Charger auxiliary electronic device

Abstract

An auxiliary electronic device (40) for a charger comprises: a voltmeter (42); an ammeter (43); a normally-on electric power supply switch (SWp); an MPU (41) that is provided with a timer; an interface (IF) that outputs a voltage value that is measured by the voltmeter (42) and an electric current value that is measured by the ammeter (43); a secondary battery-side terminal that is connected to a secondary battery; and a charger-side terminal that is connected to a charger (90) for charging a lithium-ion battery cell (20) of a lithium-ion battery pack (10). The electric power supply switch (SWp) is provided so as to open and close an electric power supply line or a communication line between the secondary battery and the charger (90). When the lithium-ion battery cell (20) and the charger (90) are connected to each other through the auxiliary electronic device (40) for the charger, the MPU (41) performs turn-off control of the electric power supply switch (SWp) after a first time. The voltmeter (42) measures the terminal voltage of the lithium-ion battery cell (20) after the elapse of a second time from the turn-off of the electric power supply switch (SWp), and outputs the measured terminal voltage to the MPU (41). The MPU (41) outputs, through the interface (IF), the measured voltage value and at least one of the electric current value that was measured during the first time or a capacity value that was charged to the lithium-ion battery cell (20) during the first time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary electronic device for a charger used when charging a secondary battery.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a charging system for a terminal. In the charging system of Patent Document 1, a charger (power adapter) communicates with a terminal having a battery and performs charging control.

[0003] At this time, the communication performed between the charger and the terminal transmits and receives information necessary for charging control, such as the voltage and current values of the battery of the terminal. The charger performs power supply control for charging the battery based on the received information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although the charging system described in Patent Document 1 has a description regarding control for switching between normal charging and rapid charging, there is no description regarding control for intermittently charging the battery, and OCV measurement of the battery (secondary battery) cannot be performed.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary electronic device for a charger that realizes OCV measurement while charging a secondary battery using a charger that does not have an intermittent charging function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The auxiliary electronic device for a charger of this invention comprises a voltage measuring unit, a current measuring unit, a normally-on type switch, a control unit equipped with a timer, an interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, a secondary battery side terminal connected to a secondary battery, and a charger side terminal connected to a charger for charging the secondary battery. The switch is provided to open and close a power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger.

[0008] When the secondary battery and charger are connected via the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the control unit controls the switch to turn off after 1 hour. The voltage measurement unit measures the terminal voltage of the secondary battery after 2 hours have elapsed since the switch was turned off and outputs it to the control unit. The control unit outputs the measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the 1st hour or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the 1st hour through the interface.

[0009] Furthermore, the auxiliary electronic device for a charger of this invention comprises a voltage measuring unit, a current measuring unit, a normally-on type switch, a control unit equipped with a timer, an interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, a secondary battery side terminal connected to a secondary battery, and a charger side terminal connected to a charger for charging the secondary battery. The switch is provided to open and close a power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger.

[0010] When the secondary battery and charger are connected via the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the control unit controls the switch to turn on, and then controls the switch to turn off one hour after the switch is turned on. The voltage measurement unit measures the terminal voltage of the secondary battery two hours after the switch is turned off and outputs it to the control unit. The control unit outputs the measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the first hour or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the first hour through the interface.

[0011] In these configurations, even if the charger does not have a function to control intermittent charging, the auxiliary electronic device for the charger can switch between supplying and cutting off power to the secondary battery. This enables intermittent charging of the secondary battery. Furthermore, since the auxiliary electronic device for the charger is equipped with a voltage measurement unit and a current measurement unit, it becomes possible to measure the OCV of the secondary battery even if the charger does not have an OCV measurement function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this invention, secondary batteries can be charged while performing OCV measurement, even when using a general charger that does not have an intermittent charging mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective views showing an example of the structure of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the power supply switch according to the first embodiment is of the normally-on type. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the power supply switch according to the first embodiment is of the normally-off type. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing an example of the structure of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the communication switch according to the second embodiment is of the normally-on type. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the communication switch according to the second embodiment is of the normally-off type.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] [First Embodiment] The auxiliary electronic device for a charger and the charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Circuit Configuration of the Charging System) FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system includes a lithium-ion battery pack 10, an auxiliary electronic device 40 for a charger, and a charger 90.

[0016] (Lithium-Ion Battery Pack 10) The lithium-ion battery pack 10 includes a lithium-ion battery cell 20, an MPU 21, a protection IC 22, an operational amplifier 23 (OP-AMP), an LDO 24, a relay circuit 25, a fuse 26, and a measurement resistor 200. The lithium-ion battery pack 10 has a positive terminal Pvcc+ and a negative terminal Pvcc-.

[0017] The relay circuit 25 is connected to the positive terminal Pvcc+. The positive electrode of the lithium-ion battery cell 20 is connected to the relay circuit 25. The negative electrode of the lithium-ion battery cell 20 is connected to the negative terminal Pvcc- through the measurement resistor 200 and the fuse 26.

[0018] The lithium-ion battery cell 20 is composed of, for example, a plurality of individual lithium-ion batteries connected in series.

[0019] The MPU 21 is connected to the protection IC 22, the relay circuit 25, and the operational amplifier 23. The MPU 21 is connected to the positive terminal Pvcc+ and the negative terminal Pvcc-, thereby enabling power supply from an external source (charger 90 through the charger auxiliary electronic device 40).

[0020] The protection IC 22 is connected to the lithium-ion battery cell 20. More specifically, the protection IC 22 is connected to a plurality of nodes to which a plurality of individual lithium ions are connected in series in sequence. The protection IC 22 is supplied with power through the LDO 24.

[0021] The operational amplifier 23 is connected to both ends of the measurement resistor 200.

[0022] The relay circuit 25 includes a series circuit of a switching element Q1 and a switching element Q2. The switching element Q1 and the switching element Q2 are, for example, n-channel MOSFETs. The series circuit of the switching element Q1 and the switching element Q2 is connected between the positive terminal Pvcc+ and the positive electrode of the lithium-ion battery cell 20.

[0023] More specifically, the source terminal of the switching element Q1 and the source terminal of the switching element Q2 are connected. The drain terminal of the switching element Q1 is connected to the positive electrode of the lithium-ion battery cell 20. The drain terminal of the switching element Q2 is connected to the positive terminal Pvcc+. The gate terminal of the switching element Q1 and the gate terminal of the switching element Q2 are connected to the MPU 21.

[0024] The MPU21 and protection IC22 control the charging and discharging of the lithium-ion battery cell 20. The MPU21 outputs control signals for charging and discharging to the relay circuit 25. The first control signal is a signal that causes the drain terminal and source terminal of switching elements Q1 and Q2 to conduct or open in order to conduct or interrupt the power supply to the lithium-ion battery cell 20. The protection IC22 protects the lithium-ion battery cell 20 from overcharging and over-discharging during charging and discharging based on the potential difference between multiple nodes of the lithium-ion battery cell 20.

[0025] The operational amplifier 23 detects the voltage across the measuring resistor 200 and outputs it to the MPU 21. Based on the detected voltage across the resistor, the MPU 21 controls the power supply to the lithium-ion battery cell 20.

[0026] (Auxiliary electronic device for charger 40) The auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger includes an MPU 41, a voltmeter 42, an ammeter 43, a communication unit 44, a power supply switch SWp, and an interface IF. The MPU 41 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention, the voltmeter 42 corresponds to the "voltage measurement unit" of the present invention, and the ammeter 43 corresponds to the "current measurement unit" of the present invention.

[0027] The auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger includes a first positive terminal 491, a second positive terminal 493, a first negative terminal 492, and a second negative terminal 494. The first positive terminal 491 and the first negative terminal 492 are terminals connected to the charger 90 and constitute a first terminal pair. The second positive terminal 493 and the second negative terminal 494 are terminals connected to the lithium-ion battery pack 10 and constitute a second terminal pair.

[0028] A power supply switch SWp is connected to the first positive terminal 491. An ammeter 43 is connected to the power supply switch SWp. The second positive terminal 493 is connected to the ammeter 43. Thus, the power supply switch SWp is configured to open and close the power line. A voltmeter 42 is connected between the second positive terminal 493 and the second negative terminal 494.

[0029] The power supply switch SWp is a high-current semiconductor switch for power applications, such as a power MOS-FET. The power supply switch SWp may be either a normally-off or normally-on type. However, the charging control performed by the MPU41 differs depending on the type of power supply switch SWp.

[0030] The MPU 41 is connected to the voltmeter 42, the ammeter 43, the power supply switch SWp, and the communication unit 44. Although not shown in the diagram, the MPU 41 is connected to the first positive terminal 491 and the first negative terminal 492, thereby enabling power supply from an external source (charger 90).

[0031] The MPU41 is equipped with a timer, and by controlling the opening and closing of the power supply switch SWp while timing, it performs intermittent charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the MPU 41 receives the voltage value measured by the voltmeter 42 and the current value measured by the ammeter 43 as input. The MPU 41 outputs the voltage and current values ​​during intermittent charging to the communication unit 44. The specific method of intermittent charging, and the specific methods for measuring the voltage and current values ​​and outputting them, will be described later.

[0033] The communication unit 44 transmits a pair of voltage and current values ​​from the MPU 41 to an external device (e.g., an SOC-OCV characteristic analyzer) via the interface IF.

[0034] (Charger 90) The charger 90 includes a charge control unit 91 and an AC-DC converter 92. The charger 90 also includes a positive terminal 991 and a negative terminal 992. The charge control unit 91 is connected to the AC-DC converter 92, the positive terminal 991, and the negative terminal 992.

[0035] The AC-DC converter 92 is connected to a commercial AC power supply. The AC-DC converter 92 converts AC power to DC power and outputs it to the charge control unit 91.

[0036] The charging control unit 91 generates the charging voltage and current using the DC power from the AC-DC converter 92.

[0037] (Structure of the charging system) Figures 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective views showing an example of the structure of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2(A) shows the lithium-ion battery pack, the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, and the charger in a separated state, while Figure 2(B) shows the charger with the auxiliary electronic device for the charger attached and the lithium-ion battery pack attached to the auxiliary electronic device for the charger.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the lithium-ion battery pack 10 includes a housing 100. The housing 100 is approximately rectangular in shape. The lithium-ion battery cells 20, MPU 21, protection IC 22, operational amplifier 23 (OP-AMP), LDO 24, relay circuit 25, fuse 26, and measuring resistor 200 are housed within the housing 100.

[0039] The positive terminal Pvcc+ and the negative terminal Pvcc- are formed on one side of the housing 100.

[0040] The auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger comprises a housing 400. The housing 400 comprises a main body portion 401 and a protruding portion 402, each of which is substantially rectangular in shape. A recess 411 is formed in the main body portion 401.

[0041] The MPU 41, voltmeter 42, ammeter 43, communication unit 44, and power supply switch SWp of the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger are housed in the housing 400. The interface IF is formed in the main body 401.

[0042] The first positive terminal 491 and the first negative terminal 492 are formed on the tip surface of the protrusion 402. The second positive terminal 493 and the second negative terminal 494 are formed on the wall surface that constitutes the recess 411.

[0043] The charger 90 comprises a housing 900. The housing 900 is approximately rectangular in shape. However, the shape of the housing 900 is not limited to this. A recess 911 is formed in the housing 900.

[0044] The charge control unit 91 and AC-DC converter 92 of the charger 90 are housed in the housing 900. The AC-DC converter 92 is connected to a power cable 914 that extends from the housing 900 to the outside.

[0045] The positive terminal 991 and the negative terminal 992 are formed on the wall surface that constitutes the recess 911.

[0046] The charger 90 is equipped with a display unit 912 and a number of operation buttons 913 on the surface of the housing 900. The display unit 912 displays, for example, the operating status of the charger 90. The number of operation buttons 913 accept operation inputs for charging.

[0047] When charging the lithium-ion battery pack 10, the protrusion 402 of the auxiliary electronic device for the charger 40 is mounted in the recess 911 of the charger 90. As a result, the first positive terminal 491 of the auxiliary electronic device for the charger 40 and the positive terminal 991 of the charger 90 come into contact and are electrically connected. The first negative terminal 492 of the auxiliary electronic device for the charger 40 and the negative terminal 992 of the charger 90 come into contact and are electrically connected.

[0048] Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery pack 10 is mounted in the recess 411 of the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger. As a result, the second positive terminal 493 of the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger and the positive terminal PVCC+ of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 make contact and are electrically connected. The second negative terminal 494 of the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger and the negative terminal PVCC- of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 make contact and are electrically connected.

[0049] As a result, the lithium-ion battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the charger 90 via the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger, and becomes rechargeable.

[0050] (Charge control and OCV measurement) Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the power supply switch according to the first embodiment is of the normally-on type.

[0051] When the power supply switch SWp is of the normally-on type, the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) is attached to the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger (S11:YES), and when the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger is attached to the charger 90, charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) begins (S12).

[0052] The MPU41 is equipped with a timer and measures the charging time when charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) begins. The MPU41 continues charging until the first hour of intermittent charging has elapsed (S13:NO). During this time, the ammeter 43 measures the charging current value and outputs it to the MPU41.

[0053] When the first hour of intermittent charging time has elapsed (S13:YES), the MPU41 controls the power supply switch SWp to turn off (S14).

[0054] The MPU41 measures the charging pause time. The MPU41 maintains the turn-off control of the power supply switch SWp until the second charging pause time for intermittent charging has elapsed (S15:NO).

[0055] When the charging stop time for intermittent charging has elapsed for two hours (S15:YES), the voltmeter 42 measures the terminal voltage value (OCV value) of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery). The voltmeter 42 outputs the terminal voltage value to the MPU 41.

[0056] The MPU41 is equipped with memory and stores charging current values ​​and terminal voltage values ​​in pairs in the memory.

[0057] If the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) is not yet fully charged (S17: NO), the MPU41 controls the power supply switch SWp to turn on (S18). The charging system then repeats the charging process and the measurement of the charging current and terminal voltage values. The completion of charging can be determined by detecting that the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) is fully charged.

[0058] When the charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) is complete (S17:YES), the MPU 41 outputs the pair of charging current value and terminal voltage value measured up to that point as measurement data to the communication unit 44 (S20). The communication unit 44 transmits the measurement data to an external device via the interface IF.

[0059] In this way, by using the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger, OCV measurement can be performed while charging the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery), even if the charger 90 does not have an intermittent charging function or an OCV measurement function.

[0060] In this case, the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger can be implemented in a smaller form than the charger 90. This makes it possible to measure OCV while charging the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) without using a large-scale device.

[0061] In the above configuration, the MPU 41 may include a calculation unit that calculates the charged capacity value from the charging current value and stores it in memory. Furthermore, the voltmeter 42 may measure the voltage value during charging, and the MPU 41 may calculate the charging power value from the charging voltage value and charging current value in its calculation unit and store it in memory. The MPU 41 may then output these capacity values ​​and charging power values ​​as measurement data.

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the power supply switch according to the first embodiment is of the normally-off type. Note that when the power supply switch SWp is of the normally-off type, the only difference from the case where the power supply switch SWp is of the normally-on type is the control at the start of charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery). Therefore, only the differences will be explained below.

[0063] When the power supply switch SWp is normally off, the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) is attached to the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger (S11: YES), and when the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger is attached to the charger 90, the MPU 41 controls the power supply switch SWp to turn on (S111). This starts the charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery). Subsequently, the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger performs the same control as when the power supply switch SWp is normally off, performing intermittent charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) and OCV measurement.

[0064] [Second Embodiment] An auxiliary electronic device for a charger and a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. The charging system according to the second embodiment differs from the charging system according to the first embodiment in its configuration and control for intermittent charging.

[0065] (Circuit configuration of the charging system) Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the charging system comprises a lithium-ion battery pack 10A, an auxiliary electronic device for the charger 40A, and a charger 90A.

[0067] The lithium-ion battery pack 10A differs from the lithium-ion battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an MPU 21A, a communication terminal Pcl+, and a communication terminal Pcl-. The other components of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A are the same as those of the lithium-ion battery pack 10, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0068] The MPU21A connects to the communication terminals Pcl+ and Pcl-. The MPU21A has the function of communicating with the outside world through the communication terminals Pcl+ and Pcl-. For example, the MPU21A stores the ID of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A and can communicate the ID to the outside world.

[0069] The auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger differs from the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a power supply switch SWp, but is equipped with communication switches SWt1 and SWt2, an MPU 41A, and multiple communication terminals 495, 496, 497, and 498. The other components of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger are the same as those of the auxiliary electronic device 40 for the charger, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0070] In the 40A auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the ammeter 43 is connected to the first positive terminal 491 and the second positive terminal 493. They are connected between them. Communication terminals 495 and 496 form a charger-side communication terminal pair. Communication terminals 497 and 498 form a secondary battery-side communication terminal pair.

[0071] Communication switch SWt1 is connected between communication terminals 495 and 497. Communication switch SWt2 is connected between communication terminals 496 and 498. In other words, communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 are provided to open and close the communication line.

[0072] The communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 are low-current semiconductor switches. By using low-current semiconductor switches, the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 can be miniaturized, which also leads to the miniaturization of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger. Furthermore, by using low-current semiconductor switches, the heat generated by the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 can be reduced. This allows for a simplification of the heat dissipation structure of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger, for example, making miniaturization easier.

[0073] The MPU41A is connected to communication switches SWt1 and SWt2. The MPU41A controls the turn-on and turn-off of communication switches SWt1 and SWt2.

[0074] The charger 90A differs from the charger 90 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a charging control unit 91A, a communication terminal 993, and a communication terminal 994. The other components of the charger 90A are the same as those of the charger 90, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0075] The charging control unit 91A is connected to communication terminals 993 and 994. The charging control unit 91A controls the supply of charging power based on information received from the lithium-ion battery pack 10A via communication terminals 993 and 994. For example, the charging control unit 91A supplies charging power if the ID of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A matches the charging permission ID, and does not supply charging power otherwise.

[0076] (Structure of the charging system) Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing an example of the structure of a secondary battery charging system including an auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6(A) shows the lithium-ion battery pack, the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, and the charger in a separated state, while Figure 6(B) shows the charger with the auxiliary electronic device for the charger attached and the lithium-ion battery pack attached to the auxiliary electronic device for the charger.

[0077] As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the external shapes of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A, the auxiliary electronic device for charger 40A, and the charger 90A are substantially the same as those of the lithium-ion battery pack 10, the auxiliary electronic device for charger 40, and the charger 90, respectively, differing only in the arrangement of each terminal.

[0078] The lithium-ion battery pack 10A has a positive terminal PVCC+, a communication terminal Pcl+, a communication terminal Pcl-, and a negative terminal PVCC- on one side of the housing 100.

[0079] The auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger is provided with a first positive terminal 491, a communication terminal 495, a communication terminal 496, and a first negative terminal 492 on the tip surface of the protruding portion 402. The auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger is provided with a second positive terminal 493, a communication terminal 497, a communication terminal 498, and a second negative terminal 494 on the wall surface constituting the recess 411.

[0080] The charger 90A is equipped with a positive terminal 991, a communication terminal 993, a communication terminal 994, and a negative terminal 992 on the wall surface constituting the recess 911.

[0081] When charging the lithium-ion battery pack 10A, the protrusion 402 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger is mounted in the recess 911 of the charger 90A. As a result, the first positive terminal 491 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the positive terminal 991 of the charger 90A make contact and are electrically connected. The first negative terminal 492 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the negative terminal 992 of the charger 90A make contact and are electrically connected. The communication terminal 495 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the communication terminal 993 of the charger 90A make contact and are electrically connected. The communication terminal 496 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the communication terminal 994 of the charger 90A make contact and are electrically connected.

[0082] Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery pack 10A is mounted in the recess 411 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger. As a result, the second positive terminal 493 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the positive terminal PVCC+ of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A make contact and are electrically connected. The second negative terminal 494 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the negative terminal PVCC- of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A make contact and are electrically connected. The communication terminal 497 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the communication terminal Pcl+ of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A make contact and are electrically connected. The communication terminal 498 of the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger and the communication terminal Pcl- of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A make contact and are electrically connected.

[0083] As a result, the lithium-ion battery pack 10A is electrically connected to the charger 90A via the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger, enabling charging and communication.

[0084] (Charge control and OCV measurement) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the communication switch according to the second embodiment is of the normally-on type.

[0085] The flowchart shown in Figure 7 differs from the flowchart in Figure 3 in that the switches being turned on and off are different, but the other control (processing) is the same. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 3 will be explained.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, when the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 are normally-on type, the MPU41A controls the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 to turn off (S14A) when the first hour of charging time for intermittent charging has elapsed (S13:YES).

[0087] This interrupts communication between the 90A charger and the 10A lithium-ion battery pack. The 90A charger determines that the 10A lithium-ion battery pack is not connected and stops supplying charging power. Therefore, a period of charging stoppage for OCV measurement can be achieved.

[0088] If the lithium-ion battery pack 10 (secondary battery) has not finished charging (S17: NO), the MPU41A controls the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 to turn on (S18A). This resumes communication between the charger 90A and the lithium-ion battery pack 10A. The charger 90A determines that the lithium-ion battery pack 10A is connected and supplies charging power.

[0089] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control and OCV measurement of an auxiliary electronic device for a charger when the communication switch according to the second embodiment is of the normally-off type.

[0090] The flowchart shown in Figure 8 differs from the flowchart in Figure 4 in that the switches being turned on and off are different, but the other control (processing) is the same. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 4 will be explained.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, when the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 are normally off, the lithium-ion battery pack 10A (secondary battery) is attached to the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger (S11:YES), and when the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger is attached to the charger 90A, the MPU 41A controls the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 to turn on (S111A). This enables communication between the lithium-ion battery pack 10A (secondary battery) and the charger 90A, and the charger 90A starts charging control. Subsequently, the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger performs the same control as when the communication switches SWt1 and SWt2 are normally off, performing intermittent charging of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A (secondary battery) and OCV measurement.

[0092] Furthermore, if the MPU 21A of the lithium-ion battery pack 10A can output the terminal voltage value and charging current value of the lithium-ion battery cell 20, the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger can also receive these values. In this case, the auxiliary electronic device 40A for the charger can omit the voltmeter 42 and ammeter 43.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above description refers to the interface IF as a terminal for wired communication, it may also be a wireless communication terminal.

[0094] <1> Voltage measurement unit, Current measuring unit, A normally-on type switch, A control unit equipped with a timer, An interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, The secondary battery side terminals that connect to the secondary battery, A charger-side terminal that connects to a charger for charging the aforementioned secondary battery, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger, comprising: The switch is provided to open and close the power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger. The control unit, When the secondary battery and the charger are connected through the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the switch is turned off after 1 hour. The voltage measuring unit is The terminal voltage of the secondary battery is measured after two hours have elapsed since the switch was turned off, and the output is sent to the control unit. The control unit, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger that outputs, through the interface, the measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the first hour or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the first hour.

[0095] <2> Voltage measurement unit, Current measuring unit, A normally off type switch, A control unit equipped with a timer, An interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, The secondary battery side terminals that connect to the secondary battery, A charger-side terminal that connects to a charger for charging the aforementioned secondary battery, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger, comprising: The switch is provided to open and close the power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger. The control unit, When the secondary battery and the charger are connected through the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the switch is turned on. The switch is turned off after 1 hour from the time it is turned on. The voltage measuring unit is The terminal voltage of the secondary battery is measured after two hours have elapsed since the switch was turned off, and the output is sent to the control unit. The control unit, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger that outputs, through the interface, the measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the first hour or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the first hour.

[0096] <3> The control unit, It has a calculation unit that calculates a power value from the current value and the voltage value for the first time, The power value is output through the interface. <1> or <2> Auxiliary electronic device for chargers.

[0097] <4> The control unit, The system includes a memory for temporarily storing the voltage value, the current value, and the power value. The voltage value, current value, and power value temporarily stored in the memory are output together through the interface. <3> Auxiliary electronic device for chargers.

[0098] <5> The aforementioned interface is an interface for wireless communication. <1> ~ <4> Auxiliary electronic device for any of the following chargers.

[0099] <6> The aforementioned switch is provided in the power line and is a semiconductor switch with a high current capacity for power. <1> ~ <5> Auxiliary electronic device for any of the following chargers.

[0100] <7> The switch is provided in the communication line and is a semiconductor switch with a small current capacity for communication. <1> ~ <5> Auxiliary electronic device for any of the following chargers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 10, 10A: Lithium-ion battery pack 20: Lithium-ion battery cell 21, 21A: MPU 22: Protection IC 23: Operational amplifier 24:LDO 25: Relay Circuit 26: Fuse 40, 40A: Auxiliary electronic device for charger 41, 41A: MPU 42: Voltmeter 43:Ammeter 44: Communications Department 90, 90A: Charger 91, 91A: Charging control unit 92: AC-DC converter 100: Cabinet 200: Measuring resistor 400: Cabinet 401: Main body 402:Protrusion 411: Recess 491: First positive terminal 492: 1st negative terminal 493: Second positive terminal 494: 2nd negative terminal 495, 496, 497, 498: Communication terminals 900: Cabinet 911: Recess 912:Display section 913: Operation Buttons 914: Power cable 991: Positive terminal 992: Negative terminal 993, 994: Communication terminals IF: Interface Pcl+, Pcl-: Communication terminal PVCC+: Positive terminal Pvcc-:Negative terminal Q1, Q2: Switching element SWp: Power supply switch SWt1, SWt2: Communication switches

Claims

1. Voltage measurement unit, Current measuring unit, A normally-on type switch, A control unit equipped with a timer, An interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, The secondary battery side terminals that connect to the secondary battery, A charger-side terminal that connects to a charger for charging the aforementioned secondary battery, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger, comprising: The switch is provided to open and close the power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger. The control unit, When the secondary battery and the charger are connected through the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the switch is turned off after a first hour. The voltage measuring unit is The terminal voltage of the secondary battery is measured after a second time has elapsed since the switch was turned off, and the output is sent to the control unit. The control unit, The measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the first time or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the first time are output through the interface. Auxiliary electronics for chargers.

2. Voltage measurement unit, Current measuring unit, A normally off type switch, A control unit equipped with a timer, An interface that outputs the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring unit and the current value measured by the current measuring unit, The secondary battery side terminals that connect to the secondary battery, A charger-side terminal that connects to a charger for charging the aforementioned secondary battery, An auxiliary electronic device for a charger, comprising: The switch is provided to open and close the power line or communication line between the secondary battery and the charger. The control unit, When the secondary battery and the charger are connected through the auxiliary electronic device for the charger, the switch is turned on. The switch is turned off after a first hour from the time it is turned on. The voltage measuring unit is The terminal voltage of the secondary battery is measured after a second time has elapsed since the switch was turned off, and the output is sent to the control unit. The control unit, The measured voltage value and at least one of the current value measured during the first time or the capacity value charged to the secondary battery during the first time are output through the interface. Auxiliary electronics for chargers.

3. The control unit, It has a calculation unit that calculates a power value from the current value and the voltage value for the first time, The power value is output through the interface. Auxiliary electronic device for charger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit, The system includes a memory for temporarily storing the voltage value, the current value, and the power value. The voltage value, current value, and power value temporarily stored in the memory are output together through the interface. The auxiliary electronic device for a charger according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned interface is an interface for wireless communication. Auxiliary electronic device for charger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned switch is provided in the power line and is a semiconductor switch with a high current capacity for power. Auxiliary electronic device for charger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The switch is provided in the communication line and is a semiconductor switch with a small current capacity for communication. Auxiliary electronic device for charger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images