Battery unit

Abstract

A battery unit (10) comprises a battery module (11), a monitoring unit (31, 32, 81) that acquires detection results from a detection unit (41–43) that detects the state of the battery module as primary monitoring information, and a control unit (33, 82) that receives the primary monitoring information from the monitoring unit as input and calculates secondary monitoring information by means of computational processing based on the primary monitoring information. The monitoring unit has a storage unit (32a, 81a) that stores history information that is a history of at least one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information, and the control unit can be detached from an assembly (SA, SB) that includes the battery module and the monitoring unit.

Description

Battery unit CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2023-142979, filed on September 4, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosure herein relates to a battery unit.

[0003] From the perspective of a circular economy for batteries, it is desirable to reuse batteries after their primary use in vehicles, etc., rather than immediately disposing of them. Various prior art technologies related to battery reuse have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Generally, batteries installed in vehicles, etc., are configured as battery units that integrate a battery module and a battery monitoring device. The battery monitoring device continuously monitors the status of the battery module, such as voltage, current, and temperature. Based on this information on voltage, current, temperature, etc., the SOC and SOH of the battery module are calculated, and charging and discharging of the battery module are controlled. The battery unit is also called a battery pack, and the battery monitoring device is also called a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0004] Patent No. 5500252

[0005] To reduce the cost of batteries for reuse, it is desirable to reuse not only the battery module but also the battery monitoring device. In this case, by using the battery information acquired during primary use when reusing the battery, it is possible to reuse the battery while taking into account the usage status of the battery module during primary use. However, when reusing the battery unit as is, including the battery monitoring device, there is a concern that information that should be prevented from leaking to the outside will be used together with the battery module during reuse, which could result in the leakage of information such as manufacturer know-how.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a battery unit that enables battery modules to be reused appropriately.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a battery unit comprising: a battery module; a monitoring unit that acquires the detection results of a detection unit that detects the state of the battery module as primary monitoring information; and a control unit that inputs the primary monitoring information from the monitoring unit and calculates secondary monitoring information by arithmetic processing based on the primary monitoring information, wherein the monitoring unit has a memory unit that stores history information that is a history of at least one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information, and the control unit is detachable from an assembly including the battery module and the monitoring unit.

[0008] In the battery unit having the above configuration, the monitoring unit acquires the state of the battery module detected by the detection unit as primary monitoring information. The control unit calculates secondary monitoring information by performing arithmetic processing based on the primary monitoring information input from the monitoring unit. If the battery module is composed of multiple battery cells, the detection unit may detect the state of each battery cell and acquire the state as primary monitoring information. Secondary monitoring information may be calculated for each battery cell.

[0009] Here, the control unit's calculation process calculates secondary monitoring information using correlation data, conversion map data, etc., which indicate the correlation between the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information. In this case, the correlation data, map data, etc. are considered to be know-how information unique to the battery manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer. In other words, the correlation data, map data, etc., used to obtain the secondary monitoring information can be considered confidential information that manufacturers want to prevent from being leaked to third parties. On the other hand, historical information, which is a history of the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information obtained during primary use, can be used as information on the battery module's usage history when the battery module is reused. For example, it is likely that the battery module has deteriorated or been damaged to some extent during primary use. Therefore, by using the historical information from primary use when reusing the battery module, it is possible to reuse the battery module while taking into account the damage sustained during primary use.

[0010] In consideration of these issues, the monitoring unit includes a memory unit that stores at least one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information, and the control unit is detachable from the assembly including the battery module and the monitoring unit in the battery unit. In this case, when the battery module is reused after its primary use, the confidential information contained in the control unit is detached from the battery module, and history information that can be referenced when the battery is reused is attached to the battery module. In other words, when the battery module is reused, the detachment of the control unit prevents the leakage of manufacturer know-how, and enables the battery module to be reused while corresponding to the history information acquired during primary use. As a result, the battery module can be reused appropriately.

[0011] The monitoring unit may acquire at least one of voltage information, current information, and temperature information of the battery module as primary monitoring information, and the control unit may calculate at least one of electrical capacity information, degradation information, and over-temperature information of the battery module based on the voltage information, current information, and temperature information of the battery module as secondary monitoring information.

[0012] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a power supply system, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery unit, Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery unit, Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by a first monitoring unit, a control unit, and a second monitoring unit, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the first monitoring unit and the control unit have been detached from an assembly including a battery module and a second monitoring unit, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery control device is connected to the second monitoring unit when a battery is reused, Fig. 7 is an electrical configuration diagram showing the electrical configuration of a battery unit in a second embodiment, Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the monitoring unit and the control unit in the second embodiment, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit in another example, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply unit in a battery unit in another example.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying a battery unit according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The battery unit is mounted on an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and an on-board power supply system is constructed including the battery unit. This power supply system has a high-voltage battery with a voltage of several hundred volts between both the positive and negative terminals. Note that the battery unit is applicable to a wide range of devices that use a battery unit as a power source, in addition to electrically powered vehicles, such as drones and other flying objects, ships, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery.

[0014] First Embodiment First, an overview of a power supply system for a vehicle will be described using FIG. 1 . In FIG. 1 , the power supply system includes a plurality of battery units 10 and a battery ECU 20 that manages each of the battery units 10. Each battery unit 10 includes a battery module 11 and a battery monitoring device 12 that monitors the battery module 11. The battery module 11 is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells 13 in series. Each battery cell 13 is configured, for example, by a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery. Note that a lithium-ion secondary battery is a secondary battery that uses lithium as a charge carrier, and may include not only a typical lithium-ion secondary battery that uses a liquid electrolyte, but also an all-solid-state battery that uses a solid electrolyte.

[0015] The battery modules 11 of each battery unit 10 are connected in series to form a battery pack B. The battery pack B is a high-voltage battery that generates a terminal voltage of several hundred volts. In a vehicle, power is supplied from the battery pack B to a rotating electric machine that serves as a driving source for the vehicle. Note that the battery pack B may be one in which the battery modules 11 are connected in parallel, or one in which the battery modules 11 are connected in series and parallel.

[0016] The battery monitoring device 12 of each battery unit 10 is a slave device of the battery ECU 20, and the battery ECU 20 and the multiple battery monitoring devices 12 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication means. The battery ECU 20 is configured with a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The battery ECU 20 executes various processes related to battery control based on programs stored in the ROM. The battery ECU 20 executes control related to charging or discharging of the battery pack B, for example. The battery monitoring device 12 acquires information related to the battery module 11 in response to commands from the battery ECU 20 and transmits the information to the battery ECU 20. The battery monitoring device 12 may acquire information related to the battery module 11 at a predetermined interval. The battery monitoring device 12 is also referred to as a satellite monitoring device.

[0017] 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a plurality of battery units 10 mounted on a vehicle. The battery unit 10 includes a battery module 11 having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a battery monitoring device 12 integrally provided with the battery module 11. The battery module 11 is configured by housing a plurality of battery cells 13 in a rectangular parallelepiped housing 14. The battery monitoring device 12 is provided, for example, at one end of the battery module 11 in the longitudinal direction. The battery monitoring device 12 may be housed within the housing 14 or may be disposed outside the housing 14.

[0018] A vehicle is equipped with a plurality of battery units 10, arranged, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery units 10. In the battery unit 10, the battery monitoring device 12 can be detached from the battery modules 11, assuming that the battery modules 11 will be reused after their primary use. When detached from the battery modules 11, the battery monitoring device 12 includes a portion that remains on the battery module 11 and a portion that is detached from the battery module 11, and details of this will be described later.

[0019] 3 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the battery unit 10. In the battery unit 10, the battery monitoring device 12 has a first monitoring unit 31, a second monitoring unit 32, and a control unit 33. The first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are connected by a signal line 34, and the second monitoring unit 32 and the control unit 33 are connected by a signal line 35.

[0020] The first monitoring unit 31 and the second monitoring unit 32 are both monitoring ICs equipped with a monitoring function for monitoring the state of the battery module 11. That is, in the battery unit 10 of this embodiment, the monitoring units 31 and 32 are provided redundantly. These monitoring units 31 and 32 are connected in parallel to the control unit 33. The monitoring units 31 and 32 each have a storage unit 31a or 32a that stores information that is the result of monitoring the battery module 11. The storage units 31a or 32a are memories that allow data to be written and saved.

[0021] The first monitoring unit 31 acquires the detection results of various sensors provided in the battery module 11 as primary monitoring information. The primary monitoring information includes, for example, voltage information, current information, temperature information, etc. of each battery cell 13 that constitutes the battery module 11. The battery unit 10 is provided with detection units for detecting the primary monitoring information, including a voltage sensor 41 that detects the terminal voltage of each battery cell 13, a current sensor 42 that detects the current flowing through each battery cell 13, and a temperature sensor 43 that detects the temperature of each battery cell 13. The detection signals of each sensor 41 to 43 are input to the first monitoring unit 31 and the second monitoring unit 32, respectively.

[0022] In FIG. 3 , a voltage sensor 41 is provided in each of the first monitoring unit 31 and the second monitoring unit 32. The voltage sensor 41 provided in the first monitoring unit 31 is referred to as voltage sensor 41A, and the voltage sensor 41 provided in the second monitoring unit 32 is referred to as voltage sensor 41B. Specifically, an electrical path 45 is connected to both ends of each battery cell 13 in the battery module 11. Each electrical path 45 branches into two paths, one of which is connected to the voltage sensor 41A of the first monitoring unit 31 and the other to the voltage sensor 41B of the second monitoring unit 32. However, the above configuration is merely an example and can be modified. For example, the voltage sensor 41 can also be provided on the battery module 11 side. The electrical path 45 may be provided with a wiring connector 46 that enables the branched portions of the paths (wiring) connected to the voltage sensors 41A and 41B to be disconnected.

[0023] The current sensor 42 may be provided in the cell series path of the battery module 11. One temperature sensor 43 may be provided for each battery module 11, or multiple temperature sensors 43 may be provided for each battery module 11. The current sensor 42 and the temperature sensor 43 are provided as part of the battery module 11. In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 41 to 43, the battery unit 10 may also be provided with sensors that detect distortion of each battery cell 13, gas generation, and pressure changes.

[0024] The first monitoring unit 31 acquires the detection results of the voltage sensor 41, current sensor 42, and temperature sensor 43 and stores them in the storage unit 31a as chronological history information. At this time, the first monitoring unit 31 stores the detection results of each sensor 41 to 43, which constitute primary monitoring information, in the storage unit 31a in chronological order. The first monitoring unit 31 also performs self-diagnosis based on whether the detection values ​​of each sensor 41 to 43 are within a predetermined range. If the first monitoring unit 31 determines that a value is not within the predetermined range, it stores information indicating this in the storage unit 31a. The sensor detection results may be stored separately as those that are within the predetermined range and those that are outside the predetermined range. The first monitoring unit 31 also outputs the primary monitoring information to the control unit 33.

[0025] The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The control unit 33 has a communication function that enables communication with the battery ECU 20. The control unit 33 executes various processes related to battery monitoring based on programs, correlation data, conversion maps, etc. stored in the ROM. In the backup area of ​​the RAM of the control unit 33, the chassis number, registration number, etc. are stored as identification information of the vehicle in which the battery unit 10 is installed. The chassis number, registration number, etc. are information associated with the name of the vehicle owner and correspond to "owner information." Owner information can also be referred to as vehicle user information or personal information.

[0026] The control unit 33 calculates the SOC (State of Charge), SOH (State of Health), and impedance of each battery cell 13 as secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information input from the first monitoring unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 33 calculates the SOC of each battery cell 13 based on the open circuit voltage (OCV) and current flowing through each battery cell 13 using predetermined correlation data, conversion maps, etc. The control unit 33 also calculates the SOH of each battery cell 13 based on the change in full charge capacity of the battery cell 13 from the initial state or the change in impedance of the battery cell 13 from the initial state using the predetermined correlation data, conversion maps, etc. The control unit 33 also calculates the impedance of each battery cell 13 based on the current and voltage changes of each battery cell 13 according to a predetermined processing procedure.

[0027] The control unit 33 also determines whether the battery cell 13 is in an overcharged state or an overdischarged state based on the terminal voltage or SOC of each battery cell 13. At this time, the control unit 33 compares the terminal voltage or SOC of each battery cell 13 with a predetermined overcharge determination value or overdischarge determination value, and determines whether the battery cell 13 is overcharged or overdischarged based on the comparison result.

[0028] In addition, the control unit 33 performs a process of determining the current value that can be charged to the battery module 11 and a process of determining the current value that can be discharged from the battery module 11 based on the temperature of the battery module 11 and at least one of the SOC and SOH of each battery cell 13.

[0029] The control unit 33 performs calculations to calculate the SOC, SOH, and impedance of each battery cell 13, and data such as conversion maps are know-how information of the manufacturers of power supply systems and vehicles, and are also confidential information unique to the manufacturers. This confidential information is stored in the ROM area of ​​the control unit 33. During primary use of the battery unit 10, the first monitoring unit 31 acquires the detection results (voltage, current, temperature) detected by the sensors 41 to 43 as primary monitoring information. The control unit 33 also calculates secondary monitoring information such as the SOC, SOH, and cell impedance through calculations based on the primary monitoring information input from the first monitoring unit 31.

[0030] The second monitoring unit 32 has the same functions as the first monitoring unit 31, and receives the detection results of the voltage sensor 41, the current sensor 42, and the temperature sensor 43 and stores them in the memory unit 32 a. The second monitoring unit 32 is a monitoring unit provided redundantly with respect to the first monitoring unit 31.

[0031] The second monitoring unit 32 includes a communication unit 32b that enables communication with the control unit 33. The communication unit 32b receives information from the control unit 33, i.e., historical information on primary monitoring information and historical information on secondary monitoring information during primary use. The second monitoring unit 32 may also include a communication unit 32c separate from the communication unit 32b. The communication unit 32c is a communication device that enables communication with a communication partner other than the control unit 33 and may be either wired or wireless. The communication unit 32c may have a communication method different from that of the communication unit 32b. For example, the communication unit 32b may be configured to communicate using a communication method used within the battery unit 10 during primary use (a communication method that enables communication with the control unit 33), while the communication unit 32c may be configured to communicate using a communication method used for communication with an external device, such as a control device, different from the control unit 33 after primary use. The second monitoring unit 32 may include three or more communication units, or may include multiple communication units with different communication methods.

[0032] The battery unit 10 of this embodiment allows the battery module 11 to be reused (secondary reuse) after the primary use is completed, and the configuration for suitably realizing battery reuse will be described in detail below.

[0033] 3 , the battery unit 10 includes a power supply unit 51 for supplying power to the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33, and a power supply unit 52 for supplying power to the second monitoring unit 32. That is, the first monitoring unit 31, the control unit 33, and the second monitoring unit 32 are configured to receive power from different power supplies 51, 52. The power supply unit 51 is connected to a low-voltage battery (e.g., a 12V battery) (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, and generates a power supply voltage for operating the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 using power supplied from the low-voltage battery. The power supply unit 52 is connected to the battery module 11, and generates a power supply voltage for operating the second monitoring unit 32 using power supplied from the battery module 11.

[0034] In the battery unit 10, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are mounted on a board 61, and the second monitoring unit 32 is mounted on a separate board 62 different from the board 61. The signal line 35 is connected to the second monitoring unit 32 and the control unit 33 via connectors 63, 64. Alternatively, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 may be mounted on different boards, and the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 may be connected to each other by the signal line 34 via a connector. In the battery unit 10, the first monitoring unit 31 and the second monitoring unit 32 may be connected to each other by a signal line.

[0035] 3 , the first monitoring unit 31 and control unit 33 and the second monitoring unit 32 are mounted on different circuit boards 61 and 62, and the monitoring units 31 and 32 can be detached from each other using connectors 63 and 64. Therefore, by disconnecting the signal line 35 using the connectors 63 and 64, the first monitoring unit 31 and control unit 33 can be removed from the assembly SA, which includes the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32. As described above, each battery cell 13 of the battery module 11 is connected to each monitoring unit 31 and 32 by an electrical path 45 that branches in two directions. A wiring connector 46 is provided at the branched portion. Therefore, by disconnecting the wiring connector 46, the first monitoring unit 31 can be detached from the battery module 11 on the assembly SA side. Although not illustrated, it is also preferable that the first monitoring unit 31 can be detached from each sensor 42 and 43 on the assembly SA side by disconnecting the connectors provided on the sensor signal lines for the current sensor 42 and the temperature sensor 43.

[0036] Furthermore, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33, and the second monitoring unit 32 are each provided with a separate power supply unit 51, 52. Therefore, even if the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, the power supply to the second monitoring unit 32 is prevented from being interrupted due to the detachment. In particular, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 52 is configured to generate power using the battery module 11 as a power supply source, so that power can be supplied to the second monitoring unit 32 without using an external power source outside the battery unit. The assembly SA may be configured to include a secondary battery as the power supply unit 52.

[0037] In addition, in order to realize a configuration in which power is continuously supplied to the second monitoring unit 32 even after the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA, it is possible to provide one power supply unit (e.g., power supply unit 52 in Figure 3) in the assembly SA and supply power from that power supply unit to each monitoring unit 31, 32 and the control unit 33, i.e., to the battery monitoring device 12.

[0038] 2 , the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 may be configured to be detachable from, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 14 of the battery module 11. Specifically, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 may be configured to be attached to the housing 14 of the battery module 11 by fastening with fasteners such as screws or by mechanical coupling such as snap fitting, and the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 may be configured to be detachable from the housing 14 of the battery module 11 by releasing the fastening with screws or mechanical coupling.

[0039] 2 , the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 of the battery monitoring device 12 are integrally configured as a detachment unit 37, and the detachment unit 37 is provided with a coupling unit 38 that is detachable from the housing 14 on the battery module 11 side (assembly SA side). A housing that houses the second monitoring unit 32 on the battery module 11 side is provided with a coupled unit 39 to which the coupling unit 38 is coupled. When the detachment unit 37 is detached from the battery module 11 side, the connectors and the like are detached, electrically disconnecting the second monitoring unit 32 from the control unit 33 and electrically disconnecting the battery module 11 from the first monitoring unit 31.

[0040] Next, a process related to information management during the primary use of the battery module 11 and the subsequent reuse of the battery will be described.

[0041] In this embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that confidential information relating to manufacturer know-how is stored in the memory (ROM) of the control unit 33, and an attempt is made to prevent the leakage of manufacturer know-how information when the battery is reused after primary use.

[0042] Furthermore, the primary monitoring information (detection information on voltage, current, and temperature) and secondary monitoring information (information on SOC, SOH, cell impedance, etc.) acquired during the primary use can be used as information for determining the usage pattern of the battery module 11 when the battery module 11 is reused. Therefore, the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information acquired during the primary use are stored as chronological history information in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 so that the information can be used when the battery module 11 is reused. For example, the battery module 11 is likely to have suffered some damage during the primary use of the battery unit 10. When the battery module 11 is reused, the history information from the primary use can be used to reuse the battery module while taking into account the damage suffered during the primary use.

[0043] The following describes the procedure for the battery monitoring process performed by the monitoring units 31, 32 and the control unit 33 in the battery unit 10. Fig. 4(a) is a flowchart showing the battery monitoring process performed by the first monitoring unit 31, Fig. 4(b) is a flowchart showing the battery monitoring process performed by the control unit 33, and Fig. 4(c) is a flowchart showing the battery monitoring process performed by the second monitoring unit 32. Each of these processes is repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval.

[0044] 4A, in step S11, the first monitoring unit 31 acquires, as primary monitoring information, detection signals of voltage, current, temperature, etc. from the sensors 41 to 43. The first monitoring unit 31 may be configured to acquire the detection signals from the sensors 41 to 43 at predetermined time intervals, or may be configured to acquire the detection signals from the sensors 41 to 43 in response to a signal output request from the control unit 33. Thereafter, in step S12, the first monitoring unit 31 transmits the primary monitoring information to the control unit 33.

[0045] 4B , the control unit 33 determines in step S21 whether or not primary monitoring information has been received from the first monitoring unit 31. If a positive determination is made in step S21, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S22. In step S22, the control unit 33 calculates the SOC, SOH, impedance, and the like as secondary monitoring information for each battery cell 13 based on the primary monitoring information (sensor detection signal) transmitted from the first monitoring unit 31. At this time, the control unit 33 may calculate, as the secondary monitoring information, charge / discharge information related to overcharging or overdischarging of each battery cell 13 based on the voltage information of each battery cell 13, and may calculate, as the secondary monitoring information, deterioration information indicating the degree of deterioration of each battery cell 13 based on the voltage information and current information of each battery cell 13. Alternatively, the control unit 33 may determine whether rapid charging of the battery module 11 has been performed and calculate the number of rapid charges based on the voltage information of each battery cell 13, and the information related to rapid charging may be the secondary monitoring information. In addition, in a configuration having a distortion sensor as a detection unit, the control unit 33 may be configured to determine whether or not an impact has occurred to the battery unit 10 based on the distortion detection results, and information regarding the presence or absence of the impact may be secondary monitoring information.

[0046] Then, in step S23, the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information are linked to owner information, and the linked information is stored in the storage unit 33a. The linked information can also be considered as information that associates owner information with the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information. The linked information is information that links owner information such as the vehicle's chassis number and registration number to the primary monitoring information, such as voltage information, current information, and temperature information. The linked information is also information that links owner information such as the vehicle's chassis number and registration number to the secondary monitoring information, such as the SOC, SOH, and cell impedance. Additionally, when charge / discharge information and degradation information of each battery cell 13 are calculated as secondary monitoring information, the linked information is information that links owner information such as the vehicle's chassis number and registration number to the charge / discharge information and degradation information.

[0047] In step S23, the control unit 33 may store the linking information, which links the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information with the owner information, in the storage unit 31a of the first monitoring unit 31, instead of storing it in the storage unit 33a of the control unit 33. The control unit 33 may also transmit the linking information to the battery ECU 20, which serves as an external device. The battery ECU 20 may store the linking information in chronological order.

[0048] In step S24, the control unit 33 transmits unlinked information, which is history information that does not link the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information to owner information, to the second monitoring unit 32. The unlinked information is unlinked information that does not link the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information to owner information. When the unlinked information is transmitted to the second monitoring unit 32, the second monitoring unit 32 stores the unlinked information in the storage unit 32a. At this time, the control unit 33 stores the voltage information, current information, and temperature information, which are the primary monitoring information, and the SOC, SOH, and cell impedance, which are the secondary monitoring information, in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 without linking them to owner information. Additionally, when charge / discharge information and degradation information of each battery cell 13 are calculated as the secondary monitoring information, the control unit 33 stores the charge / discharge information and degradation information in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 without linking them to owner information. The control unit 33 may transmit unlinked information to the second monitoring unit 32 for either the primary monitoring information or the secondary monitoring information.

[0049] The linking information, which links historical information, which is a history of primary and secondary monitoring information, to vehicle owner information, can be used, for example, when inspecting or repairing a vehicle, allowing appropriate work to be performed while matching the primary and secondary monitoring information with the owner (vehicle user).

[0050] 4(c), the second monitoring unit 32 determines in step S31 whether the battery unit 10 is currently in primary use. This determination may be made, for example, by determining whether the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32. In this case, if the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are not detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, it is determined that the battery unit 10 is currently in primary use. If the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached, it is determined that the battery unit 10 is not currently in primary use. For example, it may be determined that the battery unit 10 is not currently in primary use based on whether the control unit 33 is not connected to the second monitoring unit 32 or whether a transmission signal from the control unit 33 has not been input to the second monitoring unit 32 for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, a command signal indicating primary use may be input to the second monitoring unit 32. If primary use is currently in primary use, the process proceeds to step S32. If primary use is not currently in primary use, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0051] In step S32, it is determined whether or not information transmitted from the control unit 33 has been received. If information has been received from the control unit 33, the process proceeds to step S33, where the information received from the control unit 33, i.e., non-linked information that does not link the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information to owner information, is stored in the storage unit 32a.

[0052] In step S34, it is determined whether or not a monitoring condition for monitoring the state of the battery module 11 is currently satisfied. The monitoring condition includes, after the primary use of the battery module 11, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the second monitoring unit 32 last monitored the battery module 11, whether a request to monitor the battery module 11 has been received from an external device, etc. Then, if step S34 is affirmative, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S35.

[0053] In step S35, detection signals of voltage, current, temperature, etc. from the sensors 41 to 43 are acquired as primary monitoring information. In step S36, the primary monitoring information is stored in the storage unit 32a. Note that, after the primary use of the battery module 11, when the battery module 11 is in storage before secondary use, only voltage information may be acquired as primary monitoring information.

[0054] In step S37, it is determined whether a request to transmit primary monitoring information has been received from an external device capable of communicating with the second monitoring unit 32. The external device is an information collection device such as a server that is capable of communicating with the second monitoring unit 32 via wired or wireless communication. In addition, when the battery module 11 is being reused (secondarily reused), the external device is a higher-level control device that is capable of communicating with the second monitoring unit 32. The external device may be provided with a storage unit that stores primary monitoring information when the battery is reused. If step S37 is positive, the process proceeds to step S38.

[0055] In step S38, in response to the transmission request, the primary monitoring information acquired by the second monitoring unit 32 is transmitted to the external device.

[0056] After the primary use of the battery unit 10 is completed, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32. This state is shown in Fig. 5. At this time, since the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are withdrawn, information such as manufacturer know-how stored in the ROM area of ​​the control unit 33 is prevented from being leaked.

[0057] 5, the second monitoring unit 32 determines that the battery unit 10 is not in the primary use state, and executes a monitoring process for the battery module 11. At this time, the second monitoring unit 32 acquires the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 as primary monitoring information, instead of the first monitoring unit 31. The second monitoring unit 32 is configured to be operable without a command from the control unit 33 (configuration that can realize its functions in a stand-alone manner). Therefore, the second monitoring unit 32 can monitor the battery module 11 even after the primary use and before the battery module 11 begins to be reused.

[0058] Since the second monitoring unit 32 monitors the state of the battery module 11 during the period from the primary use of the battery unit 10 until the start of secondary use, it is not necessary to check the charge state of the battery module 11 by performing a charge / discharge test or the like before the start of secondary use, which makes it possible to reduce the cost required to prepare the battery module 11 for secondary use.

[0059] Furthermore, the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32 includes a power supply unit 52 that supplies power to the second monitoring unit 32. Therefore, even after the battery unit 10 is removed from the vehicle and the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA, the power supply to the second monitoring unit 32 is prevented from being interrupted, enabling the second monitoring unit 32 to operate properly. In this case, in particular, the power supply unit 52 generates a power supply voltage using the battery module 11 as a power source, so that power can be supplied to the second monitoring unit 32 without using an external power source outside the unit (e.g., an on-board low-voltage battery). Furthermore, battery monitoring can be performed even on battery modules 11 that are in storage or transportation after primary use.

[0060] After the primary use, while the battery module 11 is in storage, it is preferable that the second monitoring unit 32 be able to transmit primary monitoring information to an external device such as a server. This allows the status of the battery module 11 to be properly managed even when the battery unit 10 is removed from the vehicle after the primary use. The management information (primary monitoring information) of the battery module 11 stored in the external device is preferably readable. In this case, it is preferable that access rights are determined by a predetermined authentication means.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery control device 70 is connected to the second monitoring unit 32 when a battery module is reused. In Fig. 6, the battery control device 70 is connected to the connector 63 of the second monitoring unit 32 via a signal line 71. The battery control device 70 is a higher-level control device in the secondary utilization system that can receive signals from the second monitoring unit 32.

[0062] In the assembly SA after the primary use, history information regarding the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information during the primary use is stored in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32. Therefore, after the primary use of the battery module 11, the mode of battery use is determined during design of the secondary use system based on the history information during the primary use stored in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32. In this case, the safe use of the battery module 11 during secondary use can be achieved while taking into account how it was used during primary use, even though the battery module 11 has suffered some deterioration or damage during primary use. In this case, it is preferable to design the secondary use system after understanding information such as the number of overcharges and overdischarges, the number of quick charges, and whether or not it has been subjected to impacts as secondary monitoring information for the battery module 11 during primary use.

[0063] During secondary use, the history information stored in the storage unit 32 a of the second monitoring unit 32 is unlinked information that is not linked to owner information, which prevents the owner information from being unintentionally leaked during primary use.

[0064] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0065] The battery unit 10 is configured such that the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detachable from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32. In this case, when the battery module 11 is reused after its initial use, the confidential information contained in the control unit 33 is detached from the battery module 11, and history information that can be referenced when the battery is reused is attached to the battery module 11. In other words, when the battery module 11 is reused, the detachment of the control unit 33 prevents the manufacturer's know-how from leaking, and the battery module 11 can be reused while corresponding to the history information acquired during the initial use. As a result, the battery module 11 can be reused appropriately.

[0066] The battery unit 10, having a configuration including the first monitoring unit 31 and the second monitoring unit 32, can provide a redundant battery monitoring function. Furthermore, during primary use of the battery module 11, the first monitoring unit 31 acquires the detection results of the detection unit (each of the sensors 41 to 43) as primary monitoring information, and the control unit 33 calculates secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information from the first monitoring unit 31. Meanwhile, historical information on the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information is stored (saved) in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32. Thus, during reuse of the battery module 11, even if the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, the assembly SA including the battery module 11 can be provided with a monitoring function for the battery module 11 while retaining the historical information from primary use.

[0067] During primary use of the battery module 11, history information, which is a history of the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information, is linked to vehicle owner information and is stored in the storage unit 33a of the control unit 33 or transmitted to the battery ECU 20. This makes it possible, for example, when inspecting or repairing the vehicle, to perform appropriate work while matching the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information with the owner (vehicle user).

[0068] Similarly, during the primary use of the battery module 11, the history information of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information is stored in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 without being linked to owner information. The storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 is a storage unit that remains in the assembly SA after being detached from the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33. This makes it possible to appropriately reuse the battery module 11 after the primary use by taking into consideration how the battery module 11 was used during the primary use while preventing unintentional leakage of owner information from the primary use.

[0069] When the primary use of the battery module 11 is completed and the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, the second monitoring unit 32 acquires the detection result of the detection unit as primary monitoring information in place of the first monitoring unit 31. This allows the second monitoring unit 32 to continuously monitor the battery module 11 even after the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached.

[0070] The assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32 is configured to have a power supply unit 52 that supplies power to the second monitoring unit 32. This prevents the power supply to the second monitoring unit 32 from being interrupted when the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA. Therefore, after the primary use of the battery module 11 is completed, the second monitoring unit 32 can operate properly even when it is detached from the first monitoring unit 31, the control unit 33, etc.

[0071] The power supply unit 52 provided in the assembly SA is configured to generate a power supply voltage using the battery module 11 as a power source, so the battery monitoring function can be operated independently without using an external power source outside the unit. With this configuration, even after the battery module 11 is removed from the vehicle or the like for battery reuse, battery monitoring can be performed on the battery module 11 while it is in storage or transportation.

[0072] The first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33, and the second monitoring unit 32 are mounted on different circuit boards 61, 62, and are connected to each other by a signal line 35. Furthermore, the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 can be detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32 by disconnecting the connectors 63, 64 provided on the signal line 35. This makes it possible to preferably realize a battery unit 10 in which the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 can be detached from the assembly SA.

[0073] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] 7 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the battery unit 10 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the battery monitoring device 12 has a monitoring unit 81 and a control unit 82. The monitoring unit 81 has a function of monitoring the battery module 11, similar to the monitoring units 31 and 32 described in the first embodiment. The monitoring unit 81 may also have multiple communication units with different communication methods, similar to the second monitoring unit 32 in the first embodiment. The control unit 82 has a function of executing various processes related to battery monitoring, similar to the control unit 33 described in the first embodiment.

[0075] The monitoring unit 81 and control unit 82 are connected by a signal line 83. The monitoring unit 81 and control unit 82 each have a memory unit 81a, 82a that allows data to be written and saved. The monitoring unit 81 acquires the detection results of the sensors 41 to 43 as primary monitoring information, and the control unit 82 calculates secondary monitoring information by performing arithmetic processing based on the primary monitoring information. The memory unit 81a of the monitoring unit 81 stores history information that is a history of at least either the primary monitoring information or the secondary monitoring information.

[0076] Similar to the first embodiment, the battery unit 10 of this embodiment allows the battery modules 11 to be reused (secondary reuse) after primary use is completed. In the battery unit 10 of Fig. 7, the control unit 82 is detachable from the assembly SB including the battery modules 11 and the monitoring unit 81.

[0077] The following describes the procedure for the battery monitoring process performed by the monitoring unit 81 and the control unit 82. Fig. 8(a) is a flowchart showing the battery monitoring process performed by the monitoring unit 81, and Fig. 8(b) is a flowchart showing the battery monitoring process performed by the control unit 82. Each of these processes is repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval.

[0078] 8A, in step S41, the monitoring unit 81 acquires detection signals of voltage, current, temperature, etc. from the sensors 41 to 43 as primary monitoring information. Then, in step S42, the monitoring unit 81 transmits the primary monitoring information to the control unit 82. Note that the processing in steps S41 and S42 is the same as the processing in steps S11 and S12 in FIG. 4A.

[0079] In step S43, it is determined whether or not information transmitted from the control unit 82 has been received. If information has been received from the control unit 82, the process proceeds to step S44, where the information received from the control unit 82 is stored in the storage unit 81a. Note that the information received in step S44 is the "non-linked information" transmitted by the control unit 82 in step S54, which will be described later.

[0080] 8(b), in step S51, the control unit 82 determines whether or not primary monitoring information has been received from the monitoring unit 81. If the result of step S51 is affirmative, the process proceeds to the following step S52. In step S52, the control unit 82 calculates the SOC, SOH, impedance, etc., of each battery cell 13 as secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information (sensor detection signals) transmitted from the monitoring unit 81.

[0081] Thereafter, in step S53, linked information, which is information linking the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information to owner information, is stored in storage unit 82a. In step S54, unlinked information, which is information not linking the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information to owner information, is sent to monitoring unit 81. As a result, the unlinked information is stored in storage unit 81a in monitoring unit 81. Note that steps S52 to S54 may be similar to steps S22 to S24 in FIG. 4A.

[0082] In the battery unit 10, after the primary use is completed, the control unit 82 is detached from the assembly SB including the battery module 11 and the monitoring unit 81. In this case, by collecting the control unit 82 after the primary use, the manufacturer's know-how information stored in the ROM area of ​​the control unit 82 is prevented from being leaked. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 81 can continue to monitor the status of each battery cell 13 even after the primary use.

[0083] Since the storage unit 81a of the monitoring unit 81 included in the assembly SB stores history information related to the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information during primary use, it is possible to design a secondary use system while reflecting that history information. However, since the history information stored in the storage unit 81a of the monitoring unit 81 is unlinked information that is not linked to owner information, unintentional leakage of owner information during primary use is suppressed during secondary use of the battery module 11.

[0084] During primary use of the battery module 11, history information, which is a history of the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information, is linked to vehicle owner information and is stored in the storage unit 82a of the control unit 82 or transmitted to the battery ECU 20. This makes it possible, for example, when inspecting or repairing the vehicle, to perform appropriate work while matching the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information with the owner (vehicle user).

[0085] Similarly, during primary use of the battery module 11, the history information is stored in the memory 81a of the monitoring unit 81 without being linked to owner information. The memory 81a of the monitoring unit 81 is a memory that remains on the assembly SB side after being detached from the control unit 82. This makes it possible to prevent unintended leakage of owner information from the primary use when the battery module 11 is reused after the primary use, while also enabling appropriate battery use by taking into account how the battery was used during the primary use.

[0086] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment may be modified as follows, for example.

[0087] 4(b), during primary use of the battery module 11, the control unit 33 stores the linking information linking the history information (primary monitoring information, secondary monitoring information) to the owner information in one of the storage units 31a, 33a or transmits it to the battery ECU 20 that can communicate with the control unit 33, while storing the history information in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 without linking it to the owner information. However, this configuration may be changed. For example, the first monitoring unit 31 may store the linking information linking the history information to the owner information in the storage unit 31a of the first monitoring unit 31 or transmit it to the battery ECU 20, while storing the history information in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32 without linking it to the owner information.

[0088] Alternatively, during primary use of the battery module 11, the first monitoring unit 31 may store the linked information of the primary monitoring information in the memory unit 31a, and store the unlinked information of the primary monitoring information in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32. Furthermore, during primary use of the battery module 11, the control unit 33 may store the linked information of the secondary monitoring information in the memory unit 33a, and store the unlinked information of the secondary monitoring information in the memory unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32.

[0089] The battery monitoring process executed by the control unit 33 may be configured to execute the process of FIG. 9 instead of the process of FIG. 4B described above.

[0090] 9 , in step S61, it is determined whether or not primary monitoring information has been received from the first monitoring unit 31. If a positive determination is made in step S61, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S62. In step S62, the control unit 33 calculates the SOC, SOH, impedance, etc. of each battery cell 13 as secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information (sensor detection signal) transmitted from the first monitoring unit 31. At this time, the control unit 33 may calculate, as secondary monitoring information, charge / discharge information related to overcharging or overdischarging of each battery cell 13 based on voltage information of each battery cell 13, and may calculate, as secondary monitoring information, deterioration information indicating the degree of deterioration of each battery cell 13 based on voltage information and current information of each battery cell 13. Alternatively, the control unit 33 may be configured to determine whether quick charging of the battery module 11 has been performed and calculate the number of quick charges based on the voltage information of each battery cell 13, and the information related to quick charging may be the secondary monitoring information. In addition, in a configuration having a distortion sensor as a detection unit, the control unit 33 may be configured to determine whether or not an impact has occurred to the battery unit 10 based on the distortion detection results, and information regarding the presence or absence of the impact may be secondary monitoring information.

[0091] Then, in step S63, it is determined whether the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information correspond to confidential information that is to be kept confidential after the primary use is completed. Here, when the battery module 11 is reused after the primary use, it is desirable to take into account historical information from the primary use, but excessively detailed information is considered unnecessary. In other words, during the primary use, repair and replacement work on the vehicle is performed using the history of the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information, but during reuse, the vehicle itself has been replaced, and detailed information is no longer necessary. Furthermore, it is considered that the historical information may include information that the vehicle owner, etc., at the time of primary use would not want to be leaked to a third party.

[0092] For example, among the charge / discharge information regarding the overcharging or overdischarging of each battery cell 13, information such as the date and time, frequency, and degree of overcharging / overdischarging is classified as confidential information, while the number of overcharging / overdischarging events is classified as non-confidential information. Furthermore, among the rapid charging information of the battery module 11, information such as the date and frequency of rapid charging is classified as confidential information, while the number of rapid charging events is classified as non-confidential information. Regarding the primary monitoring information, information such as changes in cell voltage and cell temperature during primary use may also be classified as confidential information. In step S63, it is preferable to determine whether or not each individual piece of information included in the history information of the primary monitoring information or the secondary monitoring information corresponds to confidential information.

[0093] If step S63 is positive, the process ends. In this case, the history information of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information is considered to be confidential information, and is not transmitted to the second monitoring unit 32. Note that the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information considered to be confidential information may be stored in the memory unit 33a of the control unit 33. Also, the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information considered to be confidential information may be stored in the memory unit 31a of the first monitoring unit 31, or may be transmitted to the battery ECU 20. If step S63 is negative, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S64. In step S64, the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information that are not considered to be confidential information are transmitted to the second monitoring unit 32. As a result, the second monitoring unit 32 stores the non-confidential history information in the memory unit 32a.

[0094] In steps S63 and S64, the history information may be classified into confidential information and other non-confidential information, and information that falls under confidential information may not be sent to the second monitoring unit 32, while information that falls under non-confidential information may be sent to the second monitoring unit 32.

[0095] During the primary use of the battery module 11, it is determined whether or not the history information, which is a history of the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information, is information that should be kept confidential when the battery module 11 is reused (secondary use) after the primary use, and depending on the determination result, it is determined whether or not to store the history information in the storage unit 32a of the second monitoring unit 32. This allows for appropriate information management when the battery module 11 is reused after the primary use.

[0096] As described above, the process of determining whether the primary monitoring information and secondary monitoring information are confidential information and the process of storing history information in accordance with the determination result may be configured to be executed by the first monitoring unit 31. Alternatively, the first monitoring unit 31 may determine whether the primary monitoring information is confidential information and store the primary monitoring information in the storage unit 32a in accordance with the determination result, while the control unit 33 may determine whether the secondary monitoring information is confidential information and store the secondary monitoring information in the storage unit 32a in accordance with the determination result.

[0097] The configuration shown in Fig. 10 may be employed as the power supply unit of the battery monitoring device 12 (the monitoring units 31, 32 and the control unit 33) in the battery unit 10. Fig. 10 shows the configuration of the power supply unit in the battery unit 10 described in Fig. 3.

[0098] 10 , a first power supply circuit 91 and a second power supply circuit 92 are provided as power supply units. The first power supply circuit 91 generates a power supply voltage for the battery monitoring device 12 using power supplied from outside the unit, and the second power supply circuit 92 generates a power supply voltage for the battery monitoring device 12 using power supplied from the battery module 11. The power supply that supplies power to the first power supply circuit 91 from outside the unit may be, for example, an on-board low-voltage battery B1. During primary use of the battery module 11, the first power supply circuit 91 powers the monitoring units 31, 32 and the control unit 33, while when the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, the second power supply circuit 92 powers the monitoring units and the control unit.

[0099] The switching of each power supply circuit 91, 92 may be performed by a switching device 93 provided between the battery monitoring device 12 and each power supply circuit 91, 92. The switching of the switching device 93 may be performed electrically, for example, by the second monitoring unit 32. In this case, the second monitoring unit 32 determines whether or not primary use is in progress based on the state of connection with the control unit 33, and if primary use is in progress, the switching device 93 sets the battery monitoring device 12 and the first power supply circuit 91 to a connected state, and if primary use is not in progress, the switching device 93 sets the battery monitoring device 12 and the second power supply circuit 92 to a connected state.

[0100] It is also possible to configure the battery unit 10 to mechanically switch between a state in which power is supplied from the first power supply circuit 91 to the battery monitoring device 12 and a state in which power is supplied from the second power supply circuit 92 to the battery monitoring device 12. For example, the battery unit 10 may be provided with a mechanical switch (switching mechanism) that operates in response to detachment of the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, and switches the electrical connection state between the power supply circuits 91, 92 and the battery monitoring device 12, and the connection between the power supply circuits 91, 92 may be switched by the mechanical switch.

[0101] According to the above configuration, during primary use of the battery module 11, the first power supply circuit 91 is used as a power source to operate the monitoring units 31, 32 and the control unit 33, while after primary use, when the first monitoring unit 31 and the control unit 33 are detached from the assembly SA including the battery module 11 and the second monitoring unit 32, the second power supply circuit 92 can be used as an alternative power source to operate the second monitoring unit 32. In this case, it is possible to appropriately monitor the battery even for the battery module 11 in a stored state or a transported state.

[0102] 7 may be configured to include a first power supply circuit 91 and a second power supply circuit 92. In this case, the power supply circuits 91 and 92 used as the power source for the battery monitoring device 12 may be switched between during primary use of the battery unit 10 and when the control unit 82 is detached from the assembly SB including the battery module 11 and the monitoring unit 81 after the primary use.

[0103] In the above embodiments, both the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information of the battery cells 13 are stored (saved) in the storage unit so that they can be used even after the primary use of the battery module 11, but this may be changed. For example, only one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information of the battery cells 13 may be stored (saved) in the storage unit so that they can be used even after the primary use of the battery module 11.

[0104] In the battery unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 , the second monitoring unit 32 may have a function of calculating secondary monitoring information such as SOC and SOH based on primary monitoring information such as voltage, current, and temperature of each battery cell 13. However, in this case, the second monitoring unit 32 is a component that is reused together with the battery module 11 after primary use, and leakage of manufacturer know-how information through the second monitoring unit 32 is undesirable. Therefore, it is preferable that the calculation of the secondary monitoring information by the second monitoring unit 32 be simplified compared to the calculation of the secondary monitoring information by the first monitoring unit 31. For example, the first monitoring unit 31 calculates the secondary monitoring information using a detailed map with a relatively large amount of data, whereas the second monitoring unit 32 calculates the secondary monitoring information using a simple map with a relatively small amount of data. In other words, with the above configuration, the second monitoring unit 32 uses a smaller amount of data for calculation of the secondary monitoring information than the first monitoring unit 31, thereby realizing a battery unit 10 that minimizes leakage of know-how information while still allowing acquisition of secondary monitoring information after primary use.

[0105] The battery unit 10 in each of the above embodiments can be applied to devices including stationary power supply systems, in addition to devices that are mobile bodies such as vehicles and aircraft.

[0106] The technical concepts extracted from the above-described embodiments are described below. [Configuration 1] A battery unit (10) including a battery module (11), a monitoring unit (31, 32, 81) that acquires, as primary monitoring information, detection results from detection units (41-43) that detect the state of the battery module, and a control unit (33, 82) that inputs the primary monitoring information from the monitoring unit and calculates secondary monitoring information by arithmetic processing based on the primary monitoring information, wherein the monitoring unit has a memory unit (32a, 81a) that stores history information that is a history of at least one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information, and the control unit is detachable from an assembly (SA, SB) that includes the battery module and the monitoring unit. [Configuration 2] The battery unit according to Configuration 1, wherein the monitoring units include a first monitoring unit (31) and a second monitoring unit (32), and at least the second monitoring unit has the memory unit (32a), and during primary use of the battery module, the first monitoring unit of the first and second monitoring units obtains the detection result of the detection unit as the primary monitoring information, and the control unit calculates the secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information from the first monitoring unit, while the memory unit of the second monitoring unit stores the history information, and the first monitoring unit and the control unit are detachable from an assembly (SA) including the battery module and the second monitoring unit. [Configuration 3] The battery unit according to Configuration 2, which is applied to a device that uses a battery unit (10) as a power source, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during primary use of the battery module, links the history information to owner information corresponding to the owner of the device and stores it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmits it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information.[Configuration 4] The battery unit according to Configuration 3, wherein the first monitoring unit acquires voltage information of the battery module as the primary monitoring information, the control unit calculates charge / discharge information relating to overcharging / over-discharging or rapid charging of the battery module based on the voltage information as the secondary monitoring information, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during primary use of the battery module, links the history information, which is a history of the charge / discharge information, to the owner information and stores it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmits it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information, which is a history of the charge / discharge information, in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information. [Configuration 5] The battery unit according to Configuration 3, wherein the first monitoring unit acquires voltage information and current information of the battery module when current is applied as the primary monitoring information, the control unit calculates deterioration information indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery module as the secondary monitoring information based on the voltage information and the current information, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during primary use of the battery module, links the history information, which is a history of the deterioration information, to the owner information and stores it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmits it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information, which is a history of the deterioration information, in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information. [Configuration 6] The battery unit described in Configuration 2, wherein at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during primary use of the battery module, determines whether the history information corresponds to information that should be kept confidential after the primary use is completed, and if it is determined that the history information is information that should be kept confidential, does not store the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit, and if it is determined that the history information is not information that should be kept confidential, stores the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit.[Configuration 7] The battery unit according to any one of Configurations 2 to 6, wherein the second monitoring unit acquires the detection result of the detection unit as the primary monitoring information in place of the first monitoring unit when the first monitoring unit and the control unit are detached from an assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit. [Configuration 8] The battery unit according to any one of Configurations 2 to 7, wherein the assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit, and from which the first monitoring unit and the control unit are detachable, has a power supply unit (52) that supplies power to the second monitoring unit. [Configuration 9] The battery unit according to Configuration 8, wherein the power supply unit generates a power supply voltage that operates the second monitoring unit using the battery module as a power supply source. [Configuration 10] A battery unit according to any one of configurations 2 to 9, wherein the first monitoring unit and the control unit are mounted on a first board (61), and the second monitoring unit is mounted on a second board (62) different from the first board, while the first monitoring unit and the control unit are connected to the second monitoring unit by a signal line (35), and the first monitoring unit and the control unit can be detached from an assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit by disconnecting connectors (63, 64) provided on the signal line. [Configuration 11] The battery unit according to Configuration 1, which is applied to a device that uses a battery unit (10) as a power source, wherein the control unit (82), during primary use of the battery module, links the history information to owner information corresponding to the owner of the device and stores it in a memory unit (82a) provided in the control unit or transmits it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information in the memory unit (81a) that is included in the monitoring unit and that can be detached from the control unit together with the battery module, without linking it to the owner information.[Configuration 12] A battery unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, comprising, as a power supply unit that generates a power supply voltage for operating the monitoring unit and the control unit, a first power supply circuit (91) that generates the power supply voltage by power supply from outside the unit, and a second power supply circuit (92) that generates the power supply voltage by power supply from the battery module, wherein, during primary use of the battery module, the monitoring unit and the control unit are operated using the first power supply circuit as a power source, and when the control unit is detached from an assembly including the battery module and the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit is operated in the assembly using the second power supply circuit as a power source.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery unit (10) comprising: a battery module (11); a monitoring unit (31, 32, 81) that obtains the detection results by a detection unit (41-43) that detects the state of the battery module as primary monitoring information; and a control unit (33, 82) that inputs the primary monitoring information from the monitoring unit and calculates secondary monitoring information by arithmetic processing based on the primary monitoring information, wherein the monitoring unit has a memory unit (32a, 81a) that stores history information that is a history of at least one of the primary monitoring information and the secondary monitoring information, and the control unit is detachable from an assembly (SA, SB) that includes the battery module and the monitoring unit.

2. A battery unit as described in claim 1, wherein the monitoring units include a first monitoring unit (31) and a second monitoring unit (32), and at least the second monitoring unit has the memory unit (32a), and during primary use of the battery module, the first monitoring unit of the first and second monitoring units obtains the detection result of the detection unit as the primary monitoring information, and the control unit calculates the secondary monitoring information based on the primary monitoring information from the first monitoring unit, while the history information is stored in the memory unit of the second monitoring unit, and the first monitoring unit and the control unit are detachable from an assembly (SA) including the battery module and the second monitoring unit.

3. A battery unit as described in claim 2, which is applied to a device that uses a battery unit (10) as a power source, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during the primary use of the battery module, link the history information to owner information corresponding to the owner of the device and store it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmit it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information.

4. The battery unit described in claim 3, wherein the first monitoring unit acquires voltage information of the battery module as the primary monitoring information, and the control unit calculates charge / discharge information regarding overcharging / over-discharging or rapid charging of the battery module based on the voltage information as the secondary monitoring information, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during the primary use of the battery module, link the history information, which is a history of the charge / discharge information, to the owner information and store it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmit it to an external device (20) capable of communicating with the control unit, while storing the history information, which is a history of the charge / discharge information, in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information.

5. The battery unit described in claim 3, wherein the first monitoring unit acquires voltage information and current information when current is applied to the battery module as the primary monitoring information, the control unit calculates deterioration information indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery module as the secondary monitoring information based on the voltage information and the current information, and at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during the primary use of the battery module, links the history information, which is a history of the deterioration information, to the owner information and stores it in a memory unit provided in either the control unit or the first monitoring unit or transmits it to an external device (20) capable of communicating with the control unit, while storing the history information, which is a history of the deterioration information, in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit without linking it to the owner information.

6. A battery unit as described in claim 2, wherein at least one of the control unit and the first monitoring unit, during the primary use of the battery module, determines whether the history information corresponds to information that should be kept confidential after the primary use is completed, and if it is determined that the history information is information that should be kept confidential, does not store the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit, and if it is determined that the history information is not information that should be kept confidential, stores the history information in the memory unit included in the second monitoring unit.

7. A battery unit as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second monitoring unit acquires the detection results of the detection unit as the primary monitoring information in place of the first monitoring unit when the first monitoring unit and the control unit are detached from an assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit.

8. A battery unit as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit, and allowing the first monitoring unit and the control unit to be detached, has a power supply unit (52) that supplies power to the second monitoring unit.

9. The battery unit according to claim 8, wherein the power supply section generates a power supply voltage for operating the second monitoring section using the battery module as a power source.

10. A battery unit as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first monitoring unit and the control unit are mounted on a first board (61) and the second monitoring unit is mounted on a second board (62) different from the first board, while the first monitoring unit and the control unit are connected to the second monitoring unit by a signal line (35), and the first monitoring unit and the control unit can be removed from an assembly including the battery module and the second monitoring unit by disconnecting a connector (63, 64) provided on the signal line.

11. A battery unit as described in claim 1, which is applied to a device that uses a battery unit (10) as a power source, and wherein the control unit (82), during the primary use of the battery module, links the history information to owner information corresponding to the owner of the device and stores it in a memory unit (82a) provided in the control unit or transmits it to an external device (20) that can communicate with the control unit, while storing the history information in the memory unit (81a) included in the monitoring unit and detachable from the control unit together with the battery module, without linking the history information to the owner information.

12. A battery unit as described in claim 1, comprising, as a power supply unit that generates a power supply voltage for operating the monitoring unit and the control unit, a first power supply circuit (91) that generates the power supply voltage by power supply from outside the unit, and a second power supply circuit (92) that generates the power supply voltage by power supply from the battery module, wherein, during primary usage of the battery module, the monitoring unit and the control unit are operated using the first power supply circuit as a power source, and when the control unit is detached from an assembly including the battery module and the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit is operated in the assembly using the second power supply circuit as a power source.

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