Battery control monitoring system, battery control monitoring device, battery control monitoring method, battery control monitoring program, and storage medium

Abstract

This battery control monitoring system (2) comprises a discharge circuit (20), a controller (15), and a sticking monitoring circuit (24). The discharge circuit (20) is configured to execute the forced discharge of a chargeable battery (11) while the charging and discharging of the chargeable battery (11) is stopped. The controller (15) is configured to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit (20) and control the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit (20) by using a control signal (CS). The sticking monitoring circuit (24) is configured to be electrically connected to the controller (15) and monitor signal sticking.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a battery control and monitoring system, a battery control and monitoring device, a battery control and monitoring method, a battery control and monitoring program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a secondary battery state detection device that detects the state of a lead-acid battery. The device described in Patent Document 1 determines the state of the secondary battery by pulse discharging the secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-178213 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a possibility that signal fixation may occur due to a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit and the control unit. Since signal fixation affects the control of the discharge circuit, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit may decrease. The device described in Patent Document 1 does not take signal fixation into consideration at all.

[0005] The objective of the technology disclosed in the present application is to provide, for example, a battery control and monitoring system, a battery control and monitoring device, a battery control and monitoring method, a battery control and monitoring program, and a storage medium that can suppress a decrease in accuracy of arithmetic processing using forced discharge performed by a discharge circuit.

[0006] Another object of the technology disclosed in the present application is to provide a battery control monitoring system, a battery control monitoring device, a battery control monitoring method, a battery control monitoring program, and a storage medium that can detect in advance the occurrence of malfunctions due to signal fixation, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, a battery control and monitoring system includes a discharge circuit, a controller, and a sticking monitoring circuit. The discharge circuit is configured to perform a forced discharge of a rechargeable battery. The controller is electrically connected to the discharge circuit and configured to control the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit using a control signal. The sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the controller and configured to monitor a signal sticking.

[0008] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the first aspect, since the signal fixation can be monitored using the fixation monitoring circuit, it is possible to detect a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit and the controller, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit.

[0009] According to a second feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the first feature, the sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the controller so as to input a sticking monitoring signal indicating a state of the discharge circuit to the controller, and the controller is configured to determine a signal sticking state based on the sticking monitoring signal.

[0010] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the second aspect, since the signal sticking can be determined based on the sticking monitor signal, the signal sticking can be determined with a simple configuration.

[0011] According to a third feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the second feature, the controller is configured to determine whether the signal is stuck by comparing the sticking monitor signal with a reference signal pattern.

[0012] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the third aspect, the accuracy of determining whether or not a signal is stuck can be improved by comparing the sticking monitor signal with a reference signal pattern.

[0013] According to a fourth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the third feature, the control signal includes a first control signal. The controller is configured to output the first control signal to the discharge circuit. The discharge circuit is configured to execute forced discharge based on the first control signal. The reference signal pattern includes a pattern of the sticking monitor signal when the first control signal is not stuck.

[0014] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the fourth feature, the reference signal pattern includes the pattern of the sticking monitoring signal when the first control signal is not stuck, so that by comparing the sticking monitoring signal with the reference signal pattern, the accuracy of determining whether the signal is stuck can be reliably improved.

[0015] According to a fifth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the third or fourth feature, the control signal includes a power supply signal different from the first control signal. The controller is configured to output the power supply signal to the discharge circuit. The discharge circuit is configured to perform forced discharge based on the first control signal and the power supply signal. The reference signal pattern includes a pattern of the sticking monitoring signal when the power supply signal is not stuck.

[0016] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the fifth feature, the reference signal pattern includes the pattern of the sticking monitoring signal when the power supply signal is not stuck. Therefore, by comparing the sticking monitoring signal with the reference signal pattern, the accuracy of determining whether the signal is stuck can be reliably improved.

[0017] According to a sixth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the fifth feature, the discharge circuit includes a first switch circuit electrically connected to the controller and a second switch circuit electrically connected to the first switch circuit. The second switch circuit has a connection state in which the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery and the negative electrode of the rechargeable battery are electrically connected and a cut-off state in which the electrical connection between the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery and the negative electrode of the rechargeable battery is cut off. The first switch circuit is configured to output a second control signal based on the first control signal and the power supply signal. The second switch circuit is configured to switch to one of the connection state and the cut-off state based on the second control signal.

[0018] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the sixth feature, the configuration of the discharge circuit can be made relatively simple by using the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit.

[0019] According to a seventh feature, in the battery control and monitoring system related to the sixth feature, the sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the connection portion between the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit so as to input the second control signal to the controller as a sticking monitoring signal.

[0020] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the seventh feature, the second control signal is used as a sticking monitor signal, so that signal sticking can be reliably determined.

[0021] According to an eighth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the sixth or seventh feature, the first switch circuit includes a first field effect transistor. The first field effect transistor includes a first gate, a first source, and a first drain. The controller is electrically connected to the first gate to supply a first control signal to the first gate. The controller is electrically connected to one of the first source and the first drain to supply a power supply signal to one of the first source and the first drain. The other of the first source and the first drain is electrically connected to the second switch circuit. The first field effect transistor is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which the first source and the first drain are electrically conductive and a first cut-off state in which the first source and the first drain are electrically cut off based on the first control signal supplied to the first gate.

[0022] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the eighth feature, the first switch circuit includes the first field effect transistor, so that it is possible to achieve at least one of an improvement in the switching speed of the discharge circuit and a reduction in power consumption.

[0023] According to a ninth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the eighth feature, the second switch circuit includes a second field effect transistor. The second field effect transistor includes a second gate, a second source, and a second drain. The second gate is connected to one of the first source and the first drain to receive a second control signal from the first switch circuit. One of the second source and the second drain is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0024] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the ninth feature, the second switch circuit includes the second field effect transistor, so that it is possible to achieve at least one of an improvement in the switching speed of the discharge circuit and a reduction in power consumption.

[0025] According to a tenth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the sixth or seventh feature, the first switch circuit includes a first bipolar transistor. The first bipolar transistor includes a first base, a first collector, and a first emitter. The controller is electrically connected to the first base to supply a first control signal to the first base. The controller is electrically connected to one of the first collector and the first emitter to supply a power signal to one of the first collector and the first emitter. The other of the first collector and the first emitter is electrically connected to the second switch circuit. The first bipolar transistor is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which electrical continuity is possible between the first collector and the first emitter and a first cut-off state in which electrical continuity is possible between the first collector and the first emitter, based on the first control signal supplied to the first base.

[0026] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the tenth feature, the first switch circuit includes the first bipolar transistor, so that the current can be efficiently amplified and the power consumption of the discharge circuit can be reduced.

[0027] According to an eleventh feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to the tenth feature, the second switch circuit includes a second bipolar transistor. The second bipolar transistor includes a second base, a second collector, and a second emitter. The second base is connected to one of the first collector and the first emitter to receive a second control signal from the first switch circuit. The one of the second collector and the second emitter is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0028] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the eleventh feature, the second switch circuit includes the second bipolar transistor, so that the current can be efficiently amplified and the power consumption of the discharge circuit can be reduced.

[0029] According to a twelfth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to any one of the fifth to eleventh features, the discharge circuit includes a protective resistor connecting the line of the first control signal and the line of the power supply signal.

[0030] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the twelfth feature, since the discharge circuit includes a protective resistor, when the power supply signal is input to the discharge circuit at the time of power supply start-up of the controller, it is possible to prevent the first control signal from being unintentionally input to the discharge circuit due to the input of the power supply signal in a state in which the first control signal is not input. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the discharge circuit from operating unintentionally at the time of power supply start-up of the controller.

[0031] According to a thirteenth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to any one of the first to twelfth features, the stuck-on monitoring circuit includes a stuck-on detection resistor electrically connected to the discharge circuit and the controller.

[0032] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the thirteenth feature, the sticking monitoring circuit includes the sticking detection resistor, so that the configuration of the sticking monitoring circuit can be simplified.

[0033] According to a fourteenth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system relating to any one of the first to thirteenth features, the controller is configured to determine that an overcurrent has occurred when the current value of the rechargeable battery exceeds a current threshold during forced discharge.

[0034] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the fourteenth feature, an overcurrent during forced discharging can be detected.

[0035] According to a fifteenth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, the controller is configured to calculate an estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery based on a current value of the rechargeable battery.

[0036] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the fifteenth feature, the estimated temperature rise of the rechargeable battery can be calculated without using a temperature sensor, and overheating of the rechargeable battery can be detected with a simple configuration.

[0037] According to a sixteenth feature, in the battery control and monitoring system relating to any one of the first to fifteenth features, the battery control and monitoring system further includes a forced termination circuit configured to forcibly terminate the forced discharge being performed by the discharge circuit when signal fixation occurs.

[0038] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the sixteenth feature, the forced discharge is forcibly terminated by the termination circuit when signal fixation occurs, thereby reliably suppressing any decrease in accuracy of the calculation processing using the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit.

[0039] According to a seventeenth feature, the battery control and monitoring system according to any one of the first to sixteenth features includes a main device and an external device configured to communicate with the main device. The main device includes a controller, a sticking monitoring circuit, and a communication circuit configured to communicate with the external device. The controller is configured to transmit a sticking determination result indicating the occurrence of signal sticking to the external device via the communication circuit when signal sticking occurs.

[0040] In the battery control and monitoring system according to the seventeenth feature, the sticking determination result can be transmitted to an external device, so that the sticking determination result can be notified to a user of the battery control and monitoring system who is located away from the main body device, for example.

[0041] According to an eighteenth feature, a battery control and monitoring device includes a discharge circuit, a controller, and a sticking monitoring circuit. The discharge circuit is configured to perform a forced discharge of a rechargeable battery. The controller is electrically connected to the discharge circuit and configured to control the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit using a control signal. The sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the controller and configured to monitor a signal sticking.

[0042] In the battery control and monitoring device according to the eighteenth feature, since the signal fixation can be monitored using the fixation monitoring circuit, it is possible to detect a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit and the controller, thereby suppressing a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit.

[0043] According to a nineteenth feature, a battery control and monitoring method includes controlling a discharge circuit by a controller using a control signal to perform forced discharge of a rechargeable battery, and monitoring signal fixation by a fixation monitoring circuit.

[0044] In the battery control and monitoring method according to the nineteenth feature, since the signal fixation can be monitored using the fixation monitoring circuit, it is possible to detect a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit and the controller, thereby suppressing a decrease in accuracy of the arithmetic processing using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit.

[0045] According to a twentieth feature, a battery control and monitoring program causes a computer to execute the battery control and monitoring method according to the nineteenth feature.

[0046] In the battery control and monitoring program according to the twentieth feature, by causing a computer to execute the battery control and monitoring method, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit.

[0047] According to a twenty-first feature, a computer-readable storage medium stores the battery control and monitoring program according to the twentieth feature.

[0048] In the storage medium according to the twenty-first feature, by causing a computer to execute the battery control and monitoring method, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit. Effect of the Invention

[0049] The technology disclosed in the present application can provide, for example, a battery control and monitoring system, a battery control and monitoring device, a battery control and monitoring method, a battery control and monitoring program, and a storage medium that can suppress a decrease in accuracy of calculation processing using forced discharge performed by a discharge circuit.

[0050] Furthermore, the technology disclosed in the present application can provide, for example, a battery control monitoring system, a battery control monitoring device, a battery control monitoring method, a battery control monitoring program, and a storage medium that can detect in advance the occurrence of a malfunction due to signal fixation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery control and monitoring system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing signal patterns of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the stuck-on monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the controller and discharge circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing patterns of signals of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the sticking monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 (when the first control signal is stuck). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing patterns of signals of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the stuck monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 (when the first control signal cannot be controlled). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing patterns of signals of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the sticking monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 (when the first control signal is stuck). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing signal patterns of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the fixation monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 (when the power supply signal is fixed). [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing signal patterns of the controller, the discharge circuit, and the fixation monitoring circuit of the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 (when the power supply signal is fixed). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing information exchange in the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a battery control and monitoring method executed in the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a battery control and monitoring method executed in the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a battery control and monitoring method executed in the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a battery control and monitoring method executed in the battery control and monitoring system shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a controller and a discharge circuit of a battery control and monitoring system according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a controller and a discharge circuit of a battery control and monitoring system according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a modification of the battery control and monitoring method executed in the battery control and monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes a main device 10 and an external device 30 configured to communicate with the main device 10. The main device 10 includes a rechargeable battery 11 and a load 12 electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11. An example of the main device 10 includes a vehicle in which the rechargeable battery 11 is mounted. The rechargeable battery 11 is electrically connected to the load 12 so as to supply electricity to the load 12. The rechargeable battery 11 includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead battery, a lithium ion battery, and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 11 may also be referred to as a secondary battery 11.

[0054] The load 12 operates using electricity supplied from the rechargeable battery 11. The load 12 includes at least one electric device. When the rechargeable battery 11 is installed in a vehicle, examples of the electric device include an electronic control unit (ECU), a light, a heater, an audio device, a sensor, and a camera.

[0055] Examples of vehicles include automobiles. Examples of automobiles include automobiles equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source, hybrid vehicles equipped with an engine and a vehicle drive motor as a power source, and electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles equipped with a vehicle drive motor as a power source. Therefore, for example, the rechargeable battery 11 may be used for driving the vehicle, or a vehicle drive battery other than the rechargeable battery 11 may be mounted on the vehicle. Vehicles are not limited to the above vehicles. Also, the rechargeable battery 11 may be used for purposes other than vehicles.

[0056] The main device 10 includes a battery control and monitoring device 13. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the battery control and monitoring device 13. The battery control and monitoring device 13 is configured to determine the state of the rechargeable battery 11. Specifically, the battery control and monitoring device 13 is configured to calculate the full charge capacity of the rechargeable battery 11. The main device 10 is configured to communicate with an external device 30 via the Internet. The battery control and monitoring device 13 is configured to communicate with the external device 30 via the Internet.

[0057] The external device 30 includes, for example, a server 31 and a user terminal 41. The server 31 is connectable to the Internet. The battery control monitoring device 13 and the user terminal 41 are connectable to the server 31 via the Internet. The battery control monitoring device 13 is configured to communicate with the server 31 via the Internet. The user terminal 41 is configured to communicate with the server 31 via the Internet. The battery control monitoring device 13 may be configured to directly communicate with the user terminal 41 via the Internet. Examples of the user terminal 41 include a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a personal computer.

[0058] The main body device 10 includes a charging circuit 14. The rechargeable battery 11 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 14. The charging circuit 14 supplies electricity to the rechargeable battery 11 and charges the rechargeable battery 11. When the rechargeable battery 11 is mounted on a vehicle, for example, the charging circuit 14 includes a power generation device such as an alternator and a vehicle drive motor.

[0059] The load 12 is started by electricity supplied from the rechargeable battery 11. For example, when the start button of the vehicle is pressed or the start key is turned, the supply of electricity from the rechargeable battery 11 to the load 12 is started, and the load 12 is started.

[0060] The battery control and monitoring device 13 includes a controller 15. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the controller 15. In this embodiment, the main device 10 includes the battery control and monitoring device 13, and therefore the main device 10 includes the controller 15. However, an external device 30 (for example, a server 31) may include the entire controller 15. Also, the main device 10 may include a part of the controller 15. May contain The external device 30 may include the remaining part of the controller 15. Similarly, the external device 30 may include the entire battery control and monitoring device 13. The main device 10 may include a part of the battery control and monitoring device 13. May contain The external device 30 may contain the remaining parts of the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0061] In this embodiment, the controller 15 is connected to the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 includes, for example, a processor 15P, a memory 15M, a circuit board 15C, and a bus 15B.

[0062] The processor 15P includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a micro processing unit (MPU). The memory 15M includes, for example, a volatile and / or or The processor 15P includes a non-volatile memory. Examples of the volatile memory include a random access memory (RAM) and / or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Examples of the non-volatile memory include a read only memory (ROM) and an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). The memory 15M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 15P and the memory 15M are electrically mounted on a circuit board 15C. The processor 15P and the memory 15M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 15C. The processor 15P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 15P. The memory 15M may also be referred to as a hardware memory 15M.

[0063] The controller 15 is programmed to realize the control algorithms of the battery control and monitoring system 2 and the battery control and monitoring device 13. The memory 15M of the controller 15 stores software such as a program for realizing the control algorithm of the battery control and monitoring device 13. The processor 15P realizes the control algorithm of the battery control and monitoring device 13 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 15M.

[0064] The configuration of the controller 15 is not limited to the processor 15P, the memory 15M, the circuit board 15C, and the bus 15B. This is only possible by Alternatively, it can be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Also, the processor 15P and the memory 15M may be configured as one chip such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Note that the controller 15 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 15, a controller circuitry 15, a circuit 15, and / or a circuitry 15.

[0065] The controller 15 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11. teeth , and a power supply circuit 16. The power supply circuit 16 is electrically connected to the controller 15 and the rechargeable battery 11. The power supply circuit 16 is provided between the controller 15 and the rechargeable battery 11. The power supply circuit 16 converts, for example, a voltage (e.g., 12 V) supplied from the rechargeable battery 11 to a predetermined voltage (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V) as necessary. The controller 15 operates with electricity supplied from the rechargeable battery 11 via the power supply circuit 16. The power supply circuit 16 is electrically connected to the processor 15P and the memory 15M via a circuit board 15C and a bus 15B.

[0066] 1, the battery control and monitoring device 13 includes a communication circuit 17. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the communication circuit 17. The main body device 10 includes the communication circuit 17. The communication circuit 17 is configured to communicate with an external device 30. The communication circuit 17 is electrically connected to the controller 15.

[0067] The communication circuit 17 is configured to transmit the sticking determination result DR1 to at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41. The communication circuit 17 is electrically connected to the processor 15P and the memory 15M via the circuit board 15C and the bus 15B. The communication circuit 17 operates using electricity supplied from the controller 15.

[0068] The communication circuit 17 includes a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 15. For example, The wireless communication circuit is The rechargeable battery 11 can be wirelessly connected to the Internet. The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit the sticking determination result DR1 (e.g., full charge capacity, capacity determination result) to the server 31 via the Internet. When the rechargeable battery 11 is mounted on a vehicle, the communication circuit 17 includes, for example, a wireless communication circuit and a gateway ECU.

[0069] The wireless communication circuitry includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless transmission circuitry, and a wireless reception circuitry. The antenna is electrically connected to the wireless transmission circuitry and the wireless reception circuitry. The wireless transmission circuitry is configured to transmit signals wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless reception circuitry is configured to receive signals wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless transmission circuitry is configured to encrypt signals in a predetermined protocol. The wireless reception circuitry is configured to decrypt wireless signals in a predetermined protocol. The communication circuitry 17 may be configured to communicate with the server 31 via a wired connection.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 1, the server 31 may, for example, be part of a data center or a cloud and may be connected to the Internet. The server 31 includes a controller 32, an interface 33, and a display 34. The interface 33 and the display 34 are electrically connected to the controller 32. The display 34 is electrically connected to the controller 32 and is configured to display information. The controller 32 is configured to control the display 34 to display information.

[0071] The controller 32 includes, for example, a processor 32P, a memory 32M, a circuit board 32C, and a bus 32B. The processor 32P includes, for example, a CPU and / or an MPU. The memory 32M includes, for example, a volatile and / or or The processor 32P includes a non-volatile memory. Examples of the volatile memory include a RAM and / or a DRAM. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a ROM and an EEPROM. The memory 32M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 32P and the memory 32M are electrically mounted on a circuit board 32C. The processor 32P and the memory 32M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 32C. The processor 32P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 32P. The memory 32M may also be referred to as a hardware memory 32M.

[0072] The controller 32 is programmed to realize the control algorithm of the server 31. The memory 32M of the controller 32 stores software such as a program for realizing the control algorithm of the server 31. The processor 32P realizes the control algorithm of the server 31 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 32M.

[0073] The configuration of the controller 32 is not limited to the processor 32P, the memory 32M, the circuit board 32C, and the bus 32B. This is only possible byAlternatively, it may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. The processor 32P and the memory 32M may be configured as a single chip such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The controller 32 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 32, a controller circuitry 32, a circuit 32, and / or a circuitry 32.

[0074] The interface 33 is electrically connected to the processor 32P and the memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and the bus 32B. The interface 33 includes a user interface 35 and a communication unit .

[0075] The user interface 35 is electrically connected to the controller 32. The user interface 35 is electrically connected to the processor 32P and the memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and the bus 32B. The user interface 35 is used when a user operates the server 31. Examples of the user interface 35 include a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0076] The communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the controller 32. The communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the processor 32P and the memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and the bus 32B. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to communicate with the battery control and monitoring device 13 and the user terminal 41.

[0077] The communication unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 32. For example, The wired communication circuit is The communication unit 36 ​​can be connected to the Internet by a wired connection. The wired communication circuit is configured to communicate with the battery control and monitoring device 13 and the user terminal 41 via the Internet. The communication unit 36 ​​may include a wireless communication circuit.

[0078] Figure 12, the communication unit 36 ​​is configured to receive the sticking determination result DR1 from the battery control and monitoring device 13. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to transmit the sticking determination result DR1 received from the battery control and monitoring device 13 to the user terminal 41. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to receive input information from the user terminal 41. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to transmit the input information received from the user terminal 41 to the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0079] 1, the user terminal 41 is configured to communicate with the server 31. The user terminal 41 is a device used by a user of the battery control and monitoring system 2. The user terminal 41 is configured to display a sticking determination result DR1 (for example, the sticking determination result DR1) transmitted from the server 31. The user terminal 41 is also configured to receive an input of information necessary for battery control and monitoring from the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2. The user terminal 41 includes: The input information is configured to be transmitted to the server 31. Examples of the user terminal 41 include a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a personal computer.

[0080] The user terminal 41 includes a controller 42, an interface 43, and a display 44. The interface 43 and the display 44 are electrically connected to the controller 42. The display 44 is electrically connected to the controller 42. The display 44 is The controller 42 is configured to control the display 44 to display the information.

[0081] The controller 42 includes, for example, a processor 42P, a memory 42M, a circuit board 42C, and a bus 42B. The processor 42P includes, for example, a CPU and / or an MPU. The memory 42M includes, for example, a volatile and / or orThe processor 42P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 42P. The memory 42M may also be referred to as a hardware memory 42M. Examples of the volatile memory include a RAM and / or a DRAM. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a ROM and an EEPROM. The memory 42M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 42P and the memory 42M are electrically mounted on a circuit board 42C. The processor 42P and the memory 42M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 42C. The processor 42P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 42P. The memory 42M may also be referred to as a hardware memory 42M.

[0082] The controller 42 is programmed to realize the control algorithm of the user terminal 41. The memory 42M of the controller 42 stores software such as a program for realizing the control algorithm of the user terminal 41. The processor 42P realizes the control algorithm of the user terminal 41 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 42M.

[0083] The configuration of the controller 42 is not limited to the processor 42P, the memory 42M, the circuit board 42C, and the bus 42B. This is only possible by Alternatively, it can be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Also, the processor 42P and the memory 42M may be configured as one chip such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Note that the controller 42 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 42, a controller circuitry 42, a circuit 42, and / or a circuitry 42.

[0084] The interface 43 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and the memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and the bus 42B. The interface 43 includes a user interface 45 and a communication unit .

[0085] The user interface 45 is electrically connected to the controller 42. The user interface 45 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and the memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and the bus 42B. The user interface 45 is configured to receive input information from a user. The controller 42 stores the input information input from the user interface 45 in the memory 42M. Examples of the user interface 45 include a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0086] The communication unit 46 is electrically connected to the controller 42. The communication unit 46 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and the memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and the bus 42B. The communication unit 46 is configured to communicate with the server 31. The communication unit 46 includes a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 42. The wireless communication circuit is The communication unit 46 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the server 31 via the Internet. The communication unit 46 may include a wired communication circuit.

[0087] Similar to the communication circuit 17, the wireless communication circuit of the communication unit 46 includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless transmission circuit, and a wireless reception circuit. The antenna is electrically connected to the wireless transmission circuit and the wireless reception circuit. The wireless transmission circuit is configured to transmit a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless reception circuit is configured to receive a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless transmission circuit is configured to encrypt a signal in a predetermined protocol. The wireless reception circuit is configured to decrypt a wireless signal in a predetermined protocol.

[0088] Figure 1 2, the communication unit 46 is configured to transmit input information to the server 31 via the Internet. The communication unit 46 is configured to receive the sticking determination result DR1 transmitted from the server 31 via the Internet.

[0089] 1, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes a current sensor 18 and a voltage sensor 19. The main device 10 includes the current sensor 18 and the voltage sensor 19. In this embodiment, the battery control and monitoring device 13 includes the current sensor 18 and the voltage sensor 19. However, at least one of the current sensor 18 and the voltage sensor 19 may be provided outside the battery control and monitoring device 13 and inside the main device 10.

[0090] The current sensor 18 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The current sensor 18 is configured to measure a current value of the rechargeable battery 11. The voltage sensor 19 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The voltage sensor 19 is configured to measure a voltage value of the rechargeable battery 11.

[0091] The current sensor 18 is disposed between the rechargeable battery 11 and the load 12, and between the rechargeable battery 11 and the charging circuit 14. The current sensor 18 is configured to measure the current value of the discharging current flowing from the rechargeable battery 11 to the load 12. The current sensor 18 is The controller 15 is configured to measure the current value of the charging current flowing from the charging circuit 14 to the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 acquires the measured current value of the current sensor 18 at a predetermined period, and stores the acquired measured current value in the memory 15M. The controller 15 is also configured to calculate an integrated value of the measured current value as necessary.

[0092] The controller 15 is configured to determine whether the rechargeable battery 11 is discharging or not and whether the rechargeable battery 11 is charging or not based on the measured current value of the current sensor 18. That is, the controller 15 is configured to determine whether the rechargeable battery 11 is stopping charging or discharging or not based on the measured current value and the measured voltage value. When the rechargeable battery 11 is stopping charging or discharging, the supply of electricity to the load 12 is stopped except for dark current. Therefore, the controller 15 is configured to determine whether the load 12 is stopping or not based on the measured current value and the measured voltage value. When the rechargeable battery 11 is stopping charging or discharging, for example, the start switch or start key of the vehicle is off. Therefore, the controller 15 is configured to determine whether the start switch or start key of the vehicle is off or not. In addition, the case where the rechargeable battery 11 is stopping charging or discharging can be rephrased as, for example, the case where the main unit 10 (for example, the vehicle) is stopping.

[0093] The controller 15 is configured to calculate an internal resistance value of the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 is configured to estimate the state (SOC (State of Charge), SOH (State of Health), SOF (State of Function), and full charge capacity) of the rechargeable battery 11, for example, by using the internal resistance value.

[0094] In this embodiment, the controller 15 is configured to calculate the internal resistance value R of the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 is configured to calculate the internal resistance value R of the rechargeable battery 11 based on, for example, the current value and voltage value of the rechargeable battery 11 while charging / discharging is stopped. The controller 15 is configured to calculate the internal resistance value R based on, for example, the measured current value of the current sensor 18 and the measured voltage value of the voltage sensor 19 while charging is stopped. However, another device mounted on the main body device 10 or an external device 30 (for example, a server 31) may be configured to calculate the internal resistance value R. The controller 15 may also be configured to calculate the internal resistance value R of the rechargeable battery 11 based on the current value and voltage value of the rechargeable battery 11 regardless of whether charging / discharging is stopped. The controller 15 may also be configured to calculate the internal resistance value R based on the measured current value of the current sensor 18 and the measured voltage value of the voltage sensor 19 at a timing other than while charging is stopped.

[0095] The battery control and monitoring system 2 includes a discharge circuit 20. The discharge circuit 20 is configured to execute forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 is electrically connected to the discharge circuit 20 and configured to control the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit 20 using a control signal CS. The controller 15 is configured to calculate an internal resistance value R based on a current value and a voltage value of the rechargeable battery 11 when the discharge circuit 20 executes forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 while charging and discharging are stopped, for example. However, the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit 20 may be used for other purposes. The controller 15 may be configured to calculate an internal resistance value R based on a current value and a voltage value of the rechargeable battery 11 when the discharge circuit 20 executes forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 regardless of whether charging and discharging are stopped.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge circuit 20 includes a first switch circuit 21 electrically connected to the controller 15 and a second switch circuit 22 electrically connected to the first switch circuit 21. The second switch circuit 22 has a connection state in which the positive electrode 11P of the rechargeable battery 11 and the negative electrode 11N of the rechargeable battery 11 are electrically connected, and a cut-off state in which the positive electrode 11P of the rechargeable battery 11 and the negative electrode 11N of the rechargeable battery 11 are electrically cut off from the connection state. The first switch circuit 21 is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22 to control the operation of the second switch circuit 22. The first switch circuit 21 is configured to switch the state of the second switch circuit 22 between a connection state and a cut-off state based on the control of the controller 15.

[0097] The discharge circuit 20 includes a resistor 20R1. The resistor 20R1 is provided between the positive electrode 11P of the rechargeable battery 11 and the second switch circuit 22. The resistor 20R1 determines the current value of the forced discharge.

[0098] The discharge circuit 20 includes a protective resistor 20R2 that connects the line of the first control signal CS1 and the line of the power supply signal PS. 21S The first gate 21G and the first source 21S It is placed between.

[0099] The control signal CS includes a first control signal CS1. The controller 15 is configured to output the first control signal CS1 to the discharge circuit 20. The discharge circuit 20 is configured to perform forced discharge based on the first control signal CS1. The first switch circuit 21 is configured to switch the state of the second switch circuit 22 between a connected state and a cut-off state based on the first control signal CS1. When the discharge circuit 20 performs pulse discharge, the controller 15 is configured to output the first control signal CS1 to the discharge circuit 20 at a predetermined cycle.

[0100] The control signal CS includes a power supply signal PS different from the first control signal CS1. The controller 15 is configured to output the power supply signal PS to the discharge circuit 20. The discharge circuit 20 is configured to perform forced discharge based on the first control signal CS1 and the power supply signal PS. The first switch circuit 21 is configured to switch the state of the second switch circuit 22 between a connected state and a cut-off state based on the first control signal CS1 and the power supply signal PS. The first switch circuit 21 is configured to output a second control signal CS2 based on the first control signal CS1 and the power supply signal PS. The second switch circuit 22 is configured to switch to one of the connected state and the cut-off state based on the second control signal CS2.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first switch circuit 21 includes a first field effect transistor 21A. The second switch circuit 22 includes a second field effect transistor 22A. In this embodiment, the first field effect transistor 21A (FET) includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The second field effect transistor 22A includes a MOSFET. For example, the first field effect transistor 21A includes a P-channel MOSFET. The second field effect transistor 22A includes an N-channel MOSFET. However, the first field effect transistor 21A may include an N-channel MOSFET. The second field effect transistor 22A may include a P-channel MOSFET. The first field effect transistor 21A may include a FET other than a MOSFET. The second field effect transistor 22A may include a FET other than a MOSFET. In addition, the first switch circuit 21 may include a circuit other than a FET. The second switch circuit 22 may include a circuit other than a FET.

[0102] The first field effect transistor 21A includes a first gate 21G, a first source 21S, and a first drain 21D. The first gate 21G is electrically connected to the controller 15. One of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D is electrically connected to the controller 15. The other of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22. In this embodiment, the first source 21S is electrically connected to the controller 15. The first drain 21D is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22. However, when the first field effect transistor 21A includes an N-channel MOSFET, the first drain 21D may be electrically connected to the controller 15 and the first source 21S may be electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22.

[0103] The second field effect transistor 22A includes a second gate 22G, a second source 22S, and a second drain 22D. The second gate 22G is electrically connected to the controller 15. One of the second source 22S and the second drain 22D is electrically connected to the first switch circuit 21. The other of the second source 22S and the second drain 22D is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11. In this embodiment, the second drain 22D is electrically connected to the first switch circuit 21. The second source 22S is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11. However, when the second field effect transistor 22A includes a P-channel MOSFET, the second source 22S may be electrically connected to the first switch circuit 21 and the second drain 22D may be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11.

[0104] 2, the first control signal CS1 indicates a change in the voltage supplied from the controller 15 to the discharge circuit 20. For example, the first control signal CS1 indicates a change in the first gate voltage supplied from the controller 15 to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21. In a state in which the first gate voltage is supplied from the controller 15 to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21, the first control signal CS1 becomes H (High). In a state in which the first gate voltage is not supplied from the controller 15 to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21, the first control signal CS1 becomes L (Low).

[0105] The power supply signal PS indicates a change in the voltage supplied from the controller 15 to the discharge circuit 20. For example, the power supply signal PS indicates a change in the power supply voltage supplied from the controller 15 to the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21. When the power supply voltage is supplied from the controller 15 to the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21, the power supply signal PS is H (High). When the power supply voltage is not supplied from the controller 15 to the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21, the power supply signal PS is L (Low).

[0106] The second control signal CS2 indicates a change in the voltage supplied from the first switch circuit 21 to the second switch circuit 22. For example, the second control signal CS2 indicates a change in the second gate voltage supplied from the first drain 21D of the first switch circuit 21 to the second gate 22G of the second switch circuit 22. When the second gate voltage is supplied from the first switch circuit 21 to the second gate 22G of the second switch circuit 22, the second control signal CS2 is H (High). When the second gate voltage is not supplied from the first switch circuit 21 to the second gate 22G of the second switch circuit 22, the second control signal CS2 is L (Low).

[0107] 3, the controller 15 is electrically connected to the first gate 21G to supply a first control signal CS1 to the first gate 21G. The controller 15 is electrically connected to one of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D to supply a power supply signal PS to one of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D. The other of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22.

[0108] The first field effect transistor 21A is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which electrical conductivity is established between the first source 21S and the first drain 21D, and a first cut-off state in which electrical conductivity is established between the first source 21S and the first drain 21D, based on a first control signal CS1 supplied to the first gate 21G.

[0109] For example, the first field effect transistor 21A is in the first cut-off state when the first gate voltage is not supplied between the first gate 21G and the first source 21S. When the first field effect transistor 21A is in the first cut-off state, the power supply voltage supplied to the first source 21S is not supplied to the second switch circuit 22. On the other hand, the first field effect transistor 21A is in the first conductive state when the first gate voltage is supplied between the first gate 21G and the first source 21S. When the first field effect transistor 21A is in the first conductive state, the power supply voltage supplied to the first source 21S is supplied to the second switch circuit 22. The power supply voltage supplied to the second switch circuit 22 constitutes the second control signal CS2 and the second gate voltage.

[0110] The second gate 22G is connected to one of the first source 21S and the first drain 21D to receive a second control signal CS2 from the first switch circuit 21. One of the second source 22S and the second drain 22D is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11.

[0111] The second field effect transistor 22A is configured to switch between a second conductive state in which electrical conductivity is possible between the second source 22S and the second drain 22D, and a second cut-off state in which electrical conductivity is prevented between the second source 22S and the second drain 22D, based on a second control signal CS2 supplied to the second gate 22G.

[0112] For example, the second field effect transistor 22A is in the second cut-off state when the second gate voltage is not supplied between the second gate 22G and the second source 22S. When the second field effect transistor 22A is in the second cut-off state, the positive electrode 11P of the rechargeable battery 11 is cut off from the negative electrode 11N of the rechargeable battery 11. On the other hand, the second field effect transistor 22A is in the second conduction state when the second gate voltage is supplied between the second gate 22G and the second source 22S. When the second field effect transistor 22A is in the second conduction state, the positive electrode 11P of the rechargeable battery 11 is electrically connected to the negative electrode 11N of the rechargeable battery. Therefore, while the second field effect transistor 22A is in the second conduction state, the rechargeable battery 11 is discharged. As described above, while the first gate voltage is supplied to the first switch circuit 21, the rechargeable battery 11 is discharged.

[0113] The controller 15 includes a gate driver 15G. The gate driver 15G is electrically connected to the processor 15P and the memory 15M via a circuit board 15C and a bus 15B. The gate driver 15G is electrically connected to a discharge circuit 20. The discharge circuit 20 is electrically connected to the controller 15 via the gate driver 15G. The gate driver 15G is configured to control the operation of the discharge circuit 20.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 3, the gate driver 15G is 15PThe first switch circuit 21 is configured to connect the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21 to one of the ground and the drive power supply based on an instruction from the controller 15. When the gate driver 15G connects the first source 21S to the ground, the power supply voltage is not supplied from the controller 15 to the first source 21S. On the other hand, when the gate driver 15G connects the first source 21S to the drive power supply, the power supply voltage is supplied from the controller 15 to the first source 21S.

[0115] Gate driver 15G is a processor 15P The gate driver 15G is configured to connect the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21 to ground based on an instruction from the processor. 15P The first switch circuit 21 is configured to disconnect the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21 from the ground based on an instruction from the controller 15. When the gate driver 15G disconnects the first gate 21G from the ground, the first gate voltage is not supplied to the first gate 21G from the controller 15. When the gate driver 15G connects the first source 21S to the drive power supply and connects the first gate 21G to the ground, a negative first gate voltage is supplied to the first gate 21G.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 2, when starting the discharge operation of the discharge circuit 20, the controller 15 supplies the power supply voltage to the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21. Therefore, the power supply signal PS changes from L to H (see timing T1 in FIG. 2). At this time, a voltage of substantially the same level as the power supply voltage is also supplied to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21. Therefore, there is almost no potential difference between the first gate 21G and the first source 21S. That is, when the power supply signal PS changes from L to H, the first control signal CS1 also changes from L to H (see timing T1 in FIG. 2). Since there is almost no potential difference between the first gate 21G and the first source 21S, the first gate voltage is not supplied to the first gate 21G, and the first switch circuit 21 maintains the first cut-off state.

[0117] After supplying the power supply voltage, the controller 15 supplies the first gate voltage to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21. For example, the controller 15 connects the first gate 21G to ground, thereby supplying the first gate voltage, which is negative with respect to the first source 21S, to the first gate 21G. As a result, the first control signal CS1 changes from H to L (see timing T2 in FIG. 2). When the negative first gate voltage is supplied to the first gate 21G, the first switch circuit 21 is in the first conductive state, and the power supply voltage supplied to the first source 21S is supplied to the second gate 22G of the second switch circuit 22 as the second gate voltage. That is, the second control signal CS2 changes from L to H (see timing T2 in FIG. 2). Therefore, the second switch circuit 22 changes from the second cut-off state to the second conductive state, and while the first gate voltage is supplied to the first switch circuit 21 (that is, while the first control signal CS1 is kept at L), the rechargeable battery 11 is discharged.

[0118] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of the first gate voltage, the controller 15 stops supplying the first gate voltage to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21. As a result, the first control signal CS1 H to L (see timing T3 in FIG. 2). When the supply of the first gate voltage is stopped, the first switch circuit 21 enters the first cut-off state, and the first switch circuit 21 stops supplying the second gate voltage to the second gate 22G of the second switch circuit 22. At this time, the second control signal CS2 also goes from L to H (see timing T3 in FIG. 2). Since the supply of the second gate voltage is stopped, the second switch circuit 22 enters the second cut-off state from the second conductive state, and the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped.

[0119] The controller 15 calculates the internal resistance R based on the current value measured by the current sensor 18 and the voltage value measured by the voltage sensor 19 before and during the supply of the first gate voltage.

[0120] The controller 15 is configured to obtain a current value A0 before discharging, a current value A1 during discharging, a voltage value V0 before discharging, and a voltage value V1 during discharging. The controller 15 is configured to calculate an internal resistance value R based on the following formula (1) using the current value A0, the current value A1, the voltage value V0, and the voltage value V1.

[0121] R = (V1 - V0) / (A1 - A0) (1) The controller 15 is configured to acquire the current value A0, the current value A1, the voltage value V0, and the voltage value V1 at a predetermined cycle, and calculate the internal resistance value R based on the formula (1) at a predetermined cycle. The controller 15 stores the internal resistance value R in the memory 15M. The controller 15 calculates the internal resistance value R at a predetermined cycle while the load 12 is stopped, and stores the internal resistance value R in the memory 15M. Note that the internal resistance value R may be calculated by another method.

[0122] In this embodiment, the discharge circuit 20 is configured to pulse-discharge the rechargeable battery 11 at a predetermined frequency. Specifically, the controller 15 supplies a first gate voltage to the first switch circuit 21 at a predetermined cycle to discharge the rechargeable battery 11 at a predetermined cycle. However, the form of the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit 20 is not limited to pulse discharge.

[0123] As described above, in the battery control and monitoring system 2, the discharge circuit 20 executes forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11, thereby calculating the internal resistance value R.

[0124] However, due to a malfunction of at least one of the controller 15 and the discharge circuit 20, the control signal CS may become stuck at H or L. When such a signal sticking occurs, the discharge circuit 20 cannot correctly execute forced discharge, so that the process using the forced discharge is not executed correctly or the accuracy of the process using the forced discharge decreases (for example, the internal resistance value R cannot be calculated or the accuracy of the internal resistance value R decreases).

[0125] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery control and monitoring device 13 includes a sticking monitoring circuit 24. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the sticking monitoring circuit 24. The main body device 10 includes the sticking monitoring circuit 24. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is configured to monitor a signal sticking. In this embodiment, the sticking monitoring circuit 24 is configured to monitor a signal sticking caused by a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is configured to monitor a signal sticking caused by a malfunction of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. However, the sticking monitoring circuit 24 may be configured to monitor a signal sticking caused by a malfunction of one of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 may be configured to monitor a signal sticking caused by a malfunction other than the malfunction of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15.

[0126] The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is electrically connected to the controller 15 so as to input a sticking monitoring signal MS indicating the state of the discharge circuit 20 to the controller 15. The controller 15 is configured to determine the signal sticking based on the sticking monitoring signal MS. For example, the controller 15 is configured to determine the signal sticking by comparing the sticking monitoring signal MS with a reference signal pattern RP. The controller 15 stores the reference signal pattern RP in a memory 15M.

[0127] The reference signal pattern RP includes a pattern of the sticking monitor signal MS when the first control signal CS1 is not stuck. The reference signal pattern RP includes a pattern of the sticking monitor signal MS when the first control signal CS1 and the power supply signal PS are not stuck.

[0128] The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is electrically connected to a connection portion 23 between the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22 so as to input the second control signal CS2 as a sticking monitoring signal MS to the controller 15. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 includes a sticking detection resistor 24A electrically connected to the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. Note that the configuration of the sticking monitoring circuit 24 is not limited to the sticking detection resistor 24A. For example, the sticking monitoring circuit 24 may include a configuration other than the sticking detection resistor 24A instead of or in addition to the sticking detection resistor 24A.

[0129] The sticking detection resistor 24A is connected to a connection 23 between the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22. The sticking detection resistor 24A has a first end 24B and the second end 24C A first end of the stuck-on detection resistor 24A 24B is connected to connection 23. The second end of the sticking detection resistor 24A 24C is connected to the controller 15. In this manner, the second control signal CS2 indicating the pattern of the second gate voltage supplied from the first switch circuit 21 to the second switch circuit 22 is input to the controller 15 as the sticking monitor signal MS.

[0130] Here, fixation patterns of the power supply signal PS and the first control signal CS1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0131] FIG. 4 shows a case where the first control signal CS1 is fixed to H. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the first control signal CS1 is constantly input from the controller 15 to the first gate 21G, the sticking monitor signal MS behaves differently from the reference signal pattern RP. Specifically, when the first gate voltage is constantly input from the controller 15 to the first gate 21G, the sticking monitor signal MS is the same as the reference signal pattern RP in the period TP1 from the timing T1 when the first control signal CS1 should change from L to H to the timing T2 when the first control signal CS1 should change from H to L. However, since the first gate voltage is constantly input to the first gate 21G, the first control signal CS1 is fixed to H in the period TP2 from the timing T2 when the first control signal CS1 should change to L to the timing T3 when the first control signal CS1 should change to H. As a result, the second gate voltage is not supplied to the second gate 22G in the period TP2, and the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is not performed correctly. Therefore, the controller 15 can determine whether or not signal sticking has occurred by determining whether or not the sticking monitor signal MS is H, similar to the reference signal pattern RP, at any timing within the period TP2.

[0132] For example, the controller 15 determines whether the sticking monitor signal MS is H by determining whether the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage. If the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitor signal MS is H like the reference signal pattern RP, and concludes that signal sticking has not occurred. On the other hand, if the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is different from the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitor signal MS is not H in the period TP1, and concludes that signal sticking has occurred.

[0133] FIG. 5 shows a case where the first control signal CS1 cannot be controlled by the controller 15. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the first gate 21G cannot be connected to ground in the controller 15, the sticking monitor signal MS behaves differently from the reference signal pattern RP. Specifically, when the first gate 21G cannot be connected to ground in the controller 15, the sticking monitor signal MS is the same as the reference signal pattern RP in a period TP1 from a timing T1 when the first control signal CS1 becomes H to a timing T2 when the first control signal CS1 should become L. However, since the first gate 21G cannot be connected to ground, the first control signal CS1 is stuck to H in a period TP2 from a timing T2 when the first control signal CS1 should become L to a timing T3 when the first control signal CS1 should become H. As a result, the second gate voltage is not supplied to the second gate 22G in the period TP2, and the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is not performed correctly. Therefore, the controller 15 can determine whether or not signal sticking has occurred by determining whether or not the sticking monitor signal MS is H, similar to the reference signal pattern RP, at any timing within the period TP2.

[0134] For example, the controller 15 determines whether the sticking monitor signal MS is H by determining whether the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage. If the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitor signal MS is H like the reference signal pattern RP, and concludes that signal sticking has not occurred. On the other hand, if the voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 is different from the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitor signal MS is not H in the period TP1, and concludes that signal sticking has occurred.

[0135] FIG. 6 shows a case where the first control signal CS1 is fixed to L. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the connection state between the first gate 21G and the ground cannot be cut off in the controller 15, the sticking monitor signal MS behaves differently from the reference signal pattern RP. Specifically, when the connection state between the first gate 21G and the ground cannot be cut off in the controller 15, when the controller 15 supplies a power supply voltage to the first source 21S, the first control signal CS1 is stuck to L at the timing T1 when the first control signal CS1 should change from L to H. As a result, a negative first gate voltage is supplied to the first gate 21G, and a second gate voltage is supplied from the first drain 21D to the second gate 22G. As a result, the second control signal CS2 changes from L to H at the timing T1 when the second control signal CS2 should be kept at L. Therefore, the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is started at the timing T1 when the forced discharge should not be started yet. That is, the controller 15 can determine whether or not signal sticking has occurred by determining whether or not the sticking monitor signal MS is at L similarly to the reference signal pattern RP at any timing within the period TP1.

[0136] For example, the controller 15 determines whether the sticking monitoring signal MS is L by determining whether the voltage input from the sticking monitoring circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage. If the voltage input from the sticking monitoring circuit 24 is equal to the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitoring signal MS is L like the reference signal pattern RP, and concludes that signal sticking has not occurred. On the other hand, if the voltage input from the sticking monitoring circuit 24 is different from the second gate voltage in the period TP1, the controller 15 determines that the sticking monitoring signal MS is not L in the period TP1, and concludes that signal sticking has occurred.

[0137] Fig. 7 shows a case where the power supply signal PS is stuck at H. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, when the power supply voltage is always supplied to the first source 21S in the controller 15, the sticking monitor signal MS exhibits the same behavior as the reference signal pattern RP. In this case, the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is correctly executed based on the first control signal CS1, so the controller 15 does not determine that the signal is stuck.

[0138] FIG. 8 shows a case where the power supply signal PS is fixed at L. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, if the connection state between the first source 21S and the ground cannot be cut off in the controller 15, the sticking monitor signal MS behaves differently from the reference signal pattern RP. Specifically, if the connection state between the first source 21S and the ground cannot be cut off in the controller 15, the power supply signal PS is fixed at L in a period TP4 from a timing T1 when the power supply signal PS should be H to a timing T4 when the power supply signal PS should be L. As a result, the first control signal CS1 does not become H at the timing T1. Also, even if the first gate 21G is connected to the ground in the controller 15 at a timing T2, both the power supply signal PS and the first control signal CS1 remain at L. Therefore, the second gate voltage is not supplied to the second gate 22G, and the second control signal CS2 also remains at L. That is, the controller 15 can determine whether or not a signal sticking has occurred by determining whether or not the sticking monitor signal MS is H like the reference signal pattern RP at any timing in the period TP2.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery control and monitoring device 13 includes a forced termination circuit 25. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the forced termination circuit 25. The main unit 10 includes the forced termination circuit 25. The forced termination circuit 25 is configured to forcibly terminate the forced discharge being performed by the discharge circuit 20 when signal fixation occurs. The forced termination circuit 25 is electrically connected to the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. The forced termination circuit 25 is electrically connected to a connection portion 23 between the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22 so as to cut off the second control signal CS2 input to the second switch circuit 22. The forced termination circuit 25 has a first end 25B and the second end 25C A first end of the termination circuit 25 25B is connected to the connection 23. A second end of the termination circuit 25 25C is connected to the controller 15. The forced termination circuit 25 may be omitted from the battery control and monitoring system 2 and the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0140] The controller 15 is configured to determine that an overcurrent has occurred when the current value of the rechargeable battery 11 exceeds a current threshold during forced discharge. For example, the controller 15 is configured to determine whether or not a measured current value exceeds a current threshold after forced discharge by the discharge circuit 20 is started. The controller 15 is configured to output an overcurrent determination result indicating that an overcurrent has flowed when the measured current value exceeds the current threshold for a certain period of time. When an overcurrent is detected, the controller 15 controls the forced termination circuit 25 to forcibly terminate the forced discharge. Furthermore, when an overcurrent is detected, the controller 15 stops the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage. Note that the controller 15 may be configured not to determine an overcurrent during forced discharge.

[0141] The controller 15 is configured to calculate an estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 based on a current value of the rechargeable battery 11. For example, the controller 15 calculates an integrated current value by integrating measured current values ​​acquired during charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 for a predetermined period of time. The controller 15 stores first relationship information indicating a relationship between the integrated current value and the estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 in a memory. 15M The controller 15 calculates an estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 based on the current integrated value and the first relationship information. The controller 15 is configured to output a temperature rise determination result DR2 indicating that the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 has risen significantly when the estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 exceeds a temperature threshold value. Furthermore, the controller 15 stops the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage when the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 has risen significantly. Note that, when the temperature rise determination is executed while charging / discharging is stopped, the controller 15 may control the forced termination circuit 25 to forcibly terminate the forced discharge when the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 has risen significantly. Furthermore, the controller 15 may be configured not to calculate the estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery 11.

[0142] The controller 15 may also be configured to calculate an estimated rising temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 based on the current value of the current sensor 18. In this case, for example, the controller 15 calculates an integrated current value by integrating the measured current value for a predetermined period of time during charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 11. The controller 15 stores second relationship information in a memory, which indicates the relationship between the integrated current value and the estimated rising temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13. 15MThe controller 15 calculates the estimated rising temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 based on the current integrated value and the second relationship information. The controller 15 is configured to output a temperature rise determination result DR2 indicating that the temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 has risen significantly when the estimated rising temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 exceeds a temperature threshold value. Furthermore, the controller 15 stops the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage when the temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 has risen significantly. Note that, when the temperature rise determination is executed while charging and discharging are stopped, the controller 15 may control the forced termination circuit 25 to forcibly terminate the forced discharge when the temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13 has risen significantly. Furthermore, the controller 15 may be configured not to calculate the estimated rising temperature of the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 1, the main device 10 includes an alarm device 26. That is, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the alarm device 26. The alarm device 26 is electrically connected to the controller 15. The alarm device 26 is electrically connected to the processor 15P and the memory 15M via the circuit board 15C and the bus 15B. The controller 15 is configured to control the alarm device 26 based on the sticking determination result DR1. The alarm device 26 operates by electricity supplied from the controller 15.

[0144] The notification device 26 is configured to notify a user of the sticking determination result DR1 of the rechargeable battery 11. The notification device 26 includes, for example, at least one of an indicator, a display, and a speaker. The controller 15 is configured to control the notification device 26 so that the notification device 26 notifies the user of the sticking determination result DR1.

[0145] When signal sticking occurs, the controller 15 controls the notification device 26 to notify the user of the sticking determination result DR1. For example, the notification device 26 is configured to display the sticking determination result DR1. This allows the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2 (for example, the user of the main device 10) to recognize the sticking determination result DR1.

[0146] 9, the controller 15 is configured to transmit a sticking determination result DR1 indicating the occurrence of signal sticking to the external device 30 via the communication circuit 17 when signal sticking occurs. The controller 15 is configured to transmit the sticking determination result DR1 to the external device 30 (at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41) via the communication circuit 17 when signal sticking occurs. The controller 32 of the server 31 transmits the sticking determination result DR1 to the user terminal 41 via the communication unit 36. The controller 42 of the user terminal 41 controls the display 44 to display the sticking determination result DR1. This allows the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2 to recognize the sticking determination result DR1.

[0147] The operation of the battery control and monitoring system 2 and the battery control and monitoring device 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the controller 15 is configured to execute a battery control and monitoring method described below. The controller 15 stores a battery control and monitoring program in the memory 15M. That is, the computer-readable storage medium 15M stores the battery control and monitoring program. The battery control and monitoring program causes the computer to execute the battery control and monitoring method. The processor 15P of the controller 15 realizes the battery control and monitoring method described below by reading and executing the battery control and monitoring program stored in the memory 15M.

[0148] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the battery control and monitoring method includes controlling a discharge circuit 20 by a controller 15 using a control signal CS to perform forced discharge of a rechargeable battery 11, and monitoring signal fixation by a fixation monitoring circuit 24.

[0149] 10, the controller 15 determines whether or not charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped (step S1). If charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped, the controller 15 acquires a measured current value and a measured voltage value (step S2). The measured current value and measured voltage value are stored in the memory 15M as a current value A0 and a voltage value V0 before the forced discharge. However, as described later, the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit 20 may be performed regardless of whether charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped.

[0150] The controller 15 starts acquiring the sticking monitor signal MS (step S3). For example, the controller 15 starts acquiring a signal indicated by a voltage input from the sticking monitor circuit 24 to the controller 15 as the sticking monitor signal MS. Note that the acquisition of the sticking monitor signal MS may be started when the controller 15 is powered on. After the start of acquisition of the sticking monitor signal MS, the controller 15 starts supplying a power supply voltage to the discharge circuit 20 (step S4). For example, the controller 15 starts supplying a power supply voltage to the first source 21S of the first switch circuit 21 (see FIG. 3, for example).

[0151] After the supply of the power supply voltage is started, the sticking monitor signal MS is compared with the reference signal pattern RP by the controller 15 (step S5 ). For example, the controller 15 determines whether or not the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is equal to the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the power supply voltage starts. If the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is equal to the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the power supply voltage starts (for example, see timing T1 in FIG. 2), the controller 15 determines that signal sticking has not occurred. On the other hand, if the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is different from the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the power supply voltage starts (for example, see timing T1 in FIG. 6), the controller 15 determines that signal sticking has occurred. In step S6 If it is determined that signal sticking has occurred, the process proceeds to step S16 shown in FIG.

[0152] In step S6 If it is determined that signal fixation has not occurred, the controller 15 starts supplying a first gate voltage to the discharge circuit 20 (step S7). For example, the controller 15 starts supplying the first gate voltage to the first gate 21G of the first switch circuit 21 (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0153] After the supply of the first gate voltage is started, the controller 15 compares the sticking monitor signal MS with the reference signal pattern RP (step S8). For example, the controller 15 determines whether or not the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is equal to the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the first gate voltage is started. If the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is equal to the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the first gate voltage is started (for example, see timing T2 in FIG. 2), the controller 15 determines that signal sticking has not occurred. On the other hand, if the voltage indicated by the sticking monitor signal MS is different from the voltage indicated by the reference signal pattern RP after the supply of the first gate voltage is started (for example, see timing T2 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), the controller 15 determines that signal sticking has occurred. In step S9 If it is determined that signal sticking has occurred, the process proceeds to step S16 shown in FIG.

[0154] In step S9 If it is determined that no signal fixation has occurred, the measured current value and the measured voltage value are acquired by the controller 15 (step S10). The measured current value and the measured voltage value are stored in the memory 15M as the current value A1 and the voltage value V1 during forced discharge.

[0155] If no signal fixation has occurred, the temperature rise determination process and overcurrent determination process shown in Fig. 13 are executed (steps S11A and S11B). The temperature rise determination process and overcurrent determination process will be described later.

[0156] If no temperature rise is detected in the temperature rise determination process, and if no overcurrent is detected in the overcurrent determination process, the controller 15 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S12). The predetermined time corresponds to a discharging time, and is counted from the start of the power supply voltage, for example. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the supply of the first gate voltage is stopped by the controller 15 (step S13). This switches the second switch circuit 22 from a connected state to a disconnected state, and the forced discharge of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped. After the supply of the first gate voltage is stopped, the supply of the power supply voltage is stopped by the controller 15 (step S14).

[0157] The internal resistance value R is calculated by the controller 15 based on the current value A0, the voltage value V0, the current value A1, the voltage value V1 acquired in steps S2 and S10, and equation (1) (step S15).

[0158] When it is determined that signal fixation has occurred in one of steps S6 and S9 shown in Fig. 10, the forced discharge is forcibly terminated by the forced termination circuit 25 as shown in Fig. 11 (step S16). Specifically, when it is determined that signal fixation has occurred, the second control signal CS2 input to the second switch circuit 22 is cut off by the forced termination circuit 25. As a result, the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit 20 is forcibly terminated. Also, when it is determined that signal fixation has occurred, the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage is stopped (steps S17 and S18). After the forced discharge is terminated, the fixation determination result DR1 indicating that signal fixation has occurred is notified to the user via the notification device 26 (step S19).

[0159] The sticking determination result DR1 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the external device 30 (at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41) via the communication circuit 17 (step S20). For example, the sticking determination result DR1 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the server 31 via the communication circuit 17, and then transmitted from the server 31 to the user terminal 41. The sticking determination result DR1 is displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 41 (step S21). Thus, the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2 can recognize the sticking determination result DR1. The process returns to step S1 shown in FIG. 10.

[0160] In the temperature rise determination process shown in Fig. 12, the controller 15 calculates an integrated current value by integrating the measured current value acquired during charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 for a predetermined time (step S22). The controller 15 calculates an estimated temperature rise ΔT of the rechargeable battery 11 based on the integrated current value and the first relationship information (step S23). The controller 15 may also calculate an estimated temperature rise ΔT of the battery control and monitoring device 13 based on the integrated current value and the second relationship information (step S23). The controller 15 determines whether the estimated temperature rise ΔT exceeds a temperature threshold ΔTT (step S24). If the estimated temperature rise ΔT does not exceed the temperature threshold ΔTT, the process proceeds to step S11B shown in Fig. 10. on the other hand, If the estimated temperature rise ΔT exceeds the temperature threshold ΔTT in step S24, the forced discharge is forcibly terminated by the forced termination circuit 25 (step S25), and the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage is stopped (steps S26 and S27), similar to steps S16 to S18 in Fig. 11. After the forced discharge is terminated, the controller 15 outputs a temperature rise determination result DR2 indicating that the temperature of at least one of the rechargeable battery 11 and the battery control and monitoring device 13 has risen significantly. The temperature rise determination result DR2 is notified to the user via the notification device 26 (step S28).

[0161] The temperature rise determination result DR2 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the external device 30 (at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41) via the communication circuit 17 (step S29, see FIG. 3). For example, the temperature rise determination result DR2 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the server 31 via the communication circuit 17, and then transmitted from the server 31 to the user terminal 41 (see FIG. 3). The temperature rise determination result DR2 is displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 41 (step S30). Thus, the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2 can recognize the temperature rise determination result DR2. The process returns to step S1 shown in FIG. 10.

[0162] In the overcurrent determination process shown in FIG. 13, the controller 15 determines whether the current value A1 exceeds the current threshold value AT (step S31). If the current value A1 does not exceed the current threshold value AT, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if the current value A1 exceeds the current threshold value AT, the controller 15 determines whether the determination time has elapsed (step S32). If the determination time has not elapsed, step S31 is repeated. If the determination time has elapsed, the current value A1 has exceeded the current threshold value AT for a certain period of time, so it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing. In this case, the forced termination circuit 25 forcibly terminates the forced discharge (step S33). In addition, the supply of the first gate voltage and the power supply voltage is stopped (steps S34 and S35), and the forced discharge is terminated. After the forced discharge is terminated, the overcurrent determination result DR3 indicating that an overcurrent is flowing is notified to the user via the notification device 26 (step S36).

[0163] The overcurrent determination result DR3 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the external device 30 (at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41) via the communication circuit 17 (step S37, see FIG. 3). For example, the overcurrent determination result DR3 is transmitted by the controller 15 to the server 31 via the communication circuit 17, and then transmitted from the server 31 to the user terminal 41 (see FIG. 3). The overcurrent determination result DR3 is displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 41 (step S38). Thus, the user of the battery control and monitoring system 2 can recognize the overcurrent determination result DR3. The process returns to step S1 shown in FIG. 10.

[0164] As described above, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the discharge circuit 20, the controller 15, and the sticking monitoring circuit 24. The discharge circuit 20 is configured to execute forced discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 while charging or discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped. The controller 15 is electrically connected to the discharge circuit 20, and configured to control the forced discharging executed by the discharge circuit 20 using a control signal CS. The sticking monitoring circuit 24 is electrically connected to the controller 15, and configured to monitor signal sticking.

[0165] In the battery control and monitoring system 2, since the signal fixation can be monitored using the fixation monitoring circuit 24, it is possible to detect a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit 20.

[0166] The battery control and monitoring method includes controlling the discharge circuit 20 by the controller 15 using a control signal CS to perform forced discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 while charging or discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped, and monitoring signal fixation by the fixation monitoring circuit 24.

[0167] In the battery control and monitoring method, since the signal fixation can be monitored using the fixation monitoring circuit 24, it is possible to detect a malfunction of at least one of the discharge circuit 20 and the controller 15. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the calculation process using the forced discharge executed by the discharge circuit 20.

[0168] In the above-described embodiment, the discharge circuit 20 includes the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22, but the configuration of the discharge circuit 20 is not limited to the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22. In FIG. 3, the second switch circuit 22 includes only an N-channel MOSFET, but for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the second switch circuit 22 may include an intelligent power device (IPD). In the modification shown in FIG. 14, the IPD includes a semiconductor switch such as an N-channel MOSFET and other circuits (for example, a protection circuit). When the second switch circuit 22 includes an IPD, the above-described overcurrent detection process may be executed by the IPD.

[0169] Also, at least one of the first switch circuit 21 and the second switch circuit 22 may include a bipolar transistor. For example, in the battery control and monitoring system 2 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 15, the first switch circuit 21 includes a first bipolar transistor. The first bipolar transistor includes a first base 21B, a first collector 21C, and a first emitter 21E. The controller 15 is electrically connected to the first base 21B so as to supply a first control signal CS1 to the first base 21B. The controller 15 is electrically connected to one of the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E so as to supply a power supply signal PS to one of the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E. The other of the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22. The first bipolar transistor is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which electrical conductivity is established between the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E, and a first cut-off state in which electrical conductivity is established between the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E, based on a first control signal CS1 supplied to the first base 21B.

[0170] In the modification shown in FIG. 15, the first bipolar transistor is an NPN bipolar transistor. Thus, the controller 15 is electrically connected to the first collector 21C to supply a power supply signal PS to the first collector 21C. The first emitter 21E is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22. However, the first bipolar transistor may be a PNP bipolar transistor. In that case, the controller 15 is electrically connected to the first emitter 21E to supply a power supply signal PS to the first emitter 21E. The first collector 21C is electrically connected to the second switch circuit 22.

[0171] 15, the second switch circuit 22 includes a second bipolar transistor. The second bipolar transistor includes a second base 22B, a second collector 22C, and a second emitter 22E. The second base 22B is connected to one of the first collector 21C and the first emitter 21E so as to receive a second control signal CS2 from the first switch circuit 21. One of the second collector 22C and the second emitter 22E is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11.

[0172] 15, the second bipolar transistor is an NPN bipolar transistor. Therefore, the second collector 22C is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11. However, the second bipolar transistor may be a PNP bipolar transistor. In that case, the second emitter 22E is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11.

[0173] The first switch circuit 21 may include a field effect transistor, a bipolar transistor, and other power devices. The second switch circuit 22 may include a field effect transistor, a bipolar transistor, and other power devices. At least a part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the embodiments shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 may be combined.

[0174] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the modified examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the discharge circuit 20 includes the first switch circuit 21, but the first switch circuit 21 can also be considered as part of the fixation monitoring circuit 24.

[0175] In the flow chart shown in Fig. 10, in step S1, the controller 15 judges whether or not the charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped. However, the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit 20 may be performed regardless of whether the charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery 11 is stopped. In that case, for example, as shown in Fig. 16, step S1 is omitted from the battery control / monitoring method. When step S1 is omitted, the current sensor 18 may include a first current sensor that measures a discharge current value during the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit 20, and a second current sensor that measures a current value (a charging current value and a discharging current value) during other than the forced discharge. By providing a first current sensor dedicated to the discharge circuit 20, it is possible to more reliably judge a temperature rise and an overcurrent caused by the forced discharge.

[0176] In the above-described embodiment, the controller 15 mounted on the main device 10 executes steps S1 to S18 shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. However, at least one of the controller 32 of the server 31 and the controller 42 of the user terminal 41 may be configured to execute at least a part of steps S1 to S21.

[0177] 9 may be executed by the external device 30 (either the server 31 or the user terminal 41). In this case, the current value A0, the voltage value V0, the current value A1, and the voltage value V1 are transmitted to the external device 30 (either the server 31 or the user terminal 41) via the communication circuit 17, and the internal resistance value R is calculated by the external device 30.

[0178] Furthermore, the current value A0, the voltage value V0, the current value A1, and the voltage value V1 may be used for purposes other than the calculation of the internal resistance value R.

[0179] In addition, in the battery control and monitoring system 2, battery control and monitoring device 13, battery control and monitoring method, and battery control and monitoring program according to the above-mentioned embodiments, as well as their variations, the battery control and monitoring device 13 is equipped with a discharge circuit 20 and a fixation monitoring circuit 24, but at least one of the discharge circuit 20 and the fixation monitoring circuit 24 may be provided within the main body device 10 and outside the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0180] The battery control monitoring system 2, the battery control monitoring device 13, the battery control monitoring method, and the battery control monitoring program according to the above-described embodiments, as well as their modified examples, can be applied to, for example, vehicles owned by individuals, vehicles used as rental cars, and vehicles used for car sharing. When the battery control monitoring system 2 and the battery control monitoring device 13 are applied to vehicles owned by individuals, for example, the user terminal 41 is used by the owner or driver of the vehicle to monitor signal fixation in the battery control monitoring device 13 mounted on the vehicle. When the battery control monitoring system 2 and the battery control monitoring device 13 are applied to vehicles used as rental cars, for example, the user terminal 41 is used by a rental car company and its staff to monitor signal fixation in the battery control monitoring device 13 mounted on the rented vehicle. Also, when the battery control monitoring system 2 and the battery control monitoring device 13 are applied to vehicles used for car sharing, for example, the user terminal 41 is used by a car sharing company and its staff to monitor signal fixation in the battery control monitoring device 13 mounted on the shared vehicle.

[0181] In addition, the battery control monitoring system 2, the battery control monitoring device 13, the battery control monitoring method, and the battery control monitoring program according to the above-mentioned embodiments, as well as modified examples thereof, can be applied to devices other than vehicles. The battery control monitoring system 2, the battery control monitoring device 13, the battery control monitoring method, and the battery control monitoring program according to the above-mentioned embodiments, as well as modified examples thereof, can also be used in devices that monitor rechargeable batteries that store electricity generated by a solar power generation system or the like.

[0182] The above-described battery control and monitoring system 2 is merely an example of a battery control and monitoring system, and the configuration of the battery control and monitoring system is not limited to the configuration of the battery control and monitoring system 2. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the battery control and monitoring device 13. and Although the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes an external device 30, the external device 30 (at least one of the server 31 and the user terminal 41) may be omitted from the battery control and monitoring system 2, or the battery control and monitoring system 2 may include other components. The same applies to modified examples of the battery control and monitoring system 2.

[0183] In addition, the battery control and monitoring system 2 includes the power supply circuit 16, the communication circuit 17, the current sensor 18, and the voltage sensor 19, but at least one of the power supply circuit 16, the communication circuit 17, the current sensor 18, and the voltage sensor 19 may be omitted from the battery control and monitoring system 2 or the battery control and monitoring device 13, or the battery control and monitoring system 2 or the battery control and monitoring device 13 may include other configurations. When at least one of the power supply circuit 16, the communication circuit 17, the current sensor 18, and the voltage sensor 19 is omitted from the battery control and monitoring system 2, the battery control and monitoring system 2 may be configured to acquire necessary information (e.g., current value, temperature) from outside the battery control and monitoring system 2. In addition, at least one of the power supply circuit 16, the communication circuit 17, the current sensor 18, and the voltage sensor 19 may be mounted in a portion other than the battery control and monitoring device 13 in the main body device 10. The same applies to the modified example of the battery control and monitoring system 2, the battery control and monitoring device 13, and the modified example of the battery control and monitoring device 13.

[0184] In this application, the term "comprise" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not described. This also applies to the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

[0185] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order, etc.). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0186] Words expressing degrees such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" can refer to reasonable deviations that do not significantly change the end result. All numerical values ​​described in this application can be interpreted to include words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0187] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not to be interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

[0188] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 2: Battery control and monitoring system 10: Main unit 11: Rechargeable battery 12: Load 13: Battery control and monitoring device 14: Charging circuit 16:Power circuit 17: Communication circuits 18: Current sensor 19: Voltage sensor 20:Discharge circuit 21: First switch circuit 21A: First field effect transistor 21D: First drain 21G: First Gate 21S: First Source 22: Second switch circuit 22A: Second field effect transistor 22D: Second drain 22G: 2nd Gate 22S: Second Source 23: Connection part 24: Sticking monitoring circuit 24A :Stick detection resistor 25: Forced termination circuit 26: Notification device 30: External device 31: Server CS: Control signal CS1: First control signal CS2: Second control signal DR: Adhesion judgment result MS: Sticking monitor signal PS: Power signal R: Internal resistance value RP: Reference signal pattern

Claims

1. a discharge circuit configured to perform a forced discharge of the rechargeable battery; a controller electrically connected to the discharge circuit and configured to control the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit using a control signal; a sticking monitor circuit electrically connected to the controller and configured to monitor a signal sticking; A battery control and monitoring system comprising:

2. the sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to the controller so as to input a sticking monitoring signal indicating a state of the discharge circuit to the controller; the controller is configured to determine the signal sticking based on the sticking monitor signal. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

3. the controller is configured to determine the signal sticking by comparing the sticking monitor signal to a reference signal pattern. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 2 .

4. The control signal includes a first control signal; the controller is configured to output the first control signal to the discharge circuit; The discharge circuit is configured to perform the forced discharge based on the first control signal; the reference signal pattern includes a pattern of the sticking monitor signal when the first control signal is not stuck; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 3.

5. the control signal includes a power signal different from the first control signal; the controller is configured to output the power supply signal to the discharge circuit; the discharge circuit is configured to perform the forced discharge based on the first control signal and the power supply signal; the reference signal pattern includes a pattern of the sticking monitor signal when the power supply signal is not stuck; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 4.

6. the discharge circuit includes a first switch circuit electrically connected to the controller and a second switch circuit electrically connected to the first switch circuit; the second switch circuit has a connection state in which the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery and the negative electrode of the rechargeable battery are electrically connected, and a disconnection state in which the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery and the negative electrode of the rechargeable battery are electrically disconnected, the first switch circuit is configured to output a second control signal based on the first control signal and the power supply signal; the second switch circuit is configured to switch between the connected state and the cut-off state based on the second control signal. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 5.

7. the sticking monitoring circuit is electrically connected to a connection portion between the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit so as to input the second control signal to the controller as the sticking monitoring signal; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 6.

8. the first switch circuit includes a first field effect transistor; the first field effect transistor includes a first gate, a first source, and a first drain; the controller is electrically connected to the first gate to provide the first control signal to the first gate; the controller is electrically connected to one of the first source and the first drain to provide the power signal to the one of the first source and the first drain; the other of the first source and the first drain is electrically connected to the second switch circuit; the first field effect transistor is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which electrical continuity can be established between the first source and the first drain and a first cut-off state in which electrical continuity is established between the first source and the first drain, based on the first control signal supplied to the first gate.

8. A battery control and monitoring system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the second switch circuit includes a second field effect transistor; the second field effect transistor includes a second gate, a second source, and a second drain; the second gate is connected to one of the first source and the first drain to receive the second control signal from the first switch circuit; one of the second source and the second drain is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 8.

10. the first switch circuit includes a first bipolar transistor; the first bipolar transistor includes a first base, a first collector, and a first emitter; the controller is electrically connected to the first base to provide the first control signal to the first base; the controller is electrically connected to one of the first collector and the first emitter to provide the power signal to the one of the first collector and the first emitter; the other of the first collector and the first emitter is electrically connected to the second switch circuit; the first bipolar transistor is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which electrical continuity can be established between the first collector and the first emitter and a first cut-off state in which electrical continuity is established between the first collector and the first emitter, based on the first control signal supplied to the first base.

8. A battery control and monitoring system according to claim 6 or 7.

11. the second switch circuit includes a second bipolar transistor; the second bipolar transistor includes a second base, a second collector, and a second emitter; the second base is connected to one of the first collector and the first emitter to receive the second control signal from the first switch circuit; one of the second collector and the second emitter is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 10.

12. the discharge circuit includes a protective resistor connecting a line of the first control signal and a line of the power supply signal. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 5.

13. the sticking monitoring circuit includes a sticking detection resistor electrically connected to the discharge circuit and to the controller; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

14. The controller is configured to determine an overcurrent when a current value of the rechargeable battery exceeds a current threshold during the forced discharge. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

15. the controller is configured to calculate an estimated rising temperature of the rechargeable battery based on a current value of the rechargeable battery; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

16. Further, a forced termination circuit is configured to forcibly terminate the forced discharge being performed by the discharge circuit when the signal fixation occurs. The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

17. A main unit; an external device configured to communicate with the main device; the main body device includes the controller, the sticking monitoring circuit, and a communication circuit configured to communicate with the external device; the controller is configured to transmit, when the signal sticking occurs, a sticking determination result indicating the occurrence of the signal sticking to the external device via the communication circuit; The battery control and monitoring system of claim 1 .

18. a discharge circuit configured to perform a forced discharge of the rechargeable battery; a controller electrically connected to the discharge circuit and configured to control the forced discharge performed by the discharge circuit using a control signal; a sticking monitor circuit electrically connected to the controller and configured to monitor a signal sticking; A battery control and monitoring device comprising:

19. controlling, by a controller, a discharge circuit using a control signal to perform a forced discharge of the rechargeable battery; monitoring the signal sticking with a sticking monitor circuit; A battery control and monitoring method comprising:

20. 20. A method for controlling and monitoring a battery comprising the steps of: causing a computer to execute the battery control and monitoring method according to claim 19; Battery control and monitoring program.

21. storing the battery control and monitoring program according to claim 20; A computer-readable storage medium.

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