Battery system

The present invention relates to a battery system including a plurality of battery elements connected to each other in either one or both of a series connection mode and a parallel connection mode.

Examples of conventionally known battery systems include one composed of a plurality of battery elements connected in parallel, each of which is composed of a plurality of battery cells connected in series (See, for example, Patent Document 1). A battery system disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses specific address information assigned to each of a plurality of battery elements for detecting the remaining battery capacity of each battery element. The battery system of Patent Document 1 enables highly accurate management of the remaining battery capacities of the plurality of battery elements.

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-14566

Problem that the Invention is to Solve

In recent years, progress has been made in development and tentative introduction of large-scale battery systems used for energy storage purposes. As the range of applications of the battery systems widens, the battery systems have been demanded to have extendability to flexibly cope with various requests on voltage and current capacity.

A measure to realize such extendability may be to establish connection mode(s) between a plurality of battery elements in accordance with predetermined voltage and current capacity. To establish such a battery system, it is important to grasp and manage the connection mode(s) between the plurality of battery elements. However, this is infeasible with the battery system of Patent Document 1.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery system that enables grasp and management of connection mode(s) between a plurality of battery elements.

Means for Solving the Problem

It is an object of the present invention to provide a b battery system comprising a plurality of battery elements connected to each other in either one or both of a series connection mode and a parallel connection mode, the battery system further comprising: an identifying information setting section for setting identifying information on each of the plurality of battery elements; and a connection mode managing section for managing a connection mode between the plurality of battery elements by using the identifying information set by the identifying information setting section, the identifying information on each of the plurality of battery elements comprising a combination of first identifying information on a potential of the battery element and second identifying information on a superordinate battery element to which the battery element belongs.

Effect of the Invention

The battery system according to embodiments of the present invention enables grasp and management of connection mode(s) between a plurality of battery elements.

FIG. 1 A schematic functional block diagram of a battery module, which is a component of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 A schematic functional block diagram of a battery pack, which is a component of the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A An external view of the battery block accommodating unit for accommodating and storing the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B A schematic functional block diagram of the internal configuration of the battery block accommodating unit.

FIG. 4A A conceptual diagram showing the details of the identifying information on the battery modules (parallel connection).

FIG. 4B A conceptual diagram showing the details of the identifying information on the battery modules (series parallel connection).

FIG. 5A A schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs connected in parallel that compose the battery block.

FIG. 5B A schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs connected in series that compose the battery block.

FIG. 5C A schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs connected in series that compose the battery block, the arrangement order of the pair of battery packs being reversed from that in FIG. 5B .

FIG. 6 A schematic view showing a procedure for reading out the identifying information from the outside of a battery block accommodating unit.

In the following paragraphs, detailed descriptions will be made of battery systems according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[Summary of Battery Module 11 ]

First, a description will be made of a battery module 11 , which is a component of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram of the battery module 11 .

In the following description, each of battery modules is denoted by the “ 11 A”, “ 11 B”, “ 11 C” . . . as a combination of the main Reference “ 11 ” assigned to the battery modules and the branch Reference “A”, “B”, “C” . . . , to follow thereafter. The battery module, when mentioned in general, is denoted by the main Reference “ 11 ” alone. Such a system of notation is applied to serial communication interfaces (SCI) 17 , power source circuit terminal sections 19 , battery packs 21 , identifying information signal terminal sections 23 to be described later, as well as the battery modules.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a battery module 11 A, which is equivalent to one of the “battery elements” according to the present invention, includes a DC power source circuit 12 , a battery cell monitoring section 13 , an identifying information signal terminal section 15 a , a serial communication interface (SCI: Serial Communication Interface; hereinafter abbreviated as the “SCI”) 17 a , a power source circuit terminal section (hereinafter referred to as the “power”) 19 a and a display 20 .

The DC power source circuit 12 includes a plurality of battery cells (for example, lithium ion secondary batteries) EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn (where n is a natural number) connected in series. The DC power source circuit 12 has a positive terminal and a negative terminal connected to the power source circuit terminal section 19 a for feeding to the outside direct-current power charged in the plurality of battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn. The plurality of battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn have respectively temperature sensors T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , Tn for detecting the temperatures around the battery cells and voltage sensors V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , . . . , Vn for detecting the voltages of the battery cells.

The battery cell monitoring section 13 has the function of managing the plurality of battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn. More specifically, the battery cell monitoring section 13 acquires values of the temperatures from the respective temperature sensors T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , Tn and values of the voltages from the respective cell voltage sensors V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , . . . , Vn and makes temperature correction to determine the state of charge (SOC) of each of the battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn. Further, the battery cell monitoring section 13 determines whether the battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn are overcharged or overdischarged based on the voltages thereof.

The identifying information signal terminal section 15 a allows passage of a signal indicative of identifying information for uniquely identifying a battery module 11 which is equivalent to the “battery element” according to the present invention. The SCI 17 a allows passage of a signal for information communication between the battery module 11 and a battery pack 21 which is equivalent to the “superordinate battery element” according to the present invention to which the battery module 11 belongs. The information for the communication between the battery module 11 and the battery pack 21 includes information indicative of values of the temperature and voltage and information indicative of the state of charge (SOC) of each of the battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn.

The power source circuit terminal section 19 a allows passage of power; the direct-current power charged in the battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn is fed to the outside through the power source circuit terminal section 19 a while power is supplied from the outside through the power source circuit terminal section 19 a to be accumulated in the plurality of battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn. The display 20 has the function of displaying the state of operation of the battery module 11 A.

The battery module 11 A configured as described above has a capacity of, but not limited to, for example, about 10 Ah to 30 Ah. The battery module 11 A has, upon necessity, the functions of operations on the internal impedance and the state of health (SOH) of each of the battery cells EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn health, the function of controlling balance between the voltages of the battery cells, and the function of detecting leakage of current inside the battery module 11 A, as well as the function of an SOC operation.

[Summary of Battery Pack 21 ]

Now, a description will be made of the battery pack 21 which is equivalent to the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the battery pack 21 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the battery pack 21 A which is equivalent to one of the “battery elements” according to the present invention includes four battery modules 11 A- 11 D, a SCI 17 A, a power source circuit terminal section 19 A, an identifying information signal terminal section 23 A, and an identifying information setting section 25 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the SCI 17 A is connected to SCIs 17 a - 17 d of the respective four battery modules 11 A- 11 D. The SCI 17 A allows passage of a signal for communication between the battery pack 21 A and a battery system 31 . The battery system 31 is equivalent to the “superordinate battery element” of which the battery pack 21 A is a component.

It should be noted that a communication path of a star type, a bus type, or the like type may be adopted properly to connect the SCIs 17 a - 17 d.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the power source circuit terminal section 19 A is connected to the positive terminals and the negative terminals of power source circuit terminal sections 19 a - 19 d of the respective four battery modules 11 A- 11 D. The power source circuit terminal section 19 A allows passage of power; the direct-current power charged in the plurality of battery modules 11 A- 11 D is fed to the outside through the power source circuit terminal section 19 A while power is supplied from the outside through the power source circuit terminal section 19 A to be accumulated in the plurality of battery modules 11 A- 11 D.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the identifying information signal terminal section 23 A allows passage, into an integral control section 35 , of a signal indicative of identifying information for uniquely identifying each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D of the battery pack 21 A.

It should be noted that the SCI 17 A, the power source circuit terminal section 19 A and the identifying information signal terminal section 23 A are preferably spaced apart from each other to reduce effects of noises.

The identifying information setting section 25 has the function of creating the signal indicative of the identifying information for uniquely identifying each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D of the battery pack 21 A. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the identifying information setting section 25 includes a positive bus Vcc, a negative bus GND, a plurality of pull-up resistors R, and a first address setting section 27 and a second address setting section 29 .

Power for setting the identifying information to each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D may be supplied from the outside via the identifying information signal terminal section 23 A, as shown in FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the power accumulated in the battery modules 11 A- 11 D may be used.

The first address setting section 27 and the second address setting section 29 may be, for example, a DIP switch, a short pin, or the like. With this configuration, the identifying information (address) assigned to each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D can be set to any value. In the case where there is no need to change the value of the address, the first address setting section 27 and the second address setting section 29 may be any circuits that allow fixed values to be set for the “H” and the “L”, respectively.

The battery modules 11 A- 11 D have respective identifying information signal terminal sections 15 a - 15 d with first terminals 15 a 1 - 15 d 1 thereof connected to the negative bus GND. The identifying information signal terminal sections 15 a - 15 d have second terminals 15 a 2 - 15 d 2 and third terminals 15 a 3 - 15 d 3 connected to the positive bus Vcc via pull-up resistors R. The second terminals 15 a 2 - 15 d 2 and the third terminals 15 a 3 - 15 d 3 are connected to the negative bus GND via the first address setting section 27 .

The identifying information signal terminal sections 15 a - 15 d have fourth terminals 15 a 4 - 15 d 4 and fifth terminals 15 a 5 - 15 d 5 connected to the positive bus Vcc via the pull-up resistors R. The fourth terminals 15 a 4 - 15 d 4 and the fifth terminals 15 a 5 - 15 d 5 are connected to the negative bus GND via the second address setting section 29 .

Here, a schematic description will be made of the identifying information assigned to each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D with reference to FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , it is assumed that the battery pack (equivalent to the “battery system” according to the present invention) 21 A includes the four battery modules 11 A- 11 D connected in series. In this case, for example, the 2-bit address values “00”, “01”, “10” and “11” are assigned to first identifying information m1m2 on the potentials of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D.

Further, the 2-bit address value “00” is assigned to second identifying information n1n2 on the superordinate battery element (battery pack 21 A) to which the battery modules 11 A- 11 D belong. It is the main feature of the present invention that the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D is made up of a combination of the first identifying information m1m2 on the potential of the one of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D and the second identifying information n1n2 on the superordinate battery element to which the one of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D belongs. This will be detailed later.

[Summary of the Battery Block Accommodating Unit 31 ]

A description will be made of a battery system for accommodating and storing the battery block accommodating unit 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B . FIG. 3A is an external view of the battery block accommodating unit 31 . FIG. 3B is a schematic functional block diagram of the internal configuration of the battery block accommodating unit 31 .

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the battery block accommodating unit 31 includes a battery block 33 , the integral control section 35 , a pair of fans 37 a and 37 b , a main power source terminal section 39 , and a cabinet 32 for mounting these components. As shown in FIG. 3A , the battery block 33 includes four battery packs 21 A- 21 D stacked on one another in the cabinet 32 .

It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 3A , the battery packs 21 A- 21 D are accommodated in rectangular parallelepiped cases 34 A- 34 D, respectively. The battery modules 11 A- 11 D, which are rectangular parallelepiped, are configured to be slidingly moved from one side of the case 34 A along a longitudinal direction thereof so as to be mounted in places, respectively. With this configuration, connector members, not shown, of the case 34 A and connector members of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D are allowed to fit together for electrically connecting the battery modules 11 A- 11 D and battery pack 21 A when the battery modules 11 A- 11 D are respectively mounted in places relative to the case 34 A.

As shown in FIG. 3B , the battery block 33 has the four battery packs 21 A- 21 D connected in parallel by power source circuit terminal sections (powers) 19 A- 19 D thereof connected to a positive terminal 39 a and a negative terminal 39 b of the main power source terminal section 39 . A voltage sensor 41 for detecting a DC voltage of a main power source is disposed between a positive bus connected to the positive terminal 39 a and a negative bus connected to the negative terminal 39 b . Further, a current sensor 43 is disposed on the positive bus connected to the positive terminal 39 a for detecting a value of current flowing through that positive bus. Further, an opening and closing switch 45 is disposed on the negative bus connected to the negative terminal 39 b.

The voltage sensor 41 , the current sensor 43 and a movable contact of the opening and closing switch 45 are connected to the integral control section 35 . Further, the SCIs 17 A- 17 D and the identifying information signal terminal sections 23 A- 23 D of the respective battery packs 21 A- 21 D are connected to the integral control section 35 . Moreover, the pair of fans 37 a and 37 b are connected to the integral control section 35 .

It should be noted that a communication path of a star type, a bus type, or the like type may be adopted properly to connect the SCIs 17 A- 17 D, and the respective SCIs 17 A- 17 D and the integral control section 35 .

As shown in FIG. 3B , the integral control section 35 is configured to include a connection mode managing section 47 . As shown in FIG. 3B , in order to manage connection modes between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements” and between the battery packs 21 A- 21 D, the connection mode managing section 47 is configured to include a connection mode managing table 49 . The contents of the connection mode managing table 49 will be described later.

[Details of the Identifying Information Assigned to each of the Battery Modules 11 A- 11 D]

Now, a detailed description will be made of the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B . FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram showing the details of the identifying information on the battery modules 11 A- 11 D in the battery block 33 that is composed of the four battery packs 21 A- 21 D connected in parallel. FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram showing the details of the identifying information on the battery modules 11 A- 11 D in the battery block 33 that is composed of a pair of assembled batteries connected in parallel, each assembled battery composed of two of the battery packs 21 A- 21 D connected in series.

First Embodiment

According to First Embodiment shown in FIG. 4A , a battery block 33 - 1 is composed of the four battery packs 21 A- 21 D connected in parallel between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b.

In the following description, for explaining battery modules in battery packs connected in parallel, each battery pack serving as an assembled battery composed of a plurality of battery modules connected in series, each battery module is denoted by the “ 11 A00”, “ 11 B00”, “ 11 C00” . . . as a combination of the main Reference “ 11 A”, “ 11 B”, “ 11 C”, “ 11 D” . . . assigned to the battery module of each assembled battery and branch Reference “00”, “01”, “10”, “11” to follow thereafter. The battery module, when mentioned in general, is denoted by the main Reference“ 11 A”, “ 11 B”, “ 11 C”, “ 11 D” . . . .

The same value “00” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on battery modules 11 A00- 11 A11, of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements”, having the same first potential “00” (See a row direction relating to the “00” in FIG. 4A ). Likewise, the same value “01” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on battery modules 11 B00- 11 B11 having the same second potential “01” (See the row direction relating to the “01” in FIG. 4A ). The same value “10” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on battery modules 11 C00- 11 C11 having the same third potential “10” (See the row direction relating to the “10” in FIG. 4A ). The same value “11” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on battery modules 11 D00- 11 D11 having the same fourth potential “11” (See the row direction relating to the “11” in FIG. 4A ).

On the other hand, the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00, of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements”, aligned in a column direction relating to the “00” in FIG. 4A belong to the same battery pack 21 A which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 aligned in the column direction relating to the “01” in FIG. 4A belong to the same battery pack 21 B which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A10- 11 D10 aligned in the column direction relating to the “10” in FIG. 4A belong to the same battery pack 21 C which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A11- 11 D11 aligned in the column direction relating to the “11” in FIG. 4A belong to the same battery pack 21 D which serves as the “superordinate battery element”.

In other words, the same value (“00”, “01”, “10” and “11) is assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 on the battery modules 11 A- 11 D aligned in the column direction.

Here, different values are assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 on battery modules that belong to different superordinate battery elements (battery packs).

Table 1 shows the content of the connection mode managing table 49 (See FIG. 3B ) of the connection mode managing section 47 of the battery system according to First Embodiment. As shown in Table 1, the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D according to First Embodiment is made up of a combination of a value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 (2 bits) on the potential level of the battery module out of the four potential levels of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D and a value assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 (2 bits) on the superordinate battery element to which the battery module belongs.

According to the battery system of First Embodiment, the connection mode(s) between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D (the serial connection or parallel connection, and arrangement order of the battery modules) can be uniquely grasped and managed based on the identifying information made up of the combination of a value of the first identifying information m1m2 (2 bits) on the potential level of the battery module out of the four potential levels of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D and a value of the second identifying information n1n2 (2 bits) on the superordinate battery element to which the battery module belongs.

More specifically, for determining whether the connection mode between the battery modules 11 is a serial connection or a parallel connection, the first identifying information m1m2 and the second identifying information n1n2 assigned to each of the battery modules 11 is referred to.

When the same value is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on the battery modules 11 while different values are assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 thereon, it is determined that the connection mode between the battery modules 11 is the parallel connection.

On the other hand, when different values are assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on the battery modules 11 while the same value is assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 thereon, it is determined that the connection mode between the battery modules 11 is the serial connection.

Further, for determining the arrangement order of the battery modules 11 when the connection mode between the battery modules 11 is the serial connection, values assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on the respective battery modules 11 are referred to in order to determine size relation of those values. It is assumed that the potential levels are arranged in ascending order (the values “00”, “01”, “10” and “11” are assigned to a lower potential, an lower intermediate potential, an upper intermediate potential, and a higher potential, respectively when the first identifying information is made up of, for example, two bits).

In this case, it is determined that a battery module with a greater value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 thereon is positioned higher (has a higher potential) than a battery module with a smaller value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 thereon. This procedure for determination is applied to Second Embodiment to Fifth Embodiment as well.

In the battery system according to First Embodiment, it is assumed that a serial communication between the SCIs 17 a - 17 d of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D using a same communication bus is conducted by sending a communication frame specifying a destination and a source using the identifying information of First Embodiment. In this case, the information communication between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D is made with the first and second identifying information on the destination and the source uniquely specified. Therefore, the battery system according to First Embodiment enables smooth information communication between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D without causing confusions.

Second Embodiment

According to Second Embodiment shown in FIG. 4B , a battery block 33 - 2 is composed of a pair of assembled batteries connected in parallel between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b . The two assembled batteries are composed of two pairs of battery packs (a pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B) (a pair of battery packs 21 C and 21 D), respectively. Each pair of battery packs are connected in series.

It should be noted that the above connection mode between the battery packs 21 A- 21 D that compose the battery block 33 - 2 according to Second Embodiment, that is, the connection mode between the battery packs 21 A- 21 D connected in parallel, each of the battery packs 21 A- 21 D composed of battery modules connected in series, is referred to in some cases as the “series parallel connection mode”.

The same value “000” is assigned to first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 A00, 11 A10, of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements”, having the same first potential “000” (See a row direction relating to the “000” in FIG. 4B ). Likewise, the same value “001” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 B00, 11 B10 having the same second potential “001” (See the row direction relating to the “001” in FIG. 4B ). The same value “010” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 C00, 11 C10 having the same third potential “010” (See the row direction relating to the “010” in FIG. 4B ). The same value “011” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 D00, 11 D10 having the same fourth potential “011” (See the row direction relating to the “011” in FIG. 4B ).

Further, the same value “100” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 A01, 11 A11, of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements”, having the same fifth potential “100” (See the row direction relating to the “100” in FIG. 4B ). Likewise, the same value “101” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 B01, 11 B11 having the same sixth potential “101” (See the row direction relating to the “101” in FIG. 4B ). The same value “110” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 C01, 11 C11 having the same seventh potential “110” (See the row direction relating to the “110” in FIG. 4B ). The same value “111” is assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 on the battery modules 11 D01, 11 D11 having the same eighth potential “111” (See the row direction relating to the “111” in FIG. 4B ).

On the other hand, the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00, of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D serving as the “battery elements”, aligned in a column direction relating to the “00” in FIG. 4B belong to the same battery pack 21 A which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 aligned in the column direction relating to the “01” in FIG. 4B belong to the same battery pack 21 B which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A10- 11 D10 aligned in the column direction relating to the “10” in FIG. 4B belong to the same battery pack 21 C which serves as the “superordinate battery element”. Likewise, the battery modules 11 A11- 11 D11 aligned in the column direction relating to the “11” in FIG. 4B belong to the same battery pack 21 D which serves as the “superordinate battery element”.

In other words, the same value (“00”, “01”, “10” and “11) is assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 on the battery modules 11 A- 11 D aligned in the column direction.

Table 2 shows the content of the connection mode managing table 49 (See FIG. 3B ) according to Second Embodiment. As shown in Table 2, the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D according to Second Embodiment is made up of a combination of a value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 (3 bits) on the potential level of the battery module out of the eight potential levels of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D and a value assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 (2 bits) on the superordinate battery element to which the battery module belongs.

According to the battery system of Second Embodiment, the connection mode(s) between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D (the serial connection or parallel connection, and arrangement order of the battery modules) can be uniquely grasped and managed based on the identifying information made up of the combination of a value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2m3 (3 bits) on the potential level of the battery module out of the eight potential levels of the battery modules 11 A- 11 D and a value assigned to the second identifying information n1n2 (2 bits) on the superordinate battery element to which the battery module belongs.

In the battery system according to Second Embodiment, it is assumed that a serial communication between the SCIs 17 a - 17 d of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D using a same communication bus is conducted by sending a communication frame specifying a destination and a source using the identifying information of First Embodiment. In this case, the information communication between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D is made with the first and second identifying information on the destination and the source uniquely specified. Therefore, like the battery system of First Embodiment, the battery system according to Second Embodiment enables smooth information communication between the battery modules 11 A- 11 D without causing confusions.

[Procedures for Grasping Connection Mode between Pair of Battery Packs 21 A and 21 B]

Now, a description will be made of procedures for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C . FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B connected in parallel that compose the battery block 33 . FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B connected in series that compose the battery block 33 . FIG. 5C is a schematic view showing a procedure for grasping the connection mode between the pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B connected in series that compose the battery block 33 . In FIG. 5C , the arrangement order of the pair of battery packs 21 A and 21 B is reversed from that in FIG. 5B .

Third Embodiment

According to Third Embodiment shown in 5 A, a battery block 33 - 3 is composed of a pair of a first battery pack 21 A and a second battery pack 21 B connected in parallel between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b.

The first battery pack 21 A includes an A1 switch S A1 , an A1 connection point P A1 , the four battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00, a B1 connection point P B1 and a B1 switch S B1 connected in this order between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b . The A1 connection points P A1 and P B1 have respective potentials V A1 and V B1 , which are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

The second battery pack 21 B includes an A2 switch S A2 , an A2 connection point P A2 , the four battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01, a B1 connection point P B2 and a B1 switch S B2 connected in this order between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b . The A2 connection points P A2 and P B2 have respective potentials V A2 and V B2 , which are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

It is assumed that the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00 of the first battery pack 21 A have a capacity equal to that of the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 of the second battery pack 21 B.

It is assumed that the battery block 33 - 3 according to Third Embodiment has all the switches S A1 , S B1 , S A2 and S B2 closed and that, as shown in FIG. 5A , the battery block 33 - 3 is composed of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B connected in parallel.

In this case, the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 are equal to each other, and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 are equal to each other. Here, the former and the latter are referred to as Conditions 1 and 2, respectively.

Table 3 is the connection mode managing table 49 which shows how Conditions 1 and 2 correspond to the connection mode between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B.

In short, the integral control section 35 monitors the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 , and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 , and determines whether or not Conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied in order to grasp and manage whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in parallel.

Further, the integral control section 35 may modify the identifying information on the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00 of the first battery pack 21 A and the identifying information on the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 of the second battery pack 21 B according to the connection mode(s) between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B thus grasped and managed.

The battery system of Third Embodiment enables grasp and management of whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in parallel by a simple procedure of determining whether or not Conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied.

Fourth Embodiment

According to Fourth Embodiment shown in FIG. 5B , a battery block 33 - 4 is composed of the pair of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B connected in series between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b.

The first battery pack 21 A includes the A1 switch S A1 , the A1 connection point P A1 , the four battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00, the B1 connection point P B1 and the B1 switch S B1 connected in this order between a relay point P md and the negative terminal 39 b . The potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

Further, the second battery pack 21 B includes the A2 switch S A2 , the A2 connection point P A2 , the four battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01, the B1 connection point P B2 and the B1 switch S B2 connected in this order between the positive terminal 39 a and the relay point P md . The potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

It is assumed that the battery block 33 - 4 according to Fourth Embodiment has all the switches S A1 , S B1 , S A2 and S B2 closed, that, as shown in FIG. 5B , the battery block 33 - 4 is composed of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B connected in series and that the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher (has a higher potential) than the first battery pack 21 A.

In this case, the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 are equal to each other, and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 are different from each other. Here, the former and the latter are referred to as Conditions 3 and 4, respectively.

Table 4 is the connection mode managing table 49 which shows how Conditions 3 and 4 correspond to the connection mode between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B.

In short, the integral control section 35 monitors the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 , and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 , and determines whether or not Conditions 3 and 4 are satisfied in order to grasp and manage whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in series and the relative positional relationship between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B (which of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher).

Further, the integral control section 35 may modify the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00 of the first battery pack 21 A and the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 of the second battery pack 21 B according to the connection mode between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B thus grasped and managed.

The battery system of Fourth Embodiment enables grasp and management of whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in series and of the relative positional relationship between the first battery pack 21 A and of the second battery pack 21 B (which of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher) by a simple procedure of determining whether or not Conditions 3 and 4 are satisfied.

Fifth Embodiment

Like the battery block 33 - 4 of Fourth Embodiment, a battery block 33 of Fifth Embodiment shown in FIG. 5C is composed of the pair of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B connected in series between the positive terminal 39 a and the negative terminal 39 b.

In Fifth Embodiment, however, the arrangement order of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B (which of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher) is reversed from that in Fourth Embodiment.

The first battery pack 21 A includes the A1 switch S A1 , the A1 connection point P A1 , the four battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00, the B1 connection point P B1 and the B1 switch S B1 connected in this order between the positive terminal 39 a and the relay point P md . The potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P m and the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

The second battery pack 21 B includes the A2 switch S A2 , the A2 connection point P A2 , the four battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01, the B1 connection point P B2 and the B1 switch S B2 connected in this order between the relay point P md and the negative terminal 39 b . The potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 are monitored by the integral control section 35 .

It is assumed that the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00 of the first battery pack 21 A have a capacity equal to that of the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 of the second battery pack 21 B.

It is assumed that the battery block 33 - 5 according to Fifth Embodiment has all the switches S A1 , S B1 , S A2 and S B2 closed, that as shown in FIG. 5C , the battery block 33 - 5 is composed of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B connected to each other in series and that the first battery pack 21 A is positioned higher (has a higher potential) than the second battery pack 21 B.

In this case, the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 are equal to each other, and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 and the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 are different from each other. Here, the former and the latter are referred to as Conditions 5 and 6, respectively.

Table 5 is the connection mode managing table 49 which shows how Conditions 5 and 6 correspond to the connection mode between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B.

In short, the integral control section 35 monitors the potential V B1 of the B1 connection point P B1 and the potential V A2 of the A2 connection point P A2 , and the potential V B2 of the B2 connection point P B2 and the potential V A1 of the A1 connection point P A1 , and determines whether or not Conditions 5 and 6 are satisfied in order to grasp and manage whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in series and the relative positional relationship between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B (which of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher).

Further, the integral control section 35 may modify the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A00- 11 D00 of the first battery pack 21 A and the identifying information on each of the battery modules 11 A01- 11 D01 of the second battery pack 21 B according to the connection mode(s) between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B thus grasped and managed.

The battery system of Fifth Embodiment enables grasp and management of whether or not the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B are connected in series and of the relative positional relationship between the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B (which of the first battery pack 21 A and the second battery pack 21 B is positioned higher) by a simple procedure of determining whether or not Conditions 5 and 6 are satisfied.

Other Embodiments

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, such descriptions are for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the embodiments, examples are given in which the first identifying information m1m2 is set by the identifying information setting section 25 . However, the present invention is not limited to those examples. The first identifying information m1m2 may be stored in an information medium in the form of, for example, IP addresses, one- or two-dimensional bar codes, IC tag data and GPS positioning data, or any combination thereof.

Further, in the embodiments, examples are given in which the first identifying information m1m2 is set by relating values to their corresponding battery modules. However, the present invention is not limited those examples. The first identifying information m1m2 may be stored in an information medium in the form of, for example, one- or two-dimensional bar codes, serial numbers or the like, and adhesive seals carrying such one- or two-dimensional bar codes, serial numbers or the like may be attached to their corresponding battery modules.

In adopting the above-mentioned system for storing the first identifying information m1m2, there is a problem of how to read out values assigned to the first identifying information m1m2, which is solved by providing a separate reader mechanism for reading out the values assigned to the first identifying information m1m2. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a battery system provided with a separate reader mechanism according to a modification. In a battery block accommodating unit 3 - 2 according to the modification, as shown in FIG. 6 , the values assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 are represented by two-dimensional bar codes 51 a - 51 d provided on the front faces of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D. The battery block accommodating unit 3 - 2 according to the modification is provided with a two-dimensional bar-code scanner (information reader equipped with a camera) 53 for reading out the values of the first identifying information m1m2.

With this configuration, it is easy to check whether or not the identifying information (address signal) is set properly by scanning the two-dimensional bar-code scanner 53 at the time of introduction, maintenance, maintenance replacement or the like of the battery system.

Further, in the embodiments, examples are given in which values to be assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 are determined based on the potentials of the respective battery modules 11 A- 11 D. However, the present invention is not limited those examples. When a battery module is changed in potential, the value assigned to the first identifying information m1m2 on the battery module may be modified automatically according to the changed potential.

In the embodiments, examples are given in which each battery pack is composed of four battery modules which serve as the “battery elements”. However, the present invention is not limited to those examples. There is no particular limitation on the upper limit of the number of “battery elements”. If the number of “battery elements” is increased, the number of information bits for the first identifying information and second identifying information may be increased accordingly.

11 A- 11 D Battery Module (Battery Element)

13 Battery Cell Monitoring Section

15 a , 23 A Identifying Information Signal Terminal Section

17 A SCI

19 A Power Source Circuit Terminal Section

21 A- 21 D Battery Pack (Battery System)

25 Identifying Information Setting Section

31 Battery Block Accommodating Unit

3 - 2 Battery Block Accommodating Unit according to Modification

33 - 1 Battery Block according to First Embodiment

33 - 2 Battery Block according to Second Embodiment

33 - 3 Battery Block according to Third Embodiment

33 - 4 Battery Block according to Fourth Embodiment

33 - 5 Battery Block according to Fifth Embodiment

35 Integral Control Section

47 Connection Mode Managing Section

49 Connection Mode Managing Table

EC 1 , EC 2 , . . . , ECn Battery Cell