reception side, respectively, by checking whether the message data is correctly transmitted and received.

[0055] In this embodiment, a plurality of types of inspections are configured to be performable. For example, cyclic redundancy check (CRC), ID check, sequence check, timeout check, check by feedback response, and destination confirmation are configured to be performable. Separately from that, inspections are also being performed between the wireless ICs 32 and 42. Note that it is not necessary to always perform all the inspection methods, and some inspection methods may be selected and performed as needed. Also, there may be cases where inspections are not performed. Hereinafter, an outline of each inspection method will be described, and then specific examples of the inspection methods will be shown.

[0056] <Check by feedback response> When the monitoring IC 31 receives a combination of destination information and a command from the battery control MCU 41, it returns the received combination of destination information and command as it is (feedback response). The battery control MCU 41 determines whether the combination of destination information and command feedback-responded from the monitoring IC 31 matches the combination of destination information and command that was transmitted. If they match, the battery control MCU 41 determines that wireless communication was performed normally. If they do not match, the battery control MCU 41 determines that there is a possibility that wireless communication was not performed normally. Note that when performing the feedback response, if the monitoring IC 31 is to return the received combination of destination information and command, it may add a data part such as battery information to the received combination of destination information and command and then return it. At this time, the added data part is not judged, and the combination of destination information and command that was feedback-responded is judged.

[0057] <Sequence check> Sequence check is a method of inspecting whether data is being transmitted and received according to a communication schedule. In sequence check, the battery control MCU 41 on the transmission side includes a sequence number in the data unit and transmits it according to the communication schedule. In the present embodiment, the sequence number is a combination of the address of the monitoring IC 31, which is the destination information, and the command to be transmitted to the monitoring IC 31, but individual numbers may be assigned in the order of transmission. In the communication schedule, as shown in FIG. 6, the sequence numbers are arranged in the order of transmission.

[0058] Then, the monitoring IC 31 on the receiving side returns the sequence number included in the received data unit as it is by a feedback response. The battery control MCU 41 inspects whether data is being transmitted and received according to the communication schedule by determining whether the received data unit is in accordance with the communication schedule based on the sequence number of the received data unit.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the battery control MCU 41 assigns the sequence number and determines the returned sequence number, but the monitoring IC 31 may determine the sequence number. In this case, the monitoring IC 31 also has a communication schedule. Also, the monitoring IC 31 may assign the sequence number and the battery control MCU 41 may determine the sequence number.

[0060] <Timeout Check> The timeout check is a method for inspecting whether there is a delay in data. In the timeout check, as shown in FIG. 6, the battery control MCU 41 on the transmission side generates and transmits a data unit including a sequence number in accordance with the output timing determined by the communication schedule, as described above. Then, the monitoring IC 31 on the receiving side directly returns the sequence number included in the received data unit by means of a feedback response. The battery control MCU 41 refers to the communication schedule and determines whether the received data unit was received within a predetermined time from the predetermined reception timing based on the sequence number included in the received data unit. The battery control MCU 41 detects a communication error if there is a delay of a predetermined time or more from the reception timing with reference to the communication schedule.

[0061] Note that in this embodiment, the battery control MCU 41 performs the timeout determination, but the monitoring IC 31 may perform the timeout determination. In this case, the monitoring IC 31 will also have a communication schedule. Also, both the battery control MCU 41 and the monitoring IC 31 may perform the timeout determination.

[0062] <ID Check> The ID check is a method for inspecting whether the transmission source is correct by attaching an ID number, which is a unique ID set by the battery control MCU 41, when the monitoring IC 31 transmits a data unit to the battery control MCU 41.

[0063] Specifically, when the battery control MCU 41 sends a data unit to the monitoring IC 31, it specifies the destination by including the address (destination information) of the destination monitoring IC 31 in the data unit to be sent to the data unit. When the monitoring IC 31 receives a data unit from the battery control MCU 41, it generates a data unit by adding its own ID number together with the processing result, and returns it to the battery control MCU 41. When the battery control MCU 41 receives a data unit returned from the monitoring IC 31, it determines whether the data unit has been transmitted and received to / from the correct destination by determining whether the destination information included in the data unit corresponds to the added ID number.

[0064] Note that the ID number of the monitoring IC 31 is individually set for each connected monitoring IC 31 by the battery control MCU 41 during the initial setting as described above, and is stored and managed by the battery control MCU 41.

[0065] Also, in this embodiment, when the monitoring IC 31 receives a data unit, it adds its own ID number and returns the data unit to the battery control MCU 41. However, depending on the type of command included in the data unit, it may not be necessary to assign an ID number. For example, when simply feedback-responding to a command without assigning data generated by the monitoring IC 31 itself (such as detected battery information), it may not be necessary to assign an ID number.

[0066] <Cyclic Redundancy Check> Cyclic redundancy check is a type of check that uses an error detection code. In this embodiment, when the monitoring IC 31 is the transmitting side, the monitoring IC 31 regards the protected data to be transmitted as a value, divides it by a predetermined generating polynomial, and generates the remainder as CRC data. Then, the monitoring IC 31 on the transmitting side includes the CRC data in the data unit to be transmitted. The battery control MCU 41 on the receiving side regards the received protected data as a value, divides it by the same generating polynomial as the transmitting side, and compares the remainder with the CRC data included in the received data unit to analyze whether there are errors or damages in the unprotected data.

[0067] In this embodiment, when generating CRC data, the range of data to be protected data can be arbitrarily changed. For example, a combination of destination information and a command (sequence number) to which a feedback response is made may be used as the protected data, and the transmission data part such as an ID number and battery information may be included therein to be used as the protected data. Also, CRC data for the combination of destination information and a command may be generated, and CRC data for other data (transmission data parts such as an ID number and battery information) may be generated separately.

[0068] <Destination confirmation> As described above, the battery control device 40 transmits a plurality of commands to the battery monitoring device 30 in a data unit collectively. Then, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 sequentially transmits the plurality of commands included in the data unit to the monitoring IC 31. The monitoring IC 31 performs processing based on the command, attaches its own ID number, makes a feedback response, and transmits it to the slave unit side wireless IC 32. When the plurality of commands included in the data unit are returned from the monitoring IC 31, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 creates a data unit by collecting the commands to which the ID number is attached and transmits it to the battery control device 40. When the ID numbers attached to each command included in the received data unit all match the destination information, the battery control MCU 41 determines that the wired communication between the battery control MCU 41 and the master unit side wireless IC 42, the wireless communication between the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the master unit side wireless IC 42, and the wired communication between the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the monitoring IC 31 are normally performed.

[0069] <Communication protection in wireless IC> As described above, in this embodiment, in the communication layer between the battery control MCU 41 and the monitoring IC 31, when data is transmitted and received, data protection by the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 is performed. In addition to this, in this embodiment, data protection is also performed in the communication layer between the wireless ICs 32 and 42. This will be described in detail below.

[0070] When wireless data is transmitted and received between the wireless ICs 32 and 42, the wireless data is protected by the wireless ICs 32 and 42 on the transmitting side and the receiving side cooperating to check whether the wireless data is being correctly transmitted and received.

[0071] Specifically, when the wireless ICs 32 and 42 on the transmitting side receive a data unit from the battery control MCU 41 or the monitoring IC 31, they add communication control information and communication protection data to the data unit to generate wireless data and transmit it wirelessly. The communication control information is information necessary for performing wireless communication, such as the addresses of the source and destination, for example. The communication protection data is data for inspecting and protecting the communication control information, and is generated by the wireless ICs 32 and 42 on the transmitting side according to a predetermined rule.

[0072] Then, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 on the receiving side inspect the received communication control information based on the communication protection data of the received wireless data according to a predetermined rule, and analyze (determine) whether the wireless data is being correctly transmitted and received. After the analysis, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 acquire the data unit and transmit it to the battery control MCU 41 or the monitoring IC 31.

[0073] In this embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 perform multiple types of inspections in the same way as the protection mechanisms 38 and 48. For example, cyclic redundancy checks, ID checks, sequence checks, timeout checks, etc. are being performed. These inspections are carried out by a program stored in the ROM of the wireless ICs 32 and 42 being executed by the CPU of the wireless ICs 32 and 42. Note that inspection means may be configured by hardware (circuits, etc.) and mounted on the wireless ICs 32 and 42. Since the inspection content is substantially the same as that of the protection mechanisms 38 and 48, the description is omitted.

[0074] <Specific Example of Inspection Method> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, how inspections are performed in wireless communication in a steady state will be described.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, the battery control MCU 41 identifies the destination information with a transmission order of No. 1, the types and numbers of commands according to the communication schedule in FIG. 6, and creates a data unit D1 (step S51). Note that the types and numbers of commands included in the data unit are arbitrary, but it is desirable that a pair of an execution instruction command for designating a process (such as a sensing operation) to be executed by the monitoring IC 31 and a read instruction command for instructing the reading of the process result (such as detected battery information) is included.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the battery control MCU 41 transmits the data unit D1 to the master unit side wireless IC 42 at a predetermined output timing according to the communication schedule (step S52). The master unit side wireless IC 42 generates a wireless data DM1 by adding communication control information and communication protection data to the received data unit D1 (step S53).

[0077] The master unit side wireless IC 42 transmits the wireless data DM1 to the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (step S54). When determining whether the wireless data DM1 is addressed to itself, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 performs an inspection based on the communication protection data (step S55). If it is normal, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 extracts the data unit D1 from the received wireless data DM1 (step S56).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 transmits the command CD1 included in the data unit D1 to the monitoring IC 31 based on the destination information (step S56). In this embodiment, the command CD1 is described on the premise that it is an execution instruction command. Also, the destination information and the command CD1 are transmitted.

[0079] The monitoring IC 31 executes the process specified by the command CD1 (step S57). When the process ends, the monitoring IC 31 generates reply data DR1 to be sent back to the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (step S58). Specifically, the monitoring IC 31 includes the destination information and the command 1 (sequence number) in the reply data DR1 to be sent back to the slave unit side wireless IC 32 for feedback response. Also, the monitoring IC 31 creates the CRC data of the destination information and the command CD1 and includes it in the reply data DR1. At that time, its own ID number and the CRC data of the ID number may be included in the reply data DR1.

[0080] Then, the monitoring IC 31 transmits the reply data DR1 to the slave unit side wireless IC 32 (step S58). The slave unit side wireless IC 32 stores the received reply data DR1 (step S59).

[0081] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 reads out the next command CD2 included in the data unit D1 and transmits it to the monitoring IC 31 in the same manner as described above (step S60). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the command CD2 is a read instruction command for reading out the processing result of the command CD1. The processing of the subsequent steps S61 to S63 is substantially the same as that of steps S56 to S59, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Note that since the command CD2 is a read instruction command for reading out the processing result of the command CD1, in step S62, the read data such as the detected battery information is included in the reply data DR2, and there is a slight difference in that the read data is also subject to CRC data.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, during the processing of steps S56 to S63, the battery control MCU 41 may transmit the next data unit D2 to another battery monitoring device 30 (SBM2 in FIG. 8) according to the communication schedule (steps S91 to S93). That is, during the processing of a certain battery monitoring device 30 (SBM1), the battery control device 40 may perform wireless communication with another battery monitoring device 30 (SBM2) in parallel. As a result, it becomes possible to advance the processing of another battery monitoring device 30 (SBM2) in parallel with the processing of a certain battery monitoring device 30 (SBM1).

[0083] When all the commands CD1 and CD2 included in the data unit D1 are output and the reply data DR1 and DR2 as their processing results are stored, as shown in FIG. 10, the slave-side wireless IC 32 generates a reply data unit R1 by combining them (step S64). Then, the slave-side wireless IC 32 converts the reply data unit R1 into wireless data DM3 and transmits it to the master-side wireless IC 42 (step S65). When determining whether the wireless data DM3 is addressed to itself, the master-side wireless IC 42 performs an inspection based on the communication protection data (step S66). If it is normal, the slave-side wireless IC 32 extracts the reply data unit R1 from the received wireless data DM3 and transmits it to the battery control MCU 41 (step S67).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, the reply data unit R1 includes destination information, a command (sequence number), its CRC data, a data part including an ID number and read data, and its CRC data, etc.

[0085] The battery control MCU 41 generates CRC data from the protected data and performs a cyclic redundancy check by determining whether it matches the CRC data included in the reply data unit R1 (step S71).

[0086] Next, the battery control MCU 41 performs a feedback response check to determine whether the combination of the destination information and the command included in the reply data unit R1 matches the transmitted one (step S72).

[0087] Next, the battery control MCU 41 checks the combination of destination information and commands (sequence number) according to the communication schedule (step S73). Also, the battery control MCU 41 performs a timeout check to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed from transmission to reception according to the communication schedule (step S74). Further, the battery control MCU 41 performs an ID check to determine whether the ID number included in the reply data unit R1 corresponds to the destination information (step S75). Also, the battery control MCU 41 performs a destination confirmation to determine whether each ID number associated with each command included in the reply data unit R1 matches the destination information (step S76).

[0088] If there is no abnormality in these inspections, the battery control MCU 41 determines that normal communication has been performed. If there is an abnormality in any of the inspections, it notifies a communication error. When normal communication is performed, the battery control MCU 41 acquires processing results such as battery information from the read data and performs various controls.

[0089] According to the configuration of the first embodiment described below, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0090] At the start of communication, when the slave unit side wireless IC 32 executes the authentication process with the master unit side wireless IC 42, in parallel, it gives an operation instruction related to the initial operation to the monitoring IC 31. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 can be made to execute the initial operation without waiting for the end of the authentication process. Therefore, the initial operation can be completed quickly. For this reason, for example, the time from when the ignition switch is turned on until the vehicle can start running can be shortened.

[0091] A plurality of commands related to the initial operation are stored. Therefore, the battery monitoring device 30 can instruct the initial operation without communicating with the battery control device 40. The battery control device 40 outputs a command related to the next initial operation at the end of communication and stores it in the slave wireless IC 32 of the battery monitoring device 30. Therefore, the battery control device 40 can change the command related to the next initial operation according to the situation at the end of communication.

[0092] The battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 are provided with protection mechanisms 38 and 48 for protecting battery information during wireless communication. Therefore, even if affected by radio waves from outside the housing 50, it is possible to detect it and perform wireless communication appropriately.

[0093] Also, the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 are respectively provided in the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41. And at the communication layer between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41, the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 on the transmission side and the reception side cooperate to inspect and protect the battery information. Therefore, it is possible to protect the data unit between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41 without considering the configuration of the communication layer between the wireless IC 32 on the monitoring side and the wireless IC 42 on the control side. That is, it is possible to design independently for each communication layer, and the design becomes simple.

[0094] When the monitoring IC 31 transmits protected data such as battery information, it generates CRC data (error detection code) for detecting its error based on the protected data and includes it in the data unit to be transmitted. The battery control MCU 41 inspects whether there is an error in the protected data based on the CRC data of the received data unit. That is, a cyclic redundancy check is performed. Therefore, errors caused by external radio waves in wireless communication can be inspected.

[0095] When the monitoring IC 31 transmits a data unit, it includes the identification information (ID number) of the source in the data unit. The battery control MCU 41 checks whether the source is correct based on the ID number included in the received data unit. That is, it performs an ID check. Therefore, when performing wireless communication, it is possible to confirm errors in the source that have an increased occurrence probability due to the influence of external radio waves in the wireless communication.

[0096] Sequence information (sequence number) is assigned to the data unit to be transmitted and received. The battery control MCU 41 checks whether the data unit has been received at the reception timing determined according to the communication schedule based on the sequence number included in the received data unit. That is, it performs a sequence check and a timeout check. Therefore, when performing wireless communication, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of errors in the transmission order, transmission omission, and transmission delay that have an increased occurrence probability due to the influence of external radio waves in the wireless communication.

[0097] Inspection is also carried out in the communication layer between the wireless IC 32 on the monitoring side and the wireless IC 42 on the control side. For this reason, inspection is performed twice in the communication layer between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41 and in the communication layer between the wireless IC 32 on the monitoring side and the wireless IC 42 on the control side, and battery information can be sent more reliably. In addition, since the communication protection data given between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 inspects and protects communication control information, it is possible to suppress the redundancy of wireless data compared to the case of protecting including battery information. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0098] When the monitoring IC 31 receives the destination information and the command from the battery control MCU 41, it sends back the received destination information and command as they are (feedback response). The battery control MCU 41 determines whether the destination information and command feedback-responded from the monitoring IC 31 match the transmitted destination information and command. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm whether the command has been transmitted without error.

[0099] The battery control device 40 sends a plurality of commands to the battery monitoring device 30 by collectively including them in a data unit. Further, the commands to be collectively transmitted include a pair of an execution instruction command for instructing processing and a read instruction command for instructing a reply of the processing result. The slave unit side wireless IC 32 sequentially sends the plurality of commands included in the received data unit to the monitoring IC 31. The monitoring IC 31 performs processing based on the commands, attaches its own ID number, gives a feedback response, and sends it to the slave unit side wireless IC 32. When the plurality of commands included in the data unit are replied from the monitoring IC 31, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 creates a data unit by collectively including the commands with the ID numbers attached and sends it to the battery control device 40. When the ID number attached to each command included in the received data unit matches the destination information, the battery control MCU 41 determines that the wired communication between the battery control MCU 41 and the master unit side wireless IC 42, the wireless communication between the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the master unit side wireless IC 42, and the wired communication between the slave unit side wireless IC 32 and the monitoring IC 31 are normally performed.

[0100] Further, a pair of an execution instruction command and a read instruction command is included in one data unit. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that the monitoring IC 31 that executed the processing in the destination confirmation and the monitoring IC 31 from which the processing result was read are the same.

[0101] The battery control device 40 sends a plurality of commands to the battery monitoring device 30 by collectively including them in a data unit and accumulates the plurality of commands in the battery monitoring device 30. Then, while the slave unit side wireless IC 32 sequentially sends the plurality of commands included in the data unit to the monitoring IC 31, it sends a data unit to another battery monitoring device 30. Thereby, wireless communication can be performed with another battery monitoring device 30 during the processing of a certain battery monitoring device 30. Also, processing can be performed in parallel on two or more battery monitoring devices 30. Thereby, time can be used efficiently. Also, since a plurality of commands are collectively transmitted, the number of communication times can be reduced. Thereby, the communication data amount as a whole can be suppressed.

[0102] When the destination battery monitoring device 30 is different, the battery control device 40 generates data units to be transmitted with different destination information even for the same command. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 of the destination can be surely specified and made to execute.

[0103] The battery control device 40 individually assigns an ID number to each monitoring IC 31. Thereby, the monitoring IC 31 of the destination can be surely specified.

[0104] (Modification of the First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a modification in which a part of the configuration of the first embodiment is changed will be described. In the following, the first embodiment will be described as the basic configuration, and the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] ·In the above embodiment, the monitoring IC 31 may perform a cyclic redundancy check on the data unit received from the battery control MCU 41. In this case, it is desirable for the battery control MCU 41 to generate and attach CRC data for each command to be transmitted, but the generation and attachment of CRC data by the battery control MCU 41 may be omitted. In this case, when the slave unit side wireless IC 32 receives a data unit from the battery control MCU 41, it may refer to the correspondence table of commands and CRC data, attach CRC data corresponding to the received command, and transmit it to the monitoring IC 31. As described above, data inspection and protection are also performed in the communication layer between the master unit side wireless IC 42 and the slave unit side wireless IC 32. Therefore, even if the battery control MCU 41 does not attach CRC data, data errors will be detected between the master unit side wireless IC 42 and the slave unit side wireless IC 32.

[0106] ·In the above first embodiment, the sequence number may be changed to an arbitrary number. For example, a counter may be used to sequentially set the sequence number.

[0107] ·In the above first embodiment, the targets for feedback response are not limited to destination information and commands. For example, when other data (such as CRC data) is added to the destination information and commands, they may be used for feedback response.

[0108] ·In the above embodiment, all battery information was protected by the protection mechanisms 38 and 48, but it may be selectively protected. In that case, the information to be protected may be selected according to importance or environment.

[0109] For example, the temperature of the battery cell 22 generally changes less easily compared to voltage and SOC. Therefore, it can be said that there are fewer problems even if the frequency of updating temperature information is lower compared to voltage information and SOC. Thus, among the battery information, only information with a high necessity for update frequency such as voltage information and SOC may be protected, and information with a low necessity for update frequency such as temperature information may not be protected. Also, for example, when the temperature in the vehicle 10 rises and the battery cell 22 is in an environment where its temperature easily rises, the temperature information may be protected.

[0110] ·In the above embodiment, the protection mechanism 38 was provided for the monitoring ICs 31 of all the battery monitoring devices 30, but it may be provided only for some of the monitoring ICs 31. That is, at least, the protection mechanism 38 may be provided for the battery monitoring devices 30 that are susceptible to the influence of external radio waves.

[0111] ·In the above embodiment, the battery monitoring device 30 was provided for each battery block 21, but one battery monitoring device 30 may be provided for a plurality of battery blocks 21, or a plurality of battery monitoring devices 30 may be provided for one battery block 21.

[0112] · In the above embodiment, one monitoring IC 31 is provided for each battery monitoring device 30, but a plurality of monitoring ICs 31 may be provided. In this case, a wireless IC 32 may be provided for each monitoring IC 31, or one wireless IC 32 may be provided for a plurality of monitoring ICs 31. Note that when one wireless IC 32 is provided for a plurality of monitoring ICs 31, the wireless IC 32 may separately transmit the battery information received from the monitoring ICs 31, or may transmit the plurality of pieces of battery information together.

[0113] · In the above embodiment, one monitoring IC 31 is provided for a plurality of battery cells 22, but one monitoring IC 31 may be provided for each battery cell 22.

[0114] · In the above embodiment, the monitoring IC 31 transmits the battery information of each battery cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 to be monitored together, but may be configured to separately transmit the battery information of each battery cell 22. Also, some of the battery information of each battery cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 to be monitored may be selected and transmitted. For example, as described above, the information of the battery cell 22 to be transmitted may be selected according to importance or environment.

[0115] · In the above embodiment, the monitoring IC 31 protects all the battery information of each battery cell 22 constituting the battery block 21 to be monitored, but the battery information to be protected may be selected. For example, as described above, the information of the battery cell 22 to be protected may be selected according to importance or environment.

[0116] · In the above embodiment, a plurality of battery control devices 40 may be provided.

[0117] · In the above embodiment, it is not necessary to perform wireless communication with all the battery monitoring devices 30, and for some of the battery monitoring devices 30, communication may be performed by wire. For example, when the distance between the battery monitoring device 30 and the battery control device 40 is long and the wireless communication environment is poor, such as when a transmission part is arranged therebetween, it may be connected so as to perform wire communication.

[0118] ·In the above embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 inspected and protected the wireless control information, but may similarly inspect and protect message data including battery information and the like. Similarly, the data unit may also be inspected and protected. Thereby, it becomes possible to more reliably transmit and receive battery information.

[0119] ·In the above embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may perform a timeout check on the wireless data therebetween. At this time, the time from transmission to reception when a timeout occurs may be different from the timeout check performed between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41. Specifically, the time when a timeout occurs in the communication between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may be shorter than the communication between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41.

[0120] That is, the timeout check between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 is mainly for ensuring the reliability of the wireless data, such as detecting that the wireless data is correct and has no delay and retransmitting it. For this reason, it is desirable to check every time the wireless data is transmitted and received. On the other hand, for the battery information, as long as the battery information is correctly transmitted and received between the occurrence of an abnormality and the arrival at a dangerous state, there is a margin compared to the communication between the wireless ICs 32 and 42. For this reason, the time when a timeout occurs in the communication between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41 may be longer than the time when a timeout occurs in the communication between the wireless ICs 32 and 42.

[0121] ·In the above embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may perform an ID check on the wireless ICs 32 and 42 therebetween. At this time, the frequency (period) of checking the ID numbers of the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may be different from the ID check performed between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41. Specifically, the period for performing the ID check in the communication between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may be shorter than the period performed between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41.

[0122] · In the above embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may perform a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of wireless data therebetween. In this case, it is not necessary to check up to the data unit, and the CRC may be performed only on the communication control information. Of course, the CRC may be performed between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 including the battery information.

[0123] · In the above embodiment, the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may perform a sequence check of wireless data therebetween. In this case, the frequency (period) of performing the sequence check between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may be different from the execution period of the sequence check performed between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41. Specifically, the period of performing the sequence check between the wireless ICs 32 and 42 may be shorter than the period performed between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41.

[0124] · In the above embodiment, although the inspection was also performed in the communication layer between the wireless IC 32 and the wireless IC 42, if the data unit is to be inspected between the monitoring IC 31 and the battery control MCU 41, it may not be necessary to perform it.

[0125] · In the above embodiment, the inspection of the communication control information was performed between the wireless IC 32 and the wireless IC 42, but not only the communication control information but also both the communication control information and the data unit may be inspected. Thereby, wireless communication can be performed more reliably.

[0126] · In the above embodiment, the error of the message data including the battery information, the command, etc. was detected by the cyclic redundancy check (CRC), but other detection methods may be used. For example, parity check, checksum, hash, etc. may be used. Also, not only error detection but also an error detection correction code may be used so that after detecting the error, the error can be corrected.

[0127] ·In the above embodiment, the sequence number was included in the inspection data, and sequence check and timeout check were performed based on the sequence number. As another example, time information such as transmission time and timestamp may be included in the inspection data, and sequence check and timeout check may be performed based on the time information.

[0128] ·In the above embodiment, the battery control MCU 41 instructed to acquire and return battery information, and the monitoring IC 31 acquired and transmitted the battery information accordingly. As another example, the monitoring IC 31 may acquire and transmit battery information at a predetermined transmission timing according to a predetermined communication schedule. In this case, the battery control MCU 41 may store the same communication schedule as the transmission side, and check whether battery information is received at a predetermined reception timing according to the communication schedule. Thereby, the communication volume can be reduced and the possibility of communication errors can be reduced.

[0129] ·In the communication schedule of the above embodiment, the output timing of the command for instructing the detection of the battery voltage may be determined to be periodically performed within a range where the safety of the assembled battery 20 can be ensured. Similarly, in the above communication schedule, the output timing of the command for instructing the detection of the battery temperature may be determined to be periodically performed within a range where the safety of the assembled battery 20 can be ensured. Similarly, in the above communication schedule, the output timing of the command for instructing self-diagnosis may be determined to be periodically performed within a range where the safety of the assembled battery 20 can be ensured. Also, in the communication schedule, the activation timing for equalization processing and the timing for performing the initial operation may be similarly determined in advance within a range where the safety of the assembled battery 20 can be ensured.

[0130] ·In the above embodiment, the protection mechanisms 38 and 48 may select and perform whether to protect (inspect) the battery information according to the state (voltage, SOC, temperature, etc.) of the battery cell 22 to be monitored.

[0131] For example, when the voltage, temperature, or SOC of the battery cell 22 is outside a predetermined allowable range, there is a possibility that proper charging and discharging cannot be performed. Therefore, when the voltage, temperature, or SOC of the battery cell 22 is near the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the allowable range (within a predetermined range based on the upper limit value or the lower limit value), when transmitting and receiving battery information between the monitoring IC 31 that monitors the battery cell 22 and the battery control MCU 41, it is desirable to check whether the battery information is correctly transmitted and received to protect the battery information.

[0132] Also, for example, when the battery information of the battery cell 22 has not been received for a predetermined time or more, when transmitting and receiving battery information between the monitoring IC 31 that monitors the battery cell 22 and the battery control MCU 41, it is desirable to check whether the battery information is correctly transmitted and received to protect the battery information.

[0133] ·In the first embodiment described above, instead of the battery control device 40, an inspection device provided outside the vehicle may be used to perform wireless communication with the battery monitoring device 30. In this case, the inspection device provided outside the vehicle has the same functions as the battery control device 40. Thereby, battery information can be collected promptly.

[0134] ·In the first embodiment, at the start of communication, when the slave unit side wireless IC 32 outputs a connection request signal and the master unit side wireless IC 42 discovers the connection request signal, the slave unit discovery signal is output, and then the authentication process is performed. As a modification of this, at the start of communication, when the master unit side wireless IC 42 outputs a connection request signal and the slave unit side wireless IC 32 discovers the connection request signal, the master unit discovery signal may be output, and then the authentication process may be performed. In this case, upon the input of the connection request signal, the slave unit side wireless IC 32 may give an operation instruction related to the initial operation to the monitoring IC 31.

[0135] (Other modifications) The battery monitoring system is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment.

[0136] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The battery monitoring system includes a housing that houses a battery, a monitoring unit, and a control unit. Here, in order to perform communication between the monitoring unit and the control unit, it is desired to appropriately utilize the space inside the housing.

[0137] The following first to eleventh configurations mainly aim to provide a battery pack that can appropriately utilize the space inside the housing in order to perform communication between the monitoring unit and the control unit.

[0138] [Means for Solving the Problems] <First Configuration> The first configuration includes a battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, a housing (400), In a battery monitoring system including the housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above, the battery, the monitoring unit, and the control unit are housed in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover, on the upper surface of the cover, protrusions (441, 442) that protrude upward and extend in a specific direction along the upper surface are formed, on the lower surface side of the cover in the protrusions, recesses (441a, 442a) that are recessed toward the upper surface side of the cover are formed along the protrusions, when the housing is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover, at least one of the monitoring unit and the control unit is disposed near the recess.

[0139] In the first configuration, a recess that is recessed toward the upper surface side of the cover is formed along the protrusion on the lower surface side of the cover at the protrusion. Further, when the housing is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover, at least one of the monitoring unit and the control unit is disposed near the recess. Therefore, the recess can be used as a communication path (for example, a radio wave propagation path) in a specific direction between the monitoring unit and the control unit. Thus, according to the first configuration, the recess integrally provided in the cover constituting the housing can be effectively used for communication between the monitoring unit and the control unit.

[0140] Here, the fact that at least one of the monitoring unit and the control unit is disposed near the recess does not only mean that at least one of the monitoring unit and the control unit is disposed directly below the recess, but also means that at least one of the monitoring unit and the control unit is disposed at a position separated by about several times the width length of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction and the vertical direction with respect to the position directly below the recess.

[0141] <Second Configuration> The second configuration is the first configuration, and includes a monitoring-side antenna (201) that transmits and receives data to and from the monitoring unit, a control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit and performs wireless communication with the monitoring-side antenna, a communication wiring (302) that electrically connects the control unit and the control-side antenna, and in the accommodation space, the control-side antenna and the communication wiring are disposed in the recess, in the accommodation space, the monitoring-side antenna is disposed below the recess, when the housing is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover, at least a part of the monitoring-side antenna overlaps the recess.

[0142] In the second configuration, the recess in the accommodation space of the housing can be effectively used as an arrangement space for the control-side antenna and the communication wiring for performing wireless communication.

[0143] Also, in the second configuration, the monitoring-side antenna is disposed below the concave portion in the accommodation space, and at least a part of the monitoring-side antenna overlaps the concave portion when the housing is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover. Therefore, the monitoring-side antenna and the control-side antenna can be brought closer to each other, and wireless communication can be accurately performed between the monitoring unit and the control unit.

[0144] <The third configuration> In the third configuration, in the second configuration, in a region of the cover other than the region where the protrusion is formed, a plurality of fastening portions (450) protruding from the lower surface of the cover are provided side by side in the specific direction. There are a plurality of the batteries. The monitoring unit is individually provided corresponding to each of the monitoring target batteries (110) that are each of the plurality of grouped batteries. The monitoring-side antenna is individually provided corresponding to each of the monitoring units. When the housing is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover, each monitoring-side antenna is disposed at a position that does not overlap with each fastening portion.

[0145] According to the third configuration, each fastening portion is less likely to become an obstacle to the radio waves exchanged between the control-side antenna and the monitoring-side antenna. Therefore, the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0146] <The fourth configuration> The fourth configuration is a battery monitoring system including a battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, a housing (400), and, the housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above. The battery, the monitoring unit, and the control unit are accommodated in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portion, and the cover. There are a plurality of the batteries. The monitoring unit is individually provided corresponding to each of the monitoring target batteries (110, 130) which are a plurality of the grouped batteries. A monitoring side antenna (201) which is individually provided corresponding to each of the monitoring units and transmits and receives data to and from the monitoring unit, A control side antenna (301) which transmits and receives data to and from the control unit and performs wireless communication with the monitoring side antenna, are provided. The monitoring unit, the monitoring side antenna, and the control side antenna are arranged in the space between the battery and the cover in the accommodation space. In the accommodation space, the monitoring unit and the monitoring side antenna are arranged in a first accommodation space on one side with respect to the center in the short side direction of the housing and a second accommodation space on the other side with respect to the center in the short side direction of the housing. There are a plurality of the control side antennas. Among the control side antennas, some control side antennas are arranged in the first accommodation space and the remaining control side antennas are arranged in the second accommodation space.

[0147] In the fourth configuration, in the accommodation space of the housing, a monitoring unit, a monitoring side antenna, and a control side antenna are arranged between the battery and the cover. Also, in the accommodation space of the housing, the monitoring unit and the monitoring side antenna are arranged in a first accommodation space on one side with respect to the center in the short side direction of the housing and a second accommodation space on the other side with respect to the center in the short side direction of the housing.

[0148] In the fourth configuration, among the plurality of control-side antennas, some control-side antennas are arranged in the first accommodation space, and the remaining control-side antennas are arranged in the second accommodation space. Therefore, in the first accommodation space, the monitoring-side antenna arranged in the space between the battery and the cover can be brought closer to the control-side antenna. Also, in the second accommodation space, the monitoring-side antenna arranged in the space between the battery and the cover can be brought closer to the control-side antenna. As a result, radio waves can easily reach between the control-side antenna and the monitoring-side antenna, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0149] <The Fifth Configuration> Note that the fourth configuration can be embodied, for example, like the fifth configuration. In the fifth configuration, the control unit is arranged near the central position in the short-side direction of the housing among the accommodation spaces.

[0150] <The Sixth Configuration> The sixth configuration is such that, in the fourth or fifth configuration, a plurality of the monitoring units are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing in the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space, when the housing is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover, a predetermined member (460, 450) is arranged between each of the monitoring units accommodated in the first accommodation space and each of the monitoring units accommodated in the second accommodation space among the accommodation spaces.

[0151] According to the sixth configuration, a predetermined member that obstructs radio waves is arranged in the central space in the short-side direction of the accommodation space of the housing, and the spaces on both sides of the predetermined member in the short-side direction of the accommodation space are used as wireless communication spaces. Therefore, the predetermined member is less likely to become an obstacle to the radio waves exchanged between the control-side antenna and the monitoring-side antenna. For this reason, the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0152] <The Seventh Configuration> Incidentally, the sixth configuration can be embodied, for example, as the seventh configuration. In the seventh configuration, the distance between the adjacent monitoring units in the longitudinal direction of the housing is shorter than the distance between the adjacent monitoring units in the lateral direction of the housing. The predetermined member is disposed between the adjacent monitoring units in the lateral direction of the housing.

[0153] <The Eighth Configuration> In the eighth configuration, in the fourth configuration, a plurality of the monitored batteries (130) are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing in the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space. In the first accommodation space, the monitoring units and the monitoring-side antennas corresponding to the respective monitored batteries arranged in the first accommodation space are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In the second accommodation space, the monitoring units and the monitoring-side antennas corresponding to the respective monitored batteries arranged in the second accommodation space are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In the first accommodation space, a first conductive member (620 to 622) is disposed in the spaces on both sides of the respective monitoring units and the respective monitoring-side antennas in the lateral direction of the housing and electrically connects the respective monitored batteries arranged in the first accommodation space. In the second accommodation space, a second conductive member (620 to 622) is disposed in the spaces on both sides of the respective monitoring units and the respective monitoring-side antennas in the lateral direction of the housing and electrically connects the respective monitored batteries arranged in the second accommodation space. and the first conductive member and the second conductive member are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0154] According to the eighth configuration, in the accommodation space of the housing, a wireless communication path in the arrangement direction of each monitoring unit and each monitoring-side antenna can be ensured.

[0155] <The Ninth Configuration> In the ninth configuration, in any one of the second to eighth configurations, the upper surface of the battery is located above the boundary between the cover and the wall portion in the height direction of the housing.

[0156] There is a possibility that external radio waves may enter the interior of the housing from the boundary between the cover and the wall portion. In this regard, according to the ninth configuration, it becomes difficult for external radio waves to reach the space between the cover and the battery.

[0157] <The tenth configuration> In the tenth configuration, in the ninth configuration, the cover is made of a metal material, the wall portion and the bottom plate portion are made of a synthetic resin, in the accommodation space, the monitoring unit and the monitoring-side antenna are arranged in the space between the cover and the battery.

[0158] According to the tenth configuration, the monitoring unit and the monitoring-side antenna are sandwiched between the cover and the battery having an electromagnetic shielding effect. Therefore, it becomes difficult for external radio waves entering from the above boundary portion to reach the monitoring unit and the monitoring-side antenna. Further, according to the tenth configuration, since the wall portion and the bottom plate portion are made of a synthetic resin, the weight of the housing can be reduced.

[0159] <The eleventh configuration> In the eleventh configuration, in the ninth configuration, in a battery pack mounted on a moving body, at least one of the cover, the wall portion, and the bottom plate portion is made of a synthetic resin, the moving body includes a body portion (500) made of a metal material, the housing is arranged in an accommodation space (SS) formed in the body portion, in the accommodation space in the body portion, a space is formed between the body portion and the housing.

[0160] In the 11th configuration, at least one of the cover, the wall portion, and the bottom plate portion is made of a synthetic resin in order to reduce the weight of the housing. In this case, there is a concern that radio waves may leak to the outside from the portion of the housing made of synthetic resin, or external radio waves may enter the inside of the housing from the portion made of synthetic resin.

[0161] In this regard, in the 11th configuration, an accommodation space is formed inside the body portion made of a metal material, and the housing is disposed in the accommodation space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress radio waves from leaking to the outside or external radio waves from entering the inside of the housing. Further, in the accommodation space inside the body portion, the space formed between the body portion and the housing can be used as a wireless communication space, and wireless communication can be properly performed.

[0162] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In a configuration where the control unit is disposed in the accommodation space of the housing, it is necessary to provide a dedicated space. In this case, it becomes impossible to reduce the size of the housing.

[0163] The following 12th to 22nd configurations mainly aim to provide a battery pack capable of reducing the size of the housing.

[0164] [Means for Solving the Problems] <12th Configuration> The 12th configuration includes a battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, a control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit, and a housing (400) in a battery monitoring system, wherein the housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above, and the battery and the monitoring unit are accommodated in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover. The control unit and the control-side antenna are arranged on the surface or outside of the housing. The housing is provided with a relay device (220, 230) that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit. The control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna.

[0165] In the 12th configuration, the control unit and the control-side antenna are arranged on the surface or outside of the housing. As a result, the degree of freedom in mounting the control unit and the control-side antenna can be ensured, for example, the control unit and the control-side antenna can be arranged in the limited space of the vehicle. However, in this case, the housing may interfere with signal transmission and reception.

[0166] Therefore, in the 12th configuration, a relay device that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit is provided in the housing. For this reason, the control unit can receive the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna.

[0167] <The 13th configuration> The 12th configuration can be embodied, for example, as the 13th configuration. In the 13th configuration, a through hole (441) is formed in the housing. The relay device is long and is inserted through the through hole. Of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the relay device, the end on the outside of the housing is an antenna (220a) arranged outside the housing. The relay device is provided with a communication wiring that electrically connects the antenna and the monitoring unit.

[0168] <The 14th configuration> In the 14th configuration, in the 13th configuration, the through hole is formed in the cover. The lower end of the relay device extends to the battery.

[0169] <The 15th configuration> In the 15th configuration, in the 14th configuration, the lower end of the relay device extends to the gap between the adjacent batteries.

[0170] According to the 14th or 15th configuration, it is easy to connect the monitoring unit arranged near the battery to the communication wiring of the relay device.

[0171] <16th Configuration> In the 16th configuration, in the 15th configuration, a partition part (472) for partitioning and arranging the batteries is provided in the gap between the adjacent batteries. Among the gaps between the adjacent batteries, the monitoring unit is arranged above the partition part.

[0172] According to the 16th configuration, the accommodation space of the housing can be effectively utilized, and the battery pack can be miniaturized.

[0173] <17th Configuration> The 12th configuration can be embodied as, for example, the 17th configuration. The 17th configuration includes a monitoring-side antenna (201) that is accommodated in the accommodation space and transmits and receives data with the monitoring unit. A through hole (441) is formed in the housing. The relay device is provided in the through hole and relays radio waves from one of the control-side antenna and the monitoring-side antenna to the other.

[0174] In the 17th configuration, the relay device absorbs radio waves and re-radiates the absorbed radio waves. Thereby, the relay device can relay radio waves from one of the monitoring-side antenna arranged in the accommodation space of the housing and the control-side antenna arranged outside the housing to the other. Note that, for example, a dielectric antenna can be used as the relay device.

[0175] <18th Configuration> In the 18th configuration, in the 17th configuration, the through hole is formed in the cover.

[0176] <19th Configuration> In the 19th configuration, in any one of the 14th to 16th and 18th configurations, on the upper surface of the cover, protrusions (441, 442) that protrude upward and extend in a specific direction along the upper surface are formed. A plurality of the relay devices are provided side by side in the specific direction in a region of the cover other than the protrusions. The upper end portions of the relay devices are arranged on the upper surface side of the cover.

[0177] In the 19th configuration, the direction in which the protrusions extend and the direction in which the relay devices are arranged are the same direction (specific direction). Therefore, a wireless communication path in the specific direction can be secured.

[0178] <20th Configuration> Note that, as in the 20th configuration, the control unit and the control-side antenna can be arranged closer to an end than the center in the specific direction of the housing.

[0179] <21st Configuration> The 21st configuration is in any one of the 12th to 20th configurations, in a battery monitoring system mounted on a moving body. The moving body includes a body portion (500) made of a metal material. The housing is arranged in an accommodation space (SS) formed in the body portion. The control unit, the control-side antenna, and the housing are accommodated in the accommodation space in the body portion.

[0180] According to the 21st configuration, it is possible to suppress the leakage of radio waves from the accommodation space in the body portion to the outside or the entry of external radio waves into the accommodation space in the body portion.

[0181] <22nd Configuration> The 22nd configuration is any one of the 12th to 21st configurations and a battery diagnostic device existing outside the housing, in a battery diagnostic system including The battery diagnosis device has an antenna that wirelessly communicates with the monitoring unit via the relay device, and acquires the battery information from the monitoring unit through the wireless communication.

[0182] According to the 22nd configuration, battery information can be acquired from the monitoring unit without removing the battery from the housing. Therefore, the battery diagnosis device can diagnose the state of the battery based on the acquired battery information.

[0183] (Embodiment A) Hereinafter, Embodiment A in which the battery pack according to the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19. The battery pack of this embodiment is mounted on vehicles such as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. The vehicles include, for example, passenger cars, buses, construction work vehicles, and agricultural machinery vehicles.

[0184] The battery pack 100 includes a battery block 110, a battery monitoring device, a battery control device, and a housing 400. The housing 400 corresponds to the housing 50 described in the first embodiment and the like. The battery monitoring device corresponds to the battery monitoring device 30 described in the first embodiment and the like, and the battery control device corresponds to the battery control device 40 described in the first embodiment and the like.

[0185] The housing 400 includes a bottom plate portion 410 and a wall portion formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion 410. The bottom plate portion 410 has a rectangular shape, specifically a rectangular shape. The wall portion includes a pair of first wall portions 420 extending in the short side direction of the bottom plate portion 410 and a pair of second wall portions 430 extending in the long side direction of the bottom plate portion 410.

[0186] The housing 400 includes a cover 440. The cover 440 covers the first wall portion 420 and the second wall portion 430 from above. The cover 440 is removable with respect to the base portion including the bottom plate portion 410 and the wall portion. The internal space formed by the bottom plate portion 410, the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the cover 440 is defined as an accommodation space SP for accommodating the battery block 110, the battery monitoring device, and the battery control device.

[0187] Note that the cover 440 may be configured to have an electromagnetic shielding effect that blocks or absorbs radio waves, or may not have an electromagnetic shielding effect. The cover 440 becomes a configuration having an electromagnetic shielding effect, for example, by being made of a metal material (for example, aluminum). The cover 440 becomes a configuration having no electromagnetic shielding effect, for example, by being made of a synthetic resin.

[0188] Also, the base portion composed of the bottom plate portion 410 and the wall portion may be configured to have an electromagnetic shielding effect, or may not have an electromagnetic shielding effect, similar to the cover 440. Among the cover 440 and the base portion, one may be configured to have an electromagnetic shielding effect and the other may be configured not to have an electromagnetic shielding effect.

[0189] Incidentally, a seal member may be provided between the first wall portion 420 and the second wall portion 430 and the cover 440. The seal member is, for example, a gasket seal made of a non-conductive elastic material.

[0190] In this embodiment, the housing 400 is mounted on the vehicle such that the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 400 is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In FIG. 12 and the like, it is shown that the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) is the X direction, the short side direction of the housing 400 (the vehicle width direction) is the Y direction, and the height direction of the housing 400 is the Z direction. For example, the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 410 is the installation surface for the vehicle body.

[0191] The battery pack 100 includes a plurality of battery blocks 110. A plurality of battery blocks 110 are connected in series to form an assembled battery. The battery block 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured as a series connection body of a plurality of battery cells 111 (single cells). The battery cell 111 corresponds to the battery cell 22 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the battery cell 111 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 16(A), a plurality of battery cells 111 are arranged and stacked in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. The battery cell 111 is constituted by, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel hydrogen secondary battery. The lithium ion secondary battery is a secondary battery using lithium as a charge carrier. Note that the battery cell 111 may be a so-called all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte in addition to a general lithium ion secondary battery having a liquid electrolyte.

[0192] Incidentally, in each battery block 110, a plurality of battery cells 111 may be arranged and stacked in the short side direction of the housing 400 as shown in FIG. 16(B). Also, a plurality of battery cells 111 constituting each battery block 110 may be connected in parallel to each other. Also, the battery block may be referred to as a battery stack or a battery module.

[0193] As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 18, a plurality of battery blocks 110 are housed in the housing space SP of the housing 400. In the present embodiment, five battery blocks 110 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400, and two battery blocks 110 are arranged in the short side direction of the housing 400 and disposed on the bottom plate portion 410.

[0194] FIG. 17 shows an example of a configuration in which a plurality of battery blocks 110 are connected in series. The battery block 110 includes a positive terminal 112P and a negative terminal 112M that protrude from the upper surface. Specifically, the positive terminal 112P and the negative terminal 112M are provided side by side in the short side direction of the upper surface of the battery block 110 at the longitudinal end of the upper surface of the battery block 110. Each battery block 110 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of each battery block 110 is the short side direction of the housing 400. Among the battery blocks 110 that form a pair facing each other in the short side direction of the housing 400, each battery block 110 is arranged such that one positive terminal 112P faces the other negative terminal 112M.

[0195] The battery pack 100 includes a bus bar unit 120. The bus bar unit 120 includes a plurality of conductive connection members 121 that electrically connect the positive terminal 112P and the negative terminal 112M. The bus bar unit 120 includes a sealing portion 122 that covers each connection member 121 and is made of a material having electrical insulation properties (for example, synthetic resin), and has an overall long shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the cross section of the bus bar unit 120 has a rectangular shape. The bus bar unit 120 serially connects each battery block 110. The assembled battery composed of a plurality of battery blocks 110 serves as a power supply for driving a rotating electric machine that is a driving power source of the vehicle. Among the series connection bodies of each battery block 110, the positive terminal 112P of the battery block on the highest potential side is electrically connected to, for example, the high potential side terminal of the inverter via a predetermined positive wiring. Also, among the series connection bodies of each battery block 110, the negative terminal 112M of the battery block on the lowest potential side is electrically connected to, for example, the low potential side terminal of the inverter via a predetermined negative wiring.

[0196] A plurality of openings are formed in the wall portion constituting the housing 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of openings 431 are formed in the second wall portion 430. The openings 431 are used, for example, as smoke exhaust ports for exhausting the smoke generated inside the housing 400 or as ventilation ports for introducing outside air for cooling the assembled battery. The ventilation port may be formed, for example, above the central position in the height direction of the second wall portion 430.

[0197] An explosion-proof valve 432 is provided in the second wall portion 430. The explosion-proof valve 432 is a member for releasing the gas inside the housing 400 when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 400 becomes a predetermined value or more. The explosion-proof valve 432 is configured by closing a through hole formed in the second wall portion 430 with a lid member and welding or the like. When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 400 becomes a predetermined value or more, the lid member comes off and the gas is discharged.

[0198] On the upper surface of the cover 440, a plurality of protrusions that protrude upward and extend in the longitudinal direction (specific direction) of the cover 440 along the upper surface of the cover 440 are formed. In the present embodiment, three protrusions are formed. Specifically, a central protrusion 441 is formed at the central position in the short side direction of the cover 440, and end protrusions 442 are formed at both ends in the short side direction of the cover 440. Each end protrusion 442 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the central position in the short side direction of the cover 440. Each of the protrusions 441 and 442 is continuously formed from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cover 440. The height dimension of the central protrusion 441 is larger than the height dimension of the end protrusion 442.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 14, on the lower surface side of the cover 440 at the central protrusion 441, a central concave portion 441a that is recessed toward the upper surface side of the cover 440 is formed. The central concave portion 441a is formed along the extending direction of the central protrusion 441. In the present embodiment, the bus bar unit 120 is disposed in the central concave portion 441a. The bus bar unit 120 is disposed such that the short side direction of the cross section of the bus bar unit 120 is in the height direction of the housing 400. The bus bar unit 120 is disposed, for example, so as not to protrude downward from the recessed space of the central concave portion 441a.

[0200] On the lower surface side of the cover 440 at the end protrusion 442, an end concave portion 442a that is recessed toward the upper surface side of the cover 440 is formed. The end concave portion 442a is formed along the extending direction of the end protrusion 442. The recessed dimension of the end concave portion 442a in the height direction is larger than the recessed dimension of the central concave portion 441a in the height direction.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the cover 440 is provided with a plurality (six are illustrated in the figure) of fastening portions 450 for fixing a predetermined member to the cover 440. Each fastening portion 450 is provided in a row in the longitudinal direction of the cover 440 in a region between the central protrusion 441 and the end protrusion 442 of the cover 440. The fastening portion 450 includes a large-diameter portion 450a that abuts against the upper surface of the cover 440, and a small-diameter shaft portion 450b that extends downward from the large-diameter portion 450a and has an outer diameter dimension smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 450a. With the large-diameter portion 450a abutting against the upper surface of the cover 440 and the small-diameter shaft portion 450b inserted into a through hole formed in the cover 440, a predetermined member is attached to the small-diameter shaft portion 450b. The predetermined member is, for example, a buffer member 460 formed of an elastic material. The buffer member 460 is sandwiched between, for example, the battery block 110 and the cover 440.

[0202] Note that the fastening part 450 may be provided to fix the cover 440 to the base part including the bottom plate part 410 and the wall part. Further, the predetermined member is not limited to the buffer member 460, and may be, for example, a bus bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400, a safety plug, or a partition wall partitioning adjacent battery blocks 110. Further, instead of the fastening part 450, a part protruding downward from the lower surface of the cover 440 to the lower part of the housing 400 may be formed.

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a protruding part 421 protruding in the longitudinal direction is formed at the central part in the short hand direction of one of the first wall parts 420 among the first wall parts 420. On the inner surface side of the protruding part 421, a recessed part 421a recessed on the outer surface side in the longitudinal direction is provided. The control part 300 is arranged in the recessed part 421a. In the present embodiment, the control part 300 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The control part 300 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the control part 300 becomes the short hand direction of the housing 400.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 12, a connector part 422 for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the housing 400 is provided at the central part in the short hand direction and the lower side in the longitudinal direction of the protruding part 421. The connector part 422 electrically connects, for example, the assembled battery and an inverter arranged outside the housing 400.

[0205] The battery monitoring device 210 includes a monitoring part 200 and a monitoring side antenna 201. In the present embodiment, the monitoring part 200 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The monitoring part 200 corresponds to the monitoring IC 31 and the wireless IC 32 described in the first embodiment and the like. The monitoring side antenna 201 corresponds to the wireless antenna 33. The monitoring part 200 and the monitoring side antenna 201 are individually provided corresponding to each battery block 110 as the "battery to be monitored" as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18. Further, in the present embodiment, the monitoring part 200 is provided on the upper surface of the battery block 110 to be its own monitoring target, and the monitoring side antenna 201 is provided on the upper surface of the monitoring part 200. For this reason, each monitoring part 200 and each monitoring side antenna are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400.

[0206] In the longitudinal direction of the housing 400, the distance between adjacent monitoring units 200 is shorter than the distance between adjacent monitoring units 200 in the lateral direction of the housing 400. The buffer member 460 is disposed between adjacent monitoring units 200 in the lateral direction of the housing 400.

[0207] The battery control device includes a control unit 300, a control-side antenna 301, and a communication wiring 302. The control unit 300 corresponds to the battery control MCU 41 and the wireless IC 42 described in the first embodiment and the like. The control-side antenna 301 corresponds to the wireless antenna 43 described in the first embodiment and the like. The control-side antenna 301 is individually provided corresponding to each battery block 110. As shown in FIG. 19, the control-side antenna 301 and the control unit 300 are electrically connected by the communication wiring 302. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, the control-side antenna 301 is arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction in the end recess 442a. The communication wiring 302 is also provided in the end recess 442a. The control-side antenna 301 is arranged, for example, so as not to protrude downward from the recessed space of the end recess 442a. Each control-side antenna 301 is arranged to be sequentially shifted in the lateral direction of the housing 400.

[0208] When the housing 400 is viewed from the thickness direction (Z direction) of the cover 440, the monitoring unit 200 is arranged so as to overlap the end recess 442a. Also, when the housing 400 is viewed from the thickness direction (Z direction) of the cover 440, the antennas 201, 301 are arranged so that the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201 overlap. For this reason, the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201 corresponding to each battery block 110 are arranged at close positions. As a result, radio waves are easily received between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201, and the quality of wireless communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be improved.

[0209] According to the present embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0210] The control-side antenna 301 and the communication wiring 302 are arranged in an end recess 442a formed on the lower surface side of the end protrusion 442. Therefore, the end recess 442a integrally formed in the cover 440 constituting the housing 400 can be effectively used as an arrangement space for a configuration for wireless communication between each monitoring unit 200 and the control unit 300.

[0211] The end recess 442a extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. Therefore, a path with a sufficient length can be secured as a communication path between each monitoring unit 200 and the control unit 300.

[0212] When radio waves are exchanged between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201, resonance of the radio waves is likely to occur due to reflection of the radio waves in the housing 400 or the like, resulting in noise. Therefore, a plurality of end recesses 442a are formed in the cover 440. As a result, a structure can be achieved in which resonance of the radio waves is less likely to occur, and the quality of wireless communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be improved. In the present embodiment, since the end protrusion 442 is formed on the cover 440, the lower surface side of the end protrusion 442 can be effectively used as the end recess 442a.

[0213] When the battery pack 100 is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover 440, each monitoring-side antenna 201 is arranged closer to the control-side antenna 301 side than each fastening portion 450. Therefore, each fastening portion 450 is less likely to obstruct the radio waves exchanged between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201. As a result, the quality of wireless communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be improved.

[0214] (Modification of Embodiment A) ·The configuration is not limited to one in which the monitoring unit 200 and the monitoring-side antenna 201 are arranged vertically below the end recess 442a. For example, with respect to the position vertically below the end recess 442a, the monitoring unit 200 and the monitoring-side antenna 201 may be arranged at a position separated by several times the width length of the end recess 442a in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (specific direction) and the vertical direction of the housing 400. Note that the vertical direction is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plate surface of the cover 440 extends. Also, the width length of the end recess 442a is, for example, the width dimension of the end recess 442a in the short-side direction of the housing 400.

[0215] ·The arrangement position of the control-side antenna 301 may be the position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Specifically, the control-side antenna 301 is attached to the lower surface side of the cover 440 by a fastening portion 450 inserted through the through hole 443 of the cover 440. In this case, the monitoring-side antenna 201 may be arranged at a position overlapping the control-side antenna 301 when the battery pack 100 is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover 440.

[0216] Also, in this case, the control unit 300 may be arranged outside the housing 400 (for example, on the upper surface of the cover 440), and the communication wiring 302 connected to the control unit 300 may be connected to the control-side antenna 301 through the fastening portion 450.

[0217] ·The housing 400 may be mounted on the vehicle such that the short-side direction of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 400 becomes the vehicle length direction. In this case, the respective protrusions 441 and 442 will extend in the short-side direction of the housing 400.

[0218] ·When the battery pack 100 is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover 440, the end recess 442a and the monitoring unit 200 do not have to overlap.

[0219] ·The communication method between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 is not limited to wireless communication and may be wired communication. In this case, the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 may be connected by the communication wiring 302, and the intermediate portion of the communication wiring 302 may be arranged in the end recess 442a.

[0220] · When viewing the battery pack 100 in the thickness direction of the cover 440, the control unit 300 and the control-side antenna 301 may be arranged in the accommodation space SP so that the control unit 300 and the control-side antenna 301 overlap the end recess 442a.

[0221] (Embodiment B) Hereinafter, Embodiment B will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24, focusing on the differences from Embodiment A. In FIGS. 22 to 24, for the components that are the same as or corresponding to the components described in Embodiment A, the same reference numerals are used for convenience.

[0222] The first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410 constituting the housing 400 are made of synthetic resin. On the other hand, the cover 440 constituting the housing 400 is made of a metal material. Therefore, among the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, the bottom plate portion 410, and the cover 440, the cover 440 has an electromagnetic shielding effect. The specific gravity of the metal material constituting the cover 440 is greater than the specific gravity of the synthetic resin constituting the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410.

[0223] The battery monitoring device 210 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery monitoring device 210 is constituted by, for example, an IC as described above. Each battery monitoring device 210 is arranged on the upper surface of the battery block 110.

[0224] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, among the accommodation spaces SP, the battery monitoring devices 210 are arranged in a first accommodation space on one side with respect to the central position in the short-side direction of the housing 400 and a second accommodation space on the other side with respect to the central position. The battery monitoring devices 210 are arranged in a plurality (five are illustrated in the figure) side by side in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 on the side of the second wall portion 430 in the short-side direction of the housing 400 among the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space. Each battery monitoring device 210 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the battery monitoring device 210 is the longitudinal direction of the housing 400.

[0225] The battery control device 310 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery control device 310 includes a control unit 300 and a control-side antenna 301, and is configured by, for example, an IC. The battery control device 310 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the battery control device 310 is the short-side direction of the housing 400. The battery control device 310 is disposed on the upper surfaces of a pair of battery blocks 110 that are arranged closest to the first wall portion 420 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 among the battery blocks 110 arranged in two rows so as to straddle the upper surfaces of these two battery blocks 110.

[0226] The battery control device 310 includes a plurality (two are illustrated in the figure) of control-side antennas 301. The first control-side antenna 301 is disposed on the side of the first accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the battery control device 310, and the second control-side antenna 301 is disposed on the side of the second accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the battery control device 310.

[0227] Among the accommodation spaces SP of the housing 400, a first partition portion 471 is provided between the battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the short-side direction of the housing 400. In the present embodiment, the first partition portion 471 extends upward from the bottom plate portion 410, and the height dimension is smaller than the height dimension of the battery block 110. For this reason, the upper surface of the battery block 110 is located above the upper end of the first partition portion 471.

[0228] Among the accommodation spaces SP of the housing 400, a second partition portion 472 is provided between the battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. In the present embodiment, the second partition portion 472 extends upward from the bottom plate portion 410, and the height dimension is smaller than the height dimension of the battery block 110. For this reason, the upper surface of the battery block 110 is located above the upper end of the second partition portion 472. Note that the first partition portion 471 and the second partition portion 472 may be made of a synthetic resin or a metal material.

[0229] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0230] The end recess 442a formed on the lower surface side of the end protrusion 442 of the cover 440 can be used as a path for transmitting radio waves. Therefore, for example, even when the gap between the cover 440 and the battery block 110 is small, a wide space for transmitting radio waves can be secured. As a result, it becomes easier to transmit radio waves between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201.

[0231] The end recess 442a used as a radio wave transmission path extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 from the side of the first wall portion 420 opposite to the protruding portion 421 side among the pair of first wall portions 420 toward the battery control device 310 side. Therefore, communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be performed more reliably.

[0232] A plurality of end recesses 442a are formed in the cover 440. Thereby, a structure can be formed in which radio wave resonance is less likely to occur, and the quality of wireless communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be improved.

[0233] The battery control device 310 is disposed near the central position in the lateral direction of the housing 400 within the accommodation space SP of the housing 400. Of the two control-side antennas 301, the first control-side antenna is disposed on the first accommodation space side, and the second control-side antenna is disposed on the second accommodation space side. Therefore, the monitoring-side antenna 201 disposed in the space between the battery block 110 and the cover 440 in the first accommodation space can be brought closer to the first control-side antenna 301. Also, the monitoring-side antenna 201 disposed in the space between the battery block 110 and the cover 440 in the second accommodation space can be brought closer to the second control-side antenna. As a result, radio waves can easily reach between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0234] The battery control device 310 includes a plurality of control-side antennas 301. Therefore, even when some of the plurality of control-side antennas 301 fail, wireless communication can be continued by the remaining control-side antennas 301.

[0235] When the battery pack 100 is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover 440, a buffer member 460 extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 and each fastening portion 450 are arranged at the central portion in the short side direction of the housing 400 or in a region close to the central portion. In this arrangement, among the accommodation spaces SP, the space between the buffer member 460 and each fastening portion 450 and the second wall portion 430 is used as a wireless communication space between the control side antenna 301 and the monitoring side antenna 201. Thereby, the buffer member 460 and each fastening portion 450 are less likely to become an obstacle to the radio waves exchanged between the control side antenna 301 and the monitoring side antenna 201, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 24, the cover 440 includes a top plate portion 440a and a cover end portion 440b extending downward from the peripheral edge portion of the top plate portion 440a. The upper surface of the battery block 110 is located above the boundary portion between the cover end portion 440b and each of the wall portions 420 and 430 in the height direction of the housing 400. Thereby, the battery monitoring device 210 can be sandwiched between the battery block 110 and the cover 440 having an electromagnetic shielding effect, and even if external radio waves enter from the outside to the inside of the housing 400, it is possible to suppress the external radio waves from reaching the wireless communication space. Further, since the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410 are made of a synthetic resin, the weight of the housing 400 can be reduced.

[0237] The upper surface of the battery block 110 where the battery monitoring device 210 is arranged is located above the upper end of each second partition wall portion 472. For this reason, each second partition wall portion 472 is less likely to become an obstacle to the radio waves exchanged between the control side antenna 301 and the monitoring side antenna 201, and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0238] In the central space in the short-side direction within the accommodation space SP of the housing 400, a buffer member 460 that causes radio wave interference is disposed. On the other hand, the spaces on both sides of the buffer member 460 in the short-side direction within the accommodation space SP are used as wireless communication spaces. For this reason, the buffer member 460 is less likely to cause interference to the radio waves exchanged between the control-side antenna 301 and the monitoring-side antenna 201. For this reason, the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0239] (Modification of Embodiment B) · The control unit may be disposed near the central position in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0240] · A sealing member for sealing the housing 400 may be provided at the boundary portion between the cover end 440b and each of the wall portions 420, 430. Further, a shielding material (for example, a metal material) that blocks or absorbs radio waves may be provided so as to cover the sealing member.

[0241] (Embodiment C) Hereinafter, Embodiment C will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27, centering on the differences from Embodiment B. In FIGS. 25 to 27, the same components or corresponding components as those described in Embodiment B are given the same reference numerals for convenience. Further, FIG. 25 is a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22.

[0242] In the present embodiment, in addition to the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410, the cover 440 is also made of a synthetic resin.

[0243] The mounting position of the battery pack 100 in the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.

[0244] The vehicle includes a chassis 500 as a body portion made of a metal material and wheels 510. The chassis 500 includes a chassis bottom plate portion 501 extending in the vehicle length direction, side plate portions 502, a chassis top plate portion 503, and end plate portions 504. The side plate portions 502 extend upward from the ends in the vehicle width direction of the chassis bottom plate portion 501. The chassis top plate portion 503 covers the side plate portions 502 from above. The end plate portions 504 cover both ends of the chassis bottom plate portion 501, the side plate portions 502, and the chassis top plate portion 503. Thereby, an accommodation space SS is formed within the chassis 500.

[0245] The battery pack 100 is disposed in the accommodation space SS within the chassis 500. Specifically, the bottom plate portion 410 constituting the housing 400 is disposed on the chassis bottom plate portion 501. A space is formed between the chassis top plate portion 503 and the cover 440 constituting the housing 400.

[0246] The cover 440 is made of a synthetic resin having no electromagnetic shielding effect. Therefore, radio waves transmitted from the monitoring side antenna 201 or the control side antenna 301 pass through the cover 440. However, the chassis 500 made of a metal material can suppress the occurrence of a situation where radio waves leak to the outside. Also, the chassis 500 can suppress external radio waves from entering the inside of the housing 400. Thus, according to the present embodiment, while effectively using the space formed between the chassis top plate portion 503 and the cover 440 constituting the housing 400 as a wireless communication space, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where radio waves leak to the outside or external radio waves enter the inside of the housing 400.

[0247] The chassis bottom plate portion 501 of the chassis 500 is formed thicker than the bottom plate portion 410 of the housing 400, and the side plate portion 502 of the chassis 500 is formed thicker than the first wall portion 420 and the second wall portion 430 of the housing 400. The chassis top plate portion 503 of the chassis 500 is formed thicker than the cover 440 of the housing 400. Thereby, it can be realized more effectively than the case where the housing 400 realizes suppressing the occurrence of a situation where radio waves leak to the outside or external radio waves enter the inside of the housing 400.

[0248] (Modification of Embodiment C) · The moving body on which the battery pack is mounted is not limited to a vehicle, and may be, for example, an aircraft or a ship.

[0249] · Among the cover 440, the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410, one, two, or three of the configurations may be made of a synthetic resin.

[0250] (Embodiment D) Hereinafter, Embodiment D will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, centering on the differences from Embodiment B. In FIGS. 28 and 29, the same components or corresponding components as those described in Embodiment B are given the same reference numerals for convenience.

[0251] Each battery block 110 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of each battery block 110 is the short side direction of the housing 400. The battery blocks 110 are arranged in two rows in the short side direction of the housing 400. In the example shown in FIG. 28, 20 battery blocks 110 are arranged in each row.

[0252] Of the upper surfaces of the battery blocks 110, a positive terminal 112P is provided at the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, and a negative terminal 112M is provided at the second end portion in the longitudinal direction. Each battery block 110 is arranged such that the positive terminal 112P of one battery block and the negative terminal 112M of the other battery block face each other among the battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400.

[0253] In this embodiment, a plurality of battery blocks 110 housed in the housing 400 are divided into four groups. Ten grouped battery blocks 110 are regarded as monitored batteries 130. The battery pack 100 includes a connection module 600 corresponding to each monitored battery 130. The connection module 600 includes conductive members 620 to 622 that serially connect the battery blocks 110 constituting the monitored battery 130, and a battery monitoring device 210 that monitors the battery state of the battery blocks 110 constituting the monitored battery 130.

[0254] The connection module 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 29.

[0255] The connection module 600 includes a substrate portion 610. The substrate portion 610 is disposed above the monitored battery 130. The substrate portion 610 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The substrate portion 610 includes a central plate portion 610a and mounting plate portions 610b extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 from both ends of the central plate portion 610a. A battery monitoring device 210 is disposed on the upper surface of the central plate portion 610a. An intermediate conductive member 620 for connecting the positive electrode terminal 112P and the negative electrode terminal 112M of the battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 is provided on the mounting plate portion 610b. Note that a first end conductive member 621 provided on the mounting plate portion 610b is connected to the positive electrode terminal 112P of the battery block 110 on the highest potential side among the battery blocks 110 constituting the monitored battery 130. Also, a second end conductive member 622 provided on the mounting plate portion 610b is connected to the negative electrode terminal 112M of the battery block 110 on the lowest potential side among the battery blocks 110 constituting the monitored battery 130. By electrically connecting the first end conductive member 621 and the second end conductive member 622 corresponding to adjacent monitored batteries 130, the four monitored batteries 130 can be serially connected.

[0256] According to the present embodiment described above, among the accommodation spaces SP of the housing 400, the conductive members 620 to 622 are arranged side by side in one row in the spaces at both ends in the short side direction, and the conductive members 620 to 622 are arranged side by side in two rows in the central space in the short side direction. Further, among the accommodation spaces SP, the battery monitoring devices 210 are arranged side by side in the space between the conductive members 620 to 622 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. Note that, among the accommodation spaces SP, the conductive members 620 to 622 connected to the two monitored batteries 130 arranged in the space on one side with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 correspond to the "first conductive members". Also, among the accommodation spaces SP, the conductive members 620 to 622 connected to the two monitored batteries 130 arranged in the space on the other side with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 correspond to the "second conductive members".

[0257] In the above arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 18 of Embodiment A, the control side antennas 301 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction in the end recesses 442a. In this case, when the housing 400 is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover 440, the battery monitoring devices 210 are arranged so as to overlap the end recesses 442a. Thereby, radio waves are easily received between the control side antenna 301 and the monitoring side antenna 201, and the quality of wireless communication between the control unit 300 and the monitoring unit 200 can be improved.

[0258] Incidentally, instead of the configurations shown in FIGS. 13 and 18 of Embodiment A, as shown in FIG. 30, a battery control device 310 may be arranged at the central position in the short side direction of the housing 400 among the accommodation spaces SP. In this case, the space between the conductive members 620 to 622 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 among the accommodation spaces SP can be used as a wireless communication space between the control side antenna 301 and the monitoring side antenna 201. When the conductive members 620 to 622 and the battery monitoring devices 210 overlap at least partially in the height direction of the housing 400, the conductive members 620 to 622 may become obstacles to radio waves. In this case, the configuration in which the space between the conductive members 620 to 622 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400 is used as a wireless communication space and the battery control device 310 is arranged at the central position in the short side direction of the housing 400 is particularly useful.

[0259] (Embodiment E) Hereinafter, Embodiment E will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, focusing on the differences from Embodiment C. In FIGS. 31 and 32, the same components or corresponding components as those described in Embodiment C are given the same reference numerals for convenience.

[0260] In this embodiment, the battery control device 310 is disposed on the upper surface of the cover 440. Specifically, it is disposed in the region between the central protrusion 441 and the end protrusion 442 on the upper surface of the cover 440. Further, the battery control device 310 is disposed closer to the end than the center in the longitudinal direction (specific direction) of the housing 400, and in the example shown in FIG. 31, it is disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400.

[0261] The configuration in which the battery control device 310 is disposed on the upper surface of the cover 440 is a configuration aimed at downsizing the housing 400. That is, since the battery control device 310 is disposed outside the housing 400 instead of inside the housing 400, the shape of the housing 400 can be downsized. For example, a part such as the protrusion 421 disclosed in FIG. 12 can be reduced or downsized. As a result, the vehicle mountability of the housing 400 can be further improved. Furthermore, since the battery control device 310 is disposed outside the housing 400, the mounting freedom can be ensured, such as being able to dispose the battery control device 310 in the limited space of the vehicle.

[0262] The cover 440, the first wall portion 420, the second wall portion 430, and the bottom plate portion 410 are made of a metal material. In this case, in order to communicate between the monitoring unit 200 and the control unit 300 accommodated in the accommodation space SP of the housing 400, a configuration for communicating and connecting the inside and outside of the housing 400 is required.

[0263] The battery pack 100 of this embodiment includes a relay device 220 as a configuration for communication connection. The relay device 220 includes an antenna 220a located on the upper surface side of the cover 440, and a shaft portion 220b that extends downward from 220a and has an outer diameter smaller than that of the antenna 220a. The cover 440 is formed with a through hole 441 for inserting the shaft portion 220b. In this embodiment, the through holes 441 are provided in a row in the longitudinal direction of the cover 440 in a region between the central protrusion 441 and the end protrusion 442 of the cover 440. The relay device 220 is arranged in a state where the antenna 220a is located on the upper surface side of the cover 440 and the shaft portion 220b is inserted into the through hole 441 formed in the cover 440. The relay device 220 is provided individually corresponding to each monitoring unit 200. Note that the antenna 220a may be covered with a cover that transmits radio waves.

[0264] The through hole 441 is blocked by the antenna 220a of the relay device 220. Note that a seal member may be interposed between the antenna 220a and the upper surface of the cover 440.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 32, the monitoring unit 200 is arranged in a gap between battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. The monitoring unit 200 is arranged at the upper end of the second partition wall portion 472. By arranging the monitoring unit 200 in the gap, the space inside the housing 400 can be effectively utilized.

[0266] When the housing 400 is viewed from the thickness direction of the cover 440, the shaft portion 220b of the relay device 220 is arranged at a position overlapping the second partition wall portion 472. The shaft portion 220b extends to a gap between battery blocks 110 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. By abutting the shaft portion 220b against the adjacent battery blocks 110, the relay device 220 can be properly supported. Incidentally, the shaft portion 220b does not have to abut against the adjacent battery blocks 110.

[0267] The direction in which the central protrusion 441 with the fovea 441a formed thereon and the end protrusion 442 extend, and the direction in which the relay device 220 is arranged are the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. Therefore, while securing a wireless communication path in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400, the central recess 441a can be secured as a placement space for the bus bar unit 120.

[0268] The monitoring unit 200 and the antenna 220a are electrically connected by a communication wiring provided on the shaft portion 220b. Thereby, wireless communication can be performed between the monitoring unit 200 and the control unit 300 via the antenna 220a and the control-side antenna 301.

[0269] Further, according to the present embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, while effectively using the space formed between the chassis top plate portion 503 and the cover 440 constituting the housing 400 as a wireless communication space, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where radio waves leak to the outside.

[0270] The lower end of the shaft portion 220b extends to the gap between the battery blocks 110 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. Therefore, it is easy to connect the monitoring unit 200 to the communication wiring of the relay device 220.

[0271] (Modification of Embodiment E) · The battery control device 310 may be arranged outside the housing 400 instead of on the surface of the housing 400. For example, the battery control device 310 may be arranged on the extension line of the central protrusion 441 in the accommodation space SS in the chassis 500.

[0272] · As shown in FIG. 33, the battery blocks 110 may be stacked in the height direction of the housing 400. In the example shown in FIG. 33, two battery packs 100 are stacked in the height direction. In this case, a monitoring unit 200 for monitoring each of the two battery blocks 110 stacked in the height direction may be disposed in the gap between the adjacent battery blocks 110 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 400. The monitoring units 200 corresponding to the two battery blocks 110 may perform wireless communication with the control-side antenna 301 via a common relay device 220, or may perform wireless communication with the control-side antenna 301 via relay devices 220 provided individually for each monitoring unit 200.

[0273] Further, the configuration is not limited to the case where the monitoring unit 200 is disposed in the above-described gap, and the monitoring unit 200 may be incorporated in the battery block 110 that is its own monitoring target. In this case, as shown in FIG. 33, it is sufficient that the lower end of the shaft portion 220b extends to the lowermost battery block 110 among the battery blocks 110 stacked in the height direction of the housing 400. Thereby, the monitoring unit 200 for monitoring the lowermost battery block 110 and the antenna 220a can be properly connected by the communication wiring provided on the shaft portion 220b.

[0274] · Instead of the cover 440, through-holes through which the relay device 220 is inserted may be formed in any of the wall portions 420 and 430. That is, the relay device 220 may be provided in any of the wall portions 420 and 430.

[0275] (Embodiment F) Hereinafter, Embodiment F will be described with reference to FIG. 34, focusing on the differences from Embodiment E. In FIG. 34, the same components or corresponding components as those described in Embodiment E are given the same reference numerals for convenience.

[0276] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment A, the battery monitoring device 210 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 110. Note that when the housing 400 is viewed in the thickness direction of the cover 440, the battery monitoring device 210 and the through hole 441 formed in the cover 440 may overlap.

[0277] The relay device 230 is provided in the through hole 441 so as to close the through hole 441. The relay device 230 of this embodiment is a dielectric antenna.

[0278] The radio wave transmitted from the monitoring-side antenna 201 is absorbed by the relay device 230. The relay device 230 re-radiates the absorbed radio wave. The re-radiated radio wave is received by the control-side antenna 301. Thereby, wireless communication can be performed between the monitoring unit 200 and the control unit 300 via the control-side antenna 301, the relay device 230, and the monitoring-side antenna 201.

[0279] Note that each of the above embodiments may be modified and implemented as follows.

[0280] · The battery pack 100 described in Embodiments E and F may constitute a battery diagnosis system together with a battery diagnosis device existing outside the housing 400. The battery diagnosis device is, for example, a portable terminal used by an operator at a vehicle repair shop. The battery diagnosis device has an antenna that performs wireless communication with the monitoring unit 200 via the relay device 220 or the relay device 230. Taking the battery pack 100 of Embodiment F as an example, the battery diagnosis device acquires battery information from the monitoring unit 200 via the antenna the battery diagnosis device has and the monitoring-side antenna 201. The battery information includes, for example, the charge amount (e.g., SOC), the degree of deterioration (e.g., SOH), and the usage history of the battery to be monitored. The battery diagnosis device diagnoses the battery to be monitored based on the acquired battery information.

[0281] According to the configuration described above, after the battery pack 100 is removed from the chassis 500, battery information can be obtained from the monitoring unit 200 without removing the battery block 110 from the housing 400. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the failure diagnosis of the battery block 110 and the feasibility of reuse.

[0282] · The application target of the battery pack is not limited to vehicles, and may be, for example, an aircraft or a ship. Further, the application target of the battery pack is not limited to moving bodies such as vehicles, aircraft, or ships, and may be a stationary system.

[0283] · The control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a dedicated computer configured by a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Or, the control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be realized by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. Further, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions to be executed by a computer.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0284] 11... Battery pack, 20... Battery set, 21... Battery block, 22... Battery cell, 30... Battery monitoring device, 40... Battery control device.

Claims

1. A battery monitoring system comprising a battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, a control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit, and a housing (400), wherein the housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above, the battery and the monitoring unit are housed in a housing space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover, the control unit and the control-side antenna are disposed on the surface or outside of the housing, the housing is provided with a relay device (220, 230) that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit, the control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna, a through hole (441) is formed in the housing, the relay device is long and is inserted through the through hole, ends of both ends of the relay device in the longitudinal direction on the outside of the housing are antennas (220a) disposed outside the housing, and a communication wiring for electrically connecting the antenna and the monitoring unit is provided on the relay device.

2. The through hole is formed in the cover, and the lower end of the relay device extends to the battery. The battery monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. The lower end of the relay device extends to a gap between adjacent batteries. The battery monitoring system according to claim 2.

4. A partition portion (472) for partitioning and arranging the batteries is provided in the gap between adjacent batteries, and the monitoring unit is disposed above the partition portion in the gap between adjacent batteries. The battery monitoring system according to claim 3.

5. A battery monitoring system comprising a battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, a control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, a control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit, and a housing (400), wherein The housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) covering the wall portions from above. The battery and the monitoring unit are accommodated in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover. The control unit and the control-side antenna are arranged on the surface or outside of the housing. The housing is provided with a relay device (220, 230) that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit. The control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna. It includes a monitoring-side antenna (201) accommodated in the accommodation space and transmitting and receiving data to and from the monitoring unit. A through hole (441) is formed in the housing. The relay device is provided in the through hole and is a battery monitoring system that relays radio waves from one of the control-side antenna and the monitoring-side antenna to the other.

6. The battery monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the through hole is formed on the upper surface of the housing.

7. The battery monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the through hole is formed in the cover.

8. On the upper surface of the cover, protrusions (441, 442) protruding upward and extending in a specific direction along the upper surface are formed. A plurality of relay devices are provided side by side in the specific direction in a region of the cover other than the protrusions. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and 7, wherein the upper end portion of the relay device is disposed on the upper surface side of the cover.

9. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit and the control-side antenna can be arranged closer to an end than to the center in a specific direction of the housing.

10. The battery monitoring system is mounted on a moving body. The moving body includes a body portion (500) made of a metal material. The housing is disposed in an accommodation space (SS) formed in the body portion. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit, the control-side antenna, and the housing are accommodated in the accommodation space within the body portion.

11. A battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result. A control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to obtain the battery information and executes various controls; A control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit; In a battery monitoring system including a housing (400), The housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above. The battery and the monitoring unit are accommodated in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover. The control unit and the control-side antenna are disposed on the surface or outside of the housing. The housing is provided with a relay device (220, 230) that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit. The control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna. The battery monitoring system is mounted on a moving body. The moving body includes a body portion (500) made of a metal material. The housing is disposed in an accommodation space (SS) formed within the body portion. A battery monitoring system in which the control unit, the control-side antenna, and the housing are accommodated in the accommodation space within the body portion.

12. The battery monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the body portion includes a bottom plate portion (501) extending in the vehicle length direction, a side plate portion (502) extending upward from the bottom plate portion, and a top plate portion (503) that covers the side plate portion from above.

13. The battery monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the moving body is a vehicle including the body portion and wheels, and the top plate portion is located below the upper ends of the wheels.

14. The battery monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the height dimension of the space formed between the cover and the top plate portion is lower than the height dimension of the housing.

15. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the cover is made of a synthetic resin.

16. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the relay device and the monitoring-side antenna of the monitoring unit are disposed at positions facing each other.

17. The battery monitoring system is mounted on a moving body. In a state where the battery monitoring system is removed from the mobile body, the monitoring unit communicates with a battery diagnostic device existing outside the housing via the relay device. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A battery (110), a monitoring unit (200) that monitors the state of the battery and transmits battery information as a monitoring result, A control unit (300) that communicates with the monitoring unit to acquire the battery information and executes various controls, A control-side antenna (301) that transmits and receives data to and from the control unit, In a battery monitoring system including a housing (400), The housing has a bottom plate portion (410), wall portions (420, 430) formed along the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and a cover (440) that covers the wall portions from above, The battery and the monitoring unit are accommodated in an accommodation space (SP) formed by the bottom plate portion, the wall portions, and the cover, The control unit and the control-side antenna are arranged on the surface or outside of the housing, The housing is provided with a relay device (220, 230) that relays communication between the control-side antenna and the monitoring unit, The control unit receives the battery information transmitted from the monitoring unit via the relay device and the control-side antenna, The battery monitoring system is mounted on a mobile body, In a state where the battery monitoring system is removed from the mobile body, the monitoring unit communicates with a battery diagnostic device existing outside the housing via the relay device. A battery monitoring system.

19. The state where the battery monitoring system is removed from the mobile body means a state where the housing is lowered from the mobile body. The battery monitoring system according to claim 18.

20. The monitoring unit transmits at least one of the charge amount, the degree of deterioration, and the usage history of the battery to be monitored to a portable battery diagnostic device via the relay device. The battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A battery diagnostic system including the battery monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, A battery diagnostic device existing outside the housing, In the battery diagnostic system provided with, The battery diagnostic device has an antenna that performs wireless communication with the monitoring unit via the relay device, and acquires the battery information from the monitoring unit by the wireless communication. A battery diagnostic system.

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