Battery pack system, battery module, end module, and paralleling module

Abstract

To provide a battery pack system, a battery module, an end module, and a paralleling module with which the degree of standardization can be easily enhanced.SOLUTION: A battery pack system includes: a battery column 3 in which a plurality of battery modules 2 is connected in a line, and which has a first end 31 and a second end 32; and an end module 4 which is connected to the second end 32 of the battery column 3. Each of the battery modules 2 has a first positive terminal Tp1, a first negative terminal Tm1, a second positive terminal Tp2, a second negative terminal Tm2, a positive-side path 21, and a negative-side path 22. Between adjacent ones of the battery modules 2, the first positive terminal Tp1 of one of the battery modules and the second positive terminal Tp2 of the other battery module are electrically connected, and the first negative terminal Tm1 of the one of the battery modules and the second negative terminal Tm2 of the other battery module are electrically connected. At least one of the positive-side path 21 and the negative-side path 22 includes a power storage part B1 and switching elements SW1, SW2 that switch the connection state of the power storage part B1. A third positive terminal Tp3 and a third negative terminal Tm3 of the end module 4 are electrically conductive to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack system, a battery module, an end module, and a paralleling module provided with a battery.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, battery packs mounted on electric vehicles have been known (see, 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] By the way, for electric vehicles, electrical specifications such as required voltage differ depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer. The same applies to electric devices other than electric vehicles, where electrical specifications such as required voltage differ. Therefore, it has become difficult to standardize battery packs.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack system, a battery module, an end module, and a paralleling module that are easy to increase the degree of standardization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery pack system according to the present invention includes a battery string in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in a row and have a first end portion and a second end portion, and an end module connected to the second end portion of the battery string. Each battery module includes a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module, a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module, a positive-side path portion for flowing a current between the first positive terminal and the second positive terminal, and a negative-side path portion for flowing a current between the second negative terminal and the first negative terminal. In a state where the plurality of battery modules are connected, between the battery modules adjacent to each other, one of the first positive terminals and the other second positive terminal, and one of the first negative terminals and the other second negative terminal are electrically connected respectively. At least one of the positive-side path portion and the negative-side path portion includes a power storage portion for storing electric charge, and a switching circuit for switching a connection state including a joining state in which the power storage portion is joined to a current path in the at least one path portion and a disconnection state in which the power storage portion is detached from the current path. The end module includes a third positive terminal connected to the second positive terminal and a third negative terminal connected to the second negative terminal of the battery module located at the second end portion of the battery string, and the third positive terminal and the third negative terminal are electrically connected.

[0007] According to this configuration, by connecting an end module to a battery string in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in a row, the power storage portions included in the plurality of battery modules are connected in series. Therefore, the output voltage can be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of battery modules according to the voltage required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle. As a result, the battery pack system can be applied to various electric devices, and it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality. Furthermore, since the output waveform can be changed by dynamically changing the number of power storage portions connected in series using the switching circuit, it becomes possible to conform to the voltage waveform required for each electric device, and it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality.

[0008] Further, the positive-side path section includes the power storage section and a switching circuit that switches a connection state including a connection state in which the power storage section is included in the current path of the positive-side path section and a disconnection state in which the power storage section is disconnected from the current path of the positive-side path section. The negative-side path section preferably includes the power storage section and a switching circuit that switches a connection state including a connection state in which the power storage section is included in the current path of the negative-side path section and a disconnection state in which the power storage section is disconnected from the current path of the negative-side path section.

[0009] According to this configuration, since the power storage section is provided in both the positive-side path section and the negative-side path section of each battery module, it is easy to increase the number of power storage sections connected in series.

[0010] Each battery module further includes a first communication terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module and a second communication terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module. In a state where the plurality of battery modules are connected, between the battery modules adjacent to each other, one of the first communication terminals and the other of the second communication terminals are electrically connected to each other. Each battery module preferably further includes an in-module control unit that causes the switching circuit to switch the connection state according to control information obtained from the first communication terminal or the second communication terminal.

[0011] According to this configuration, by inputting a control signal to the first communication terminal provided at the first end of the battery string or the second communication terminal provided at the second end of the battery string, it becomes possible to control the switching of the connection state of each battery module.

[0012] Further, a control unit is further provided that outputs a first signal obtained by connecting the control information for each battery module in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules in the battery string to the first communication terminal of the battery module located at the first end. The in-module control unit acquires the control information connected to one end of the first signal obtained from the first communication terminal in its own battery module as the control information for itself, and preferably outputs the remaining signal obtained by deleting the control information for itself from the first signal to the second communication terminal in its own battery module as a new first signal.

[0013] According to this configuration, the control unit only needs to output the control information for each battery module by connecting them in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules to the first communication terminal of the battery module located at the first end, and the communication address of the destination battery module is unnecessary. Therefore, even when increasing, decreasing, or replacing battery modules, there is no need to set a communication address for each battery module.

[0014] Each battery module further includes a third communication terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module and a fourth communication terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module. The in-module control unit preferably connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the third communication terminal in its own battery module and outputs it as a new second signal to the fourth communication terminal in its own battery module.

[0015] According to this configuration, the module information of each battery module, which is a second signal connected in the connection order of each battery module, is output from the fourth communication terminal at the first end in the battery string. Therefore, even without setting a communication address for the destination battery module, it is possible to correctly acquire the module information of each battery module from the second signal. As a result, even when increasing, decreasing, or replacing battery modules, there is no need to set a communication address for each battery module.

[0016] Further, it is preferable that the in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the second communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the first communication terminal in its own battery module.

[0017] According to this configuration, communication terminals for transmission and reception can be shared.

[0018] Furthermore, it further includes a control unit that outputs a first signal in which the control information for each battery module is connected in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules in the battery string, to the second communication terminal of the battery module located at the second end portion. The in-module control unit preferably acquires the control information connected to one end of the first signal obtained from the second communication terminal in its own battery module as the control information for itself, and outputs the remaining signal obtained by deleting the control information for itself from the first signal as a new first signal to the first communication terminal in its own battery module.

[0019] According to this configuration, the control unit only needs to connect the control information for each battery module in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules and output it to the second communication terminal of the battery module located at the second end portion, and the communication address of the destination battery module is unnecessary. Therefore, even when increasing, decreasing, or replacing battery modules, it is not necessary to set a communication address for each battery module.

[0020] Furthermore, each battery module further includes a third communication terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module and a fourth communication terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module. It is preferable that the in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the fourth communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the third communication terminal in its own battery module.

[0021] According to this configuration, the module information of each battery module and the second signal connected in the connection order of each battery module are output from the third communication terminal at the second end of the battery string. Therefore, it is possible to correctly obtain the module information of each battery module from the second signal without setting a communication address for the destination battery module. As a result, even when increasing, decreasing, or replacing battery modules, there is no need to set a communication address for each battery module.

[0022] Further, it is preferable that the in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of the second signal obtained from the first communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the second communication terminal in its own battery module.

[0023] According to this configuration, the communication terminals for transmission and reception can be shared.

[0024] Further, it is preferable that the end module further includes an inductor interposed between the third positive terminal and the third negative terminal, and an intermediate connection terminal electrically connected to the midpoint of the inductor.

[0025] According to this configuration, the battery pack system can be operated as an inverter circuit.

[0026] Further, it includes a plurality of the battery strings, and further includes a paralleling module for connecting the plurality of battery strings in parallel. The paralleling module is provided for each battery string, and includes a first positive connection terminal connected to the first positive terminal of the battery module located at the first end portion, a first negative connection terminal connected to the first negative terminal of the battery module located at the first end portion, a positive output terminal and a positive parallel terminal that are electrically connected to the first positive connection terminal, and a negative output terminal and a negative parallel terminal that are electrically connected to the first negative connection terminal. The first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal are located on an outer surface of the paralleling module in a direction orthogonal to the column direction of the battery string, and the positive parallel terminal and the negative parallel terminal are preferably located on an outer surface of the paralleling module on the side opposite to the first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal.

[0027] According to this configuration, by connecting a plurality of battery strings to which the paralleling module is connected in a direction orthogonal to the column direction of the battery string, it is possible to connect the plurality of battery strings in parallel. As a result, the current capacity of the battery pack system can be increased.

[0028] Further, it is preferable that the paralleling module further includes a filter for smoothing the voltage obtained from the first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal.

[0029] According to this configuration, since the output voltage of each battery string is smoothed by the filter, the difference in the output voltage that occurs instantaneously between the plurality of battery strings connected in parallel is reduced. As a result, the instantaneous input / output of current between the battery strings can be reduced.

[0030] Further, each battery module preferably includes a plurality of the power storage units, and the switching circuit preferably switches the connection state for each power storage unit.

[0031] According to this configuration, since each battery module includes a plurality of power storage units, it is easy to increase the number of series-connected power storage units in the entire battery pack system.

[0032] Further, the battery module according to the present invention is the battery module used in the above-described battery pack system.

[0033] According to this configuration, it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality by the above-described battery pack system.

[0034] Further, the end module according to the present invention is the end module used in the above-described battery pack system.

[0035] According to this configuration, it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality by the above-described battery pack system.

[0036] Further, the parallelization module according to the present invention is the parallelization module used in the above-described battery pack system.

[0037] According to this configuration, it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality by the above-described battery pack system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] The battery pack system, battery module, end module, and parallelization module having such a configuration can easily increase the degree of commonality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals are shown to be the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted. In each drawing, XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes are appropriately shown to clarify the direction relationship. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the appearance of a battery pack system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The battery pack system 1 shown in FIG. 1 generally includes a plurality of battery modules 2, a plurality of end modules 4, and a plurality of paralleling modules 5. The battery module 2, the end module 4, and the paralleling module 5 each have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing.

[0042] The plurality of battery modules 2 are connected in a row along the X direction to form a battery row 3. The +X side end of the battery row 3 is the first end 31, and the -X side end of the battery row 3 is the second end 32. That is, the +X direction is the first end 31 side, and the -X direction is the second end 32 side.

[0043] An end module 4 is connected to the second end 32 of the battery row 3, and a paralleling module 5 is connected to the first end 31 of the battery row 3. A plurality of series blocks 11 to which the paralleling module 5, the battery row 3, and the end module 4 are connected are connected in the Y-axis direction to form the battery pack system 1. The battery module 2, the end module 4, and the paralleling module 5 are detachable from each other.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the battery module 2, the end module 4, and the paralleling module 5 shown in FIG. 1. On the +X side outer wall surface of the battery module 2, a first positive terminal Tp1, a first negative terminal Tm1, a first communication terminal Tc1, and a fourth communication terminal Tc4 are provided. On the -X side outer wall surface of the battery module 2, a second positive terminal Tp2, a second negative terminal Tm2, a second communication terminal Tc2, and a third communication terminal Tc3 are provided.

[0045] On the +X side outer wall surface of the end module 4, a third positive terminal Tp3, a third negative terminal Tm3, a fifth communication terminal Tc5, and a sixth communication terminal Tc6 are provided. On the +Z side outer wall surface of the end module 4, an intermediate connection terminal Ti is provided. Note that the intermediate connection terminal Ti is not limited to the +Z side outer wall surface and may also be on the -Z side or -X side outer wall surface.

[0046] On the -X side outer wall surface of the parallelization module 5, a first positive connection terminal Tpc1, a first negative connection terminal Tmc1, a first communication connection terminal Tcc1, and a second communication connection terminal Tcc2 are provided. On the -Y side outer wall surface of the parallelization module 5 in the direction orthogonal to the X direction, a positive output terminal Tpo and a negative output terminal Tmo are provided. On the +Y side outer wall surface of the parallelization module 5 in the direction orthogonal to the X direction and on the opposite side of the positive output terminal Tpo and the negative output terminal Tmo, a positive parallel terminal Tpp and a negative parallel terminal Tmp are provided. Note that the positive output terminal Tpo and the negative output terminal Tmo may be provided on the +Y side outer wall surface, and the positive parallel terminal Tpp and the negative parallel terminal Tmp may be provided on the -Y side outer wall surface.

[0047] When a plurality of battery modules 2 are connected, between the battery modules 2 adjacent to each other, one of the first positive terminal Tp1, the first negative terminal Tm1, the first communication terminal Tc1, and the fourth communication terminal Tc4 and the other's second positive terminal Tp2, the second negative terminal Tm2, the second communication terminal Tc2, and the third communication terminal Tc3 are respectively connected.

[0048] Also, when the battery module 2 located at the second end 32 and the end module 4 are connected, the second positive terminal Tp2, the second negative terminal Tm2, the second communication terminal Tc2, and the third communication terminal Tc3 of the battery module 2 located at the second end 32 and the third positive terminal Tp3, the third negative terminal Tm3, the fifth communication terminal Tc5, and the sixth communication terminal Tc6 of the end module 4 are respectively connected.

[0049] When the battery module 2 located at the first end portion 31 and the paralleling module 5 are connected, the first positive terminal Tp1, the first negative terminal Tm1, the first communication terminal Tc1, and the fourth communication terminal Tc4 of the battery module 2 located at the first end portion 31 are connected to the first positive connection terminal Tpc1, the first negative connection terminal Tmc1, the first communication connection terminal Tcc1, and the second communication connection terminal Tcc2 of the paralleling module 5, respectively.

[0050] When a plurality of series blocks 11 in which the battery module 2, the end module 4, and the paralleling module 5 are connected in this way are connected in the Y direction, between the paralleling modules 5 adjacent to each other, one positive output terminal Tpo and negative output terminal Tmo and the other positive parallel terminal Tpp and negative parallel terminal Tmp are connected, respectively.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the electrical configuration of the series block 11 shown in FIG. 1. Each battery module 2 includes, inside its housing, a positive-side path portion 21 for flowing a current between the first positive terminal Tp1 and the second positive terminal Tp2, a negative-side path portion 22 for flowing a current between the second negative terminal Tm2 and the first negative terminal Tm1, and an in-module control unit 23.

[0052] The positive-side path portion 21 and the negative-side path portion 22 each include a plurality of unit modules EM. The unit module EM includes a terminal T1 (first terminal) and a terminal T2 (second terminal).

[0053] The plurality of unit modules EM in the positive-side path portion 21 are connected in series, and between the unit modules EM adjacent to each other, the terminal T2 of the unit module EM on the high-potential side is connected to the terminal T1 of the unit module EM on the low-potential side. The terminal T1 of the unit module EM on the highest potential side is connected to the first positive terminal Tp1, and the terminal T2 of the unit module EM on the lowest potential side is connected to the second positive terminal Tp2. Thereby, the positive-side path portion 21 constitutes a current path from the first positive terminal Tp1 to the second positive terminal Tp2.

[0054] The negative-side path section 22 is configured in the same manner as the positive-side path section 21, except that the terminal T1 of the unit module EM on the highest potential side is connected to the second negative terminal Tm2, and the terminal T2 of the unit module EM on the lowest potential side is connected to the first negative terminal Tm1. As a result, the negative-side path section 22 forms a current path from the second negative terminal Tm2 to the first negative terminal Tm1.

[0055] Note that the number of unit modules EM in the positive-side path section 21, that is, the number of power storage sections B1, may be one, and the number of unit modules EM in the negative-side path section 22, that is, the number of power storage sections B1, may also be one.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram for explaining the configuration of the unit module EM. The unit module EM includes terminals T1 and T2, a power storage section B1 that stores electric charge, and switching elements SW1 and SW2 (switching circuit) that switch the electrical connection state of the power storage section B1 to the terminals T1 and T2. The switching elements SW1 and SW2 are an example of a switching circuit, and in the example shown in FIG. 4, they form a half-bridge.

[0057] Specifically, the power storage section B1 and the switching element SW1 are connected in series, and the switching element SW2 is connected in parallel with the series circuit of the power storage section B1 and the switching element SW1. The connection point of the switching element SW1 and the switching element SW2 is connected to the terminal T1, and the connection point of the switching element SW2 and the power storage section B1 is connected to the terminal T2.

[0058] The terminal T1 is connected to the terminal T2 of the unit module EM on the higher potential side than the self-module, and the terminal T2 is connected to the terminal T1 of the unit module EM on the lower potential side than the self-module. As a result, a plurality of unit modules EM are connected in series.

[0059] As the switching elements SW1 and SW2, various switching elements can be used. For example, semiconductor switching elements such as transistors can be preferably used. The switching elements SW1 and SW2 turn on and off in response to a control signal from the in-module control section 23.

[0060] As the power storage unit B1, various secondary batteries can be preferably used, and it is not limited to a single battery, and a battery pack combining a plurality of secondary batteries may be used as the power storage unit B1.

[0061] The power storage unit B1 of the unit module EM indicated by symbol A is in a connected state, and the power storage unit B1 of the unit module EM indicated by symbol B is in a disconnected state. In the connected state, when the switching element SW1 is turned on and the switching element SW2 is turned off, the power storage unit B1 joins the current paths of the positive-side path portion 21 and the negative-side path portion 22. In the disconnected state, when the switching element SW1 is turned off and the switching element SW2 is turned on, the power storage unit B1 disconnects from the current paths of the positive-side path portion 21 and the negative-side path portion 22.

[0062] Note that the unit module EM may use a full bridge as a switching circuit. FIG. 5 is a conceptual circuit diagram showing an example of the unit module EM using a full bridge as a switching circuit. The unit module EM of the full bridge shown in FIG. 5 further includes switching elements SW3 and SW4 in addition to the unit module EM of the half bridge shown in FIG. 4. As the switching elements SW3 and SW4, the same switching elements as the switching elements SW1 and SW2 can be used.

[0063] Specifically, a series circuit of the switching elements SW3 and SW4 is connected in parallel with a series circuit of the switching elements SW1 and SW2. The connection point of the switching elements SW1 and SW2 is connected to the terminal T1, and the connection point of the switching elements SW3 and SW4 is connected to the terminal T2.

[0064] The unit module EM of the full bridge shown in FIG. 5 can be in an inverted state indicated by symbol C in addition to the connected state indicated by symbol A and the disconnected state indicated by symbol B. In the unit module EM in the inverted state, the power storage unit B1 is connected with its polarity inverted.

[0065] In the joined state, the switching elements SW1 and SW4 are on, and the switching elements SW2 and SW3 are off. In the detached state, the switching elements SW1 and SW3 are off, and the switching elements SW2 and SW4 are on. In the inverted state, the switching elements SW1 and SW4 are off, and the switching elements SW2 and SW3 are on. Note that in the detached state, the switching elements SW1 and SW3 may be turned on and the switching elements SW2 and SW4 may be turned off.

[0066] The in-module control unit 23 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a predetermined logical operation, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, a non-volatile storage device, a serial communication circuit, and peripheral circuits thereof, and operates by executing a predetermined program.

[0067] The in-module control unit 23 turns on and off the switching elements SW1 and SW2 according to the control information obtained from the first communication terminal Tc1, and switches the connection state in each unit module EM in the self-battery module 2. Hereinafter, the in-module control unit 23 controls the connection state including the joined state and the detached state by controlling the switching elements SW1 and SW2, or controls the connection state including the joined state, the detached state, and the inverted state by controlling the switching elements SW1 to SW4 is simply described as controlling the connection state.

[0068] The end module 4 includes an inductor L1, an inductor L2, an end control unit 41, and a current sensor 42 in its housing. One end of the inductor L1 is connected to the third positive terminal Tp3, the other end of the inductor L1 is connected to one end of the inductor L2, and the other end of the inductor L2 is connected to the third negative terminal Tm3. That is, the inductors L1 and L2 are interposed between the third positive terminal Tp3 and the third negative terminal Tm3.

[0069] The connection points of inductors L1 and L2, i.e., the midpoints of inductors L1 and L2, are conductively connected to the intermediate connection terminal Ti. Note that a reactor with a center tap may be used instead of inductors L1 and L2, and the center tap may be connected to the intermediate connection terminal Ti.

[0070] By providing the end module 4 with inductors L1 and L2, the battery pack system 1 can be operated as an inverter circuit. Note that the end module 4 may not include the inductors L1 and L2 and the intermediate connection terminal Ti, and the third positive terminal Tp3 and the third negative terminal Tm3 may be short-circuited.

[0071] The current sensor 42 detects the current flowing through the battery string 3 and outputs the current value to the end control unit 41.

[0072] The end control unit 41 is configured to include, for example, a CPU that executes a predetermined logical operation, a RAM that temporarily stores data, a non-volatile storage device, a serial communication circuit, and peripheral circuits thereof, and operates by executing a predetermined program.

[0073] The end control unit 41 transmits the current value detected by the current sensor 42 to the sixth communication terminal Tc6 as a second serial signal SS2 (second signal). The transmission and reception operations of the second serial signal SS2 will be described later.

[0074] The parallelization module 5 includes a control unit 51 and a filter 52 in its housing. The filter 52 is a so-called LC filter including an inductor L interposed between the first positive terminal Tp1 and the positive output terminal Tpo, and a capacitor C interposed between the positive output terminal Tpo and the negative output terminal Tmo. The positive parallel terminal Tpp is conductively connected to the positive output terminal Tpo, and the negative parallel terminal Tmp is conductively connected to the negative output terminal Tmo.

[0075] The control unit 51 is configured to include, for example, a CPU that executes a predetermined logical operation, a RAM that temporarily stores data, a non-volatile storage device, a serial communication circuit, and peripheral circuits thereof, and operates by executing a predetermined program.

[0076] The control unit 51 outputs control information for each battery module 2 and end module 4 to the first communication terminal Tc1 of the battery module 2 located at the first end 31 via the first communication connection terminal Tcc1, as a first serial signal SS1 (first signal) connected in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules 2 and end modules 4 in the series block 11. The transmission and reception operation of the first serial signal SS1 will be described later.

[0077] Although the first serial signal SS1 is shown as an example of the first signal and the second serial signal SS2 is shown as an example of the second signal, the first signal and the second signal may be parallel signals. Also, the first communication terminal Tc1 to the sixth communication terminal Tc6, the first communication connection terminal Tcc1, and the second communication connection terminal Tcc2 may be configured as connectors in which conductors are in contact with each other. Alternatively, they may be configured to be connected one-to-one by non-contact means such as radio waves or light.

[0078] When the plurality of battery modules 2, end modules 4, and paralleling module 5 configured as described above are connected, the power storage units B1 in the joining state in all the battery modules 2 are connected in series via the inductors L1 and L2, and the sum of the output voltages of the power storage units B1 is output as the output voltage Vout of the battery pack system 1 between the positive output terminal Tpo and the negative output terminal Tmo.

[0079] Since the battery pack system 1 can increase or decrease the number of connected battery modules 2, the output voltage Vout can be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of battery modules 2 according to the voltage required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle. Therefore, the battery pack system 1 can be applied to various electric devices, and it becomes easy to increase the degree of commonality.

[0080] Furthermore, since the number of the charged power storage units B1 can be dynamically changed using the control information, it is possible to finely adjust the output voltage Vout according to the charge state and output voltage of the power storage unit B1. Further, when the end module 4 is configured to include the inductors L1 and L2 and the intermediate connection terminal Ti, the battery pack system 1 can operate as an inverter circuit, and a single-phase AC voltage can be output from the intermediate connection terminal Ti using two battery pack systems 1, and a three-phase AC voltage can be output from the intermediate connection terminal Ti using three battery pack systems 1.

[0081] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transmission and reception operation of the first serial signal SS1. In FIG. 6, the battery module 2 located at the first end 31 is denoted as the battery module 2(1), the battery module 2 adjacent to the battery module 2(1) is denoted as the battery module 2(2), the battery module 2 adjacent to the battery module 2(2) and located at the second end 32 is denoted as the battery module 2(3). Also, the control information for the battery module 2(1) is denoted as D1, the control information for the battery module 2(2) is denoted as D2, the control information for the battery module 2(3) is denoted as D3, and the control information for the end module 4 is denoted as D4.

[0082] First, the control unit 51 transmits the control information D1 to D4 for each of the battery modules 2 and the end module 4 as a first serial signal SS1 obtained by connecting the control information D1 to D4 for each of the battery modules 2 and the end module 4 in the connection order from the battery module 2(1) from the first communication connection terminal Tcc1. In FIG. 6, an example of connecting the control information D1 to D4 in the connection order from the parallelization module 5 in the closest order is shown, but the control information D1 to D4 may be connected in the connection order from the parallelization module 5 in the farthest order.

[0083] The in-module control unit 23 of the battery module 2(1) acquires the control information D1, which is connected to one end, for example, the head, of the first serial signal SS1 obtained from the first communication terminal Tc1 of the battery module 2(1), deletes the control information D1 from the first serial signal SS1, and outputs the remaining control information D2 to D4 as a new first serial signal SS1 from the second communication terminal Tc2 of the battery module 2(1) to the battery module 2(2).

[0084] Based on the control information D1 obtained in this way, the in-module control unit 23 of the battery module 2(1) controls the connection state of each power storage unit B1 in the battery module 2(1).

[0085] Similar to the in-module control unit 23 of the battery module 2(1), the in-module control units 23 of the battery modules 2(2) and 2(3) acquire their own control information connected to the head of the first serial signal SS1 obtained from the first communication terminal Tc1 of their own battery module 2, and output the remaining control information obtained by deleting their own control information from the first serial signal SS1 as a new first serial signal SS1 from the second communication terminal Tc2 of their own battery module 2.

[0086] Also, based on their own control information obtained in this way, the in-module control units 23 of the battery modules 2(2) and 2(3) control the connection state of each power storage unit B1 in the battery modules 2(2) and 2(3).

[0087] When the control unit 51 connects the control information D1 to D4 in the connection order from the farthest to the parallelization module 5, the battery modules 2(1) to 2(3) may acquire the control information connected to the end of the first serial signal SS1 obtained from the first communication terminal Tc1 as their own control information.

[0088] In this way, by transmitting the control information D1 to D4 as the first serial signal SS1 connected in the connection order of each battery module 2 and the end module 4, the control unit 51 can control each battery module 2 and the end module 4, so there is no need to set addresses for each battery module 2 and the end module 4. Therefore, even when the number of battery modules 2 is increased, decreased, or replaced, there is no need to set an address for each battery module 2, so it becomes easy to increase or decrease the number of battery modules 2 according to the voltage required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle.

[0089] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transmission and reception operation of the second serial signal SS2. In FIG. 7, the module information regarding the battery module 2(1) is denoted as M1, the module information regarding the battery module 2(2) is denoted as M2, the module information regarding the battery module 2(3) is denoted as M3, and the module information regarding the end module 4 is denoted as M4.

[0090] First, the end control unit 41 of the end module 4 transmits the current value detected by, for example, the current sensor 42 as the module information M4 regarding the end module 4 from the sixth communication terminal Tc6 to the battery module 2(3).

[0091] Next, the in-module control unit 23 of the battery module 2(3) connects the module information M3 regarding the battery module 2(3) to one end, for example, the end, of the second serial signal SS2 obtained from the third communication terminal Tc3 in the battery module 2(3), and outputs it as a new second serial signal SS2 from the fourth communication terminal Tc4 of the battery module 2(3) to the battery module 2(2).

[0092] The in-module control unit 23 can use, for example, the terminal voltage of each power storage unit B1 in the battery module 2(3) and the SOC (State Of Charge) of each power storage unit B1 as the module information M3. The terminal voltage of each power storage unit B1 can be detected, for example, by providing a voltage detection circuit (not shown) to each unit module EM.

[0093] The SOC of each power storage unit B1 may be obtained from the open-circuit voltage of each power storage unit B1, for example, by detecting the open-circuit voltage of the power storage unit B1 in the detached state and referring to an open-circuit voltage - SOC characteristic table showing the relationship between the open-circuit voltage and the SOC.

[0094] Alternatively, a schematic current detection circuit for detecting the current flowing through each power storage unit B1 may be provided, and the current flowing through each power storage unit B1 may be integrated with the current value in the charging direction being positive and the current value in the discharging direction being negative, and the SOC of each power storage unit B1 may be calculated from the ratio of the current integrated value to the full charge capacity of each power storage unit B1.

[0095] The in-module control unit 23 of the battery modules 2(2) and 2(1) is the same as the in-module control unit 23 of the battery module 2(3). At the end of the second serial signal SS2 obtained from the third communication terminal Tc3 in its own battery module 2, module information regarding its own battery module 2 is concatenated to form a new second serial signal SS2, which is then output to the fourth communication terminal Tc4 of its own battery module 2.

[0096] Note that the battery modules 2(1) to 2(3) may concatenate module information regarding their own battery module 2 at the head of the second serial signal SS2 to form a new second serial signal SS2.

[0097] In this way, the second serial signal SS2 to which the module information M1 to M4 is concatenated is received at the second communication connection terminal Tcc2, and the module information M1 to M4 is acquired by the control unit 51 of the parallelization module 5.

[0098] According to this configuration, based on the connection order of the module information M1 to M4 in the second serial signal SS2, it is possible to identify which module information of each battery module 2 and end module 4 it is. Therefore, it is not necessary to set addresses for each battery module 2 and end module 4. As a result, even when the number of battery modules 2 is increased, decreased, or replaced, since it is not necessary to set addresses for each battery module 2, it becomes easy to increase or decrease the number of battery modules 2 according to the voltage required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle.

[0099] Also, by receiving the second serial signal SS2, the control unit 51 can acquire the module information M1 to M4 regarding each battery module 2 and end module 4. Then, the control unit 51 can control the connection state of the power storage unit B1 in each battery module 2 by transmitting the control information D1 to D4 as the first serial signal SS1 based on the module information M1 to M4.

[0100] As a result, the control unit 51 can individually control the output of each unit module EM in each battery module 2, so that the battery pack system 1 can operate as a so-called modular multilevel converter (MMC: Modular Multilevel Converter). Furthermore, although the MMC can only change the output voltage Vout in steps of the voltage range of the power storage unit B1 in principle, by combining it with the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control technology, it becomes possible to output the voltage in the middle of the steps as the output voltage Vout.

[0101] [[ID=?]]

[0102] It seems there is a duplicate tag ID=13 in the original text which is not present in the translation result. Also, ID=? in the translation result seems to be a mistake, it should be ID=13. After correcting these, the translation is as follows: According to this configuration, based on the connection order of the module information M1 to M4 in the second serial signal SS2, it is possible to identify which module information of each battery module 2 and end module 4 it is. Therefore, it is not necessary to set addresses for each battery module 2 and end module 4. As a result, even when the number of battery modules 2 is increased, decreased, or replaced, since it is not necessary to set addresses for each battery module 2, it becomes easy to increase or decrease the number of battery modules 2 according to the voltage required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle.

[0099] Also, by receiving the second serial signal SS2, the control unit 51 can acquire the module information M1 to M4 regarding each battery module 2 and end module 4. Then, the control unit 51 can control the connection state of the power storage unit B1 in each battery module 2 by transmitting the control information D1 to D4 as the first serial signal SS1 based on the module information M1 to M4.

[0100] As a result, the control unit 51 can individually control the output of each unit module EM in each battery module 2, so that the battery pack system 1 can operate as a so-called modular multilevel converter (MMC: Modular Multilevel Converter). Furthermore, although the MMC can only change the output voltage Vout in steps of the voltage range of the power storage unit B1 in principle, by combining it with the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control technology, it becomes possible to output the voltage in the middle of the steps as the output voltage Vout.

[0101] Also, if the SOC, temperature, continuous energization time, continuous rest time, etc. of each power storage unit B1 are used as module information, the control unit 51 can determine the control content of the connection state for each power storage unit B1 based on this information, thereby enabling the battery pack system 1 to operate stably or reducing the deterioration of the power storage unit B1.

[0102] Note that, instead of using the third communication terminal Tc3, the second communication terminal Tc2 may be used, and instead of using the fourth communication terminal Tc4, the first communication terminal Tc1 may be used, and the first communication terminal Tc1 and the second communication terminal Tc2 may be used for both transmission and reception, so that the configuration may not include the fourth communication terminal Tc4 and the third communication terminal Tc3.

[0103] Next, the parallel connection of the series blocks 11 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the parallel connection of the series blocks 11. In FIG. 8, the description of the filter 52, the inductors L1, L2, and the intermediate connection terminal Ti is omitted.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 1, when a plurality of series blocks 11 are connected in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 8, between the parallelization modules 5 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, one positive output terminal Tpo and negative output terminal Tmo, and the other positive parallel terminal Tpp and negative parallel terminal Tmp are respectively connected.

[0105] As a result, a plurality of series blocks 11 are connected in parallel. Thereby, the current capacity output between the positive output terminal Tpo and the negative output terminal Tmo can be increased. In this way, by using the parallelization module 5, the number of series blocks 11 connected in parallel can be easily increased or decreased. As a result, the current capacity of the battery pack system 1 can be easily changed. Therefore, it is easy for the battery pack system 1 to have a current capacity corresponding to the current required for each electric device such as an electric vehicle.

[0106] Also, when a plurality of series blocks 11 are connected in parallel and the unit modules EM of each series block 11 are switched by MMC control or the like, a difference occurs in the instantaneous value of the output voltage between the series blocks 11. Then, instantaneous input and output of current repeatedly occur between the series blocks 11, which is not preferable. Therefore, by providing the filter 52 in the parallelization module 5 and smoothing the output voltage of each series block 11, the instantaneous input and output of current between the series blocks 11 can be reduced.

[0107] Note that it is not always necessary to provide the filter 52 in the parallelization module 5. Instead of providing the filter 52 in the parallelization module 5, the output voltage of each series block 11 may be output as an intermediate voltage of a voltage step by PWM control by the control unit 51, and the voltage step may be made sufficiently small to reduce the output voltage difference between the series blocks 11. This makes it possible to eliminate the filter 52 in the parallelization module 5. However, when the power storage unit B1 is configured by a battery module combining a plurality of battery cells, etc., it is difficult to make the voltage step small. Therefore, it is more preferable to provide the filter 52.

[0108] Also, the parallelization module 5 is not limited to the example including the control unit 51. A control unit may be provided outside the parallelization module 5, or a single control unit may control a plurality of series blocks 11.

[0109] Further, the end control unit 41 may include the control unit 51. When the end control unit 41 includes the control unit 51, the control unit 51 may output the first serial signal SS1 to the second communication terminal Tc2 of the battery module 2 located at the second end 32 via the fifth communication terminal Tc5. The in-module control unit 23 of each battery module 2 may acquire the control information of its own module from the first serial signal SS1 obtained from the second communication terminal Tc2, and output the remaining control information after deleting the control information as a new first serial signal SS1 from the first communication terminal Tc1.

[0110] Similarly, when the end control unit 41 includes the control unit 51, the in-module control unit 23 of each battery module 2 may concatenate the module information regarding its own battery module 2 to one end of the second serial signal SS2 obtained from the fourth communication terminal Tc4 and output it as a new second serial signal SS2 to the third communication terminal Tc3, and the control unit 51 may acquire the second serial signal SS2 received at the sixth communication terminal Tc6.

[0111] Also, the battery pack system 1 may not include the control unit 51, or the control unit 51 may be provided outside the battery pack system 1.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery pack system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The battery pack system 1a shown in FIG. 9 differs from the battery pack system 1 in that it includes two rows of series blocks 11a, and the first negative terminals Tm1 of the first ends 31 in each series block 11a are short-circuited by the negative bus bar BB1. Further, the battery pack system 1a does not include a control unit 51, and a control unit 51 provided outside the battery pack system 1a is connected to the first communication terminal Tc1 and the fourth communication terminal Tc4 of the first end 31 of each series block 11a. This shows an example in which the battery pack system 1a is controlled by an external control unit 51.

[0113] The series block 11a does not include a paralleling module 5, and includes an end module 4a instead of the end module 4 in the series block 11. The end module 4a differs from the end module 4 in that it does not include inductors L1, L2 and an intermediate connection terminal Ti, and the third positive terminal Tp3 and the third negative terminal Tm3 are short-circuited.

[0114] FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack system 1a shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the description of the in-module control unit 23, the end control unit 41, and the circuits related to communication is omitted. According to the battery pack system 1a, it is possible to output a single-phase AC voltage between the two first positive terminals Tp1 of the first end 31 by appropriately controlling the connection state of each unit module EM shown in FIG. 10.

[0115] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery pack system 1a shown in FIG. 9. The battery pack system 1b shown in FIG. 11 differs from the battery pack system 1a in that it includes a series block 11b instead of the series block 11a, and in addition to the negative bus bar BB1, the first positive terminals Tp1 of the first ends 31 in each series block 11b are short-circuited by the positive bus bar BB2.

[0116] The in-line block 11b differs from the in-line block 11a in that it includes the end module 4 instead of the end module 4a.

[0117] Figure 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack system 1b shown in Figure 11. In Figure 12, the description of the in-module control unit 23, the end control unit 41, and the circuits related to communication is omitted. According to the battery pack system 1b, as shown in Figure 12, a so-called inverter circuit can be configured. Therefore, by MMC-controlling the connection state of each unit module EM, the battery pack system 1b can be operated as an inverter circuit, and a single-phase AC voltage can be output between the two intermediate connection terminals Ti.

[0118] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery pack system 1a shown in Figure 9. The battery pack system 1c shown in Figure 13 differs from the battery pack system 1a in that the in-line block 11a is connected in three in the Y direction, and the first negative terminals Tm1 of the first ends 31 in the three in-line blocks 11a are short-circuited by the negative bus bar BB1.

[0119] Figure 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack system 1c shown in Figure 13. In Figure 13, the description of the in-module control unit 23, the end control unit 41, and the circuits related to communication is omitted. According to the battery pack system 1c, by appropriately controlling the connection state of each unit module EM shown in Figure 13, a three-phase AC voltage can be output between the three first positive terminals Tp1 of the first end 31.

[0120] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery pack system 1b shown in Figure 11. The battery pack system 1d shown in Figure 15 differs from the battery pack system 1b in that the in-line block 11b is connected in three in the Y direction, the three first negative terminals Tm1 of the first end 31 are short-circuited by the negative bus bar BB1, and the three first positive terminals Tp1 of the first end 31 are short-circuited by the positive bus bar BB2.

[0121] FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack system 1d shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, the description of the in-module control unit 23, the end control unit 41, and the circuits related to communication is omitted. According to the battery pack system 1d, as shown in FIG. 16, a so-called three-phase inverter circuit can be configured. Therefore, by MMC-controlling the connection state of each unit module EM, the battery pack system 1d can be operated as a three-phase inverter circuit, and a three-phase AC voltage can be output between the three intermediate connection terminals Ti.

[0122] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery pack system 1d shown in FIG. 15. The battery pack system 1e shown in FIG. 17 is different in that one of the three series blocks 11b in the battery pack system 1b is replaced with a series block 11c.

[0123] The series block 11c is different in that the battery module 2 in the series block 11a is replaced with a battery module 2a. The battery module 2a is different from the battery module 2 in that a power storage unit B2 is used instead of the power storage unit B1. The power storage unit B2 has a larger power storage capacity and a smaller current rating than the power storage unit B1.

[0124] FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack system 1e shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 18, the description of the in-module control unit 23, the end control unit 41, and the circuits related to communication is omitted. According to the battery pack system 1e, as shown in FIG. 18, a series block 11c having a power storage unit B2 with a larger power storage capacity than the power storage unit B1 is connected in parallel to an inverter circuit composed of a plurality of series blocks 11b.

[0125] Thereby, while it is possible to output a high current between a plurality of intermediate connection terminals Ti by an inverter circuit using the power storage unit B1 with a large current rating, energy can be supplied from the series block 11c including the power storage unit B2 with a large power storage capacity to the inverter circuit. Furthermore, by adding one more series block 11b, it is also possible to correspond to a three-phase AC voltage.

[0126] It is difficult to obtain a battery with both a large current rating and a large storage capacity. On the other hand, a power storage unit B1 with a large current rating and a small storage capacity or a power storage unit B2 with a small current rating and a large storage capacity is easier to obtain than a battery with both a large current rating and a large storage capacity. Therefore, it is easier to configure a battery pack system 1e that combines the power storage units B1 and B2 than to use a battery with both a large current rating and a large storage capacity.

Explanation of Symbols

[0127] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Battery pack system 2, 2a Battery module 3 Battery string 4, 4a End module 5 Parallelization module 11, 11a, 11b, 11c Series block 21 Positive path section 22 Negative path section 23 In-module control unit 31 First end 32 Second end 41 End control unit 42 Current sensor 51 Control unit 52 Filter B1, B2 Power storage unit BB1 Negative bus bar BB2 Positive bus bar C Capacitor D1~D4 Control information EM Unit module L, L1, L2 Inductor M1~M4 Module information SS1 First serial signal (first signal) SS2 Second serial signal (second signal) SW1~SW4 Switching element T1, T2 Terminal Tc1 First communication terminal Tc2 Second communication terminal Tc3 Third communication terminal Tc4 Fourth communication terminal Tc5 Fifth communication terminal Tc6 Sixth communication terminal Tcc1 First communication connection terminal Tcc2 Second communication connection terminal Ti Intermediate connection terminal Tm1 First negative terminal Tm2 Second negative terminal Tm3 Third negative terminal Tmc1 First negative connection terminal Tmo Negative output terminal Tmp Negative parallel terminal Tp1 First positive terminal Tp2 Second positive terminal Tp3 Third positive terminal Tpc1 First positive connection terminal Tpo Positive output terminal Tpp Positive parallel terminal Vout Output voltage

Claims

1. A battery string in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in a row and having a first end portion and a second end portion, and an end module connected to the second end portion of the battery string, wherein each battery module, has a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module, a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module, a positive-side path portion for flowing a current between the first positive terminal and the second positive terminal, and a negative-side path portion for flowing a current between the second negative terminal and the first negative terminal, in a state where the plurality of battery modules are connected, between the battery modules adjacent to each other, one of the first positive terminals and the other second positive terminal, and one of the first negative terminals and the other second negative terminal are electrically connected respectively, at least one of the positive-side path portion and the negative-side path portion, has a power storage portion for storing electric charge, and includes a switching circuit for switching a connection state including a joining state in which the power storage portion is joined to a current path in the at least one path portion and a detachment state in which the power storage portion is detached from the current path, the end module includes a third positive terminal connected to the second positive terminal and a third negative terminal connected to the second negative terminal of the battery module located at the second end portion of the battery string, a battery pack system in which the third positive terminal and the third negative terminal are electrically connected.

2. The positive-side path portion, includes the power storage portion, and the switching circuit for switching a connection state including the joining state in which the power storage portion is joined to a current path of the positive-side path portion and the detachment state in which the power storage portion is detached from the current path of the positive-side path portion, the negative-side path portion, includes the power storage portion, and the switching circuit for switching a connection state including the joining state in which the power storage portion is joined to a current path of the negative-side path portion and the detachment state in which the power storage portion is detached from the current path of the negative-side path portion, according to the battery pack system of Claim 1.

3. Each battery module, further includes a first communication terminal provided on the first end side of each battery module, and a second communication terminal provided on the second end side of each battery module, in a state where the plurality of battery modules are connected, between the battery modules adjacent to each other, one of the first communication terminals and the other second communication terminal are electrically connected respectively. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein each of the battery modules further includes an in-module control unit that causes the switching circuit to switch the connection state according to control information obtained from the first communication terminal or the second communication terminal.

4. The battery pack system further includes a control unit that outputs, to the first communication terminal of the battery module located at the first end portion, a first signal obtained by connecting the control information for each of the battery modules in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules in the battery string. The battery pack system according to claim 3, wherein the in-module control unit acquires, as control information for itself, the control information connected to one end of the first signal obtained from the first communication terminal in its own battery module, deletes the control information for itself from the first signal, and outputs the remaining signal as a new first signal to the second communication terminal in its own battery module.

5. Each of the battery modules further includes a third communication terminal provided on the second end side of each of the battery modules, and a fourth communication terminal provided on the first end side of each of the battery modules. The battery pack system according to claim 4, wherein the in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the third communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the fourth communication terminal in its own battery module.

6. The battery pack system according to claim 4, wherein the in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the second communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the first communication terminal in its own battery module.

7. The battery pack system further includes a control unit that outputs, to the second communication terminal of the battery module located at the second end portion, a first signal obtained by connecting the control information for each of the battery modules in the connection order of the plurality of battery modules in the battery string. The in-module control unit acquires, as control information for itself, the control information connected to one end of the first signal obtained from the second communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs, as a new first signal, the remaining signal obtained by deleting the control information for itself from the first signal to the first communication terminal in its own battery module. The battery pack system according to claim 3.

8. Each of the battery modules further includes a third communication terminal provided on the second end side of each of the battery modules, and a fourth communication terminal provided on the first end side of each of the battery modules, The in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the fourth communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the third communication terminal in its own battery module. The battery pack system according to claim 7.

9. The in-module control unit connects module information regarding its own battery module to one end of a second signal obtained from the first communication terminal in its own battery module, and outputs the result as a new second signal to the second communication terminal in its own battery module. The battery pack system according to claim 7.

10. The end module further includes an inductor interposed between the third positive terminal and the third negative terminal, and an intermediate connection terminal electrically connected to the midpoint of the inductor. The battery pack system according to claim 2.

11. including a plurality of the battery strings, further including a paralleling module for connecting the plurality of battery strings in parallel, wherein the paralleling module is provided for each battery string, a first positive connection terminal connected to the first positive terminal of the battery module located at the first end, a first negative connection terminal connected to the first negative terminal of the battery module located at the first end, a positive output terminal and a positive parallel terminal electrically connected to the first positive connection terminal, and a negative output terminal and a negative parallel terminal electrically connected to the first negative connection terminal, wherein the first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal are located on an outer surface of the paralleling module in a direction orthogonal to the column direction of the battery string, and the positive parallel terminal and the negative parallel terminal are located on an outer surface of the paralleling module opposite to the first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal. The battery pack system according to claim 1.

12. The battery pack system according to claim 11, wherein the paralleling module further includes a filter for smoothing the voltage obtained from the first positive connection terminal and the first negative connection terminal.

13. Each of the battery modules includes a plurality of the power storage units, The battery pack system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the switching circuit switches the connection state for each of the power storage units.

14. A battery module which is the battery module used in the battery pack system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An end module which is the end module used in the battery pack system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A paralleling module which is the paralleling module used in the battery pack system according to claim 11 or 12.

Images