Power storage device and control method for power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device automating a switchover of a current cut-off device, while securing safety by prevention of short circuit current.SOLUTION: In a power storage device (battery) 50, at least one of external terminals of positive and negative external terminals 51P and 51N has a first electrode 52, a second electrode 54, and an insulation member 53 insulating the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54. The first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 become conductive by a connection of a mating terminal 210 for the external terminals 51P and 51N. A management device 110 has a control part 120, and detection circuits 130P and 130N detecting whether or not the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the external terminals 51P and 51N are conductive. The control part 120 controls a current cut-off device 57 to open when the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are non-conductive, and controls the current cut-off device 57 to close when the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are conductive.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for ensuring safety by preventing short-circuit currents. [Background technology]

[0002] Batteries installed in automobiles and the like have a current interruption device as one of their protection devices. When an abnormality is detected, the current interruption device opens to interrupt the current, thereby protecting the battery (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-5985 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the positive and negative external terminals are short-circuited (hereinafter referred to as "external short circuit") while the state of charge (SOC) is high, there is a possibility that short-circuit current will flow for a long period of time. When transporting an energy storage device by air to a sales location, etc., it may be required from the standpoint of safety that the SOC be limited to a certain value or less.

[0005] In lithium-ion secondary battery cells, the SOC change relative to the OCV change is small in the SOC-OCV correlation characteristics, making it difficult to accurately calculate the SOC from the OCV and determining whether the SOC is below a predetermined value.

[0006] If the current interruption device is left open during air transport, the current can be interrupted even if an abnormality such as an external short circuit occurs, so safety can be ensured without limiting the SOC below a specified value.

[0007] However, when the power storage device is mounted on a vehicle, the current interruption device must be switched to the closed state, and the switching operation of the current interruption device is time-consuming for the user or worker. Similar issues arise not only when the power storage device is mounted on a vehicle, but also when it is used for other purposes. One aspect of the present invention ensures safety by preventing short-circuit currents, while automating the switching of current interruption devices (saving the effort of switching operations). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The power storage device includes a cell, positive and negative external terminals, a current interruption device provided on a connection line connecting the cell and the external terminals, and a management device.

[0009] At least one of the positive and negative external terminals comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating member that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected by connecting a mating terminal to the external terminal.

[0010] The management device includes a control unit and a detection circuit that detects whether the first electrode and the second electrode of the external terminal are conductive or non-conductive. The control unit controls the current interruption device to be open when the first electrode and the second electrode are not conductive, and controls the current interruption device to be closed when the first electrode and the second electrode are conductive.

[0011] The present technology can also be applied to a control method and a control program for a power storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This technology can automate the switching of current interruption devices while ensuring safety by preventing short-circuit currents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Side view of the vehicle [Figure 2] Perspective view of the battery [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the battery [Figure 4] Cell plan view [Figure 5] Cross section of line AA in Figure 4 [Figure 6] Perspective view of external terminal [Figure 7] Cross section of external terminal [Figure 8] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery [Figure 9] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery [Figure 10] Automatic close control flowchart [Figure 11] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery [Figure 12] Cross section of external terminal [Figure 13] Current interrupter control flow DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An overview of the power storage device will be described. The power storage device includes a cell, positive and negative external terminals, a current interruption device provided on a connection line connecting the cell and the external terminals, and a management device.

[0015] At least one of the positive and negative external terminals comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating member that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected by connecting a mating terminal to the external terminal.

[0016] The management device includes a control unit and a detection circuit that detects whether the first electrode and the second electrode of the external terminal are conductive or non-conductive. The control unit controls the current interruption device to open when the first electrode and the second electrode are non-conductive, and controls the current interruption device to close when the first electrode and the second electrode are conductive.

[0017] With the above configuration, it is possible to control the current interruption device to be open while the power storage device is in a standalone state, such as during storage or transportation, and therefore even if an external short circuit (a short circuit between the positive and negative external terminals) occurs during that period, it is possible to prevent short-circuit current from flowing into the power storage device, thereby providing high safety.

[0018] After detecting the connection of the counterpart terminal to the external terminal of the storage device, the control unit switches the current interruption device from open to closed, so that the storage device can be used (charged and discharged) without the user or worker having to perform any special operations.

[0019] The detection circuit may include a first detection circuit for a positive external terminal and a second detection circuit for a negative external terminal. The control unit may switch the current interruption device from open to closed when detecting conduction between the first electrode and the second electrode at both the positive external terminal and the negative external terminal.

[0020] With this configuration, the current interrupter remains open until the connection of the mating terminals to both the positive and negative external terminals is complete. Even if the positive and negative external terminals are short-circuited with a tool or other device while connecting the second mating terminal after connecting the first mating terminal, short-circuit current is prevented from flowing. This further enhances safety.

[0021] The first electrode and the second electrode may be configured to be separated in the axial direction of the external terminal. In this configuration, the first electrode, the insulating member, and the second electrode can be fixed to the power storage device by an axial member such as a pole, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0022] <Embodiment 1> 1. Battery 50 Description As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with an engine 20 and a battery 50 used for starting the engine 20, etc. The battery 50 is an example of an "electricity storage device." The vehicle 10 (an automobile in this embodiment) may be equipped with an electricity storage device for driving the vehicle or a fuel cell instead of the engine 20 (internal combustion engine).

[0023] 2 and 3, the battery 50 includes a battery pack 60, a circuit board unit 65, and a housing 71. The housing 71 includes a main body 73 and a lid 74 made of a synthetic resin material. The main body 73 is cylindrical and has a bottom 75 and four side surfaces 76. The four side surfaces 76 form an opening 77 at the top of the main body 73.

[0024] The housing 71 houses the battery pack 60 and the circuit board unit 65. The circuit board unit 65 is a board unit having various components (such as the current interruption device 57, the current detection unit 58 shown in FIG. 8, and the management device 110) mounted on a circuit board 100, and is disposed adjacent to, for example, above, the battery pack 60 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the circuit board unit 65 may be disposed adjacent to, and to the side of, the battery pack 60.

[0025] The lid 74 closes the opening 77 of the main body 73. An outer peripheral wall 78 is provided around the periphery of the lid 74. The lid 74 has a protruding portion 79 that is generally T-shaped in plan view. The circuit board unit 65 may be housed in the lid 74 (for example, in the protruding portion 79) instead of in the main body 73 of the housing body 71.

[0026] The battery pack 60 is composed of a plurality of cells 62. As shown in Fig. 5, each cell 62 has an electrode assembly 83 housed in a rectangular (prismatic) case 82 together with a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell 62 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery cell. The case 82 has a case body 84 and a lid 85 that closes the upper opening.

[0027] Although not shown in detail, the electrode assembly 83 comprises a negative electrode plate made of a copper foil substrate coated with an active material, a positive electrode plate made of an aluminum foil substrate coated with an active material, and a separator made of a porous resin film disposed between them. Both of these are strip-shaped, and the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate are offset from each other on opposite sides in the width direction relative to the separator, and are wound in a flat shape so that they can be housed in the case body 84. The electrode assembly 83 may be a laminated type instead of a wound type.

[0028] A positive electrode terminal 87 is connected to the positive electrode plate via a positive electrode current collector 86, and a negative electrode terminal 89 is connected to the negative electrode plate via a negative electrode current collector 88. The positive electrode current collector 86 and the negative electrode current collector 88 each have a flat base portion 90 and legs 91 extending from the base portion 90. A through hole is formed in the base portion 90. The legs 91 are connected to the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate.

[0029] The positive electrode terminal 87 and the negative electrode terminal 89 each comprise a terminal body 92 and a shaft 93 that protrudes downward from the center of the lower surface of the terminal body 92. The terminal body 92 and shaft 93 of the positive electrode terminal 87 are integrally molded from aluminum (a single material). In the negative electrode terminal 89, the terminal body 92 is made of aluminum, and the shaft 93 is made of copper, and these are assembled together. The terminal bodies 92 of the positive electrode terminal 87 and the negative electrode terminal 89 are disposed on both ends of the lid 85 via gaskets 94 made of an insulating material, and are exposed to the outside from the gaskets 94, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0030] The lid 85 has a pressure relief valve 95. The pressure relief valve 95 is located between the positive terminal 87 and the negative terminal 89. The pressure relief valve 95 is a safety valve. The pressure relief valve 95 opens to reduce the internal pressure of the case 82 when the internal pressure of the case 82 exceeds a limit.

[0031] 2. Structure of external terminals 2 and 3, the battery 50 has a positive external terminal 51P and a negative external terminal 51N. The positive external terminal 51P is fixed to one corner of the front part of the lid body 74, and the negative external terminal 51N is fixed to the other corner. The positive external terminal 51P and the negative external terminal 51N are cylindrical with an inclined outer circumferential surface, with a large outer diameter at the base and a small outer diameter at the tip.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the negative electrode external terminal 51N is composed of three parts: a first electrode 52, an insulating member 53, and a second electrode 54. The first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are made of a metal such as a lead alloy. The first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are separated in the axial direction H of the external terminal 51, with the second electrode 54 located above the first electrode 52. The first electrode 52 has a fixing portion 52A at its bottom, and is fixed to the lid 74 by the fixing portion 52A.

[0033] The insulating member 53 is made of an insulating material such as PBT resin (polybutylene terephthalate resin), etc. The insulating member 53 is located between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54, and insulates the first electrode 52 from the second electrode 54.

[0034] The first electrode 52 and the insulating member 53 have through holes therein, and the second electrode 54 has a screw hole 54A therein. A metal pole 55 is attached to the external terminal 51N, penetrating the first electrode 52 and the insulating member 53. The pole 55 has a stepped pin shape, and its tip 55A screws into the screw hole 54A of the second electrode 54. The second electrode 54 is electrically connected to the pole 55 via the tip 55A. A gap G is formed between the first electrode 52 and the pole 55, and the first electrode 52 is insulated from the pole 55 (insulated via the gap G). The gap G may be filled with an insulating resin material, adhesive, or the like to insulate the first electrode 52 from the pole 55.

[0035] The positive electrode external terminal 51P has the same structure as the negative electrode external terminal 51N, and is composed of a first electrode 52, an insulating member 53, and a second electrode 54. The first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are insulated from each other by the insulating member 53.

[0036] The positive and negative external terminals 51P, 51N are terminals for connection to electrical loads mounted on the automobile 10. The cables 200P, 200N electrically connecting the automobile 10 and the battery 50 have battery terminals 210P, 210N at their ends. The battery terminals 210P, 210N are examples of "mating terminals."

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6, the battery terminal 210N has a connecting portion 220N and a fastening portion 230. The connecting portion 220N is annular and can be fitted closely to the outer circumferential surfaces of the external terminals 51P and 51N. The fastening portion 230 is located at the tip of the connecting portion 220N. By fastening the fastening portion 230 with a screw, the diameter of the connecting portion 220N can be reduced.

[0038] After assembling the connection parts 220P and 220N to the positive external terminal 51P and the negative external terminal 51N, respectively, the clamping part 230 can be screwed to electrically connect the positive cable 200P to the positive external terminal 51P and the negative cable 200N to the negative external terminal 51N.

[0039] 9, when the battery terminals 210P, 210N are assembled to the external terminals 51P, 51N, the connection portions 220P, 220N are brought into close contact with the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54, respectively. Therefore, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P are electrically connected via the connection portion 220P, and the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N are electrically connected via the connection portion 220N.

[0040] 3. Electrical Configuration of Battery 50 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery 50. The battery 50 includes a battery pack 60, a current interruption device 57, a current detection unit 58, and a management device 110.

[0041] The battery pack 60 has, for example, 12 cells 62 (see FIG. 3), three connected in parallel and four in series. In FIG. 8, three cells 62 connected in parallel are represented by one battery symbol. The cell 62 is an example of a "cell." The cell is not limited to a prismatic cell, but may be a cylindrical cell or a pouch cell having a laminated film case.

[0042] The battery pack 60, the current interruption device 57, and the current detection unit 58 are connected in series via power lines 59P and 59N. The power lines 59P and 59N can be bus bars BSB (see FIG. 3), which are plate-shaped conductors made of a metal material such as copper. The power lines 59P and 59N are an example of a "connection line."

[0043] 8, the power line 59P connects the positive external terminal 51P and the positive electrode of the battery pack 60. Specifically, one end of the power line 59P is connected to the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P via a pole 55, and the other end is connected to the positive electrode of the battery pack 60 via a current interruption device 57.

[0044] The power line 59N connects the negative external terminal 51N and the negative electrode of the battery pack 60. Specifically, one end of the power line 59N is connected to the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N via the pole 55, and the other end is connected to the negative electrode of the battery pack 60 via the current detection unit 58.

[0045] The current interruption device 57 is provided on the positive power line 59P. The current interruption device 57 may be a semiconductor switch such as a FET, or a relay with mechanical contacts. If any abnormality occurs in the battery 50, the current I of the battery pack 60 can be interrupted by switching the current interruption device 57 from a closed state to an open state.

[0046] The current detection unit 58 is provided on the negative power line 59N. The current detection unit 58 may be a shunt resistor. The resistive current detection unit 58 can measure the current I of the battery pack 60 based on the voltage Vr across the current detection unit 58. The resistive current detection unit 58 can distinguish between discharging and charging based on the polarity (positive or negative) of the voltage. Alternatively, the current detection unit 58 may be a magnetic sensor.

[0047] The management device 110 is mounted on a circuit board 100 (see FIG. 3), and includes a control unit 120 and two continuity detection circuits 130P and 130N, as shown in FIG. 8. The continuity detection circuits 130P and 130N are an example of a "detection circuit."

[0048] The control unit 120 includes a CPU 121 and a memory 123. The memory 123 stores an execution program for the automatic closing control shown in Fig. 10 and data required for executing the execution program.

[0049] The program may be stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and used, transferred, loaned, etc. The program may be distributed via an electric communication line.

[0050] 4.Configuration of the continuity detection circuit 8, the management device 110 includes a first continuity detection circuit 130P and a second continuity detection circuit 130N. The first continuity detection circuit 130P is an example of a "first detection circuit," and the second continuity detection circuit 130N is an example of a "second detection circuit."

[0051] The first conduction detection circuit 130P is a circuit that detects conduction between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P. The first conduction detection circuit 130P is composed of a first semiconductor switch 131, a voltage divider circuit 132, and a diode 133.

[0052] The first semiconductor switch 131 is a P-channel field effect transistor (FET). The first semiconductor switch 131 has a source S connected to an internal power supply line Vcc and a drain D connected to a voltage dividing circuit 132. The internal power supply line Vcc is connected to the positive electrode of the battery pack 60 via a step-down circuit 63, and the voltage is 5V.

[0053] The voltage divider circuit 132 is composed of a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are connected in series. The first resistor R1 is connected to the drain D of the first semiconductor switch 131, and the second resistor R2 is connected to ground GND.

[0054] A connection point A of the voltage-dividing circuit 132 is connected to the first electrode 52 of the external terminal 51P via a wiring LA. A diode 133 is located on the wiring LA, with an anode connected to the point A and a cathode connected to the first electrode 52. The diode 133 is provided to prevent backflow from the external terminal 51P to the voltage-dividing circuit 132.

[0055] The control unit 120 is connected to the first electrode 52 of the external terminal 51P via the detection line L1, and can detect the voltage V1 of the first electrode 52. The control unit 120 is also connected to the second electrode 54 of the external terminal 51P via the detection line L2 and the pole 55, and can detect the voltage V2 of the second electrode 54.

[0056] When the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P are electrically connected via the connection part 220P (see FIG. 9), the two electrodes 52 and 54 have the same voltage. Therefore, by turning on the first semiconductor switch 131 and monitoring the voltage V1 of the first electrode 52 and the voltage V2 of the second electrode 54, the electrical connection between the two electrodes 52 and 54 can be detected.

[0057] In this embodiment, Vcc=5 V, R1=91 kΩ, and R2=10 kΩ (the resistance ratio of R1 to R2 is 9:1), and when the first semiconductor switch 131 is on, V1 is approximately 0.5 V. When non-conductive, V2=0 V, and when conductive, V2=approximately 0.5 V.

[0058] The second conduction detection circuit 130N is a circuit that detects conduction between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N. The second conduction detection circuit 130N is composed of a second semiconductor switch 135, a voltage divider circuit 136, and a diode 137.

[0059] The second semiconductor switch 135 is a P-channel field effect transistor (FET). The second semiconductor switch 135 has a source S connected to the internal power supply line Vcc and a drain D connected to the voltage divider circuit 136.

[0060] The voltage divider circuit 136 is composed of a third resistor R3 and a fourth resistor R4. The third resistor R3 and the fourth resistor R4 are connected in series. The third resistor R3 is connected to the drain D of the second semiconductor switch 135, and the fourth resistor R4 is connected to ground GND.

[0061] A connection point B of the voltage-dividing circuit 136 is connected to the first electrode 52 of the external terminal 51N via a wiring LB. A diode 137 is located on the wiring LB, with an anode connected to the point B and a cathode connected to the first electrode 52. The diode 137 is provided to prevent a reverse current from flowing from the external terminal 51N to the voltage-dividing circuit 136.

[0062] When the second semiconductor switch 135 is turned on while the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are electrically connected via the connection portion 220N (see FIG. 9), a current flows through the internal power supply line Vcc, the voltage dividing circuit 136, the wiring LB, the first electrode 52, the connection portion 220N, the second electrode 54, the pole 55, the current detection portion 58, and the ground GND. Therefore, by measuring the current I with the current detection portion 58, the electrical continuity between the two electrodes 52 and 54 can be detected.

[0063] In this embodiment, Vcc=5V, R3=75Ω, R4=300 kΩ, the breakdown voltage of diode 137 is 0.6V, when non-conducting the current I is zero, and when conducting the current I is about 58 mA.

[0064] Except when checking the continuity between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54, the first semiconductor switch 131 and the second semiconductor switch 135 are controlled to be off, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery pack 60.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the automatic closing control of the current interruption device 57. In this embodiment, the current interruption device 57 is set to open in the initial setting after the battery is manufactured, and is thereby controlled to be open during storage or transportation of the battery 50.

[0066] The automatic closing control of the current interruption device 57 is a process that is executed at predetermined intervals while the current interruption device 57 is open, and one cycle is made up of six steps S10 to S60.

[0067] When the automatic closing control starts, the control unit 120 first switches the first semiconductor switch 131 and the second semiconductor switch 135 from OFF to ON.

[0068] Then, the control unit 120 executes a process (S10, S20) for detecting the continuity of the positive external terminal 51P. Specifically, in S10, the control unit 120 measures the voltage V1 of the first electrode 52 and the voltage V2 of the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P while the first semiconductor switch 131 is kept on.

[0069] Thereafter, in S20, the control unit 120 determines whether V1 and V2 are the same. If V2 is approximately 0.5 V (if V1=V2), it can be determined that the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51 are electrically connected, and if V1≠V2, it can be determined that the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are electrically disconnected.

[0070] If electrical continuity between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P is detected (S20: YES), the control unit 120 executes a process (S30, S40) to detect electrical continuity between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N.

[0071] Specifically, in S30, the control unit 120 measures the current I while keeping the second semiconductor switch 135 on, and in S40 determines whether the current I is equal to or greater than a threshold value X. The threshold value X is, for example, 50 mA.

[0072] When the current I is equal to or greater than the threshold value X, it can be determined that the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N are electrically connected. When the current I is less than the threshold value X, it can be determined that the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are electrically disconnected.

[0073] When the control unit 120 detects that the negative external terminal 51N is conductive (S40: YES), the control unit 120 proceeds to S50 and switches the first semiconductor switch 131 and the second semiconductor switch 135 from on to off.

[0074] Thereafter, the process proceeds to S60, where the control unit 120 switches the current interruption device 57 from open to closed.

[0075] On the other hand, if the positive external terminal 51P is non-conductive (S20: NO) or if the negative external terminal 51N is non-conductive (S40: NO), the control unit 120 switches the first semiconductor switch 131 and the second semiconductor switch 135 from on to off, and keeps the current interruption device 57 open.

[0076] While the battery 50 is in a standalone state (not mounted on a vehicle), such as during storage or transportation, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the external terminals 51P, 51N are not electrically connected, and the current interrupter 57 is maintained closed. Therefore, even if an external short circuit (a short circuit between the positive and negative external terminals 51P, 51N) occurs during this period, the short circuit current Is can be prevented from flowing, as shown in Fig. 11. This provides a high level of safety.

[0077] Furthermore, when a stored battery 50 or a transported battery 50 is loaded into a vehicle and a user or worker connects the battery terminals 210P, 210N to the external terminals 51P, 51N, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P become conductive via the connection part 220P. Similarly, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N become conductive via the connection part 220N.

[0078] Then, the determinations in S20 and S40 are both YES, and the control unit 120 switches the current interruption device 57 from open to closed (S60).

[0079] Therefore, after the battery 50 is mounted on the vehicle, the battery 50 automatically becomes usable (chargeable and dischargeable) without any special operation by the user or worker.

[0080] 5.Effects The battery 50 can ensure safety by preventing the short-circuit current Is, and can automate the switching of the current interrupter 57.

[0081] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082] (1) The cells (repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable storage cells) 62 are not limited to lithium-ion secondary battery cells, but may be other non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery cells. Capacitors may also be used instead of the secondary battery cells 62. Furthermore, the cells 62 are not limited to being connected in series and parallel, but may also be connected in series or be single cells.

[0083] (2) In the above embodiment, the present technology is applied to a power storage device (battery 50) for a four-wheeled vehicle 10, but it may also be applied to a power storage device for a two-wheeled vehicle. It may also be applied to a power storage device for a moving body other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an aircraft. Furthermore, it may be used for other purposes, such as a power storage device for a power generation system or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), in addition to being used for a moving body.

[0084] (3) In the above embodiment, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 are arranged separately in the axial direction H (vertical direction) of the external terminal 51. As shown in Fig. 12, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 may be arranged separately in an orthogonal direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the axial direction H. The first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 may have any shape as long as they are insulated by the insulating member 53 before connection to the battery terminal 210 and the two electrodes 52, 54 are brought into electrical conduction when the battery terminal 210 is connected.

[0085] (4) In the above embodiment, current interruption device 57 is disposed on positive power line 59P, and current detection unit 58 is disposed on negative power line 50N. Current interruption device 57 may be disposed on negative power line 59N, and current detection unit 58 may be disposed on positive power line 50P. Furthermore, continuity detection circuits 130P, 130N may be circuits other than those described in the above embodiment, as long as they are circuits that can detect continuity between first electrode 52 and second electrode 54.

[0086] (5) In the above embodiment, when the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the positive external terminal 51P are electrically connected (S20: YES) and the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the negative external terminal 51N are electrically connected (S40: YES), the current interruption device 57 is switched from open to closed. However, when the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of either one of the two external terminals 51P, 51N are electrically connected, the current interruption device 57 may be switched from open to closed.

[0087] (6) In the above embodiment, a first continuity detection circuit 130P for the positive electrode and a second continuity detection circuit 130N for the negative electrode are provided, but only one of the continuity detection circuits 130P, 130N may be provided, and the other continuity detection circuit 130P, 130N may be omitted. Also, of the positive and negative external terminals 51P, 51N, only one external terminal may be configured as three components (first electrode, insulating member, second electrode), and the other external terminal may be configured as a single component.

[0088] (7) The control unit 120 may use the continuity detection circuit 130 to constantly check whether the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 of the external terminal 51 are conductive, and may control the opening and closing of the current interruption device 57 based on the result of the check. Fig. 13 shows a control flow of the current interruption device 57 based on a continuity check between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54. The control flow is a process that is executed at a predetermined interval while the management device 110 is running, and one cycle consists of four steps, S100 to S130.

[0089] In S100, the control unit 120 checks whether or not there is conduction between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54 for the positive external terminal 51P and the negative external terminal 51N using the conduction detection circuits 130P and 130N.

[0090] If the two electrodes 52, 54 are conductive in both the positive external terminal 51P and the negative external terminal 51N (S110: YES), the control unit 120 closes the current interruption device 57 (S120). If the two electrodes 52, 54 are not conductive in at least one of the positive external terminal 51P and the negative external terminal 51N (S110: NO), the control unit 120 opens the current interruption device 57 (S130).

[0091] 13, the current interruption device 57 can be controlled to be closed only while the battery terminal 210 is connected to the external terminals 51P, 51N (while the battery 50 is mounted on the vehicle). Also, the current interruption device 57 can be controlled to be open while the battery terminal 210 is not connected to the external terminals 51P, 51N (while the battery 50 is removed from the vehicle). [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 vehicles 50 Battery (energy storage device) 51P, 51N external terminal 52 1st electrode 53 Insulating materials 54 2nd electrode 57 Current interrupter 60 battery packs 62 cells 110 Management device 120 control section 130P First continuity detection circuit (first detection circuit) 130N Second continuity detection circuit (second detection circuit)

Claims

1. An electricity storage device, A cell and Positive and negative external terminals, a current interruption device provided on a connection line connecting the cell and the external terminal; a management device; At least one of the positive and negative external terminals is a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating member that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected by connecting a mating terminal to the external terminal; The management device A control unit; a detection circuit that detects whether the first electrode and the second electrode of the external terminal are conductive or non-conductive; the control unit detects and monitors the voltage of the first electrode and the voltage of the second electrode to determine whether the electrodes are conductive or non-conductive; When the first electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected, the current interruption device is controlled to be open; When the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected, the current interruption device is controlled to be closed; The detection circuit a first detection circuit for the positive external terminal; a second detection circuit for the negative external terminal; When the control unit detects conduction between the first electrode and the second electrode at both the positive electrode external terminal and the negative electrode external terminal, the control unit switches the current interruption device from open to closed.

2. 2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected when the voltage of the first electrode and the voltage of the second electrode are equal, and determines that the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically disconnected when the voltage of the first electrode and the voltage of the second electrode are different.

3. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, The power storage device, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are positioned separately in an axial direction of the external terminal.

4. The vehicle-mounted power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A control method for a power storage device, comprising: The power storage device is A cell and Positive and negative external terminals, a current interruption device provided in a connection line connecting the cell and the external terminal, At least one of the positive and negative external terminals is a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating member that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode; detecting and monitoring the voltage of the first electrode and the voltage of the second electrode to determine whether the first electrode and the second electrode are conductive or non-conductive; When the first electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected, the current interruption device is controlled to be open; When the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other by connecting a mating terminal to the external terminal, the current interruption device is controlled to be closed; the power storage device includes a detection circuit that detects whether the first electrode and the second electrode of the external terminal are conductive or non-conductive; The detection circuit a first detection circuit for the positive external terminal; a second detection circuit for the negative external terminal; A control method for an electricity storage device, wherein when conduction between the first electrode and the second electrode is detected at both the positive electrode external terminal and the negative electrode external terminal, the current interruption device is switched from open to closed.

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