Battery monitoring device, wireless transmission method for battery-related information, and program

Abstract

To provide a battery monitoring device, a method for wirelessly transmitting battery-related information, and a program that can suppress the number of wireless transmissions of battery-related information.SOLUTION: A battery monitoring device 40 includes a plurality of monitoring units 44 that acquire battery-related information including at least information indicating the status of a battery, and a wireless communication unit 46. The wireless communication unit 46 wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units 44 to a control device 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery monitoring device, a method for wirelessly transmitting battery-related information, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, vehicles such as hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), and electric vehicles (EV) are equipped with a battery pack for vehicle running, such as a lithium-ion battery. For example, the battery system monitor described in Patent Document 1 includes a cell measurement circuit that measures the voltage of a pair of terminals of a battery cell module or the current passing through a pair of terminals from among a plurality of battery cell modules in the battery system.

[0003] Wireless communication transceivers are respectively associated with different cell measurement circuits and transmit information on the measured values of the voltage or current of the cell measurement circuits. A controller receives voltage or current measurement value information from the wireless transceiver to monitor the operating state of the battery system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a plurality of monitoring units are communicatively connected to a wireless transmission unit, battery-related information acquired for each monitoring unit is wirelessly transmitted. However, when the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired for each monitoring unit, the number of wireless transmissions increases. Then, for example, the number of times the battery is monitored per unit time decreases, leading to a delay in detecting abnormalities related to the battery, which is not preferable.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery monitoring device, a method for wirelessly transmitting battery-related information, and a program that can suppress the number of wireless transmissions of battery-related information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, a plurality of monitoring units acquire battery-related information, which includes at least information indicating the state of the battery. A wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units to a control device. Compared to a configuration in which only one monitoring unit is provided for the wireless transmission unit, the amount of data transmitted by the wireless transmission unit can be increased, and the number of wireless transmissions of battery-related information can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit a combination of data with a smaller data volume than the combination of the largest data types among the battery-related information acquired by multiple monitoring units. In this case, since a combination with a smaller data volume is transmitted wirelessly, the amount of data transmitted at once can be suppressed, and the error rate of wireless communication can be suppressed.

[0008] When wireless communication is used, errors are more likely to occur compared to wired communication due to the limitations of the wireless communication conditions. However, even when increasing the amount of data, it is desirable to minimize the error rate and reduce the number of retransmissions and wireless transmissions as much as possible.

[0009] Claim 5 As described in the invention, the wireless transmission unit should wirelessly transmit different types of battery-related information acquired by multiple monitoring units. In this case, by having the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmit different types of information at once, the total amount of data transmitted at once can be suppressed. As a result, communication errors in wireless communication can be suppressed. This can suppress the reduction in the number of battery monitoring cycles per unit time. Safety can be improved without missing any abnormalities related to the battery.

[0010] Claim 6 As described in the invention, the wireless transmission unit should transmit the battery-related information acquired by multiple monitoring units wirelessly in a batch, combining different types of data within a predetermined range. In this case, for example, the total amount of data transmitted in a batch can be reduced compared to wirelessly transmitting only the battery-related information with the largest data volumes. As a result, communication errors in wireless communication can be suppressed, and the reduction in the number of battery monitoring cycles can be suppressed.

[0011] Claim 11 According to the described invention, the wireless transmission unit and the multiple monitoring units are communicated together using a star-connected network topology. Claim 11 According to the described invention, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the monitoring units, communication connections can be maintained individually with the other monitoring units, thus enabling the communication connection between the other monitoring units and the wireless transmission unit to continue normally. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A schematic block diagram showing the battery monitoring system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the structure of a battery pack. [Figure 3] Side view of battery module and monitoring device [Figure 4] A schematic plan view showing the structure of the battery pack and the wireless propagation path. [Figure 5] Electrical configuration diagram of the battery monitoring system [Figure 6] Communication sequence diagram 1, which schematically shows the flow of communication establishment process between the monitoring device and the control device. [Figure 7] Sequence diagram 2 shows a schematic representation of the communication establishment process between the monitoring device and the control device. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram illustrating the flow of communication between the control device and the monitoring device. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the relationship between data type and data volume, and examples of combinations of transmitted data types. [Figure 10] Examples of data combinations to send [Figure 11] Figure 1 schematically shows the order in which data is transmitted. [Figure 12] Communication processing sequence diagram [Figure 13] Figure 2 schematically shows the data transmission order. [Figure 14] A schematic perspective view showing the structure of the battery pack in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A schematic perspective view showing the structure of the battery pack in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Perspective view schematically showing the structure of the battery pack in the fourth embodiment [Figure 17] Electrical configuration diagram of the battery monitoring system in the fifth embodiment

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the battery monitoring system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, in each embodiment, components having the same or similar configurations may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0014] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery monitoring system 1 is built in the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), etc., and runs using the assembled battery 12 (see FIG. 2) of the mounted battery pack 11 as at least part of the drive source.

[0015] Inside the vehicle body 13, a battery pack 11, a power control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as PCU) 14, a motor 15, and a host ECU 16 are mounted. The battery pack 11 is installed under the passenger seat (for example, the driver's seat) of the vehicle body 13. The battery pack 11 may be arranged in the engine room of the vehicle body 13, or may be arranged around the frame of the vehicle body 13, in the trunk room, etc.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the battery pack 11 includes a battery module 20 which is a group of multiple battery cells 22. The battery pack 11 has multiple groups of battery modules 20. A large number of battery cells 22 are housed in the battery module 20, which constitute a battery pack 12. Power to drive the motor 15 is stored in the battery pack 12. The stored power in the battery pack 12 is used as the power source for the vehicle 10. The PCU 14 shown in Figure 1 supplies the power stored in the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11 to the motor 15. When the vehicle 10 is braking, the motor 15 returns regenerative power to the battery pack 12, and the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11 is configured to be charged according to the power generated by the motor 15.

[0017] <Structure of battery pack 11> The following describes an example of the structure of the battery pack 11 with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 shows the inner wall of the housing 30 with a dashed line. The housing 30 has its longitudinal direction as the X direction and its transverse direction as the Y direction. The vertical direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on the vehicle body 13 is indicated as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions intersect each other (for example, are orthogonal). The X direction corresponds to a predetermined direction, and the Y direction corresponds to an intersecting direction. The housing 30 has a first wall surface 30a along the X direction and a second wall surface 30b along the Y direction. The housing 30 is molded into a flat, low-profile rectangular box shape.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 30 of the battery pack 11 houses the battery pack 12, a plurality of monitoring devices 40, and a control device 50 across a plane defined by the X and Y directions. The monitoring devices 40 are equivalent to battery monitoring devices and battery monitoring device main units. The monitoring devices 40 are equipped with monitoring circuits that monitor the battery pack 11 and are referred to as satellite battery modules (SBMs).

[0019] The lower surface of the housing 30 in the Z direction is the mounting surface for the vehicle body 13. In this embodiment, the X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle 10, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the Z direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. The arrangements in Figures 2 to 4 are merely examples. The mounting direction for the vehicle body 13 is just one example, and the battery pack 11 can be positioned relative to the vehicle 10 in any way.

[0020] The battery pack 12 has a plurality of battery modules 20 arranged in parallel in the X direction, and the plurality of battery modules 20 are arranged in parallel in the X direction. The battery modules 20 may be referred to as a battery stack, battery block, etc. The battery pack 12 may be configured by connecting the plurality of battery modules 20 in series and / or in parallel, but in this embodiment, an example in which the plurality of battery modules 20 are connected in series is shown.

[0021] Each battery module 20 has multiple battery cells 22, each configured in a rectangular box shape. The battery module 20 is configured with multiple battery cells 22 as a single group. Each battery module 20 has multiple battery cells 22 arranged side by side in the Y direction. Each of the multiple battery cells 22 is housed in a battery case (not shown), thereby fixing the relative positions of the multiple battery cells 22. The battery case is made of metal or resin. If the battery case is made of metal and configured in a rectangular box shape, an electrically insulating material is interposed throughout between the wall of the battery case and the battery cells 22. The insulating material may be partially interposed between the wall of the battery case and the battery cells 22.

[0022] Furthermore, the form of the fixing member for the multiple battery cells 22 is not particularly limited, as long as the relative positions of the multiple battery cells 22 can be fixed. For example, a configuration in which the multiple battery cells 22 are constrained by a band-shaped band can be adopted. In this case, a separator may be interposed between the multiple battery cells 22 to maintain the distance between them.

[0023] The battery module 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22 connected in series. In this embodiment, the battery module 20 is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in the Y direction in series, and the battery pack 12 provides a DC voltage source.

[0024] The battery cell 22 is a secondary battery that generates an electromotive force through a chemical reaction. The secondary battery can be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or an organic radical battery. A lithium-ion battery is a secondary battery that uses lithium as a charge carrier. The secondary batteries that can be used in the battery cell 22 may include not only secondary batteries with a liquid electrolyte, but also so-called all-solid-state batteries that use a solid electrolyte.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each battery cell 22 is stacked so that the sides of the battery cases are in contact with each other in the Y direction. Each battery cell 22 has a positive terminal 23 and a negative terminal 24 located at both ends in the X direction, protruding in the Z direction, more specifically in the upward Z+ direction. The Z-direction positions of the protruding end faces of these positive terminals 23 and negative terminals 24 are arranged at the same height in each battery cell 22. Each battery cell 22 is stacked so that the positive terminals 23 and negative terminals 24 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0026] On the upper surface of each battery module 20, a pair of linear busbar units 25 are arranged at both ends in the X direction. The busbar units 25 are positioned at both ends in the X direction of the protruding end faces of the positive terminal 23 and negative terminal 24 of the multiple battery cases.

[0027] Each busbar unit 25 has a plurality of busbars 26 that electrically connect the positive terminals 23 and negative terminals 24 that are alternately arranged in the Y direction, and a busbar cover 27 that covers the plurality of busbars 26. The busbars 26 are plate materials made of metals with good conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The busbars 26 electrically connect the positive terminals 23 and negative terminals 24 of adjacent battery cells 22 in the Y direction. As a result, a plurality of battery cells 22 are connected in series in each battery module 20. Each battery module 20 is composed of a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged side by side in the Y direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the busbar cover 27 is arranged along the Y direction so as to cover the positive terminals 23 and negative terminals 24 of the plurality of battery cells 22 in each battery module 20. As shown in Figure 3, the busbar cover 27 is arranged at both ends of the battery cell 22 in the X direction and is positioned to protrude above the upper surface of the battery cell 22. As shown in Figure 3, space S1a is provided so as to be enclosed between the top surface 11g of the battery pack, i.e., the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30, the inner surface of the busbar cover 27, and the top surface of the battery cell 22. Space S1a is located below the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30 and is provided to communicate in the X direction. As will be described later, this space S1a is provided as a propagation path for electromagnetic waves.

[0028] Here, we will explain the electrical connection state of a certain battery module 20. In a certain battery module 20, one end of a first battery cell 22 in the X direction is the positive terminal, and the other end is the negative terminal. A positive terminal 23 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell 22, and a negative terminal 24 is connected to the negative terminal. A second battery cell 22 is positioned on the Y-direction side of this first battery cell 22. The positive and negative terminal positions in the X direction of the second battery cell 22 are reversed compared to the first battery cell 22. The negative terminal 24 of the first battery cell 22 is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the second battery cell 22 by a busbar 26.

[0029] Furthermore, a third battery cell 22 is positioned on the Y-direction side of the second battery cell 22. The positive and negative terminals of the third battery cell 22 are positioned opposite to those of the second battery cell 22 in the X-direction, and the negative terminal 24 of the second battery cell 22 and the positive terminal 23 of the third battery cell 22 are connected by a busbar 26. In this way, multiple battery cells 22 are arranged side by side in the Y-direction, with the positive and negative terminals swapped in the X-direction, and the positive terminal 23 and negative terminal 24 are connected by a busbar 26. As a result, the battery cells 22 of each battery module 20 are electrically connected in series.

[0030] In each battery module 20, of the two battery cells 22 located at the ends of the multiple battery cells 22 arranged in the Y direction, one is at the highest potential and the other is at the lowest potential. A wire 20w is connected to at least one of the positive terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 at the highest potential and the negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 at the lowest potential.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the positive terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 with the highest potential in one of two adjacent battery modules 20 in the X direction is connected via a wire 20w to the negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 with the lowest potential in the other. This connects multiple battery modules 20 in series.

[0032] Of the two battery modules 20 located at the ends of a group of battery modules 20 aligned in the X direction, one is at the highest potential and the other is at the lowest potential. In the battery module 20 at the highest potential, the output terminal is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery cell 22 with the highest potential among the group of battery cells 22.

[0033] In the battery module 20 on the lowest potential side, the output terminal is connected to the negative terminal 24 of the battery cell 22 with the lowest potential among the multiple battery cells 22. These two output terminals are connected to electrical equipment such as the PCU 12 mounted on the vehicle 10. The positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 may or may not face each other in the X direction, at least partially.

[0034] Furthermore, it is not necessary to electrically connect two adjacent battery modules 20 in the X direction via a wire 20w; any two of multiple battery modules 20 may be electrically connected via a wire 20w.

[0035] The busbar cover 27 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is formed using an electrically insulating material such as resin. The busbar cover 27 is provided linearly along the Y direction from end to end of the battery module 20 so as to cover a plurality of busbars 26. The busbar cover 27 may have partitions. Providing partitions can improve the insulation between two adjacent busbars 26 in the Y direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the monitoring device 40 is provided for each of two battery modules 20 that are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Here, we show a configuration where it is provided for each pair of adjacent battery modules 20, but as shown in the embodiment described later, it may also be provided for each single battery module 20, or for every three or more battery modules 20.

[0037] The monitoring device 40 is installed on the inner side of the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30, along the extending direction (X direction) of the first wall surface 30a, and is positioned across the two battery modules 20 along the X direction. Multiple monitoring devices 40 are located at one end of the battery module 20 in the Y direction and are arranged side by side in the X direction. The monitoring device 40 is installed on the inner side of the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30 along the X direction. Furthermore, the Y-direction positions of the multiple monitoring devices 40 are the same.

[0038] The structure shown in Figure 2 illustrates a configuration in which multiple monitoring devices 40 are arranged side-by-side at one end of the battery module 20 in the Y direction, but the structure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple monitoring devices 40 may be arranged alternately at one end / the other end in the Y direction for every two battery modules 20, or they may not be arranged alternately in a regular pattern.

[0039] The monitoring device 40 is fitted into a recess provided in the battery module 20, for example, and secured by screws. The method of securing the monitoring device 40 is not limited to this method. For example, the monitoring device 40 may be secured to the battery module 20 by heat crimping, which involves applying heat and pressure to join and crimp the parts together. Alternatively, the monitoring device 40 may be secured to the battery module 20 by a snap-fit ​​structure that utilizes the elastic deformation of a metal or resin material. The external dimensions of the monitoring device 40, when mounted on the battery module 20, are arranged in the order of X direction > Z direction > Y direction. A space S1 is provided around the monitoring device 40. Space S1 is a space partially enclosed by the first wall surface 30a and the second wall surface 30b of the housing 30 and the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20. The monitoring device 40 is positioned so that its wall thickness is thinnest in the Y direction among the XYZ directions. Even if the battery module 20 is configured with many battery cells 22 arranged in the Y direction and is wide in the Y direction, it can be placed in space S1 where the Y direction is minimal. This makes effective use of the space S1 inside the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30. The monitoring device 40 is preferably positioned on the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20, closer to the upper side in the Z-direction than to the lower side in the Z-direction from the center of height of the battery cell 22. However, if the majority of the monitoring device 40 is positioned above the center of height of the battery cell 22, a portion of it may be positioned below the center of height. In other words, the monitoring device 40 is preferably positioned such that the area above the center of height of the battery cell 22 is larger than the area below it. This allows for easy placement of the monitoring device 40 from, for example, the top of the battery module 20, improving the ease of assembly when placing the monitoring device 40 in the battery module 20.

[0040] The control device 50 is mounted on the outer end face in the X direction of the battery module 20 located at the X-direction end of all the battery modules 20. As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring device 40 is equipped with an antenna 49 and the control device 50 is equipped with an antenna 57, and the control device 50 and the multiple monitoring devices 40 are wirelessly connected.

[0041] If a wired connection were adopted between the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40, it would be necessary to connect a harness between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. For example, if an operator had to extend the harness into the space S1 inside the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30 to connect the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50, assembly would be difficult and would require a lot of work. In this respect, since the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 are configured to connect wirelessly, the monitoring device 40 can be placed even in a very small space S1 without worsening the assembly process.

[0042] Furthermore, the fixing member for securing the monitoring device 40 to the battery module 20 may be made of a non-magnetic material, for example, which can improve the performance of wireless communication. Components provided on the battery module 20 may be made of non-magnetic materials, especially if they do not need to possess magnetism in terms of their characteristics.

[0043] The monitoring device 40 is fixed to the Y-direction end face of the battery module 20. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, detection wires L are connected to the monitoring device 40. One detection wire L is configured for each battery module 20. The detection wire L extends upward from the top of the monitoring device 40 and bends at the end of the battery module 20, extending across the upper surface of multiple battery cells 22 in the Y-direction. The detection wire L represents a harness for detecting the voltage between the positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 of each battery cell 22.

[0044] The detection line L is formed by extending in the Y direction along the upper surface of each of the multiple battery cells 22 that make up a single battery module 20. The detection line L is formed between the busbar covers 27 that are located at both ends in the X direction of each battery cell 22. The detection line L is electrically connected to the positive terminal 23 and negative terminal 24 of each battery cell 22 by core wires (not shown) extending from an intermediate position in the Y direction to both sides in the X direction.

[0045] <Explanation of the structure of the enclosure 30> The housing 30 has properties to reflect electromagnetic waves, for example, as an EMC countermeasure. EMC is an abbreviation for Electromagnetic Compatibility. The housing 30 is composed of a resin material and a metal with magnetic properties to reflect electromagnetic waves, i.e., a magnetic material. The housing 30 may be composed of a resin material, but the magnetic material may be configured to cover the resin material or to be embedded inside the resin material. The housing 30 may be formed of a resin material, but it is preferable that it be covered by the chassis of the vehicle 10 as an EMC countermeasure. The housing 30 may also be composed of carbon fiber. The housing 30 may be composed of a material that has the property of absorbing electromagnetic waves instead of the property of reflecting electromagnetic waves.

[0046] The first wall surface 20a (see Figures 2 and 4) located at one end in the Y direction of the multiple battery modules 20 extends in the X direction. The wall surface 20a may be covered with a reflective material (for example, a metal or magnetic material with magnetic properties) to reflect electromagnetic waves. The space S1 located inside the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30 is, for example, a space with vertical and horizontal dimensions in the YZ direction of several millimeters to several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

[0047] As described above, space S1 is partially enclosed by the wall surface 20a of the battery module 20 and the first wall surface 30a, lower inner surface 30d, upper inner surface 30c, and second wall surface 30b of the housing 30. Space S1 is partially closed off by a metal reflective material, and is open only on one side of space S1b in the X direction where the control device 50 is located (the side of the left wall surface 30e in Figure 4).

[0048] The monitoring devices 40 are arranged in space S1. Multiple monitoring devices 40 are arranged periodically (for example, at equal intervals) along the X direction. If space S1 is covered with metal, this space S1 constitutes a waveguide space similar to a so-called rectangular waveguide. As shown in Figure 4, the housing 30 constitutes a closed space in plan view by a first wall 30a, a second wall 30b, a third wall 30e, and a fourth wall 30f. The first wall 30a faces the fourth wall 30f, and the second wall 30b faces the third wall 30e. In this case, the propagation space of electromagnetic waves when the control device 50 and the monitoring devices 40 communicate wirelessly is L-shaped in plan view. The wireless electromagnetic waves radiated by the control device 50 are reflected by the first wall 30a and propagated in space S1, and also reflected by the third wall 30e and propagated in space S1 to reach the monitoring device 50. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring device 40 propagate through space S1, are reflected by the first wall surface 30a and reach the control device 50, and also propagate through space S1, are reflected by the third wall surface 30e and reach the control device 50. As a result, when the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 communicate wirelessly, the radio waves propagate along an L-shaped propagation path that includes space S1.

[0049] In this embodiment, the propagation path of electromagnetic waves when the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 communicate wirelessly also includes the space S1a shown in Figure 3. This space S1a is sandwiched between the busbar covers 27 located at both ends of the battery cell 22 in the X direction, and is provided so as to be surrounded by the top surface 11a of the battery pack 11, i.e., the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30, and the upper surface of the battery cell 22. Space S1a is provided so as to have a gap between the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30 and the busbar cover 27. Space S1a communicates in the X direction along the lower side of the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30. Space S1a communicates in the X direction to space S1b where the control device 50 is located. In this way, spaces S1a and S1b can be used as the propagation path of wireless electromagnetic waves between the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40, so that more communication paths can be secured in addition to the L-shaped propagation path described above. As described above, space S1a has a gap between the upper inner surface 30c of the housing 30 and the busbar cover 27, but this gap does not have to be provided.

[0050] The housing 30 is provided with holes that communicate with the space housing the battery pack 11 and the space outside of it. The holes are used for ventilation, power lines and signal lines, etc. In the case of a configuration with holes, a cover (not shown) that covers the holes may be provided. The cover is made up of, for example, a connector, an electromagnetic shielding member, a sealing material, etc., and closes off part or all of the holes between the space housing the battery pack 11 and the space outside of it.

[0051] The covering is composed of, for example, a metal material having magnetic properties. The covering may also contain a resin material, but the magnetic material may be configured to cover the resin material or to be embedded inside the resin material. The covering may also be composed of carbon fibers.

[0052] The holes in the housing 30 may be covered by elements housed in the housing space of the housing 30 without the need for a separate cover. Power lines and signal lines may be arranged across the housing space and the external space while being held by an electrical insulating member that forms part of the wall of the housing 30.

[0053] <Modified arrangement of multiple monitoring devices 40 and control devices 50> The mounting structure for the multiple monitoring devices 40 and control devices 50 is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 2. For example, the multiple monitoring devices 40 may be mounted on the multiple battery modules 20 inside the housing 30, while the control devices 50 may be mounted on the outside surface of the housing 30. For example, the mounting structure may be such that the wall surface of the housing 30 is provided in the area where the monitoring devices 40 and the control devices 50 face each other. In this case, the radio wave propagation environment between the monitoring devices 40 and the control devices 50 will be worse compared to the mounting structure shown in Figure 2, but it is sufficient that the monitoring devices 40 and the control devices 50 can communicate with each other.

[0054] The antenna 49 included in the monitoring device 40 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the bus bar unit 25 in the XY direction, that is, so as to protrude in the Z direction from the bus bar unit 25. The antenna 57 of the control device 50 may be provided so as to protrude in the Z direction from the bus bar unit 25. The antenna 57 connected to the control device 50 may be arranged, for example, at a Z-direction height similar to that of the antenna 49 of the monitoring device 40. Note that the arrangement relationship of the antennas 49 and 57 is not limited to this relationship.

[0055] <Modification example of the arrangement structure of the battery module 20> In the present embodiment, a plurality of battery modules 20 each containing a plurality of battery cells 22 are prepared and directly stored in the housing 30, but it may also be applied to a so-called structure without battery modules. For example, as referred to as cell to pack, the battery module formation of the battery cells 22 may be omitted, and a plurality of battery cells 22 may be directly stored in the battery pack 11. Cell to pack is the kana notation of Cell to Pack (CTP).

[0056] As referred to as module to platform, the battery module 20 may be directly stored in the frame or platform of the vehicle 10. Module to platform indicates the content of Module to Platform (MTP) in kana notation. As also referred to as cell to chassis, the battery cells 22 may be directly packed in the chassis of the vehicle 10 and mounted as a part of the vehicle body structure in the chassis. Cell to chassis indicates the content of Cell to Chassis (CTC) in kana notation. Since the arrangement locations of the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 are fixed, they are less likely to be affected by temporal communication position fluctuations such as communication processing between a smartphone and a tablet terminal.

[0057] <Configuration description of the PCU 14, motor 15, and upper ECU 16> The higher-level ECU 16 and the control device 50 may be configured as an integrated unit in whole or in part, or they may be provided as separate units. The PCU 14 shown in Figure 1 performs bidirectional power conversion between the battery pack 11 and the motor 15 according to control signals from the higher-level ECU 16. The PCU 14 is configured, for example, to include an inverter that drives the motor 15 and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to an output voltage equal to or greater than that of the battery pack 11.

[0058] Motor 15 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. Motor 15 is driven by PCU 14 to generate rotational driving force, and the driving force generated by motor 15 is transmitted to the drive wheels. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is braking, motor 15 operates as a generator and performs regenerative power generation. The power generated by motor 15 is supplied to the battery pack 11 through PCU 12 and stored in the battery pack 12 of the battery pack 11.

[0059] The higher-level ECU 16 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and non-volatile semiconductor memory, as well as input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals. The memory contains the processing program that the higher-level ECU 16 will execute, and the CPU executes the program stored in the memory. The memory is used as a non-transitional physical recording medium. The control device 50 receives information on the cell voltage of each battery cell 22 of the battery pack 12 from the monitoring device 40 of the battery pack 11, measures the SOC (State of Charge), and controls the PCU 12 to control the driving of the motor 15 and the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11.

[0060] The control device 50 is configured with or connected to a current sensor 17 (see Figure 5), which measures the current flowing through the battery pack 12, in which battery cells 22 are connected in series. This allows the total current flowing through the battery pack 12 to be measured. The control device 50 and the higher-level ECU 16 can acquire current information flowing through the battery pack 12 and battery cells 22 based on the sensing information from the current sensor 17.

[0061] Here, the configuration is shown in which the current sensor 17 is connected to the control device 50, but the current sensor 17 may also be connected to the higher-level ECU 16, and the higher-level ECU 16 may acquire current information flowing through the battery pack 12 via the current sensor 17. Since the control device 50 and the higher-level ECU 16 can communicate with each other, the current information flowing through the battery pack 12 can be shared regardless of which configuration acquires the current information from the current sensor 17.

[0062] The following describes specific configuration examples of the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. <Specific configuration example of the monitoring device 40 system> As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring device 40 is configured with a power supply circuit 41, multiple monitoring units 44, a wireless communication unit 46, a matching circuit 48, and an antenna 49. The monitoring device 40 is configured with multiple monitoring units 44 and wireless communication units 46 mounted on the same circuit board. That is, there are more monitoring units 44 than wireless communication units 46 mounted on the same circuit board. The power supply circuit 41 of the monitoring device 40 generates an operating voltage using the voltage supplied from the battery module 20 and supplies the generated voltage to the multiple monitoring units 44 and wireless communication units 46 inside.

[0063] The temperature sensor 44a is either directly mounted on the battery module 20 or mounted on the monitoring device 40. The monitoring unit 44 receives the sensor signal from the temperature sensor 44a and measures the temperature information of the battery module 20 as battery-related information. If the temperature sensor 44a is mounted on the monitoring device 40, the temperature of the monitoring device 40 can be measured, and the temperature of the battery cell 22, which depends on the measured temperature, can be measured. This allows temperature information dependent on the temperature of the battery cell 22 to be measured as battery-related information.

[0064] Each monitoring unit 44 receives sensor signals based on the cell voltages of multiple battery cells 22 for each battery module 20. The monitoring unit 44 is equipped with a monitoring IC, which is an ASIC equipped with a multiplexer and an A / D converter. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The monitoring unit 44 selects and inputs the cell voltage information of the necessary battery cells 22 from among the multiple battery cells 22 using the multiplexer, converts it to digital using the A / D converter, and then performs the necessary processing. In this way, the monitoring unit 44 acquires the cell voltage information as battery-related information.

[0065] The monitoring unit 44 performs fault diagnosis on the circuit portion or detection line L of the monitoring device 40 and monitors the diagnostic information. The monitoring unit 44 performs a self-diagnosis process to determine, for example, whether the detection line L is broken, and acquires this diagnostic information as battery-related information. Specifically, the monitoring unit 44 determines whether the cell voltage obtained from the two detection lines L is within the normal range, and acquires the self-diagnosis result of determining whether the detection line L is broken as battery-related information.

[0066] As a result, the monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 can acquire battery-related information such as voltage information related to the battery pack 12, temperature information of the battery pack 12 or the monitoring device 40, and diagnostic information diagnosed in relation to the battery pack 12 or the monitoring device 40.

[0067] The monitoring unit 44 is configured as an integrated circuit within the monitoring device 40 and consists of multiple units. However, the multiple monitoring units 44 may be configured to acquire information of different data types, such as voltage information, temperature information, and diagnostic information, separately. Alternatively, one monitoring unit 44 may be configured to acquire information of at least two or more data types from among voltage information, temperature information, and diagnostic information.

[0068] The wireless communication unit 46 and multiple monitoring units 44 are daisy-chained via a bus. Each of the multiple monitoring units 44 is pre-assigned ID information (e.g., 1, 2, etc.), and the monitoring units 44 store this ID information in their built-in non-volatile memory. When the wireless communication unit 46 transmits information to multiple monitoring units 44, it transmits the information to be sent individually to each monitoring unit 44 by adding the ID information of each monitoring unit 44 as overhead (header, footer) along with the information to be sent. In addition, the wireless communication unit 46 can also broadcast transmission by transmitting the same information to all monitoring units 44 via the bus.

[0069] When the monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 acquires the aforementioned battery-related information, it stores the battery-related information in the memory built into the ASIC or in the memory mounted on the wireless communication unit 46. The wireless communication unit 46 is configured with a so-called microcontroller and a wireless IC, and uses the wireless IC to wirelessly transmit various data to the control device 50 via a matching circuit 48 and an antenna 49. A microcontroller is an abbreviation for a microcomputer or microcontroller.

[0070] The wireless communication unit 46 is provided as a control circuit that has the function of controlling the schedule for battery monitoring information or self-diagnosis of faults from the monitoring unit 44. When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives battery-related information such as battery information, temperature information, or diagnostic information from the monitoring unit 44, it transmits the aforementioned battery-related information to the control device 50 on the master side.

[0071] The matching circuit 48 and antenna 49 of the monitoring device 40 represent a physical interface for converting the output signal of the wireless IC 46 into radio waves and radiating them into space S1, and for receiving the radio waves that have propagated through space S1 and inputting them to the wireless IC 46.

[0072] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives information such as various command information from the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50. The wireless IC of the wireless communication unit 46 is a communication device that controls the communication data size, communication format, schedule, error detection, etc., between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. When the wireless communication unit 46 detects an error upon receiving information, it requests the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 to retransmit the information.

[0073] In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 is shown to be configured to include both a microcontroller and a wireless IC, but the functions of the microcontroller and the wireless IC may be implemented separately. If the wireless communication unit 46 is composed of a wireless IC, it is preferable to configure the microcontroller to intervene between the wireless communication unit 46 and the monitoring unit 44. In this case, the microcontroller mounted on the monitoring device 40 may be configured to manage the acquisition schedule or transmission schedule of battery-related information by the monitoring unit 44.

[0074] <Specific configuration of the control device 50 system> The control device 50 includes a power supply circuit 51, a main microcontroller 53, a wireless IC 54, a sub-microcontroller 55, a matching circuit 56, and an antenna 57. The power supply circuit 51 of the control device 50 generates an operating voltage using the voltage supplied from the auxiliary battery 60 and supplies it to the wireless IC 54, the sub-microcontroller 55, and the main microcontroller 53.

[0075] The matching circuit 56 and antenna 57 of the control device 50 represent a physical interface for converting the signal output by the wireless IC 54 into radio waves and radiating them into space S1, and for receiving the radio waves that have propagated through space S1 and inputting them to the wireless IC 54.

[0076] The wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 receives battery-related information from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 and transmits the information to the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50. The wireless IC 54 on the control device 50 also receives data transmitted from the main microcontroller 53 and transmits it to the wireless communication unit 46 of each monitoring device 40 using unicast or broadcast communication. The wireless IC 54 is a communication device that controls the communication data size, communication format, schedule, and error detection between the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. The wireless IC 54 has a function to request retransmission from the monitoring device 40 if it detects an error in the data transmitted from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40.

[0077] The main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50 uses information such as voltage and temperature information contained in the battery-related information transmitted from the wireless IC 46 to calculate the State of Charge (SOC) and diagnostic information, which are indicators of the state of the battery cells 22, and transmit them to the higher-level ECU 16. The main microcontroller 53 controls the ignition on / off state and the switching of voltage equalization control for the multiple battery cells 22.

[0078] The main microcontroller 53 transmits information such as control signals to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 via wireless communication through the wireless IC 54, thereby controlling the operating status of the monitoring device 40. The sub-microcontroller 55 of the control device 50 monitors the data between the wireless IC 54 and the main microcontroller 53, and also monitors the operating status of the main microcontroller 53. The sub-microcontroller 55 may also monitor the operating status of the wireless IC 54.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control device 50 includes a sub-microcontroller 55, which monitors data between the wireless IC 54 and the main microcontroller 53, and also monitors the operating status of the main microcontroller 53. However, the configuration of the control device 50 is not limited to this example. For example, the control device 50 does not need to include a sub-microcontroller 55.

[0080] Alternatively, the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50 may manage the battery monitoring information acquisition schedule or communication schedule of the monitoring unit 44 instead of the wireless communication unit 46. The main microcontroller 53 may also manage the self-diagnosis information acquisition schedule of the monitoring device 40.

[0081] In this embodiment, the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50 calculates state indicators of the battery cell 22, such as SOC and diagnostic information, using battery-related information such as voltage information and temperature information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 46, and transmits this information to the higher-level ECU 16. However, the calculation of battery-related information is not limited to this example.

[0082] For example, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may use the battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44 to calculate the State of Charge (SOC) and diagnostic information, which are indicators of the state of the battery cell 22, and transmit the calculation results to the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50. In addition, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may use the calculation results to perform an abnormality diagnosis of the battery cell 22 or the monitoring unit 44, and transmit the abnormality diagnosis results to the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50. Furthermore, the battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 may be calculated by the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40.

[0083] <Wireless communication method> The wireless communication method between the control device 50 and the multiple monitoring devices 40 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In this embodiment, the battery monitoring system 1 has the control device 50 at its center and multiple monitoring devices 40 connected in a star network configuration, enabling packet communication. A packet consists of an access address that defines the communication partner, a protocol data unit that indicates data to be sent and received at a higher layer, and an error detection code using a Cyclic Check Code (CRC). In this battery monitoring system 1, the number of communication nodes is 3 or more. CRC stands for Cyclic Redundancy Check.

[0084] The control device 50 measures, for example, the number of communication errors, the number of retransmissions of communication data, and the received signal strength (RSSI) between each of the multiple monitoring devices 40 in the aforementioned deployment environment. Based on the communication performance information, the control device 50 pre-selects a frequency band with good communication performance and stores it in the internal memory of the wireless IC 54. It is then preferable to select a frequency band from the one stored in the internal memory for communication. RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator.

[0085] In addition, the vehicle 10 may be equipped with external communication means, such as a data communication battery module (DCM), and this data communication battery module may be configured to enable data communication by communicating with the outside. DCM stands for Data Communication Module. In the case of such a vehicle 10, it is desirable to perform communication using a frequency band different from the frequency band used by the data communication battery module.

[0086] The control device 50 establishes individual communication with each of the multiple monitoring devices 40 and transmits information wirelessly. The following describes wireless communication between one control device 50 and one monitoring device 40, but the control device 50 performs the same process with all of the multiple monitoring devices 40.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 perform a communication establishment process in S10. The communication establishment process is performed, for example, when the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 are started. When the vehicle 10 is started, the user operates the ignition switch from off to on, and at this time a start signal is sent to the control device 50. When the control device 50 is started, the control device 50 performs a communication establishment process between itself and all the monitoring devices 40. The communication establishment process is necessary for unicast communication and is not necessary for broadcast communication. If the communication establishment process is successful, the control device 50 continues periodic communication processing with the monitoring devices 40 with which communication was established in S20 of Figure 6.

[0088] The communication establishment process is divided into the connection establishment process shown in S11 and the pairing process shown in S12, as shown in Figure 7. The monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 execute the connection establishment process in S11. The connection establishment process is performed by the monitoring device 40 making a connection request in S11a.

[0089] In S11a, the monitoring device 40 sends a connection request packet to the control device 50, and in S11b, the control device 50 accepts the connection request packet. When the monitoring device 40 performs an advertisement operation, the connection request packet is called an advertisement packet. The connection request packet contains ID information for both the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50. The monitoring device 40 periodically sends connection request packets until the connection is established.

[0090] When the control device 50 detects the monitoring device 40 by performing a connection acceptance operation and receiving a connection request packet, it sends a connection packet in response to the detected monitoring device 40 in S11c. When the monitoring device 40 receives the connection packet, it can recognize that a connection has been established with the control device 50. As a result, the target monitoring device 40 can establish a connection with the control device 50. Once the connection is established, the monitoring device 40 stops sending connection request packets.

[0091] Once the connection establishment process is complete, the pairing process is executed next. The pairing process is for performing encrypted data communication and includes the exchange of unique information as shown in S12a and S12b. In this exchange process, unique information held by each party is exchanged. After the execution of the exchange process in S12a and S12b, encryption using the exchanged unique information becomes possible. Unique information includes, for example, key information and information for generating the key. With this, the communication establishment process shown in S10 of Figure 6 is completed.

[0092] When the monitoring device 40 and the control device 50 complete the communication establishment process shown in S10 of Figure 6, they execute the periodic communication process shown in S20 of Figure 6. As shown in Figure 8, in S21, the control device 50 transmits instruction information for a battery monitoring control command to the wireless communication unit 46 on the monitoring device 40 side, which has completed the connection process. For example, the control device 50 transmits request information, including a request to acquire battery-related information from the monitoring unit 44 and a request to transmit the acquired information, as a battery monitoring control command.

[0093] When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 receives instruction information for a battery monitoring control command, in S22 it transmits the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command to multiple monitoring units 44, thereby transmitting an instruction to acquire battery-related information. The wireless communication unit 46 simultaneously transmits an instruction to acquire battery-related information to multiple monitoring units 44 by broadcasting the battery monitoring control command to multiple monitoring units 44.

[0094] In S22, the wireless communication unit 46 simultaneously transmits instruction information for the battery monitoring control command to multiple monitoring units 44, but it is not limited to this. For example, the wireless communication unit 46 may attach the ID information of multiple monitoring units 44 to packets and transmit the instruction information individually.

[0095] When each of the multiple monitoring units 44 receives instruction information for acquisition, in S23 it performs battery monitoring control, in this case sensing and / or fault diagnosis of the voltage of the battery cells 22. When performing battery monitoring, the monitoring unit 44 acquires voltage information, temperature information, and / or diagnostic information of each battery cell 22 as battery-related information. Next, in S24, the monitoring unit 44 sends the acquired battery-related information to the wireless communication unit 46 as a response. Here, the multiple monitoring units 44 transmit to the wireless communication unit 46 via the bus in synchronous timing.

[0096] When the wireless communication unit 46 receives information acquired by multiple monitoring units 44, it combines this battery-related information in S25. Combining here means consolidating it into a single packet or multiple consecutive packets. The wireless communication unit 46 generates response data from the battery-related information combined in S25 and transmits it to the control device 50. The wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 receives the response data in S26.

[0097] <Explanation of retransmission process when a communication error occurs> Here, we will explain the processing that occurs when an error occurs in the data received by the wireless IC 54. When the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 transmits battery-related information as a packet to the control device 50, the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 extracts a cyclic check code (CRC) for error detection from the received packet and detects the error. If the wireless IC 54 does not detect an error in the packet, it accepts the battery monitoring information. Then, the wireless IC 54 transmits the battery-related information to the main microcontroller 53, and the main microcontroller 53 executes predetermined processing.

[0098] On the other hand, if the wireless IC 54 detects an error in a packet, it requests the monitoring device 40 to retransmit the battery-related information. When the control device 50 requests retransmission from the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 retransmits the previously transmitted battery monitoring information to the control device 50. For example, if the radio wave propagation environment deteriorates and communication errors are repeated, the wireless communication unit 46 and monitoring unit 44 of the monitoring device 40 are likely to experience a shortage of resources to perform other tasks. In this case, even if the control device 50 requests the monitoring device 40 to acquire the next battery-related information, the timing of acquiring and transmitting the battery-related information will be delayed. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize communication errors as much as possible.

[0099] <Explanation of the processing of the control device 50> Next, the processing performed by the control device 50 will be explained. In S30, the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50 refers to the response data received by the wireless IC 54 and performs predetermined processing based on the response data. In S30, the control device 50 performs predetermined processing based on, for example, multiple battery-related information acquired over a predetermined period.

[0100] For example, the control device 50 of this embodiment obtains the cell voltage value of each battery cell 22 from multiple battery-related information acquired from multiple monitoring devices 40 during a predetermined period, and further obtains the cell current value through a current sensor 17 connected in series with the battery cell 22. Based on these cell voltages and cell currents, the control device 50 estimates the internal resistance and open-circuit voltage of the battery cell 22.

[0101] The control device 50 can calculate the SOH based on the estimated internal resistance. SOH stands for States Of Health and is an indicator of the battery's degradation state. The control device 50 can also detect abnormalities in the battery cells 22 by comparing the open-circuit voltages of each battery cell 22 with each other and determining whether they are within a certain range. In this embodiment, the "predetermined processing" is mainly performed by the main microcontroller 53, but it may also be performed by other components within the control device 50. In this way, one cycle of the sequence can be executed.

[0102] <Modified example of the sequence in Figure 8> If the control device 50 anticipates that there is idle time between the time it transmits the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 in S21 and the time it receives a response in S26, it may process other communications.

[0103] The control device 50 periodically transmits instruction information for battery monitoring control commands in accordance with the schedule control. However, for example, even though the timing to transmit the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command for the current cycle has arrived in S21, it is possible that the battery-related information corresponding to the battery monitoring control command for the previous cycle has not yet been received. In such a case, the control device 50 may receive the battery-related information for the previous cycle after transmitting the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command for the current cycle in S21 and before receiving the battery-related information for the current cycle in S26.

[0104] Alternatively, for example, the control device 50 may, in S26, receive battery-related information corresponding to the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command in the current cycle and transmit the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command in the next cycle to the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 before ending the current cycle.

[0105] <Regarding wirelessly transmitted data> Next, the content of the data that the wireless communication unit 46 wirelessly transmits to the control device 50 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. As mentioned above, the monitoring device 40 acquires a variety of data obtained by multiple monitoring units 44 and transmits it to the control device 50. This allows the control device 50 to process the received data comprehensively. For this reason, it is desirable for the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 to efficiently wirelessly transmit this variety of data to the control device 50.

[0106] The wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 may select different types of battery-related information from the battery-related information acquired by each of the multiple monitoring units 44 and transmit them wirelessly in a batch. Here, "transmitting wirelessly in a batch" means transmitting in one packet or transmitting multiple packets consecutively. As mentioned above, the types of battery-related information data include voltage information of the cell voltage of the battery cells 22 of the battery pack 12, temperature information of the battery pack 12 or the monitoring device 40, and diagnostic information diagnosed in relation to the battery pack 12 or the monitoring device 40.

[0107] Figure 9 illustrates the relative amounts of data for each type of data. For example, the data size for cell voltage information is 50 bytes, and the data size for temperature information is 10 bytes. The data size for voltage information is several times larger than that for temperature information. This is because a monitoring unit 44 is provided for each battery module 20, and the amount of data for voltage information of the battery cells 22 being monitored is relatively larger compared to temperature information and diagnostic information.

[0108] Furthermore, the data volume for self-diagnosis A, which indicates whether or not there is a break in the detection line L of the monitoring unit 44, is 2 bytes; the data volume for self-diagnosis B, which indicates whether or not there is an abnormality in the monitoring unit 44, is 4 bytes; and the transmitted data volume for self-diagnosis C, which shows the abnormality determination content of the monitoring unit 44, is 8 bytes. As such, the data volume differs depending on the type of data. These data volumes are illustrative examples for relative explanation and are not limited to the example shown in this diagram.

[0109] The wireless communication unit 46 should wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units 44 in a combination that has a smaller data volume than the combination of the two types of data with the largest data volumes. Here, "wireless transmission in combination" means wirelessly transmitting data by combining it into one packet, or wirelessly transmitting the combined data in multiple packets in succession.

[0110] As illustrated, combining the voltage information of the battery cell 22 acquired by each of the multiple monitoring units 44 results in the maximum amount of data. Therefore, combining the voltage information of the cell voltage acquired by each monitoring unit 44 increases the amount of data. Multiple cell voltage information can be combined in this way. However, combining the ones with the largest data amounts increases the time required for communication, thus lengthening the communication cycle. If the cycle is set to be long and constant to allow communication even with combinations of large data amounts, then when communication is performed with a combination of small data amounts in subsequent cycles, the time required for communication will be significantly shorter compared to the communication cycle set to be constant, resulting in wasted time within the communication cycle. By combining voltage information acquired by a single monitoring unit 44 with other types of data and transmitting them wirelessly, the total amount of data transmitted at once can be reduced compared to wirelessly transmitting only the combination of the largest data items among the battery-related information. As a result, communication errors in wireless communication can be suppressed.

[0111] Furthermore, temperature information is larger in data volume compared to diagnostic information. For this reason, the wireless communication unit 46 should wirelessly transmit voltage information or temperature information in combination with diagnostic information. It is preferable to pre-determine such information combinations and store them in the built-in memory of the wireless communication unit 46. This allows the wireless communication unit 46 to refer to the contents of these combinations, combine the data types, determine the data to be transmitted in a batch, and then wirelessly transmit it all at once. Here, "wireless transmission in a batch" means wirelessly transmitting data in a single packet, or wirelessly transmitting data continuously in multiple packets.

[0112] As mentioned above, among the types of data exemplified, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit a combined set of voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell 22, as shown on the left side of Figure 10. Alternatively, as shown on the right side of Figure 10, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit a combined set of voltage information of the battery cell 22, diagnostic information from self-diagnosis A, and diagnostic information from self-diagnosis C.

[0113] In this way, the wireless communication unit 46 selects different types of information for each monitoring unit 44 and transmits them wirelessly all at once, thereby reducing the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly all at once, and as a result, the communication error rate of wireless communication can be suppressed. As a result, the reduction in the number of battery monitoring cycles can be suppressed.

[0114] The wireless communication unit 46 should wirelessly transmit battery-related information acquired by multiple monitoring units 44, combining different types of data so that the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly in a batch is within a predetermined range. In other words, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit data in a combination of data types such that the amount of data transmitted can be contained within the predetermined time period of one cycle or less. Since the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly in a batch can be kept within a predetermined range, the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly in a batch can be reduced. As a result, the error rate of wireless transmission can be reduced.

[0115] The wireless communication unit 46 may change the battery-related information to be transmitted wirelessly according to the reading time of the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units 44. When the monitoring unit 44 acquires battery-related information, it stores it in its internal memory and then transmits it to the wireless communication unit 46. At this time, the time it takes for the monitoring unit 44 to read the battery-related information depends on and changes in proportion to the amount of data of the battery-related information.

[0116] The wireless communication unit 46 receives battery-related information from the monitoring unit 44 and stores it in its internal memory. The wireless communication unit 46 transmits the battery-related information stored in its internal memory to the control device 50 at a scheduled time. At this time, the read time for the wireless communication unit 46 to read the battery-related information from the internal memory depends on and changes in proportion to the amount of data of the battery-related information.

[0117] Therefore, the wireless communication unit 46 should select and wirelessly transmit battery-related information while avoiding combinations that have long readout times for battery-related information and combinations that result in a large total amount of data. This allows for adjustment of the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly at once, thereby reducing the total amount of data transmitted wirelessly at once. As a result, the error rate of wireless communication can be reduced.

[0118] <Example of data transmission data, part 1> The following describes an example of transmitted data. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 (401...40n) should transmit the battery-related information from each of the multiple monitoring units 44 wirelessly at different timings.

[0119] If the control device 50 manages the wireless transmission schedule of the monitoring device 40, the monitoring device 40 will transmit wirelessly within the time allocated according to this schedule. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the monitoring devices 40 (401...40n) will sequentially transmit battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44, which is pre-set to ID=1 in period CI1, to the control device 50.

[0120] Furthermore, in the next cycle CI2, the monitoring devices 40 (401...40n) wirelessly transmit battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44, which is pre-set to ID=2, to the control device 50 in sequence. Here, only two examples, ID=1 and ID=2, are shown. Therefore, in the next cycle CI1, the monitoring devices 40 (401...40n) wirelessly transmit battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44, which is pre-set to ID=1, to the control device 50 in sequence.

[0121] Here, only two examples with IDs 1 and 2 are shown, but the method is not limited to these. For example, it can also be applied when the monitoring device 40 (e.g., 401...40n) is equipped with a large number of monitoring units 44, each assigned to IDs 1, 2, 3, etc., totaling three or more units. The monitoring device 40 (401...40n) should wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the monitoring units 44 assigned to IDs 1, 2, 3, etc., to the control device 50 in sequence and periodically.

[0122] As shown in Figure 12, an example sequence is shown. In S41a, the control device 50 instructs the wireless communication unit 46 to issue a battery monitoring control command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1. The wireless communication unit 46 receives this battery monitoring control command and in S42a transmits a battery monitoring instruction command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1. In S43a, the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1 performs monitoring control and responds to the wireless communication unit 46 with battery-related information in S44a. The wireless communication unit 46 then responds to the control device 50 with the battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1.

[0123] On the other hand, in S41b, the control device 50 instructs the wireless communication unit 46 to issue a battery monitoring control command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=2. The wireless communication unit 46 receives this battery monitoring control command instruction and in S42b transmits a battery monitoring instruction command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=2. In S43b, the monitoring unit 44 with ID=2 executes monitoring control and in S44b responds to the wireless communication unit 46 with battery-related information. The wireless communication unit 46 then responds to the control device 50 with the battery-related information acquired by the monitoring unit 44 with ID=2.

[0124] In this way, the wireless communication unit 46 of a certain monitoring device 40 (for example, 401) can wirelessly transmit battery-related information with IDs 1 and 2, divided into periods CI1 and CI2. When the control device 50 receives this battery-related information, it can receive it from each monitoring unit 44 at regular intervals. The communication error rate per communication is the same as when one monitoring unit 44 is provided for each individual monitoring device 40, but control can be easily performed.

[0125] As shown in Figure 12, the wireless communication unit 46 may, after issuing a battery monitoring control command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1 in S42a, receive the battery-related information that was issued in the previous cycle and acquired by the monitoring unit 44 in S43z at S44z. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 may respond to the control device 50 with the battery-related information acquired in the previous cycle in S45z.

[0126] Furthermore, if the control device 50 receives a response regarding battery-related information from the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1 of a certain monitoring device 40 (e.g., 401) in S45a, it may immediately instruct the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1 of the relevant monitoring device 40 (e.g., 401) to issue a battery monitoring control command for the next cycle in S41c. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 will immediately issue a battery monitoring control command to the monitoring unit 44 with ID=1, thus shortening the cycle.

[0127] <Modified example of the sequence in Figure 12> In S41a and S41b above, the control device 50 divided and transmitted the instruction information for the battery monitoring control command, but it may also issue a single instruction to the monitoring units 44 with IDs 1 and 2.

[0128] <Example of data transmission, part 2> The following describes another example of transmitted data. As shown in Figure 13, the wireless communication unit 46 of the monitoring device 40 (401...40n) may wirelessly transmit battery-related information acquired by multiple monitoring units 44 together.

[0129] If the control device 50 manages the wireless transmission schedule of the monitoring device 40, the monitoring device 40 transmits wirelessly within the time allocated according to this schedule. As shown in Figure 13, the wireless communication unit 46 may sequentially receive data from multiple monitoring units 44 with IDs 1 and 2 that are daisy-chained, and then combine these data within the time allocated to each monitoring device 40 and transmit them in a periodic CI.

[0130] The control device 50 ideally wants to obtain the characteristics of all battery cells 22 constituting the battery pack 12 at once to compare cell characteristics, but it can take time for all the data (e.g., cell voltage, etc.) from the monitoring units 44 to be collected. By allocating time as shown in the second example of transmitted data, it is possible to use data acquired at timings that are as close as possible, preferably at the same timing. This allows the characteristics to be determined in sync with the timing. The control device 50 can collect battery-related information from the monitoring devices 40 (401...40n) in a timely manner and accurately monitor the voltage information of the battery pack 12. This allows the control device 50 to process with sufficient time margin.

[0131] <Summary of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, each monitoring device 40 is equipped with multiple monitoring units 44 (monitoring ICs), and the multiple monitoring units 44 acquire battery-related information, which includes at least information indicating the battery status. The wireless communication unit 46 wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units 44. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only one monitoring unit 44 is provided to the wireless communication unit 46, the amount of data transmitted by the wireless communication unit 46 can be increased, and the number of wireless transmissions of battery-related information can be suppressed.

[0132] If multiple monitoring units 44 are provided for a single wireless communication unit 46, the amount of data transmitted wirelessly can be increased. However, since wireless communication is applied, there are constraints on the wireless communication conditions. Therefore, even when increasing the amount of data, it is desirable to minimize the error rate and the number of retransmissions and wireless transmissions. Minimizing the error rate and the number of retransmissions also helps to suppress the decrease in the number of battery monitoring cycles per unit time, leading to the early detection of abnormalities related to the battery.

[0133] Therefore, the wireless communication unit 46 selects different types of information from the battery-related information acquired by each of the multiple monitoring units 44 and transmits them wirelessly. In this case, the wireless communication unit 46 can suppress the total amount of data transmitted at once by selecting different types of information and transmitting them wirelessly all at once. As a result, communication errors in wireless communication can be suppressed, and as a result, the reduction in the number of battery monitoring cycles for the battery pack 12 can be suppressed.

[0134] The wireless communication unit 46 should wirelessly transmit a combination of data types that is smaller in data volume than the combination of the largest data types among the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units 44. The wireless communication unit 46 should wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units 44 in a batch, combining the data types of the battery-related information within a predetermined range.

[0135] Furthermore, since the monitoring device 40 is arranged across multiple battery modules 20, and a monitoring unit 44 is provided for each of the multiple battery modules 20, the number of wireless communication units 46 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which a monitoring unit 44 is provided individually for each wireless communication unit 46, thereby reducing costs. Since the monitoring device 40 is positioned along the side of the battery module 20, the height in the Z direction can be made lower compared to, for example, the second embodiment described later, and the overall structure can be made lower in profile.

[0136] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the monitoring device 40 may be arranged on the upper surface of each of the multiple battery modules 20. The monitoring device 40 is positioned at the midpoint of the battery modules 20 extending in the Y direction, and detection lines L are connected in both directions in the Y direction. Figure 14 shows a configuration in which the monitoring device 40 is positioned at the center in the Y direction on the upper surface of each battery module 20, but the monitoring device 40 does not necessarily have to be positioned at the center in the Y direction. It may be positioned at any midpoint in the Y direction, not just the center.

[0137] Each monitoring device 40 is equipped with multiple (for example, two or more) monitoring units 44, and is configured by connecting detection lines L to each of the multiple monitoring units 44. Each monitoring unit 44 is composed of an integrated circuit device called a monitoring IC. The monitoring unit 44 can detect the voltage of multiple battery cells 22 of each battery module 20 using the detection lines L. The upper end of the monitoring device 40 is positioned to protrude in the Z direction from the upper end of the busbar cover 27.

[0138] Similar to the embodiment described above, the control device 50 is equipped with a wireless IC 59, and the monitoring device 40 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 46. The housing 30 has a gap at its upper inner end in the Z direction, and this gap is provided as a wireless propagation space S2. The control device 50 can communicate wirelessly with multiple monitoring devices 40 via the propagation space S2. If the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 can communicate directly with the wireless communication units 46 of multiple monitoring devices 40 using waves, a good wireless propagation environment can be maintained.

[0139] Since the monitoring device 40 is positioned to protrude from the upper end of the busbar cover 27, wireless signals propagate through the propagation space S2 above the upper end of the busbar cover 27, making it easier for the control device 50 and the monitoring device 40 to communicate. According to this embodiment, since the monitoring device 40 does not need to be positioned on the Y-direction side of the battery module 20, the Y-direction width of the housing 30 can be suppressed, and the housing 30 can be made smaller.

[0140] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the monitoring device 40 is arranged along the Y-side of each battery module 20. The monitoring device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 46 and a plurality of monitoring units 44, the monitoring units 44 being connected to a detection line L. Each monitoring device 40 may have one monitoring unit 44. The monitoring unit 44 is connected to one end of a detection line L extending in the Y-direction, thereby enabling detection of the voltage of the battery cell 22.

[0141] Similar to the first embodiment, a space S1 is provided on the inside of the first wall surface 30a of the housing 30. The wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 can communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication units 46 of the multiple monitoring devices 40 by using the space S1 as a pseudo-waveguide space. The multiple monitoring devices 40 are arranged periodically (for example, at equal intervals) along the X direction. Even with this arrangement configuration of the third embodiment, the devices can be arranged while maintaining a low profile, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0142] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16. As shown in Figure 16, the monitoring devices 40 may be arranged along the X-direction side of each battery module 20. The detection line L is arranged along the top surface of each battery module 20, but extends from the Y-direction side of each battery module 20 in an L-shape to the X-direction side, and is further connected along the Y-direction to the monitoring device 40 on the X-direction side.

[0143] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the control device 50 is wirelessly connected to the multiple monitoring devices 40. Even with this arrangement of the fourth embodiment, it can be configured to be low-profile, similar to the first embodiment described above. According to this embodiment, the monitoring devices 40 do not need to be placed on the Y-side of the battery module 20, so the Y-width of the housing 30 can be suppressed, and the housing 30 can be made smaller. Moreover, since the monitoring devices 40 do not need to be placed on the top surface of the battery module 20, the Z-height of the housing 30 can be suppressed, and the housing 30 can be made smaller. If the communication connection environment between the control device 50 and the multiple monitoring devices 40 is important, it is preferable to provide the space S1 or S2 shown in the previous embodiment at the Y-end or Z-end of the housing 30.

[0144] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the wireless communication unit 46 and the monitoring unit 44 are connected by a daisy-chain is shown, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 17, the wireless communication unit 46 and multiple monitoring units 44 may be connected in a network topology using star-connected wired connections.

[0145] Multiple monitoring units 44 are wired to the same circuit board as the wireless communication unit 46. Therefore, in a daisy-chain connection, if a malfunction occurs in some of the monitoring units 44, the wireless communication unit 46 may lose the ability to maintain communication with the other monitoring units 44.

[0146] In the network topology configuration of this embodiment, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the monitoring units 44, communication connections can be maintained individually with the other monitoring units 44, allowing communication between the other monitoring units 44 and the wireless communication unit 46 to continue normally. Furthermore, this embodiment also provides the same effects as a daisy-chain configuration.

[0147] Furthermore, a network may be constructed by combining at least two of the following: a star-connected network, a mesh network, and a daisy-chain network.

[0148] (Other embodiments) The embodiments described above are not limited to those described above, and for example, the following modifications or extensions are possible. Any of the multiple monitoring devices 40 (401...40n) may be configured to act as a repeater. For example, the monitoring device 40 (e.g., 401) located closest to the control device 50 may be configured to act as a repeater. For example, if monitoring device 401 acts as a repeater, the wireless IC 54 of the control device 50 communicates with the wireless communication unit 46 of monitoring device 401, and the wireless communication unit 46 of monitoring device 401 communicates with the wireless communication unit 46 of monitoring device 402.

[0149] For example, the wireless communication unit 46 is shown as being composed of a microcontroller and a wireless IC, and the monitoring unit 44 is composed of an ASIC, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The wireless communication unit 46 may be configured with separate functions for a wireless transmission unit and a wireless reception unit. The monitoring device 40 may also be configured without a microcontroller. That is, the wireless communication unit 46 may be composed only of a wireless IC and configured to communicate with the monitoring unit 44. Sensing control by the monitoring unit 44 and scheduling of self-diagnosis (e.g., A, B, C) may be performed by the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50.

[0150] An example was shown in which the main microcontroller 53 of the control device 50 estimates the internal resistance and open-circuit voltage of the battery cell 22 based on the cell voltage and cell current, and calculates the State of Health (SOH) based on the estimated internal resistance and open-circuit voltage. However, the estimation of internal resistance, estimation of open-circuit voltage, and calculation of SOH are not limited to this example. For example, some or all of the processing of estimating internal resistance, estimating open-circuit voltage, and calculating SOH may be performed internally by the monitoring device 40, for example, the wireless communication unit 46.

[0151] The example shown illustrates how the monitoring device 40 acquires battery-related information based on an acquisition request from the control device 50, but this is not the only example. The monitoring device 40 may autonomously acquire battery-related information and transmit the stored battery-related information to the control device 50 based on a transmission request from the control device 50.

[0152] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a control device 50 is centrally located and multiple monitoring devices 40 are connected in a star configuration via a wireless network. However, the network topology between the control device 50 and the monitoring devices 40 is not limited to this example. A wired network connection may also be included. Thus, the network topology between the control device 50 and the monitoring devices 40 is not particularly limited.

[0153] In this embodiment, when starting the vehicle 10, the user operates the ignition switch from off to on, and at this time a start signal is sent to the control device 50. This illustrates how the control device 50 is started when the ignition switch is turned from off to on. In other words, when the ignition switch is off, the control device 50 is in a sleep state.

[0154] However, the operation of the control device 50 when the ignition switch is off is not limited to these examples. For example, the control device 50 may be activated even if the ignition switch is off. In this case, the control device 50 may maintain a connection with the monitoring device 40.

[0155] The arrangement and number of battery modules 20 and battery cells 22 constituting the battery pack 12 are not limited to the examples described above. The arrangement of the monitoring device 40 and / or control device 50 within the battery pack 11 is not limited to the configuration described above.

[0156] Although an example has been shown in which one control device 50 is provided in the battery pack 11, it is not limited to this, and multiple control devices 50 may be provided. In other words, it is sufficient to provide multiple monitoring devices 40 and one or more control devices 50 in the battery pack 11. Multiple sets of wireless communication systems may be provided within the battery pack 11 to be established between the control device 50 and the multiple monitoring devices 40.

[0157] Although the monitoring device 40 is shown to have multiple monitoring units 44, it is not limited to this configuration, and may have only one monitoring unit 44 (monitoring IC). In this case, a wireless communication unit 46 may be provided for each monitoring unit 44. The wireless communication unit 46 may not have a microcontroller, in which case the main microcontroller 53 may constitute some of the functions of the wireless communication unit 46 described above.

[0158] An example has been shown in which one monitoring device 40 is placed for each of one or two battery modules 20, but it is not limited to this. For example, one monitoring device 40 may be placed for three or more battery modules 20. For example, two or more monitoring devices 40 may be placed for a single battery module 20.

[0159] In the embodiment described above, one battery module 20 was treated as one group, and multiple such groups were arranged in parallel and housed in a battery pack 11. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. One group does not necessarily have to consist of one battery module 20, one battery stack, or one battery block. A battery cell 22 obtained by dividing one battery module 20 may be considered as one group. Furthermore, for example, in a cell-to-pack or cell-to-chassis configuration, the battery cells 22 may be packaged and housed in the vehicle 10 without modules. In such cases, a collection of one or more battery cells 22 may be considered as a group.

[0160] The monitoring device 40 may be configured to span multiple groups of battery cells 22. In this case, it is preferable that multiple monitoring units 44 be provided for each group. The monitoring device 40 may be provided for each group, in which case the monitoring units 44 may be configured to monitor the battery cells 22 for each group. The number of battery cells 22 included in each group does not have to be the same number as each other, and may differ from group to group.

[0161] The control device 50, monitoring device 40, higher-level ECU 16 and its method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control device 50, monitoring device 40, higher-level ECU 16 and its method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

[0162] Alternatively, the control device 50, monitoring device 40, higher-level ECU 16, and method described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers, each comprising a processor composed of a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0163] In other words, the means and / or functions provided by a processor, etc., can be provided by software recorded in a physical memory device and the computer that executes it, by software alone, by hardware alone, or by a combination thereof. For example, some or all of the functions of a processor may be implemented as hardware. Implementation of a certain function as hardware includes implementation using one or more ICs, etc.

[0164] The processor may be implemented using a CPU, MPU, GPU, or DFP. DFP stands for Data Flow Processor. The processor may be implemented by combining multiple types of processing units, such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU. The processor may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). SoC stands for System on Chip.

[0165] Furthermore, the part that performs the various processes described in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented using hardware such as FPGAs or ASICs. The various programs only need to be stored in a non-transitional tangible recording medium. A variety of storage media can be used as the program storage medium, such as HDDs, SSDs, flash memory, and SD cards. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. SSD stands for Solid State Drive. SD stands for Secure Digital.

[0166] This case includes the invention described in the claims, as well as the following inventions: [1] Multiple monitoring units (44) that acquire battery-related information, including at least information indicating the battery status, A wireless transmission unit (46) wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units to the control device, A battery monitoring device equipped with the following features.

[0167] [2] The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information monitored by the monitoring unit all at once. The battery monitoring device according to [1], which wirelessly transmits different types of information from among the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units.

[0168] [3] The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. The battery monitoring device according to [1] or [2], which wirelessly transmits a combination of battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units that has a smaller data volume than the combination of the types with the largest data volume.

[0169] [4] The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the wireless transmission unit transmits the total amount of data to be wirelessly transmitted in a batch for the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units, combining the types of data of the battery-related information within a predetermined range.

[0170] [5] The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the wireless transmission unit transmits the battery-related information to be wirelessly transmitted in accordance with the readout time of the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units.

[0171] [6] The aforementioned battery-related information includes, as types of battery-related information, the voltage information of the battery, the temperature information of the battery or the battery monitoring device body, and diagnostic information diagnosed in relation to the battery or the battery monitoring device body. The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits a combination of the voltage information or the temperature information and the diagnostic information.

[0172] [7] The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the wireless transmission unit transmits wirelessly at different timings for each of the plurality of monitoring units.

[0173] [8] The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of monitoring units and the wireless transmitting unit are connected on the same circuit board. [9] The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the wireless transmitting unit and the plurality of monitoring units are communicated with each other in a star-connected network topology.

[0174] [10a] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The battery monitoring device body is arranged across the sides of the multiple groups, The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the plurality of monitoring units are provided for at least one group of battery cells and monitor each of the plurality of battery cells in the group. [10b] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery modules, each consisting of multiple battery cells arranged in parallel. The battery monitoring device is positioned across the sides of multiple battery modules. The battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the plurality of monitoring units are provided for at least one battery module of the battery cell and monitor each of the plurality of battery cells in the battery module.

[0175] [11a] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The battery monitoring device body is located on the side of each of the groups, as described in any of [1] to [9] and [10a]. [11b] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery modules, each consisting of multiple battery cells arranged in parallel. The battery monitoring device body is located on the side of the battery module, as described in any of [1] to [9] and [10b].

[0176] [12a] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. A portion of the device is enclosed by a wireless reflective member, and the enclosed reflective member contains a space (S1) that constitutes a pseudo-waveguide for propagating the wireless electromagnetic waves along a predetermined direction. A battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [9], [10a], or [11a], provided for one or more of the aforementioned groups and arranged within the space (S1). [12b] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery modules, each consisting of multiple battery cells arranged in parallel. A portion of the device is enclosed by a wireless reflective member, and the enclosed reflective member contains a space (S1) that constitutes a pseudo-waveguide for propagating the wireless electromagnetic waves along a predetermined direction. A battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [9], [10b], or [11b], provided for each of the one or more battery modules and arranged within the space (S1).

[0177] [13a] The battery monitoring device according to [12a], wherein a plurality of these devices are provided in the space along the predetermined direction on the inner side of the wall surface of the housing along the predetermined direction, and are arranged across the sides of two adjacent groups of battery cells in the predetermined direction. [13b] The battery monitoring device described in [12b] is provided in multiple locations within the space along the predetermined direction on the inner side of the wall surface of the housing along the predetermined direction, and is arranged across the sides of two adjacent battery modules in the predetermined direction.

[0178] [14a] A battery monitoring device according to [12a], wherein multiple groups arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction are each arranged in the space along the side surface in the predetermined direction. [14b] A battery monitoring device according to [12b], which is arranged in the space along the side surface in the predetermined direction of a plurality of battery modules arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction.

[0179] [15a] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The plurality of groups of the battery cells are arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction. The battery cells of the aforementioned group are arranged in parallel along intersecting directions that intersect in a predetermined direction, A battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , which is positioned at the midpoints of the intersecting directions on the upper surface of the plurality of groups of the battery cell. [15b] The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery modules, each consisting of multiple battery cells arranged in parallel. The aforementioned multiple battery modules are arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction. The battery cells of the aforementioned battery module are arranged in parallel along intersecting directions that intersect in a predetermined direction, A battery monitoring device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , which is positioned at the midpoint of the intersecting direction on the upper surface of the plurality of battery modules.

[0180]

[16] A process of acquiring battery-related information, including at least information indicating the battery status, by multiple monitoring units (44), The process involves the communication of battery-related information from the multiple monitoring units to the wireless transmitting unit (46) which is wired to the multiple monitoring units, The process of wirelessly transmitting the aforementioned battery-related information to the control device by the wireless transmission unit, A wireless transmission method for battery-related information, comprising the following features.

[0181]

[17] A battery monitoring device comprising: a plurality of monitoring units (44) that acquire battery-related information including at least information indicating the state of the battery; and a wireless transmitting unit (46) that is communicated to the plurality of monitoring units and wirelessly transmits the information to a control device, A procedure for causing the multiple monitoring units to acquire the battery-related information, A procedure for communicating the battery-related information between the plurality of monitoring units and the wireless transmission unit, A procedure for wirelessly transmitting the aforementioned battery-related information to the control device using the wireless transmission unit, A program that executes the command.

[0182] This disclosure is described in accordance with embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or fewer of those elements, fall within the scope and idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] In the drawing, 1 represents the battery monitoring system, 12 represents the battery pack (battery), 16 represents the higher-level ECU (control unit), 20 represents the battery module (group of battery cells), 22 represents the battery cell, 40 represents the monitoring device (battery monitoring device), 46 represents the wireless communication unit (wireless transmitter), and 50 represents the control unit.

Claims

1. Multiple monitoring units (44) that acquire battery-related information, including at least information indicating the battery status, The system includes a wireless transmission unit (46) that wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units to a control device, The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. A battery monitoring device that wirelessly transmits a combination of battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units, with a data volume less than the combination of the two types of information with the largest data volume.

2. The battery monitoring device according to Claim 1, wherein the combination of the largest data types is set based on the contents stored in memory in advance.

3. The battery comprises a plurality of battery cells, The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, when voltage information of the plurality of battery cells is acquired, the wireless transmission unit avoids transmitting wirelessly combinations of battery cell voltages that result in a large total amount of data.

4. A single monitoring device (40) has a plurality of monitoring units (44), The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits a combination of battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units that has a smaller data volume than the combination of the types with the largest data volumes.

5. The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information monitored by the monitoring unit all at once. The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, which wirelessly transmits different types of information from among the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units.

6. The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits the total amount of data to be transmitted collectively for the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units, combining the types of data of the battery-related information within a predetermined range.

7. The wireless transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission unit transmits the battery-related information to be transmitted wirelessly in accordance with the readout time of the battery-related information acquired by the plurality of monitoring units.

8. The aforementioned battery-related information includes, as types of battery-related information, the voltage information of the battery, the temperature information of the battery or the battery monitoring device itself, and diagnostic information diagnosed in relation to the battery or the battery monitoring device itself. The battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits a combination of the voltage information or the temperature information and the diagnostic information.

9. The battery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission unit transmits wirelessly at different timings for each of the plurality of monitoring units.

10. The battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, wherein the plurality of monitoring units and the wireless transmission unit are provided on the same circuit board.

11. The battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, wherein the wireless transmitting unit and the plurality of monitoring units are communicated together in a star-connected network topology.

12. The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The battery monitoring device body is arranged across the sides of the multiple groups, The battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, wherein the plurality of monitoring units are provided for at least one group of battery cells, and each of the plurality of battery cells in the group is monitored.

13. The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, wherein the battery monitoring device body is arranged on each side of the group.

14. The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. A portion of the device is enclosed by a wireless reflective member, and the enclosed reflective member contains a space (S1) that constitutes a pseudo-waveguide for propagating the wireless electromagnetic waves along a predetermined direction. A battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, which is provided for one or more of the aforementioned groups and is arranged within the space (S1).

15. The battery monitoring device according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of units are provided in the space along the predetermined direction on the inner side of the wall surface of the housing along the predetermined direction, and are arranged to span across the sides of two adjacent groups of battery cells in the predetermined direction.

16. The battery monitoring device according to claim 14, wherein multiple groups arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction are each arranged in the space along the side surface in the predetermined direction.

17. The aforementioned battery is arranged with multiple battery cells arranged in parallel, forming multiple groups of cells. The plurality of groups of the battery cells are arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction. The battery cells of the aforementioned group are arranged in parallel along intersecting directions that intersect in a predetermined direction, A battery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, wherein the battery cells are each positioned at the midpoint of the intersecting direction on the upper surface of the plurality of groups of the battery cells.

18. A process of acquiring battery-related information, including at least information indicating the battery status, by multiple monitoring units (44), The process involves the communication of battery-related information from the multiple monitoring units to the wireless transmitting unit (46) which is wired to the multiple monitoring units, The process of wirelessly transmitting the aforementioned battery-related information to the control device by the wireless transmission unit, Equipped with, The wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. A wireless transmission method for battery-related information, wherein the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units is transmitted wirelessly in a combination that has a smaller data volume than the combination of the types with the largest data volumes.

19. A battery monitoring device comprising: a plurality of monitoring units (44) that acquire battery-related information including at least information indicating the state of the battery; and a wireless transmission unit (46) that is communicated to the plurality of monitoring units and wirelessly transmits the information to a control device, A procedure for causing the multiple monitoring units to acquire the battery-related information, A procedure for communicating the battery-related information between the plurality of monitoring units and the wireless transmission unit, A procedure for wirelessly transmitting the aforementioned battery-related information to the control device using the wireless transmission unit, This is a program that executes, The wireless transmission unit wirelessly transmits the battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units in a single batch. A program that wirelessly transmits a combination of battery-related information acquired by the multiple monitoring units, with a data volume less than the combination of the two types of information with the largest data volume.

Images