Identification Information Setting Device and Program

Abstract

To easily set identification information of each battery module in a case where exchange of a battery module or the like is performed.SOLUTION: A battery system comprises a plurality of battery modules 10 that have a battery pack 11 and a monitoring unit 12 which monitors the battery pack 11. A battery ECU 20 is provided to be able to communicate with a monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, and individually set a module ID for each battery module 10. The battery ECU 20 comprises: a mounting determination unit that determines whether or not dismounting and remounting based on mounting of the battery module 10 are performed in a battery system; and a setting unit that sets the module ID on the basis of a determination result in which remounting of the battery module 10 is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an identification information setting device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (battery packs), a technique is known in which an identification number is set for each battery module (for example, Patent Document 1). The identification information of each battery module is set, for example, when each battery module is mounted on a vehicle during vehicle manufacturing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when replacing a battery module in the market in a battery system such as a vehicle, it is necessary to reset the identification information of each battery module. However, in the existing technology, for example, when a user of a vehicle or the like replaces a battery module, it may be difficult to reset the identification information of the battery module. Also, in a battery system, when a battery module is once removed, charged, etc., and then reinstalled, problems may similarly occur when resetting the identification information of the battery module. In this regard, there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an identification information setting device and a program capable of easily setting the identification information of each battery module when the battery module is replaced or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules each having a storage battery and a monitoring unit for monitoring the storage battery, and is an identification information setting device that is communicably provided with the monitoring unit and individually sets module identification information for each of the battery modules, and includes a mounting determination unit that determines whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, and a setting unit that sets the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted. It is characterized by comprising the above.

[0007] In the above configuration, it is determined whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, and the module identification information is set based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted. In this case, by determining whether or not the battery module has been remounted in the identification information setting device, it is possible to easily shift to the setting mode of the module identification information after the battery module is mounted. As a result, when the battery module is replaced or the like, the identification information of each battery module can be easily set.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the specific configuration of a battery system mounted on an electric vehicle such as an electric car or a hybrid car will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the following embodiments and modification examples, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description of the parts with the same reference numerals is incorporated herein.

[0010] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the battery system in this embodiment. This battery system includes a plurality of battery modules 10 mounted on a vehicle, and a battery ECU 20 that comprehensively manages the plurality of battery modules 10.

[0011] The battery module 10 includes a battery pack 11 composed of a plurality of single cells, a monitoring unit 12 for monitoring the state of the battery pack 11, and a housing 13 for housing the battery pack 11 and the monitoring unit 12. The battery pack 11 is a secondary battery (storage battery) such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack 11 of each battery module 10 is used as a power source for a rotating electric machine 31 that is a driving power source of a vehicle. For example, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in series to the rotating electric machine 31. More specifically, the rotating electric machine 31 has an inverter for controlling the current of each phase, and a positive power line 32 extending from the positive terminal (the most positive terminal of the serially connected battery packs 11) of the plurality of battery packs 11 and a negative power line 33 extending from the negative terminal (the most negative terminal of the serially connected battery packs 11) of the plurality of battery packs 11 are connected to the positive side and the negative side of the inverter, respectively. A power switch 34 is provided on each of the power lines 32 and 33, and when the power switch 34 is turned on, energization between each battery pack 11 and the rotating electric machine 31 becomes possible. However, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 may be connected in parallel to the rotating electric machine 31.

[0012] The monitoring unit 12 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and various memories, and detects or calculates the terminal voltage of each single cell, charge and discharge current, temperature, SOC (state of charge), and SOH (state of health) as the state of the battery pack 11. The monitoring unit 12 constitutes a BMU (Battery Management Unit). A low-voltage battery (+B) is connected to the monitoring unit 12, and the monitoring unit 12 operates by power supply from the low-voltage battery.

[0013] The battery ECU 20 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU and various memories, and is connected to the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 by a communication line 21 that enables, for example, CAN communication. The battery ECU 20 appropriately performs processes related to charging and discharging in each battery module 10, and processes related to overheating, deterioration, communication abnormalities, etc. in each battery module 10. For example, based on the battery state information received from the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, the battery ECU 20 calculates the power that can be charged and discharged in the battery system, and notifies the other in-vehicle ECUs of the charge / dischargeable power. In addition, the battery ECU 20 notifies the other in-vehicle ECUs of the abnormal diagnosis results for various abnormalities such as overheating, deterioration, and communication abnormalities in each battery module 10.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of battery modules 10 are mounted in the vehicle 40, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the mounting state of each battery module 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 40 includes a rack 41 as a mounted portion where a plurality of battery modules 10 are mounted. The rack 41 has a plurality of battery accommodation portions 42, and each battery module 10 is accommodated in each of these battery accommodation portions 42. In the vehicle 40, the battery modules 10 can be attached and detached by a user including the driver, and for example, each battery module 10 is individually attached and detached from the side of the vehicle. That is, the plurality of battery modules 10 can be individually replaced.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, a module connector 14 is provided on the housing 13 of the battery module 10, and a rack connector 43 is provided on the rack 41. These connectors 14 and 43 can be coupled to each other, and the connectors 14 and 43 are coupled to each other when the battery module 10 is mounted on the rack 41. When the connectors 14 and 43 are coupled, communication between the monitoring unit 12 and the battery ECU 20 via the communication line 21 becomes possible. Also, in the connector-coupled state, +B power supply is performed to the monitoring unit 12. That is, when the battery module 10 is mounted on the rack 41, a power supply voltage (+B voltage) is applied to the monitoring unit 12, while when the battery module 10 is detached from the rack 41, the application of the power supply voltage to the monitoring unit 12 is cut off. Therefore, the monitoring unit 12 is activated by the application of the power supply voltage accompanying the mounting of the battery module 10 on the rack 41.

[0017] Although the description by illustration is omitted, in a state where the battery module 10 is mounted on the rack 41, the power supply power lines on the vehicle side (for example, the power lines 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 2) and the assembled battery 11 of each battery module 10 are electrically connected. The power supply connector may be provided integrally with, for example, the module connector 14 and the rack connector 43. By connecting the power supply connector, the assembled batteries 11 of the respective battery modules 10 are connected in series or in parallel in the vehicle 40.

[0018] Also, in this system, a locking device 50 is provided that makes it impossible or difficult to detach the battery module 10 while the battery module 10 is mounted. The locking device 50 has locking members 51 and 52 provided on the battery module 10 side and the rack 41 side, respectively, and outputs different lock signals to the battery ECU 20 in the locked state and the unlocked state. The battery ECU 20 determines whether or not the locking device 50 is in the locked state based on the lock signal from the locking device 50.

[0019] In this battery system, for each battery module 10, in other words, for each monitoring unit 12, a module ID and a communication ID are set as identification information. The module ID corresponds to module identification information, and the communication ID corresponds to communication identification information. The identification information of the battery module 10 is stored in the memory of the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 and in the memory of the battery ECU 20, respectively. Based on the identification information for each battery module 10, the battery ECU 20 recognizes each battery module 10 to be controlled, and appropriately performs charge and discharge control, abnormality diagnosis, etc. for each battery module 10. The battery ECU 20 receives the communication ID from the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 via the communication line 21, collates the received communication ID with the communication ID recognized on the battery ECU 20 side, and determines whether communication with the monitoring unit 12 is established based on the collation result.

[0020] The identification information (module ID and communication ID) of each battery module 10 is initialized before the battery module 10 is attached to the vehicle 40, and is set after the battery module 10 is attached to the vehicle 40. Specifically, as the power storage amount of the assembled battery 11 decreases or deteriorates, the battery module 10 is replaced with another battery module 10, or is temporarily removed from the vehicle 40 for charging by an external charging device and then reinstalled after charging. In this case, when replacing the battery module 10, a battery module 10 in the ID initialization state is attached to the vehicle 40, and the identification information is set for each battery module 10 after the attachment. Note that at the time of factory shipment of the battery module 10, common identification information is set as the ID initial value for all battery modules 10.

[0021] When the battery module 10 is externally charged, the battery module 10 removed from the vehicle 40 is attached to an external charging device at a charging station or the like, and in this state, the identification information is initialized in each monitoring unit 12. Assuming that the battery module 10 is used while being mounted on the vehicle 40, based on the fact that the mounting partner is different from normal use, the identification information may be initialized in the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10. Then, after the battery module 10 is mounted on the vehicle 40, the identification information is set for each battery module 10.

[0022] In addition, when the battery module 10 is removed from the vehicle 40 (rack 41), it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the identification information is initialized in the monitoring unit 12 based on the disconnection of the connector.

[0023] In this embodiment, the identification information of each battery module 10 is set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12, and a configuration example for ID setting will be described below. This ID setting is performed by the battery ECU 20 when the battery module 10 is attached to the vehicle 40 during replacement of the battery module 10 or the like. In this embodiment, the battery ECU 20 corresponds to the identification information setting device.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery ECU 20 and the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 are connected by a communication line 22 for PWM communication. This communication line 22 is provided so as to connect the monitoring units 12 of each battery module 10 in series. In the following description, for the purpose of distinguishing between the communication lines 21 and 22, the communication line 21 for CAN communication is referred to as the CAN communication line 21, and the communication line 22 for PWM communication is referred to as the PWM communication line 22. The battery ECU 20 transmits a PWM signal with a predetermined duty to the first monitoring unit 12 among the n monitoring units 12 in a series connection state, and receives a PWM signal from the last nth monitoring unit 12.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for ID setting in each battery module 10. In FIG. 5, the number of battery modules 10 is four, and in each of the battery modules 10, the module ID is all at the initial value (unset state). Note that in a state where all the battery modules 10 in the vehicle 40 have been replaced or the like, all the module IDs are at the initial value. Also, when some of the module IDs are at the initial value due to replacement or the like of some of the battery modules 10 in the vehicle 40, all the module IDs are initialized based on the fact that the battery module 10 with the module ID at the initial value is included.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5(a), in the start process of ID setting, an ID setting request is transmitted from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12 via the CAN communication line 21, and each monitoring unit 12 is put into the ID setting preparation state. Also, the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal with a duty ratio a via the PWM communication line 22. At this time, each monitoring unit 12 in the preparation state outputs the input PWM signal as it is to the monitoring unit 12 on the series lower stage side. Thereby, the lowermost monitoring unit 12 outputs a PWM signal with a duty ratio a to the battery ECU 20. The battery ECU 20 grasps that all the monitoring units 12 are in the preparation state by inputting the PWM signal with a duty ratio a. For example, the duty ratio a is 64%.

[0027] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in the ID setting process, the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal for ID setting to the PWM communication line 22, while each monitoring unit 12 changes the duty ratio of the input PWM signal by a predetermined value and outputs it to the monitoring unit 12 on the lower stage side. In this case, the module ID is set based on the input duty, which is the duty ratio of the input PWM signal, for each monitoring unit 12.

[0028] The monitoring unit 12 calculates the output duty as a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to or from the input duty, and outputs the output duty to the monitoring unit 12 on the lower stage side. At this time, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the battery ECU 20 is b0, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the monitoring unit 12 in the first stage is b1, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the monitoring unit 12 in the second stage is b2, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the monitoring unit 12 in the third stage is b3, · The duty ratio of the PWM signal output by the monitoring unit 12 in the fourth stage is b4. The PWM signal (duty ratio b4) output from the monitoring unit 12 in the fourth stage (the lowermost stage) is input to the battery ECU 20. For example, the duty ratio b0 is 60%, the duty ratio b1 is 56%, the duty ratio b2 is 52%, the duty ratio b3 is 48%, and the duty ratio b4 is 44%.

[0029] Each monitoring unit 12 recognizes its own module ID based on the input duty of the PWM signal (duty ratios b0 to b3) and stores it in the memory. Specifically, in each monitoring unit 12, based on the duty ratios b0 to b3 which are the input duties, ID1 to ID4 are respectively set as the module IDs. Also, in each monitoring unit 12, communication IDs are respectively set while corresponding to the module IDs.

[0030] On the other hand, the battery ECU 20 determines that the module IDs are set in all the monitoring units 12 because the input duty from the monitoring unit 12 in the fourth stage is the duty ratio b4. Also, the battery ECU 20 recognizes that ID1 to ID4 are respectively set as the module IDs in each battery module 10.

[0031] After that, as shown in FIG. 5(c), in the end process of ID setting, the battery ECU 20 transmits a setting completion signal to each monitoring unit 12 via the CAN communication line 21. Thereby, each monitoring unit 12 releases the ID setting preparation state and enters the normal state.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the battery ECU 20 is activated, the battery ECU 20 checks the communication ID defined for each monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, determines whether communication has been established based on the check result, and sets the module ID based on the determination that communication has not been established (hereinafter, this process is referred to as the first setting process). In this case, if the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like immediately before the current ECU activation, the communication ID of the battery module 10 is in an unset state (initial value), so the communication ID cannot be correctly recognized and it is determined that communication has not been established. The battery ECU 20 performs the setting of the module ID based on the determination result that communication cannot be established. Note that the monitoring unit 12 may be configured not to transmit or receive the communication ID when the communication ID is initialized.

[0033] Also, in this embodiment, separate from the above-described first setting process, a second setting process shown below is implemented. As the second setting process, after at least the first setting of the module ID in each battery module 10, the battery ECU 20 determines whether the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like (re-mounted by removal and re-installation), and sets the module ID based on the determination result that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like.

[0034] The second setting process directly grasps that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, and sets the module ID based on the history. Here, the work of replacing the battery module 10 or the like (re-mounting work) is considered to be performed under the OFF state of the IG switch of the vehicle 40 (under the vehicle stop state), that is, under the stop state of the battery ECU 20. In addition, the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is activated by the application of the power supply voltage (more specifically, the connection of the module connector 14) accompanying the mounting of the battery module 10 to the rack 41. In this case, when the battery ECU 20 is activated (activated when the system is off) in response to the activation of the monitoring unit 12 accompanying the mounting of the battery module 10 in the IG OFF state, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted based on the occurrence of the activation when the system is off.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the module ID setting process, and this process is executed by the battery ECU 20.

[0036] In Figure 6, in step S11, it is determined whether the replacement history flag indicating that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like is 0. At this time, if the battery module 10 has not been replaced or the like (re-mounted), the replacement history flag is 0, and step S11 is affirmed. Also, if the battery module 10 has been replaced, the replacement history flag is 1, and step S11 is negated.

[0037] Here, the setting process of the replacement history flag will be described using the flowchart of Figure 7. This process is executed at startup in the battery ECU 20.

[0038] In Figure 7, in step S31, it is determined whether the current startup of the battery ECU 20 is a startup (startup when the system is off) corresponding to the startup of the monitoring unit 12 accompanying the installation of the battery module 10. And if it is a startup when the system is off, it proceeds to step S32, and it is regarded that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, and 1 is set in the replacement history flag. Also, if it is not a startup when the system is off, the replacement history flag remains 0.

[0039] Returning to the description of Figure 6, when the replacement history flag is 1, it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the processing mode is shifted to the ID setting mode for setting the module ID. That is, the fact that the replacement history flag is 1 means that it is directly grasped that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like. In this case, the module ID is set. That is, accompanying the shift to the ID setting mode, based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 as described above, the module ID of each battery module 10 is set (see Figures 5(a) to (c)).

[0040] In step S13, it waits until the ID setting is completed. When the ID setting is completed, it proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the replacement history flag is reset to 0. Then, in step S21, the transition from the ID setting mode to the normal mode is performed.

[0041] Also, when the replacement history flag is 0, it proceeds to step S15. In step S15, a communication diagnostic mask is executed. According to this communication diagnostic mask, even if an abnormality determination indicating non - normality in the communication - related abnormality diagnosis is made, the determination result is temporarily suspended. Then, in step S16, the CAN communication with each monitoring unit 12 is started.

[0042] In step S17, it is determined whether the communication with the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is established. Specifically, the battery ECU 20 collates the communication ID received from each monitoring unit 12 via the communication line 21 with the communication ID recognized on the battery ECU 20 side, and based on the collation result, determines whether the communication with the monitoring unit 12 is established. In this case, if an exchange or the like has been performed in any of the battery modules 10 immediately before the current ECU startup, the monitoring unit 12 with a mismatched communication ID will be included, and it will be determined that the communication is not established. It is preferable to determine that the communication is not established based on the fact that the communication ID of the monitoring unit 12 is at the initial value.

[0043] If the communication with all the monitoring units 12 is not established, it proceeds to step S18 and shifts to the ID setting mode. Note that since it is in the diagnostic mask as described above, even if it is determined that the communication is not established, the determination of communication abnormality is temporarily suspended.

[0044] Also, if the communication with all the monitoring units 12 is established, it proceeds to step S21 and shifts to the normal mode. That is, when the communication with all the monitoring units 12 becomes possible at the startup of the battery ECU 20, the control in the normal mode is started. In this step S21, the communication diagnostic mask is released.

[0045] In step S18, in the ID setting mode, the module ID is set. That is, with the transition to the ID setting mode, based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 as described above, the module ID of each battery module 10 is set (see FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c)).

[0046] In step S19, wait until the ID setting is completed. When the ID setting is completed, proceed to step S20.

[0047] In step S20, it is determined whether the module ID is correctly set in the ID setting process. Here, when the communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 is not established, it is considered that, in addition to being caused by ID initialization due to replacement of the battery module 10 or the like, it may also be caused by an actual communication abnormality such as a malfunction of the communication device or a poor connection of the communication connector. Assuming this point, if an actual communication abnormality has occurred, a series of ID setting processes cannot be correctly performed, and as a result, it is considered that the module ID cannot be correctly set.

[0048] Note that in step S19, if a series of ID setting processes are performed, or if a predetermined time has elapsed as the period of the ID setting process, the transition to the next step S20 is performed regardless of whether the module ID is correctly set.

[0049] If it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is correctly set, proceed to step S21. In step S21, assuming that the communication state is normal, the transition from the ID setting mode to the normal mode is performed. In this step S21, the communication diagnostic mask is released.

[0050] Also, if it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is not set correctly, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, assuming that the communication state is abnormal, a predetermined fail-safe process is performed. As a fail-safe process, the battery ECU 20, for example, notifies the user to prompt the user to check the mounting state of the battery module 10. Here, if the communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 is not established and this is due to the occurrence of a communication abnormality, it is considered that it may be caused by an inappropriate replacement operation of the battery module 10 by the user. In this regard, by notifying the user as described above, even if the communication is not established due to an inappropriate replacement operation of the battery module 10 or the like, the situation can be corrected. In this case, after the battery module 10 is re-mounted, the process of FIG. 6 may be executed again.

[0051] According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0052] It is determined whether or not the battery module 10 has been re-mounted by removing and re-attaching the battery module 10 in the battery system, and based on the determination result that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted, the module ID is set. In this case, by determining whether or not the battery module 10 has been re-mounted in the battery ECU 20, it is possible to easily shift to the module ID setting mode after the battery module 10 is mounted. As a result, when the battery module 10 is replaced or the like, the identification information of each battery module 10 can be easily set.

[0053] In a configuration where the battery module 10 is mounted on the rack 41 of the vehicle 40 and the power supply voltage is applied to the monitoring unit 12, and the monitoring unit 12 is activated by this voltage application (+B activation configuration), it is possible to determine that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted based on the fact that the monitoring unit 12 has shifted from the power-off state to the power-supply voltage application state. Focusing on this point, by determining the activation of the monitoring unit 12, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted. As a result, it is possible to appropriately perform ID setting after the battery module 10 has been re-mounted.

[0054] Work such as replacement of the battery module 10 (re-mounting work) may be considered to be performed under the off state of the IG switch of the vehicle 40 (under the off state of the battery system), that is, under the stopped state of the battery ECU 20. And when the system-off activation is performed in response to the activation of the monitoring unit 12 accompanying the mounting of the battery module 10 in the IG-off state, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted. In this case, even in the off state of the IG switch, it is possible to appropriately perform the ID setting of each battery module 10.

[0055] When starting the battery ECU 20, when at least one of the determination that the battery module 10 has been re-mounted and the determination that communication with the monitoring unit 12 has not been established is satisfied, the module ID is set. In this case, by determining the replacement etc. of the battery module 10 based on the OR condition of the two determination means, it is possible to appropriately shift to the ID setting mode after the replacement etc. of the battery module 10 has been performed, and thus realize the optimization of the ID setting. For example, after the replacement etc. of the battery module 10 has been performed, it is possible to suppress inconveniences such as the module ID remaining unset due to the conditions for shifting to the ID setting mode not being met, which may affect vehicle running.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described centering on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0057] In this embodiment, as a difference from the first embodiment, after the module ID is set, if the module ID is not set correctly, on the condition that a plurality of battery modules 10 are connected in parallel, the battery module 10 for which the module ID is not set correctly is set to an unusable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the module ID setting process, and this process is executed by replacing the process of FIG. 6. The process of FIG. 8 is a modification of a part of the process of FIG. 6, and the same process as that of FIG. 6 is given the same step number and the description thereof is omitted.

[0059] In FIG. 8, when communication with the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 is not established, the module ID is set in the ID setting mode, and it is determined whether the module ID is set correctly (steps S17 to S20). Then, if it is determined in step S20 that the module ID is not set correctly, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether the battery packs 11 of the plurality of battery modules 10 are connected in series in this battery system. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2(a), if the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in series, the process proceeds to step S22, and as a fail-safe process, a notification prompting the user to confirm the mounting state of the battery module 10 is issued.

[0060] Also, as shown in Fig. 2(b), if the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in parallel, the process proceeds to step S42. The battery module 10 for which the module ID setting has not been correctly performed is set to an unusable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state. In this case, on the premise that the vehicle 40 can still run even if some of the battery modules 10 are made unusable, the vehicle is made to run using the remaining battery modules 10 without using the battery module 10 for which the module ID setting has failed. If the process of step S22 is regarded as the first fail-safe process, the process of step S42 corresponds to the second fail-safe process.

[0061] When it is determined that the module ID setting has not been correctly performed, on the condition that the battery packs 11 of each battery module 10 are connected in parallel, the battery module 10 for which the module ID setting has not been correctly performed is set to an unusable state, and the remaining battery modules 10 are set to a usable state. Thereby, even if some of the battery modules 10 are not used, vehicle running can be quickly performed after replacement of the battery module 10 or the like.

[0062] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment may be modified as follows, for example.

[0063] · As an ID setting process (second setting process) for setting the module ID based on the history of the reinstallation of the battery module 10, a configuration may be adopted in which the following process is implemented.

[0064] In the process shown in Fig. 9(a), it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled using the lock signal output from the lock device 50 provided in the rack 41. In this case, the battery ECU 20 acquires the lock signal output from the lock device 50 (step S51), and based on the lock signal, determines whether the lock device 50 has shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state (step S52). If it is determined that the lock device 50 has shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the replacement history flag is set to 1 (step S53). Note that it is also possible to set the replacement history flag to 1 when it is determined that the lock device 50 has shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0065] That is, when the battery module 10 is replaced or the like, the unlocking operation and the locking operation of the lock device 50 provided in the rack 41 are performed. Focusing on this point, based on the detection that the lock device 50 has shifted from one of the locked state and the unlocked state to the other, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. Thereby, it is possible to suitably determine that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like.

[0066] Also, in the process shown in Fig. 9(b), in a configuration where the monitoring units 12 of the respective battery modules 10 are connected in series by a series connection line, based on the input signal input to the series connection line and the output signal output from the series connection line, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled. For example, the PWM communication line 22 shown in Fig. 1 corresponds to the series connection line. In this case, it is preferable that the battery ECU 20 is activated at a predetermined cycle while the IG is off, and a PWM signal with a predetermined duty is output to the PWM communication line 22. The PWM signal is returned to the battery ECU 20 via each monitoring unit 12.

[0067] In FIG. 9(b), the battery ECU 20 outputs a PWM signal to the topmost monitoring unit 12 in series via the PWM communication line 22 (step S61), and determines whether the PWM signal input from the bottommost monitoring unit 12 in series is the same PWM signal as the output signal (whether the duty ratios match) (steps S62 and S63). If it is determined that the output and input PWM signals in the battery ECU 20 do not match, a 1 is set in the replacement history flag (step S64).

[0068] Note that as a configuration using a connection line other than the PWM communication line 22 as the series connection line, it is also possible. Specifically, between the output terminal and the input terminal of the battery ECU 20, each monitoring unit 12 is connected in series by a connection line, and a predetermined voltage signal is output from the output terminal of the battery ECU 20. In this case, normally, a predetermined voltage signal (that is, a voltage equal to or higher than the threshold value) is input to the input terminal of the battery ECU 20, and when the battery module 10 is removed during replacement or the like, a voltage signal of 0 V (a voltage less than the threshold value) is input to the input terminal of the battery ECU 20.

[0069] When the battery module 10 is replaced or the like, the transmission signal transmitted via the series connection line (such as the PWM communication line 22) is interrupted in any one of the monitoring units 12 connected in series by the series connection line. When the transmission signal transmitted via the series connection line is interrupted, the relationship between the input signal and the output signal of the battery ECU 20 is different compared to the case where the transmission signal is not interrupted. Focusing on this point, it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reinstalled based on the input signal input to the series connection line and the output signal output from the series connection line. Thereby, it is possible to preferably determine that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like.

[0070] ·In the above-described embodiment, the battery ECU 20 and the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 are made communicable with each other via the CAN communication line. However, this may be changed so that the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 can communicate with each other wirelessly. In this case, for example, information regarding the +B activation of the monitoring unit 12, module replacement history, etc. may be transmitted to the battery ECU 20 by wireless communication.

[0071] ·In the vehicle 40, after the battery module 10 is removed from the rack 41, there are two cases to consider: when another battery module 10 is reinstalled, and when the battery module 10 removed this time (the same battery module 10) is reinstalled after charging or the like. In this case, when the battery module 10 is reinstalled, the ID setting process may be made different according to whether another battery module 10 is attached or the same battery module 10 is attached.

[0072] Specifically, when the battery ECU 20 is activated, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 may be executed by the battery ECU 20. In FIG. 10, in step S71, it is determined whether the replacement history flag is 1, and in the subsequent step S72, it is determined whether the battery module 10 removed last time and the battery module 10 attached this time are the same. In this case, the fact that the battery module 10 is the same at the time of removal and attachment may be recognized, for example, by an operation input by the user. For example, in a series of replacement operations of the battery module 10, the user may be asked "Is the battery module 10 the same?", and based on the operation input as the answer, the battery ECU 20 may determine whether the battery module 10 is the same. Also, a past ID history may be stored in the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10, and based on that ID history, the battery ECU 20 may be configured to determine whether the battery module 10 is the same. Also, when the same battery module 10 is reinstalled after being charged by an external charging device, the identification information (module ID, communication ID) of the monitoring unit 12 should not be initialized during the charging. In this case, at the time of ECU activation immediately after reinstallation, the same identification information as before removal will be recognized.

[0073] When the battery modules 10 are the same, the process proceeds to step S73, and the original module ID is used without reassigning the module ID. On the other hand, when the battery modules 10 are different, the process proceeds to step S74, and the ID setting mode is shifted to reassign the module ID. Then, after steps S73 and S74, the normal mode is entered (step S75).

[0074] Note that as for the case where the battery module 10 is the same when removed and when attached, there are two cases to consider: when the battery module 10 is reattached without being charged and when the battery module 10 is reattached after being charged. For example, in the former case, it is conceivable that the battery module 10 is temporarily removed for inspection or the like. In any of these cases where the battery modules 10 are the same, the module ID is not reassigned, and the original module ID is used as it is. However, when the battery module 10 is reattached without being charged, the module ID is not reassigned, and the original module ID is used as it is, whereas when the battery module 10 is reattached after being charged, a configuration in which the module ID is reassigned may be adopted.

[0075] When it is determined that the battery module 10 has been reattached, the setting mode of the module ID is made different according to whether the reattached battery module 10 is the same as the battery module 10 at the time of the previous removal. Thereby, an appropriate ID setting process can be performed according to whether the re - setting of the module ID is necessary.

[0076] In the vehicle 40, it is also conceivable that the accommodation locations of at least two battery modules 10 are swapped without changing the combination of all the battery modules 10 accommodated in the rack 41. In this case, based on the past ID history in each monitoring unit 12, it is determined whether the battery module 10 has been swapped. If the reinstallation of the battery module 10 is a swap of the battery module 10, the module ID may not be reassigned, and the original module ID may be used as it is.

[0077] ·In each of the above embodiments, the identification information of each battery module 10 is set based on the PWM signal output from the battery ECU 20 to each monitoring unit 12. However, the ID setting method is not limited to this, and other methods can also be used. For example, the monitoring units 12 may be connected in series, and a predetermined voltage may be applied to the uppermost monitoring unit 12. Based on the divided voltage of each monitoring unit 12, the module ID may be set in order from the upper stage to the lower stage.

[0078] ·In each of the above embodiments, at the time of starting the battery ECU 20, both the first setting process for setting the module ID based on the fact that communication between the battery ECU 20 and each monitoring unit 12 has not been established and the second setting process for setting the module ID based on the history of reinstallation of the battery module 10 are configured to be feasible. However, this may be changed. A configuration in which only the first setting process among these setting processes is performed (that is, a configuration in which steps S11 to S14 and S21 in FIG. 6 are performed as the ID setting process) may be used. Alternatively, a configuration in which only the second setting process is performed (that is, a configuration in which steps S15 to S22 in FIG. 6 are performed as the ID setting process) may be used.

[0079] In the second setting process, when the monitoring unit 12 is activated (when the monitoring unit 12 is activated by +B) with the reinstallation of the battery module 10 to the vehicle 40, an exchange history flag may be set in the monitoring unit 12, and the exchange history flag may be transmitted from the monitoring unit 12 to the battery ECU 20.

[0080] ·In the above embodiment, the battery ECU 20 is used as the identification information setting device in the battery system. However, this configuration may be changed, and a configuration may be adopted in which an identification information setting device is provided separately from the battery ECU 20. For example, a provisioning device for ID setting (ID assignment) may be provided as the identification information setting device.

[0081] ·In the above embodiment, the battery system has been described as a vehicle battery system. However, it may be a battery system for a moving body other than a vehicle, such as an aircraft or a ship. Further, it may be a battery system other than a moving body, that is, a stationary battery system. Specifically, the ID setting method of the present invention can be applied to a battery system provided in association with a building such as a house, a store, or a public facility. Also, in a battery storage system for storing the battery modules 10, ID setting may be performed on the battery modules 10 in the storage state as described above.

[0082] ·The rack for each battery module 10 may have a housing portion having a plurality of storage shelves for accommodating the battery modules 10 and open on one side, and an opening / closing portion (door portion) provided to be openable / closable at the opening of the housing portion. Inside the housing portion, the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10 may be capable of wireless communication. The housing portion may be provided with a ventilation portion for heat dissipation or a cooling portion for cooling with a refrigerant. The housing portion or the opening / closing portion may be provided with a waveguide and a radio wave absorber.

[0083] · Provide a first battery system for the purpose of using the power of the battery module 10 and a second battery system for the purpose of storing the battery module 10, and it may be possible to replace the battery module 10 with each other in these first and second battery systems. Specifically, it is conceivable to adopt the system shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an in-vehicle battery system as a first battery system including a plurality of battery modules 10 and a battery ECU 20, and a battery storage system as a second battery system including a plurality of battery modules 10 and a management ECU 60. In the battery storage system, a plurality of battery modules 10 are accommodated in a rack 61 as a mounted part. Although not shown, the rack 61 is provided with a rack connector and a locking device in the same manner as the rack 41. The battery modules 10 accommodated in each of the racks 41 and 61 can be mutually replaced between the systems.

[0084] In the in-vehicle battery system and the battery storage system, the number of modules accommodated in the racks 41 and 61 may be different. For example, the battery storage system may be configured to have a larger number of modules accommodated than the in-vehicle battery system. In addition, for each vehicle 40, a group of battery modules in the rack 61 may be allocated. Also, the number of modules accommodated in the racks 41 and 61 may be the same in the in-vehicle battery system and the battery storage system.

[0085] In the battery ECU 20, as described above, ID setting processing is performed along with the replacement of the battery module 10 and the like. Similarly, in the management ECU 60, ID setting processing is also performed along with the replacement of the battery module 10 and the like. That is, each of the ECUs 20 and 60 has a communication function of the same communication format with each other. Each time the battery module 10 is reinstalled in the in-vehicle battery system or each time the battery module 10 is reinstalled in the battery storage system, the ID setting of each battery module 10 is performed by each of the ECUs 20 and 60 according to the above-described method.

[0086] When each of the ECUs 20 and 60 detects that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, it may notify the user or operator to that effect by means of display, voice, or the like. In this case, based on the module ID, it is advisable to notify which battery module 10 has been replaced or the like in the racks 41 and 61. This can inform the user or the like that the replacement or the like of the battery module 10 has been properly recognized. Also, in the event that the battery module 10 has been illegally replaced, it is possible to inform the user or the like of the occurrence of such illegal act. That is, by using the ID setting function of the present invention, it becomes possible to implement countermeasures against illegal acts.

[0087] In addition, if the battery module 10 is stored in the battery storage system for a long period of time, it is conceivable that the power storage capacity of the battery module 10 decreases due to self-discharge or the battery life decreases due to deterioration. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the stored battery module 10 by the management ECU 60. The management ECU 60 may periodically activate the monitoring unit 12 of each battery module 10.

[0088] In this case, if each battery module 10 housed in the rack 61 is provided with a module ID, the position of the battery module 10 in the rack 61 can be grasped. Therefore, when the power storage capacity of the battery module 10 decreases or deterioration occurs in the battery storage system, it is possible to easily identify which battery module 10 is involved. This makes it possible to improve the maintainability. Also, in the battery storage system, each battery module 10 may be rechargeable while being mounted on the rack 61, and in such a configuration, it is possible to selectively charge the battery module 10 to be charged.

[0089] In addition, the ECUs 20 and 60 of each system are capable of wireless communication with the external server 70 respectively. When each ECU 20, 60 detects that the battery module 10 has been replaced or the like, it may transmit the information to the external server 70. Thereby, the external server 70 can easily and properly manage the battery replacement in each system.

[0090] In the in-vehicle battery system and the battery storage system, it is possible to mutually replace the battery module 10, and it is possible to set the module ID in the same manner in each of these systems. Thereby, it is possible to set an appropriate module ID both when the battery module 10 is in use and when it is in storage, and thus it is possible to continuously perform appropriate monitoring of the battery module 10.

[0091] 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. Also, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions to be executed by a computer.

[0092] The technical ideas extracted from the above-described embodiments are described below. [Configuration 1] It is applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) including a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery. An identification information setting device (20) that is communicably provided with the monitoring unit and individually sets module identification information for each of the battery modules, a mounting determination unit that determines whether or not the battery module has been removed and reinstalled in the battery system, a setting unit that sets the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been reinstalled, and an identification information setting device comprising the same. [Configuration 2] The battery system has a mounted portion (41) on which the plurality of battery modules are detachably mounted. When the battery module is mounted on the mounted portion, a power supply voltage is applied to the monitoring unit, while when the battery module is detached from the mounted portion, the application of the power supply voltage to the monitoring unit is cut off. The monitoring unit is activated by the application of a power supply voltage accompanying the mounting of the battery module on the mounted portion. The identification information setting device according to Configuration 1, wherein the mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled based on the fact that the monitoring unit has shifted from a power-off state to a power supply voltage application state. [Configuration 3] An identification information setting device in which when the monitoring unit is activated in response to the mounting of the battery module on the mounted portion in the off state of the battery system, system-off activation is performed, The identification information setting device according to Configuration 2, wherein the mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been reinstalled when the system-off activation is performed. [Configuration 4] The battery system has a mounted portion (41) on which the plurality of battery modules are detachably mounted, and the mounted portion has a locking device (50) that makes it impossible or difficult to remove the battery module. The mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been remounted based on detecting that the locking device has shifted from one of the locked state and the unlocked state to the other, for the identification information setting device according to Configuration 1. [Configuration 5] In the battery system, the monitoring units of the respective battery modules are connected in series by a series connection line, The mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been remounted based on an input signal input to the series connection line and an output signal output from the series connection line, for the identification information setting device according to Configuration 1. [Configuration 6] When it is determined by the mounting determination unit that the battery module has been remounted, it includes an identical determination unit that determines whether the remounted battery module is the same as the battery module at the time of the previous removal, The setting unit varies the setting mode of the module identification information according to whether the remounted battery module is the same as the one at the time of the previous removal, for the identification information setting device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. [Configuration 7] It includes a communication determination unit that performs collation of communication identification information determined for each monitoring unit and determines whether communication has been established based on the collation result, The setting unit performs setting of the module identification information when at least one of the determination by the mounting determination unit that the battery module has been remounted and the determination by the communication determination unit that communication has not been established is satisfied at the time of activation of the identification information setting device, for the identification information setting device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0093] 10... Battery module, 11... Battery pack, 12... Monitoring unit, 20... Battery ECU.

Claims

1. A battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) each having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, and a mounting portion (41) to which the plurality of battery modules are detachably mounted. When the battery module is mounted on the mounting portion, a power supply voltage is applied to the monitoring unit, while when the battery module is detached from the mounting portion, the application of the power supply voltage to the monitoring unit is cut off. The battery system is applicable to: An identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination unit for determining whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting unit for setting the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted, Comprising: The monitoring unit is activated by the application of a power supply voltage accompanying the mounting of the battery module on the mounting portion, The mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been remounted based on the fact that the monitoring unit has shifted from a power-off state to a power-supply voltage application state. An identification information setting device.

2. An identification information setting device in which, when the monitoring unit is activated in accompaniment with the mounting of the battery module on the mounting portion in an off state of the battery system, system-off activation is performed in response to the activation of the monitoring unit, The mounting determination unit determines that the battery module has been remounted when the system-off activation is performed. The identification information setting device according to Claim 1.

3. A battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) each having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, and the monitoring units of the respective battery modules are connected in series by a series connection line. The battery system is applicable to: An identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination unit for determining whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting unit for setting the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted, Comprising: The mounting determination unit is an identification information setting device that determines that the battery module has been remounted based on an input signal input to the series connection line and an output signal output from the series connection line.

4. Applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) including a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, An identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination unit that determines whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting unit that sets the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted, An identity determination unit that determines whether or not the remounted battery module is the same as the battery module at the time of the previous removal when it is determined by the mounting determination unit that the battery module has been remounted, Comprising: The setting unit is an identification information setting device that varies the setting mode of the module identification information according to whether or not the remounted battery module is the same as at the time of the previous removal.

5. Comprising a communication determination unit that collates communication identification information determined for each monitoring unit and determines whether or not communication has been established based on the collation result, The setting unit sets the module identification information when at least one of the determination by the mounting determination unit that the battery module has been remounted and the determination by the communication determination unit that communication has not been established is satisfied at the time of activation of the identification information setting device. The identification information setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) including a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, An identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination unit that determines whether or not remounting has been performed by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting unit that sets the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been remounted, A communication determination unit that performs collation of communication identification information defined for each monitoring unit and determines whether communication has been established based on the collation result; comprising; When at least one of the determination by the mounting determination unit that the battery module has been remounted and the determination by the communication determination unit that communication has not been established is satisfied at the time of activation of the identification information setting device, the identification information setting device that sets the module identification information.

7. A plurality of battery modules (10) having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, and a mounted portion (41) to which the plurality of battery modules are detachably mounted. When the battery module is mounted on the mounted portion, a power supply voltage is applied to the monitoring unit, while when the battery module is detached from the mounted portion, the application of the power supply voltage to the monitoring unit is cut off. Applied to the battery system, A program executed by an identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination step of determining whether the battery module has been remounted by removal and attachment in the battery system; A setting step of setting the module identification information based on the determination result that the battery module has been remounted; comprising; The monitoring unit is activated by the application of a power supply voltage accompanying the mounting of the battery module on the mounted portion, In the mounting determination step, based on the fact that the monitoring unit has shifted from a power-off state to a power-supply voltage application state, a program for determining that the battery module has been remounted.

8. A battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) having a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, wherein the monitoring units of the respective battery modules are connected in series by a series connection line. Applied, A program executed by an identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination step of determining whether the battery module has been remounted by removal and attachment in the battery system; A setting step of setting the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been reinstalled; comprising; In the mounting determination step, a program for determining that the battery module has been reinstalled based on an input signal input to the series connection line and an output signal output from the series connection line.

9. Applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) including a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, A program executed by an identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination step of determining whether or not the battery module has been reinstalled by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting step of setting the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been reinstalled, When it is determined in the mounting determination step that the battery module has been reinstalled, an identical determination step of determining whether or not the reinstalled battery module is the same as the battery module at the time of the previous removal, comprising; In the setting step, a program for varying the setting mode of the module identification information according to whether or not the reinstalled battery module is the same as at the time of the previous removal.

10. Applied to a battery system having a plurality of battery modules (10) including a storage battery (11) and a monitoring unit (12) for monitoring the storage battery, A program executed by an identification information setting device (20) provided communicably with the monitoring unit and individually setting module identification information for each battery module, A mounting determination step of determining whether or not the battery module has been reinstalled by removing and attaching the battery module in the battery system, A setting step of setting the module identification information based on a determination result that the battery module has been reinstalled, A communication determination step of collating communication identification information determined for each monitoring unit and determining whether or not communication has been established based on the collation result, comprising; In the setting step, when the identification information setting device is started, if at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: it is determined in the mounting determination step that the battery module has been remounted, and it is determined in the communication determination step that communication has not been established, the module identification information is set. Program.

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