Charging control device, device to be charged, charging control method and program

Abstract

To provide a charging control device, a method, and a program capable of controlling charging according to a state of a secondary battery.SOLUTION: In a charging control system, in which a charged device and a charging device are electrically connected by a connector and a charging control device and a charging device are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network using wireless communication, the charging control device 10 has a control unit having an acquisition unit, a score calculating unit, a determining unit, and a transmitting unit. The acquisition unit acquires history information, which is history that may be a cause of deterioration of a secondary battery, from a charged device 70. The score calculating unit calculates a score for a prescribed value of a charging current of the secondary battery by using the acquired history information. The determining unit determines the charging current by multiplying the prescribed value of the charging current by the calculated score. The transmitting unit transmits a control signal for charging of the secondary battery by the determined charging current to the charging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control device, a device to be charged, a charging control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for suppressing deterioration of a secondary battery due to an increase in internal temperature during charging is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The secondary battery charging device described in Patent Document 1 acquires the temperature of the secondary battery using charging current data and charging voltage data collected during charging. The secondary battery charging device controls the charging current so that the temperature of the secondary battery remains within a predetermined temperature range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technique described in Patent Document 1 performs charging according to the temperature of the secondary battery during charging. However, the secondary battery deteriorates due to factors other than the temperature during charging. In order to suppress deterioration of the secondary battery and further extend its lifespan, it is necessary to perform charging according to the state of the secondary battery.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging control device, a device to be charged, a charging control method, and a program that enable charging control according to the state of a secondary battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A charging control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a history information acquisition unit that acquires history information that may be a cause of deterioration of a secondary battery from a device to be charged; a score calculation unit that uses the acquired history information to calculate a score for a specified value of the charging current of the secondary battery; a determination means that determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score; and a transmission unit that transmits a control signal to the charging device for charging the secondary battery with the charging current.

[0007] A device to be charged according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a secondary battery, a sensor for acquiring information relating to the state of the device to be charged, a memory for storing the history information, and a control unit for storing the history information in the memory based on the detection result of the sensor and transmitting the history information stored in the memory to the charging control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0008] A charging control method in one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring history information from a device to be charged, which is a history of factors that may cause degradation of the secondary battery; using the acquired history information, calculating a score against a specified value of the secondary battery's charging current; determining the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score; and transmitting a control signal to the charging device for charging the secondary battery with the charging current.

[0009] A program in one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquire history information from a device to be charged, which is a history of factors that may cause degradation of a secondary battery; use the acquired history information to calculate a score against a specified value for the charging current of the secondary battery; multiply the specified value for the charging current by the calculated score to determine the charging current; and send a control signal to the charging device for charging the secondary battery with the charging current. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a charge control device, a device to be charged, a charge control method, and a program that enable charge control according to the state of a secondary battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overview of the charging control system in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the charging control system in this disclosure. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of status information, environmental information, and history information acquired by the acquisition unit. [Figure 5] This is an example of a state information conversion score table for converting parameters included in state information into scores. [Figure 6] This is an example of a temperature conversion score table for converting parameters included in environmental information into scores. [Figure 7] This is an example of a historical information conversion score table for converting parameters included in historical information into scores. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 11] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the charging control system in this disclosure. [Figure 12] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the charging control system in this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of alarm processing performed by the alarm processing unit. [Figure 14] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the charging control device in this disclosure. [Figure 16] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the charging control system in this disclosure. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 21] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging control device in the present disclosure. [Figure 23] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device to be charged in the present disclosure. [Figure 24] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging device in the present disclosure. [Figure 25] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration for executing control and processing in each embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below have technically preferable limitations for implementing the present disclosure, but do not limit the scope of the invention as follows. In all the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts unless there is a particular reason. In the following embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same configurations and operations may be omitted.

[0013] [First Embodiment] First, the charging control system in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The charging control system of this embodiment controls the charging current of a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0014] (Overview) Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overview of the charging control system in this disclosure. Note that Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the charging control system and does not limit the shape or connection method of each component.

[0015] The charging control system 1 comprises a charging control device 10, a device to be charged 70, and a charging device 80. The charging device 80 is electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown). The device to be charged 70 and the charging device 80 are electrically connected by a connector (not shown). The charging control device 10 and the charging device 80 are communicated via a communication network NW using wireless communication. In Figure 1, the charging control device 10 and the charging device 80 are shown to be connected via a communication network NW using wireless communication, but this is just one example. For example, the charging control device 10 and the charging device 80 may be connected by a wired connection.

[0016] The device to be charged 70 is a device that is powered by a secondary battery (not shown). In this embodiment, the secondary battery is assumed to be a lithium-ion battery, but this is just one example. For example, the secondary battery may be a lithium-ion polymer secondary battery or a lead-acid battery. Also, in this embodiment, the secondary battery is assumed to be charged by a constant voltage constant current charging method, but this is just one example. For example, the secondary battery may be charged by a constant current charging method.

[0017] The charging device 80 is a charging device that charges the secondary battery of the device to be charged 70. For example, the charging device 80 can be implemented by an AC adapter or a cradle on which the device to be charged 70 can be placed. The cradle may also have a wireless charging function. The charging device 80 is connected to an external power supply 100 and the device to be charged 70.

[0018] The charge control device 10 is a device that controls the charging current when charging a secondary battery. In Figure 1, the charge control device 10 is shown as a separate device, but this is just one example. The charge control device 10 may also be included in the charging device 80. The charge control device 10 controls the charging current using parameters included in the degradation factor information, which includes degradation factors of the secondary battery. The degradation factor information includes at least one of the state information, environmental information, or history information of the device being charged 70. The state information is information indicating the degradation state of the secondary battery. The environmental information is the environmental factors among the degradation factors of the secondary battery. The history information is the history of factors that may cause degradation of the secondary battery. Details of the state information, environmental information, and history information will be described later.

[0019] (composition) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control system in this disclosure. In Figure 2, the charging control system 1 consists of a charging control device 10, a device to be charged 70, and a charging device 80. Power is supplied to the charging control system 1 from an external power supply 100.

[0020] The external power supply 100 is a power source that supplies power to the device to be charged 70. The external power supply 100 is electrically connected to the charging device 80 via a power cable. The charging device 80 is also electrically connected to the device to be charged 70 via a charging cable or the connection terminals of the charging device 80. If the charging device 80 has a wireless charging function, the device to be charged 70 is connected to the external power supply 100 without using a charging cable or the connection terminals of the charging device 80. Power is supplied to the device to be charged 70 from the external power supply 100 in this way.

[0021] [Charged device] The device to be charged 70 includes an input connector 71, a control unit 72, a sensor 73, a memory 74, a secondary battery 75, and a charge level monitoring unit 76. The device to be charged 70 is powered by the electricity supplied to the secondary battery 75.

[0022] The input connector 71 is a connector for electrically connecting the charging device 80 and the secondary battery 75. The input connector 71 is connected to the charging device 80 via a power cable. Power is supplied to the device to be charged 70 from an external power supply 100 via the input connector 71.

[0023] The control unit 72 controls the storage of various information in the memory 74 based on the detection results of the sensor 73. The control unit 72 uses the acceleration detected by the sensor 73 to detect when the device being charged 70 falls. For example, the control unit 72 determines that the device being charged 70 has fallen if the detected acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. When a fall is detected, the control unit 72 stores a log of the fall as a fall history in the memory 74.

[0024] Sensor 73 is a sensor for acquiring information regarding the state of the device being charged 70. Sensor 73 includes a pressure sensor 73-1, an acceleration sensor 73-2, an ambient temperature sensor 73-3, and an environmental temperature sensor 73-4.

[0025] The pressure sensor 73-1 is a sensor for detecting the change in thickness of the secondary battery 75 due to expansion. The change in thickness of the secondary battery 75 refers to the increase in thickness relative to the initial thickness of the secondary battery 75. For example, the pressure sensor 73-1 detects the change in thickness of the secondary battery 75 in the following procedure. The pressure sensor 73-1 is installed so as to be in contact with the surface of the secondary battery 75 and the outer casing (not shown) of the device being charged 70. The pressure sensor 73-1 detects the force with which the secondary battery 75 presses against the outer casing. When the secondary battery 75 expands, the force pressing against the outer casing increases. The pressure sensor 73-1 calculates the change in thickness of the secondary battery 75 according to the force pressing against the outer casing. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 73-1 is configured to detect the change in thickness due to the expansion of the secondary battery 75, but this is just one example. The pressure sensor 73-1 may simply be configured to detect the force with which the secondary battery 75 presses against the outer casing.

[0026] The acceleration sensor 73-2 is a sensor for detecting when the device being charged 70 falls. The control unit 72 detects the fall using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 73-2.

[0027] The ambient temperature sensor 73-3 is a sensor for detecting the ambient temperature around the secondary battery 75. For example, the ambient temperature sensor 73-3 can be implemented using an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) or a thermocouple.

[0028] The ambient temperature sensor 73-4 is a sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the device being charged 70. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the outside air flowing into the device being charged 70. For example, the ambient temperature sensor 73-4 can be implemented using an NTC thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0029] Memory 74 stores historical information, including a history of events that may cause degradation of the secondary battery 75. Factors that cause degradation of the secondary battery 75 include dropping the secondary battery 75, charging the secondary battery 75 under high temperature conditions (high-temperature charging), charging the secondary battery 75 under low temperature conditions (low-temperature charging), and leaving the secondary battery 75 in a state where it has no remaining charge. High-temperature charging refers to charging the secondary battery 75 when the ambient temperature or surrounding temperature is higher than a preset high-temperature reference temperature. Low-temperature charging refers to charging when the ambient temperature or surrounding temperature is lower than a preset low-temperature reference temperature. The high-temperature reference temperature and low-temperature reference temperature are preset. For example, the high-temperature reference temperature and low-temperature reference temperature are default values ​​set at the time of factory shipment. For example, the high-temperature reference temperature and low-temperature reference temperature may be changeable depending on environmental factors such as ambient temperature. For example, the high-temperature reference temperature and low-temperature reference temperature may be set by the user. Memory 74 stores the number of times the battery has been dropped, the high-temperature charging time, the low-temperature charging time, and the time the battery has been left in a state where it has no remaining charge as historical information. Furthermore, memory 74 stores the discharge amount of the secondary battery 75 when the maximum battery capacity is 100%.

[0030] The secondary battery 75 is the power source for the device being charged 70. As mentioned above, the secondary battery 75 in this embodiment is a lithium-ion battery. The secondary battery 75 is supplied with a charging current from the input connector 71. The secondary battery 75 stores the supplied charging current. The power stored in the secondary battery 75 is used to drive the device being charged 70.

[0031] The charge level monitoring unit 76 monitors the amount of charge stored in the secondary battery 75. The amount of charge stored in the secondary battery 75 corresponds to the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75. When the charge level of the secondary battery 75 runs out, the charge level monitoring unit 76 measures the time when there is no remaining charge as the no-charge time. The no-charge time corresponds to the time when the battery is left idle with no remaining charge. The charge level monitoring unit 76 stores the measured no-charge time in the memory 74.

[0032] [Charging device] The charging device 80 is a charging device that charges the secondary battery 75. The charging device 80 has an input connector 81, a control unit 82, and an output connector 83.

[0033] The input connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the external power supply 100 and the charging device 80. The input connector 81 is connected to the external power supply 100 via a power cable. Power from the external power supply 100 is supplied to the input connector 81.

[0034] The control unit 82 receives the value of the charging current from the charge control device 10. The control unit 82 uses the value of the charging current received from the charge control device 10 to control the amount of power supplied to the secondary battery 75. The control unit 82 controls the amount of power supplied from the output connector 83 so that the received value of the charging current is supplied to the secondary battery 75. The control unit 82 may also control the amount of power supplied to the input connector 71. In addition, the control unit 82 transmits information of the device being charged 70 to the charge control device 10 in response to instructions from the charge control device 10. The control unit 82 transmits information acquired by the sensor 73 to the charge control device 10. The control unit 82 transmits the maximum battery capacity and history information stored in the memory 74 to the charge control device 10. The control unit 82 transmits the remaining charge monitored by the charge level monitoring unit 76 to the charge control device 10. In addition, the control unit 82 updates the information stored in the device being charged 70 in response to instructions from the charge control device 10. The control unit 82 updates the maximum battery capacity and history information stored in the memory 74.

[0035] The output connector 83 is a connector for electrically connecting the charging device 80 and the device being charged 70. The output connector 83 is connected to the input connector 71 of the device being charged 70 via a charging cable. The output connector 83 supplies power from the external power supply 100 to the device being charged 70 via the input connector 71.

[0036] [Charging control device] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. The charging control device 10 is a device that controls the charging current used to charge the secondary battery 75. The charging control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a score calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a charging method determination unit 15, and an update unit 16. The charging control device 10 is connected to the charging device 80 via a communication network NW.

[0037] The acquisition unit 11 acquires degradation factor information, including degradation factors of the secondary battery 75. The acquisition unit 11 acquires degradation factor information via the control unit 82. The acquisition unit 11 acquires state information of the secondary battery 75 as degradation factor information. As mentioned above, the state information is information that indicates the degradation state of the secondary battery 75. For example, the state information includes the maximum battery capacity, which is a value that indicates the degradation of the battery capacity of the secondary battery. The maximum battery capacity is a value that indicates the degree of degradation of the battery capacity when the initial value is used as a reference (100%). The maximum battery capacity is expressed as a percentage. The value of the maximum battery capacity decreases as degradation progresses. For example, the maximum battery capacity is calculated using the discharge amount and discharge time when a fully charged secondary battery 75 is discharged for a certain period of time. The larger the discharge amount in a certain period of time, the more advanced the degradation of the secondary battery 75 is. In addition to the maximum battery capacity, the state information may also include the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75. In the following explanation, each piece of information included in the state information will also be referred to as a parameter.

[0038] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire environmental information as degradation factor information. Environmental information is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery 75. Environmental information indicates at least one of the ambient temperature or ambient temperature. In the following explanation, each piece of information included in the environmental information will also be referred to as a parameter.

[0039] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire historical information as degradation factor information. As mentioned above, the historical information includes history that may be a degradation factor of the secondary battery 75. For example, the historical information includes at least one of the following: the number of times the secondary battery 75 has been dropped, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, or the time the secondary battery 75 has no remaining charge. In the following explanation, each piece of information included in the historical information will also be referred to as a parameter.

[0040] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the charge level monitoring unit 76. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires a value for calculating the maximum battery capacity of the secondary battery 75. For example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the amount of discharge of the secondary battery 75 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission unit 14 transmitted a control signal to discharge the secondary battery 75 for a certain period of time, as a value for calculating the maximum battery capacity.

[0041] The score calculation unit 12 uses the degradation factor information (at least one of state information, environmental information, or history information) acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to calculate a score for determining the charging current of the secondary battery 75. The score calculation unit 12 converts each parameter into a score by multiplying the value of each parameter acquired by the acquisition unit 11 by a predetermined coefficient.

[0042] Figures 5 to 7 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a score table referenced by the score calculation unit 12 in calculating the score. For example, the score calculation unit 12 converts each parameter into a score by referring to a score table like the one shown in Figures 5 to 7. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of each score as a percentage of the charging current to a specified value. Therefore, in this embodiment, the unit of the score is expressed as %. To prevent the charging current from exceeding the specified value, the score calculation unit 12 sets the score value to 100 if the score exceeds 100.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an example of state information, environmental information, and history information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. In this specific example, the score calculation unit 12 calculates a score using the information shown in Figure 4. For example, the score calculation unit 12 may calculate a score without using any of the information shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the score calculation unit 12 may calculate a score with other information added.

[0044] Figure 5 is an example of a state information conversion score table for converting parameters included in state information into scores. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the score for each state information by multiplying the parameters of the state information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 by a predetermined coefficient for each parameter. Note that the coefficients shown in Figure 5 are just examples, and other values ​​may be used. In the example shown in Figure 4, the value of the maximum battery capacity is 90 and the coefficient is 1. Referring to the state information conversion score table in Figure 5, when the value of the maximum battery capacity is 90 and the coefficient is 1, the score for the maximum battery capacity is 90%. Also, in the example shown in Figure 4, the value of the thickness change value is 0.5 and the coefficient is -10. Referring to the state information conversion score table in Figure 5, when the value of the thickness change value is 0.5 and the coefficient is -10, the score for the thickness change value is -5%.

[0045] Figure 6 is an example of a temperature conversion score table for converting parameters included in environmental information into scores. The score calculation unit 12 uses the temperature conversion score table shown in Figure 6 to convert the parameters of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 into scores. Note that the scores shown in Figure 6 are just examples, and other values ​​may be used. For example, referring to the temperature conversion score table in Figure 6, if the ambient temperature is 40 degrees and the ambient temperature is 30 degrees, the score will be -10% (=-10%+0%). For example, referring to the temperature conversion score table in Figure 6, if the ambient temperature is 20 degrees and the ambient temperature is 25 degrees, the score will be 10% (=5%+5%). In the example shown in Figure 4, the ambient temperature is 30 degrees and the ambient temperature is 30 degrees. Referring to the temperature conversion score table in Figure 6, if the ambient temperature is 30 degrees and the ambient temperature is 30 degrees, the score will be 0% (=0%+0%).

[0046] Figure 7 is an example of a history information conversion score table for converting parameters included in history information into scores. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the score for each state information by multiplying the parameters of the history information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 by a predetermined coefficient for each parameter. Note that the coefficients shown in Figure 7 are just examples, and other values ​​may be used. In the example shown in Figure 4, the value of the number of drops is 10 and the coefficient is -0.005, so the score for the number of drops is -0.05%. Also in the example shown in Figure 4, the value of the time without charge is 50 and the coefficient is -0.01, so the score for the time without charge is -5%. Also in the example shown in Figure 4, the value of the number of charges is 300 and the coefficient is -0.005, so the score for the number of charges is -1.5%. Also in the example shown in Figure 4, the high-temperature charging time is 30 and the coefficient is -0.002, so the score for the number of charges is -0.06%. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the low-temperature charging time is 0 and the coefficient is -0.002, so the score for the number of charging cycles is 0%.

[0047] The score calculation unit 12 sums the converted scores using the score tables shown in Figures 5 to 7. In this specific example, the total score for each parameter is 82.89%. Scores may be rounded up to the nearest integer. For example, in this specific example, the score may be rounded up to 83%. Scores may be rounded to the nearest integer. Scores may be rounded down to the nearest integer. Scores may also be expressed as a decimal representing a ratio or percentage, rather than as a percentage. Scores may also be expressed as a percentage such as parts per thousand or parts per ten thousand.

[0048] The determination unit 13 determines the charging current according to the score calculated by the score calculation unit 12. The determination unit 13 determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score. For example, suppose the specified value of the charging current is 2A (Ampere) and the score determined by the score calculation unit 12 is 83%. In this case, the determination unit multiplies the specified value of the charging current of 2A by the decimal 0.83, which represents the percentage of the score, and determines the charging current to be 1.66A (=2A × 0.83).

[0049] The transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery 75 with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13. The transmitting unit 14 transmits the determined charging current to the control unit 82 of the charging device 80 via the communication network NW. The control unit 82 controls the amount of power supplied from the output connector 83 according to the value of the received charging current. Furthermore, when the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 reaches a predetermined charge level, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to terminate the charging of the secondary battery 75. Hereinafter, the point at which the remaining charge level reaches a predetermined charge level will be referred to as fully charged. Subsequently, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to discharge for a certain period of time.

[0050] The charging method determination unit 15 determines the charging method of the secondary battery 75 using the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As described above, the secondary battery 75 in this embodiment is charged using a constant current constant voltage charging method. When charging using a constant current constant voltage charging method, it is predetermined whether a constant current charging method or a constant voltage charging method is adopted depending on the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75. The range of remaining charge in which the constant current charging method is adopted is called the constant current charging range. The range of remaining charge in which the constant voltage charging method is adopted is called the constant voltage charging range. The charging method determination unit 15 determines whether the secondary battery 75 is in a constant current charging range or not. If it is in a constant current charging range, the charging method determination unit 15 decides to charge the secondary battery 75 using the constant current charging method. If it is not in a constant current charging range, the charging method determination unit 15 decides to charge the secondary battery 75 using the constant voltage charging method. Furthermore, if the secondary battery 75 is charged by a different charging method, the charging method determination unit 15 may be omitted.

[0051] The update unit 16 updates the maximum battery capacity and history information stored in the memory 74. As part of the history information update process, each time charging is completed, the update unit 16 updates the value of the number of charge cycles stored in the memory 74. Also, each time charging is completed, the update unit 16 checks whether or not it was a high-temperature charge. If it was a high-temperature charge, the update unit 16 updates the value of the high-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74. Similarly, each time charging is completed, the update unit 16 checks whether or not it was a low-temperature charge. If it was a low-temperature charge, the update unit 16 updates the value of the low-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74. The update unit 16 uses the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 acquired during charging to confirm whether it was a high-temperature charge or a low-temperature charge.

[0052] The update unit 16 calculates the maximum battery capacity of the secondary battery 75 using the following procedure. Note that the method for calculating the maximum battery capacity shown below is just one example and is not limited to this. First, the transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to discharge the secondary battery 75 for a certain period of time. The discharge time is predetermined by the user. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the discharge amount of the secondary battery 75. The update unit 16 calculates the ratio of the discharge amount when the maximum battery capacity is 100% to the discharge amount acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The update unit 16 updates the memory 74 with the value obtained by multiplying the calculated ratio by 100 as the value of the maximum battery capacity.

[0053] (operation) Next, an example of the operation of the charging control device 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the charging control device in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the charging device 80 charges the secondary battery 75 using a constant current constant voltage charging method, but this is just an example. For example, the charging device 80 may charge the secondary battery 75 using a constant current method. When charging using a constant current method, the charging control device 10 does not perform the operation shown in Figure 8, but starts processing from step S11 in Figure 9.

[0054] <Constant voltage charging section> The operation in the constant voltage charging section will be explained with reference to Figure 8. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the remaining charge monitoring unit 78 (step S1).

[0055] Next, the charging method determination unit 15 determines the charging method of the secondary battery 75 using the remaining charge acquired in step S1. The charging method determination unit 15 determines whether the remaining charge is in the constant current charging range (step S2). If it is in the constant current charging range (Yes in step S2), the process shown in Figure 9 is performed.

[0056] If the charging interval is not constant current (No in step S2), the charging method determination unit 15 decides to charge the secondary battery 75 using the constant voltage charging method. The transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery 75 at a predetermined voltage (step S3).

[0057] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the remaining charge monitoring unit 78 (step S19). The acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S19 until the remaining charge reaches a predetermined charge amount (No in step S20). That is, the acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S19 until it reaches full charge. When it reaches full charge (Yes in step S20), the transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to terminate charging (step S21). After that, the charging control device 10 performs the post-processing shown in Figure 10 (step S22). After step S22, the charging control device 10 terminates the series of processes. Details of step S22 will be described later.

[0058] <Constant current charging section> The operation in the constant current charging section will be explained with reference to Figure 9. When the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 is in the constant current charging section (Yes in step S2 of Figure 8), the acquisition unit 11 acquires state information as degradation factor information (step S11). The state information includes the maximum battery capacity of the secondary battery 75 and the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75. In this operation explanation, the above information is acquired as state information, but other information may be included in the state information, or none of the information may be included.

[0059] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires environmental information as degradation factor information (step S12). The environmental information includes the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as environmental information, but other information may be included in the environmental information, or none of the information may be included.

[0060] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires history information as degradation factor information (step S13). The history information includes the number of times the secondary battery 75 has been dropped, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, and the time the secondary battery 75 has no remaining charge. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as history information, but other information may be included in the history information, or none of the information may be included. Also, the acquisition unit 11 only needs to execute at least one of the processes from steps S11 to S13. Furthermore, the order of the processes in steps S11, S12, and S13 may be changed.

[0061] Next, the score calculation unit 12 uses the degradation factor information (at least one of state information, environmental information, or history information) acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to calculate a score for determining the charging current of the secondary battery 75 (step S14). The score calculation unit 12 converts each parameter acquired by the acquisition unit 11 into a score by referring to a score table as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of each score as a ratio to the specified value of the charging current.

[0062] If the score calculated in step S14 exceeds 100 (No in step S15), the score calculation unit 12 sets the score value to 100 (step S16).

[0063] If the score calculated in step S14 is 100 or less (Yes in step S15), the determination unit 13 determines the charging current according to the score calculated by the score calculation unit 12 (step S17). The determination unit 13 determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score.

[0064] Next, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery 75 with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13 (step S18).

[0065] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the charge level monitoring unit 78 (step S19). The acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S19 until it reaches full charge (No in step S20). When it reaches full charge (Yes in step S20), the transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to terminate charging (step S21). After that, the charging control device 10 performs the post-processing shown in Figure 10 (step S22). After step S22, the charging control device 10 terminates processing.

[0066] <Post-processing> The operation during post-processing will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to discharge for a certain period of time (step S221).

[0067] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the discharge amount of the secondary battery 75 after a certain period of time has elapsed. The update unit 16 calculates the ratio of the discharge amount when the maximum battery capacity is 100% to the discharge amount acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The update unit 16 updates the memory 74 with the value obtained by multiplying the calculated ratio by 100 as the value of the maximum battery capacity (step S222).

[0068] Next, the update unit 16 updates the value of the number of charge cycles stored in the memory 74 (step S223). For example, the update unit 16 increments the value of the number of charge cycles stored in the memory 74.

[0069] Next, the update unit 16 checks whether the charge performed this time was a high-temperature charge (step S224). If it was not a high-temperature charge (No in step S224), the charge control device 10 proceeds to the process in step S226. If it was a high-temperature charge (Yes in step S224), the update unit 16 updates the high-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74 (step S225). The update unit 16 adds the current charge time to the high-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74.

[0070] Next, the update unit 16 checks whether the charge performed this time was a low-temperature charge (step S226). If it was not a low-temperature charge (No in step S226), it terminates the post-processing in step S22. If it was a low-temperature charge (Yes in step S226), the update unit 16 updates the low-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74 (step S227). The update unit 16 adds the current charge time to the low-temperature charge time stored in the memory 74 (step S228). After completing the processing in step S228, the charge control device 10 terminates the post-processing in step S22.

[0071] When the charging control device 10 completes the process in step S22, it terminates the series of processes described above.

[0072] As described above, the charging control device of this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, a score calculation unit, a determination unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires history information from the device to be charged, which is the history of events that may cause deterioration of the secondary battery. The score calculation unit uses the history information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to calculate a score for a specified value of the secondary battery's charging current. The determination unit determines the charging current of the secondary battery by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score calculated by the score calculation unit. The transmission unit transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery with the charging current determined by the determination unit.

[0073] The charge control device of this embodiment, with the above configuration, can change the charging current according to the history information of the secondary battery. In other words, the charge control device of this embodiment can perform charging control according to the state of the secondary battery.

[0074] In one embodiment of this design, the acquisition unit further acquires state information indicating the degradation state of the secondary battery. The state information includes at least one of the maximum battery capacity or the change in thickness of the secondary battery, which are values ​​indicating the degradation of the secondary battery's capacity. Charging a secondary battery with the same current as when it is not degraded, when its capacity has degraded, can shorten the battery's lifespan. The charge control device of this design reduces the charging current according to the degree of degradation of the secondary battery's capacity. In other words, the charge control device of this design can charge the secondary battery in a way that extends its lifespan. Furthermore, secondary batteries expand as they degrade. As a result, the thickness of the secondary battery changes as it degrades. Applying a high charging current when the thickness of the secondary battery has changed may cause the secondary battery to malfunction or damage the device being charged. By including the change in thickness of the secondary battery as a parameter for determining the charging current, safer charging can be achieved.

[0075] In one embodiment of this system, the acquisition unit further acquires environmental information, which is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery. The environmental information includes at least one of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery or the ambient temperature of the secondary battery. Secondary batteries degrade faster when charged at high temperatures or low temperatures. By including the ambient temperature and ambient temperature of the secondary battery during charging as parameters for determining the charging current, it is possible to prevent degradation of the secondary battery and extend its lifespan during charging.

[0076] In one embodiment of this invention, the history information includes at least one of the following: the secondary battery's drop history, the secondary battery's high-temperature charging time, the secondary battery's low-temperature charging time, the secondary battery's time without charge, or the number of times the secondary battery has been charged. Secondary batteries are at increased risk of failure when damaged by impacts such as drops. By including the secondary battery's drop history as a parameter for determining the charging current, safer charging can be achieved. Furthermore, as mentioned above, secondary batteries deteriorate faster when charged at high temperatures or low temperatures. Similarly, secondary batteries deteriorate faster when stored for long periods without any charge remaining. By including the secondary battery's high-temperature charging time, low-temperature charging time, and time without charge during charging as parameters for determining the charging current, the charging current can be reduced according to the degree of deterioration, thereby extending the lifespan of the secondary battery during charging.

[0077] In one embodiment of this system, the acquisition unit acquires the remaining charge level of the secondary battery. The transmission unit transmits a control signal to terminate charging when the remaining charge level reaches a predetermined charge level set by the user. Continuing to charge a secondary battery when it is fully charged accelerates its deterioration. The charging control device of this system prevents the deterioration of the secondary battery and extends its lifespan by not continuing to charge it when it is fully charged.

[0078] In one embodiment of this system, the score calculation unit changes the calculated score to 100 if it exceeds 100. The determination unit determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score. The score calculation unit sets the score to 100 even if the score exceeds 100. This prevents the charging current from exceeding the specified value, thereby preventing degradation of the secondary battery and enabling charging with a longer lifespan.

[0079] (modified version) In this embodiment, the charging control device 10 and the charging device 80 are assumed to be connected communicatively via a communication network NW, but the configuration of the charging control system 1 is not limited to this. For example, the charging control device 10 and the device to be charged 70 may be connected communicatively via a communication network NW. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging control system in this modified example. In the configuration shown in Figure 11, instead of the control unit 82, the control unit 72 transmits information of the device to be charged 70 to the charging control device 10 in response to instructions from the charging control device 10. The control unit 72 also updates the information stored in the device to be charged 70 in response to instructions from the charging control device 10.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] Next, the charge control system and charge control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, parts the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The charge control device of this embodiment differs from the charge control device of the first embodiment in that, if the start conditions for starting charging are not met, it transmits a control signal to the device to be charged or the charging device to perform an alarm process and does not start charging. The start conditions are that the ambient temperature and ambient temperature of the secondary battery are within a specified range, and the thickness change value is less than a specified value.

[0081] (composition) Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control system in this disclosure. The charging control system 2 in this embodiment comprises a charging control device 20, an external power supply 100, a device to be charged 70-2, and a charging device 80-2. The device to be charged 70-2 has an alarm processing unit 77. Similarly, the charging device 80-2 has an alarm processing unit 84. The alarm processing unit only needs to be provided in at least one of the device to be charged 70-2 or the charging device 80-2. Therefore, the charging control system 2 does not need to include at least one of the alarm processing unit 77 or the alarm processing unit 84.

[0082] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of alarm processing performed by the alarm processing unit. Using Figure 13, an example of alarm processing performed by the alarm processing unit 77 and the alarm processing unit 84 will be explained.

[0083] For example, the alarm processing units 77 and 84 are implemented by lights L. In this case, the alarm processing units 77 and 84 perform alarm processing by turning on or flashing lights L.

[0084] For example, in another example, the alarm processing units 77 and 84 are implemented by speakers. In this case, the alarm processing units 77 and 84 output alarm sounds and warning messages through the speakers.

[0085] For example, in another example, the alarm processing unit 77 and alarm processing unit 84 are implemented by a display unit such as a screen. In this case, the alarm processing unit 77 and alarm processing unit 84 output a warning message M to the display unit. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the warning message M may include a message indicating that charging is not possible, a message indicating the cause, and a message suggesting how to resolve the cause. The alarm processing described above is just one example, and the alarm processing unit 77 and alarm processing unit 84 may perform other alarm processing. For example, the alarm processing unit 77 and alarm processing unit 84 may perform vibration or sounding. Furthermore, the alarm processing unit 77 and alarm processing unit 84 may be configured to perform a combination of the alarm processing described above.

[0086] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. The charging control device 20 in this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11, a score calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a charging method determination unit 15, an update unit 16, a charging start determination unit 21, and an alarm instruction unit 22. The acquisition unit 11, score calculation unit 12, determination unit 13, transmission unit 14, charging method determination unit 15, and update unit 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0087] The charging start determination unit 21 determines whether the start conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery 75 are met. If the start conditions are met, the charging start determination unit 21 starts charging. On the other hand, if the start conditions are not met, the charging start determination unit 21 does not start charging. In this case, the charging start determination unit 21 instructs the alarm instruction unit 22 to perform alarm processing. The start conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient temperature value of the secondary battery and the ambient temperature value are within a specified range, or the thickness change value is less than a specified value. The charging start determination unit 21 determines whether the start conditions are met as follows.

[0088] The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met if the ambient temperature and ambient temperature values ​​of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are within a predetermined range. For example, the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met if the ambient temperature and ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are within the range of 0 to 40 degrees. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined range for ambient temperature and ambient temperature (0 to 40 degrees) is just an example, and other ranges may be set.

[0089] The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met if the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is less than a predetermined value. For example, the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met if the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is less than 1.0 millimeters. Thickness change value The specified value (less than 1.0 millimeter) is just an example, and other values ​​may be set.

[0090] The alarm instruction unit 22 is an example of alarm instruction means that transmits a control signal for performing alarm processing to at least one of the alarm processing unit 77 or alarm processing unit 84 when the start conditions are not met. For example, the alarm instruction unit 22 transmits an instruction to flash a light, an instruction to sound an alarm, or an instruction to output a warning message.

[0091] (operation) Next, an example of the operation of the charge control device 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the operation of the constant voltage charging section is the same as in Figure 8, so the explanation in this embodiment will be omitted. Also, the post-processing operation is the same as in Figure 10, so the explanation in this embodiment will be omitted. The operation of the charge control device 20 in the constant current charging section will be described below with reference to Figure 15.

[0092] If the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 is within the constant current charging range (Yes in step S2 of Figure 8), the acquisition unit 11 acquires status information as degradation factor information (step S201). The status information includes the maximum battery capacity of the secondary battery 75, the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75, the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75, and the environmental temperature of the secondary battery 75. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as status information, but other information may be included in the status information, or none of the information may be included.

[0093] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires environmental information as degradation factor information (step S202). The environmental information includes the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as environmental information, but other information may be included in the environmental information, or none of the information may be included.

[0094] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires history information as degradation factor information (step S203). The history information includes the number of times the secondary battery 75 has been dropped, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, and the time the secondary battery 75 has no remaining charge. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as history information, but other information may be included in the history information, or none of the information may be included. Also, the acquisition unit 11 only needs to execute at least one of the processes from steps S201 to S203. Furthermore, the order of the processes in steps S201, S202, and S203 may be changed.

[0095] Next, the charging start determination unit 21 determines whether the start conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery 75 are met (step S204). The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are met if the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are within a predetermined range. Alternatively, the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are met if the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is less than a predetermined value. If the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are not met (No in step S204), the alarm instruction unit 22 transmits a control signal to at least one of the alarm processing unit 77 or the alarm processing unit 84 to perform alarm processing (step S205). After completing the processing in step S205, the charging control device 20 terminates its processing.

[0096] The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met. vinegar If it is determined that (Yes in step S204), the score calculation unit 12 calculates a score for determining the charging current of the secondary battery 75 using the degradation factor information (at least one of state information, environmental information, or history information) acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (step S206). The score calculation unit 12 converts each parameter acquired by the acquisition unit 11 into a score by referring to a score table as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of each score as a ratio to the specified value of the charging current.

[0097] If the score calculated in step S206 exceeds 100 (No in step S207), the score calculation unit 12 overwrites the score to 100 (step S208).

[0098] If the score calculated in step S206 is 100 or less (Yes in step S207), the determination unit 13 determines the charging current according to the score calculated by the score calculation unit 12 (step S209). The determination unit 13 determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score.

[0099] Next, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery 75 with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13 (step S210).

[0100] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the charge level monitoring unit 78 (step S211). The acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S211 until the remaining charge reaches a predetermined charge amount set by the user (No in step S212). That is, the acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S211 until it reaches full charge. When it reaches full charge (Yes in step S212), the transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to terminate charging (step S213). After that, the charging control device 20 performs the post-processing shown in Figure 10 (step S214). Once the charging control device 20 has completed the process in Figure 10, it terminates the series of processes.

[0101] The charging control device in this embodiment is configured as described above. In addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the charging control device in this embodiment obtains the following effects.

[0102] The charge control device in this embodiment further includes a charge start determination unit. The charge start determination unit determines whether or not the start conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery are met. If the start conditions are not met, the charge start determination unit does not start charging. The start conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range, the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range, or the thickness change value is less than a specified value. As described above in the first embodiment, secondary batteries deteriorate faster when charged at high temperatures or low temperatures. The charge control device in this embodiment prevents the deterioration of the secondary battery by not performing high-temperature or low-temperature charging. In other words, the charge control device in this embodiment allows for charging with a longer lifespan. Also, as described above in the first embodiment, if a high charging current is applied when the thickness of the secondary battery has changed, there is a risk that the secondary battery may fail or the device being charged may be damaged. The charge control device in this embodiment can perform charging with enhanced safety by not charging when the thickness change value of the secondary battery is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0103] A charging control device according to one aspect of this embodiment further includes an alarm instruction unit. If the start conditions are not met, the alarm instruction unit transmits a control signal for performing an alarm process. For example, the alarm instruction unit transmits an instruction to flash a light, an instruction to sound an alarm, or an instruction to output a warning message. This allows the user of the device being charged to understand that charging is not taking place.

[0104] [Third Embodiment] Next, the charging control system and charging control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The charging control device of this embodiment differs from the charging control devices of the first and second embodiments in that it determines whether or not the charging will be completed within a preset time, and if it is not completed within that time, it increases the charging current determined by the determination unit.

[0105] (composition) Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control system in this disclosure. The charging control system 3 in this embodiment comprises a charging control device 30, a device to be charged 70-2, and a charging device 80-2. The charging control system 3 in this embodiment is adapted from the charging control system 2 of the second embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, the charging control system 3 may be configured to adapt the charging control system 1 of the first embodiment. In other words, the alarm processing unit 77 and the alarm processing unit 84 may be omitted from the device to be charged 70-2.

[0106] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. The charging control device 30 in this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11, a score calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a charging method determination unit 15, an update unit 16, a charging start determination unit 21, an alarm instruction unit 22, a charging time calculation unit 31, a charging time determination unit 32, a charging current change unit 33, and a charging current determination unit 34. Note that the charging start determination unit 21 and the alarm instruction unit 22 are optional.

[0107] The charging time calculation unit 31 is an example of a charging time calculation means that calculates the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13. For example, the charging time calculation unit 31 uses the remaining charge obtained from the remaining charge monitoring unit 76 and past charging records to calculate the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13. The method for calculating the charging time described above is just one example, and various known technologies can be applied.

[0108] The charging time determination unit 32 is an example of a charging time determination means that determines whether the charging time calculated by the charging time calculation unit 31 is less than or equal to a preset charging completion time. For example, the charging completion time may be preset by the user of the device being charged 70-2. For example, the charging completion time may be input from the device being charged 70-2 at the start of charging. In this case, the charging control device 30 includes an input request unit that requests the device being charged 70-2 to input the charging completion time at the start of charging.

[0109] The charging current modification unit 33 increases the charging current to meet the predetermined charging completion time if it is determined by the charging time determination unit 32 that the charging completion time has been exceeded. For example, the charging current modification unit 33 uses the remaining charge amount obtained from the remaining charge amount monitoring unit 76 and past charging records to increase the charging current to meet the charging completion time.

[0110] The charging current determination unit 34 determines whether the charging current changed by the charging current modification unit 33 is less than or equal to the specified value of the charging current. If the charging current determination unit 34 determines that the charging current exceeds the specified value, the charging current modification unit 33 changes the charging current to the specified value.

[0111] (operation) Next, an example of the operation of the charge control device 30 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the operation of the constant voltage charging section is the same as in Figure 8, so the explanation in this embodiment will be omitted. The post-processing operation is the same as in Figure 10, so the explanation in this embodiment will be omitted. The operation of the charge control device 30 in the constant current charging section will be described below with reference to Figures 18 to 20.

[0112] If the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 is within the constant current charging range (Yes in step S2 of Figure 8), the acquisition unit 11 acquires status information as degradation factor information (step S301). The status information includes the maximum battery capacity of the secondary battery 75, the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75, the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75, and the environmental temperature of the secondary battery 75. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as status information, but other information may be included in the status information, or none of the information may be included.

[0113] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires environmental information as degradation factor information (step S302). The environmental information includes the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as environmental information, but other information may be included in the environmental information, or none of the information may be included.

[0114] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires history information as degradation factor information (step S303). The history information includes the number of times the secondary battery 75 has been dropped, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery 75, and the time the secondary battery 75 has no remaining charge. In this operation description, the above information is acquired as history information, but other information may be included in the history information, or none of the information may be included. The acquisition unit 11 only needs to execute at least one of the processes from steps S301 to S303. Also, the order of the processes in steps S301, S302, and S303 may be changed.

[0115] Next, the charging start determination unit 21 determines whether the start conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery 75 are met (step 3203). The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are met if the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are within a predetermined range. Alternatively, the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are met if the thickness change value of the secondary battery 75 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is less than a predetermined value. If the charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start conditions are not met (No in step S304), the alarm instruction unit 22 transmits a control signal to at least one of the alarm processing unit 77 or the alarm processing unit 84 to perform alarm processing (step S305). After completing the processing in step S305, the charging control device 30 terminates its processing.

[0116] The charging start determination unit 21 determines that the start condition is met. vinegar If it is determined that (Yes in step S304), the score calculation unit 12 performs the score calculation process (step S306).

[0117] The operation of the score calculation process in step S306 will be explained using Figure 19. First, the score calculation unit 12 uses the degradation factor information (at least one of state information, environmental information, or history information) acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to calculate a score for determining the charging current of the secondary battery 75 (step S3061). The score calculation unit 12 converts each parameter acquired by the acquisition unit 11 into a score by referring to a score table as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The score calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of each score as a ratio to the specified value of the charging current.

[0118] If the score calculated in step S3061 exceeds 100 (No in step S3062), the score calculation unit 12 overwrites the score to 100 (step S3063). After completing the process in step S3063, the score calculation unit 12 terminates the score calculation process. If the score calculated in step S3061 is 100 or less (Yes in step S3062), the score calculation unit 12 terminates the score calculation process.

[0119] Let's return to the process shown in Figure 18. After completing the score calculation process shown in Figure 19, the determination unit 13 determines the charging current according to the score calculated by the score calculation unit 12 (step S307). The determination unit 13 determines the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score.

[0120] Next, the charging control device 30 performs a charging current change process (step S308).

[0121] The charging current change process in step S308 will be explained using Figure 20. First, the charging time calculation unit 31 calculates the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13 (step S3081). For example, the charging time calculation unit 31 uses the remaining charge obtained from the remaining charge monitoring unit 76 and past charging records to calculate the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13.

[0122] Next, the charging time determination unit 32 determines whether the charging time calculated by the charging time calculation unit 31 is less than or equal to a preset charging completion time (step S3082). If the charging time calculated by the charging time calculation unit 31 is less than or equal to the preset charging completion time (Yes in step S3082), the charging control device 30 terminates the charging current change process.

[0123] If the charging time calculated by the charging time calculation unit 31 exceeds the preset charging completion time (No in step S3082), the charging current change unit 33 increases the charging current to meet the charging completion time (step S3083). For example, the charging current change unit 33 uses the remaining charge obtained from the remaining charge monitoring unit 76 and past charging records to increase the charging current to meet the charging completion time.

[0124] Next, the charging current determination unit 34 determines whether the charging current changed by the charging current modification unit 33 is less than or equal to the specified value of the charging current (step S3084). If the charging current changed by the charging current modification unit 33 is less than or equal to the specified value of the charging current (Yes in step S3084), the charging control device 30 terminates the charging current modification process.

[0125] If the charging current changed by the charging current changing unit 33 exceeds the specified value of the charging current (No in step S3084), the charging control device 30 changes the charging current to the specified value (step S3085). After completing the process in step S3085, the charging control device 30 terminates the charging current changing process.

[0126] Let's return to the process shown in Figure 18. After the charging current change process shown in Figure 20 is completed, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a control signal to charge the secondary battery 75 with the charging current determined by the determination unit 13 (step S309).

[0127] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 75 from the charge level monitoring unit 78 (step S310). The acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S310 until the remaining charge reaches a predetermined charge amount set by the user (No in step S311). That is, the acquisition unit 11 repeats the process in step S310 until it reaches full charge. When it reaches full charge (Yes in step S311), the transmission unit 14 transmits a control signal to terminate charging (step S312). After that, the charging control device 30 performs the post-processing shown in Figure 10 (step S313). After completing step S313, the charging control device 30 terminates the series of processes.

[0128] The charging control device in this embodiment is configured as described above. In addition to the effects described in the first and second embodiments, the charging control device in this embodiment also obtains the following effects.

[0129] The charging control device in this embodiment further comprises a charging time calculation unit, a charging time determination unit, a charging current change unit, and a charging current determination unit. The charging time calculation unit calculates the charging time when charging is performed with the charging current determined by the determination unit. The charging time determination unit determines whether the charging time calculated by the charging time calculation unit is less than or equal to a preset charging completion time. If the charging time determination unit determines that the charging time exceeds the preset charging completion time, the charging current change unit increases the charging current to meet the charging completion time. The charging current determination unit determines whether the changed charging current is less than or equal to a specified value for the charging current. If the charging current exceeds the specified value for the charging current, the charging current change unit changes the charging current to the specified value. With the above configuration, the charging control device in this embodiment can increase the charging current in accordance with the charging time desired by the user. Furthermore, since the charging control device in this embodiment is configured to control the charging current so as not to exceed a specified value, the secondary battery can be charged without accelerating deterioration unnecessarily.

[0130] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0131] (composition) Next, the configuration of the charging control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The charging control device 40 is a simplified configuration of the charging control device according to each embodiment. In the following description, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment, second embodiment, or third embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0132] Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging control device in this disclosure. The charging control device 40 includes an acquisition unit 41, a score calculation unit 42, a determination unit 43, and a transmission unit 44.

[0133] The acquisition unit 41 acquires history information from the device being charged, which is a history of factors that may cause degradation of the secondary battery. The score calculation unit 42 uses the acquired history information to calculate a score relative to a specified value for the secondary battery's charging current. The determination unit 43 determines the charging current of the secondary battery by multiplying the specified value for the charging current by the calculated score. The transmission unit 44 transmits a control signal to the charging device to charge the secondary battery with the determined charging current.

[0134] (operation) Next, an example of the operation of the charging control device according to this disclosure will be explained with reference to Figure 22.

[0135] First, the acquisition unit 41 acquires history information from the device being charged, which is history information that may be a factor in the degradation of the secondary battery (step S41).

[0136] Next, the score calculation unit 42 uses the acquired history information to calculate a score relative to the specified value of the secondary battery's charging current (step S42).

[0137] Next, the determination unit 43 determines the charging current of the secondary battery by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score (step S43).

[0138] Next, the transmitting unit 44 transmits a control signal to the charging device to charge the secondary battery with the determined charging current (step S46).

[0139] In this embodiment, the charging current of the secondary battery is controlled according to a score calculated using degradation factor information, including degradation factors of the secondary battery. Therefore, according to this embodiment, charging control according to the state of the secondary battery becomes possible.

[0140] (modified version) In each embodiment, the charge control device, the device to be charged, and the charging device have been described as separate components, but this is not limited to them. As shown in Figure 23, the charge control device may be part of the configuration of the device to be charged. Also, as shown in Figure 24, the charge control device may be part of the configuration of the charging device. Such configurations eliminate the need to connect the device to be charged and the charging device in a way that allows communication with the charge control device.

[0141] As shown in Figure 23, if the charge control device is part of the configuration of the device being charged, the charge control system does not need to include the charging device. In this case, the control unit 72 of the device being charged 70 performs the same processing as the control unit 82 of the charging device 80. That is, the control unit 72 performs the following processing: The control unit 72 receives the value of the charging current from the charge control device. The control unit 72 uses the value of the charging current received from the charge control device to control the amount of power supplied to the secondary battery 75. The control unit controls the amount of power supplied from the input connector 71 so that the received value of the charging current is supplied to the secondary battery 75. The control unit 72 also transmits information of the device being charged 70 to the charge control device in response to instructions from the charge control device. The control unit 72 transmits information acquired by the sensor 73 to the charge control device. The control unit 72 transmits the maximum battery capacity and history information stored in the memory 74 to the charge control device. The control unit 72 transmits the remaining charge amount monitored by the remaining charge monitoring unit 76 to the charge control device. The control unit 72 also updates the information stored in the device being charged 70 in response to instructions from the charge control device. The control unit 72 updates the maximum battery capacity and history information stored in the memory 74.

[0142] [Hardware configuration] Each component in the embodiments of this disclosure described above can be implemented not only in hardware, but also by a computer device or firmware based on program control.

[0143] Figure 25 shows an example of a hardware configuration in which the charging control device in this disclosure is implemented by a computer device 90 including a processor. The charging control device in each embodiment is implemented by the computer device 90. The computer device 90 executes the charging control method of this disclosure shown in the flowchart above. As shown in Figure 25, the computer device 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, memory 92, a storage device 93 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 94 for connecting input and output devices, and a communication interface 95 for network connection.

[0144] The CPU 91 operates an operating system to control the charging control device of this disclosure. For example, the CPU 91 reads programs and data from a storage medium installed in a drive device or the like into the memory 92. The CPU 91 also functions as part of the acquisition unit 41, score calculation unit 42, determination unit 43, and transmission unit 44 of the charging control device 40 of this disclosure, and executes processing or instructions based on a program.

[0145] The storage device 93 is, for example, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an external hard disk, or a semiconductor memory. Some of the storage media of the storage device are non-volatile storage devices, and programs are recorded therein. Alternatively, programs may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network.

[0146] The input devices connected to the input / output interface 94 are implemented by, for example, a mouse or keyboard, and are used for input operations. Similarly, the output devices connected to the input / output interface 94 are implemented by, for example, a display, and are used for displaying and confirming the output results.

[0147] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made that will be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although multiple operations are described sequentially in the form of a flowchart, the order in which they are described does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations can be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0148] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows: (Note 1) A means for acquiring history information, which is a history that may be a factor in the degradation of a secondary battery, from a device being charged, A score calculation means that uses the acquired history information to calculate a score relative to a specified value for the charging current of the secondary battery, A determination means for determining the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the score, A transmitting means for transmitting a control signal to a charging device for charging the secondary battery with the aforementioned charging current. A charging control device equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The charging control device according to Appendix 1, wherein the history information includes at least one of the following: the drop history of the secondary battery, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the time when the secondary battery has no remaining charge, or the number of times the secondary battery has been charged. (Note 3) The acquisition means further acquires state information indicating the deterioration state of the secondary battery, The status information includes at least one of the maximum battery capacity or the change in thickness of the secondary battery, which are values ​​indicating the deterioration of the battery capacity of the secondary battery. The charge control device according to Appendix 1, wherein the score calculation means further calculates the score using the state information. (Note 4) The acquisition means further acquires environmental information, which is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery. The environmental information includes at least one of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery or the ambient temperature of the secondary battery. A charging control device as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 5) The system further includes a charging start determination means for determining whether or not the conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery are met, The charging control device according to Appendix 1, wherein the aforementioned starting condition includes at least one of the following: the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; or the thickness change value of the secondary battery is less than a specified value. (Note 6) The charging control device according to Appendix 5, further comprising alarm instruction means for transmitting a control signal for performing alarm processing when the aforementioned start conditions are not met. (Note 7) A charging time calculation means calculates the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination means, A charging time determination means for determining whether the charging time is less than or equal to a preset charging completion time, If the charging time determination means determines that the charging time will exceed a preset charging completion time, the charging current changing means increases the charging current to meet the charging completion time. The system further includes a charging current determination means for determining whether the charging current changed by the charging current changing means is less than or equal to a specified value of the charging current, The charging current changing means changes the charging current to a specified value when the charging current determination means determines that the charging current exceeds a specified value, as described in Appendix 1 of the charging control device. (Note 8) The charge control device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the score calculation unit sets the score value to 100 if the calculated score exceeds 100. (Note 9) Rechargeable batteries and A sensor for acquiring information regarding the status of the device being charged, A memory for storing the aforementioned history information, A control unit which stores the history information in the memory based on the detection result of the sensor and transmits the history information stored in the memory to the charging control device described in any one of appendices 1 to 8. A device to be charged, equipped with the following features. (Note 10) The device to be charged according to Appendix 9, wherein the sensor includes at least one of the following: a pressure sensor for detecting a change in thickness due to the expansion of the secondary battery; an acceleration sensor for detecting the dropping of the device to be charged; an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the secondary battery; and an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the device to be charged. (Note 11) Computers We obtain historical information from the charging device, which is a history that could be a factor in the degradation of the secondary battery. Using the acquired historical information, a score is calculated for the charging current of the secondary battery relative to a specified value. The charging current is determined by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score. A control signal is transmitted to charge the secondary battery with the aforementioned charging current. Charging control method. (Note 12) The charging control device according to Appendix 11, wherein the history information includes at least one of the following: the drop history of the secondary battery, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the time when the secondary battery has no remaining charge, or the number of times the secondary battery has been charged. (Note 13) The computer further acquires status information indicating the degradation state of the secondary battery, The status information includes at least one of the maximum battery capacity or the change in thickness of the secondary battery, which are values ​​indicating the deterioration of the battery capacity of the secondary battery. The charging control method according to appendix 11 or 12, wherein the state information is further used to calculate the score. (Note 14) In the acquisition process described above, environmental information, which is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery, is further acquired. The environmental information includes at least one of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery or the ambient temperature of the secondary battery. The charging control method according to any one of appendices 11 to 13, wherein the environmental information is further used to calculate the score. (Note 15) Further determination is made as to whether the start conditions for starting the charging of the secondary battery are met. The charging control method according to Appendix 11, wherein the starting condition includes at least one of the following: the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; or the thickness change value of the secondary battery is less than a specified value. (Note 16) The charging control method described in Appendix 15, further comprising transmitting a control signal for alarm processing if the aforementioned start conditions are not met. (Note 17) The charging time when charging with the determined charging current is calculated, It is determined whether the charging time is less than or equal to a predetermined charging completion time. If it is determined that the pre-set charging completion time has been exceeded, the charging current is increased to ensure that the charging is completed within the specified time. Determine whether the changed charging current is less than or equal to the specified value of the charging current. The charging control method described in Appendix 15, which, if it is determined that the charging current exceeds a specified value, changes the charging current to a specified value. (Note 18) A charging control method described in any one of the appendices 11 to 17, wherein if the calculated score exceeds 100, the score value is set to 100. (Note 19) On the computer, A process to acquire history information from the charging device, which is a history that may be a factor in the degradation of the secondary battery, Using the acquired history information, a process is performed to calculate a score relative to a specified value for the charging current of the secondary battery, A process to determine the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score, The process involves transmitting a control signal to the charging device for charging the secondary battery with the aforementioned charging current. A program that executes something. (Note 20) The program as described in Appendix 19, wherein the history information includes at least one of the following: the drop history of the secondary battery, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the time the secondary battery has no remaining charge, or the number of times the secondary battery has been charged. (Note 21) In the acquisition process described above, state information indicating the degradation state of the secondary battery is further acquired, The status information includes at least one of the maximum battery capacity, which is a value indicating the deterioration of the battery capacity of the secondary battery, and the thickness change value of the secondary battery. The program described in Appendix 19 or 20, which further uses the state information to calculate the score in the process of calculating the score. (Note 22) In the acquisition process described above, environmental information, which is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery, is further acquired. The environmental information includes at least one of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery and the ambient temperature of the secondary battery. A program according to any one of Appendix 19 to 21, which further uses the environmental information to calculate the score in the process of calculating the score. (Note 23) The computer is then instructed to perform a process to determine whether or not the conditions for starting the charging of the secondary battery are met. The program as described in Appendix 19, wherein the starting conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; the ambient temperature of the secondary battery is within a specified range; or the thickness change of the secondary battery is less than a specified value. (Note 24) The program described in Appendix 23, which, if the aforementioned start conditions are not met, causes the computer to execute a process to send a control signal for alarm processing. (Note 25) Furthermore, to the computer, The process of calculating the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination means, A process to determine whether the charging time is less than or equal to a predetermined charging completion time, If the charging time determination means determines that the charging completion time has been exceeded, it performs a process to increase the charging current so that the charging is completed by the predetermined time. A process to determine whether the changed charging current is less than or equal to the specified value of the charging current, The program described in Appendix 19 executes a process to change the charging current to the specified value if it is determined that the charging current exceeds the specified value. (Note 26) A program described in any one of the appendices 19 to 25 that sets the calculated score to 100 if the calculated score exceeds 100. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 10, 20, 30, 40 Charge control device 11, 41 Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 12, 42 Score calculation unit (score calculation means) 13, 43 Decision-making unit (decision-making means) 14, 44 Transmitter (Transmission means) 15 Charging method determination section 16 Update section 21 Charging start determination section (charging start determination means) 22 Alarm Indicator 31 Charging time calculation section 32 Charging time determination section 33 Charging current changing unit (charging current changing means) 34 Charging current determination section (charging current determination means) 70, 70-2, 70-3 Charged device 71 Input Connectors 72 Control Unit 73 Sensors 73-1 Pressure sensor 73-2 Accelerometer 73-3 Ambient temperature sensor 73-4 Ambient temperature sensor 74 memory 75 Secondary battery 76 Charge level monitoring unit 77 Alarm Processing Unit 80, 80-2, 80-3 charging device 81 Input Connectors 82 Control Unit 83 Output Connectors 84 Alarm Processing Unit 90 Computer equipment 91 CPU(Central Processing Unit) 92 memory 93 Storage device 94 Input / Output Interfaces 95 Communication Interface 100 External power supply

Claims

1. A means for acquiring history information, which is a history that may be a factor in the degradation of a secondary battery, from a device being charged, A charging start determination means for determining whether the conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery are met, which at least include the thickness change value of the secondary battery being less than a specified value, A score calculation means that uses the acquired history information to calculate a score relative to a specified value for the charging current of the secondary battery, A determination means for determining the charging current by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score, A transmitting means for transmitting a control signal to a charging device for charging the secondary battery with the aforementioned charging current, Alarm instruction means for transmitting control signals for performing alarm processing Equipped with, If the charging start determination means determines that the charging start conditions are met, the score calculation means calculates the score, the determination means determines the charging current, and the transmission means transmits a control signal for performing the charging to the charging device. If the charging start determination means determines that the charging start conditions are not met, it does not transmit a control signal for performing the charging to the charging device, and the alarm instruction means transmits a control signal for performing the alarm processing. Charging control device.

2. The charging control device according to claim 1, wherein the history information includes at least one of the following: the drop history of the secondary battery, the high-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the low-temperature charging time of the secondary battery, the time when the secondary battery has no remaining charge, or the number of times the secondary battery has been charged.

3. The acquisition means further acquires state information indicating the deterioration state of the secondary battery, The status information includes at least one of the maximum battery capacity or the change in thickness of the secondary battery, which are values ​​indicating the deterioration of the battery capacity of the secondary battery. The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the score calculation means further calculates the score using the state information.

4. The acquisition means further acquires environmental information, which is an environmental factor among the degradation factors of the secondary battery. The environmental information includes at least one of the ambient temperature of the secondary battery or the ambient temperature of the secondary battery. The charging control device according to claim 1, wherein the score calculation means further calculates the score using the environmental information.

5. A charging time calculation means calculates the charging time when charging with the charging current determined by the determination means, A charging time determination means for determining whether the charging time is less than or equal to a preset charging completion time, If the charging time determination means determines that the charging time will exceed a preset charging completion time, the charging current changing means increases the charging current to meet the charging completion time. The system further includes a charging current determination means for determining whether the charging current changed by the charging current changing means is less than or equal to a specified value of the charging current, The charging current changing means changes the charging current to a specified value when the charging current determination means determines that the charging current exceeds a specified value, as described in claim 1.

6. Rechargeable batteries and A sensor for acquiring information regarding the status of the device being charged, A memory for storing the aforementioned history information, A control unit which stores the history information in the memory based on the detection result of the sensor and transmits the history information stored in the memory to the charging control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A device to be charged, equipped with the following features.

7. The device to be charged according to claim 6, wherein the sensor includes at least one of the following: a pressure sensor for detecting a change in thickness due to the expansion of the secondary battery; an acceleration sensor for detecting the dropping of the device to be charged; an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the secondary battery; and an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the device to be charged.

8. Computers We obtain historical information from the charging device, which is a history that could be a factor in the degradation of the secondary battery. It is determined whether the conditions for starting charging of the secondary battery are met, which at least include the thickness change value of the secondary battery being less than a specified value. If it is determined that the charging start conditions are met, the acquired history information is used to calculate a score relative to the specified value of the secondary battery's charging current. The charging current is determined by multiplying the specified value of the charging current by the calculated score. A control signal for charging the secondary battery with the aforementioned charging current is transmitted to the charging device. If it is determined that the conditions for starting charging are not met, the control signal for performing the charging is not transmitted to the charging device, and a control signal for performing an alarm is transmitted. Charging control method.

9. A program that causes a computer to execute the charging control method described in claim 8.

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