• - 1 -
SP313620
DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention: BATTERY DEVICE, BATTERY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM, AND BATTERY MANAGEMENT METHOD
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a battery device, a
battery management system, and a battery management method,
in particular, a battery device, a battery management system,
and a battery management method which facilitate management
of a battery.
Background Art
[0002]
Recently, battery devices are used in various products.
In cases where the power to be used is large, the capacity
of batteries also needs to be increased. With such
increased capacity of battery devices, it is desired to
ensure safety and reliability.
[0003]
As a battery device increases in capacity, the number
of its internal battery cells also increases, and the price
also increases. For this reason, there is a fear that the
user may disassemble the battery device and replace the
internal battery cells with cheaper ones in an unauthorized
# - 2 -
SP313620
manner.
[0004]
The present applicant has previously proposed providing
an IC chip inside a battery device, and making the IC chip
store an identification number (for example, PTL 1).
Consequently, by reading the identification number from the
battery device, and performing an authentication process on
the basis of the identification number that has been read,
it is possible to discover and eliminate an invalid battery
device.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0005]
PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 3289320
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0006]
In the previously proposed battery device, an
information terminal is provided to the battery device
separately from a terminal used for power supply, and
identification information is read from the information
terminal.
[0007]
As a result, for example, in order to provide an IC
chip to each of individual battery cells contained inside
- 3 -
SP313620
the battery device, and read identification information from
each battery cell, it is necessary to provide as many
information terminals as the ntimber of battery cells. For
example, in the case of an electric automobile, 100 or more
battery cells need to be connected in series, which makes it
difficult to secure communication lines. Moreover, the
battery device increases in size, and also increases in cost,
As a result, it is difficult to achieve a battery device
that is easy to manage.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of these
circumstances, and facilitates management of a battery.
Solution to Problem
[0009]
An aspect of the present invention is a battery device
including a battery that outputs direct-current power via a
power line, a memory element that outputs stored battery
information via the power line, by load-modulating an
alternating-current signal exchanged via the power line, and
a direct-current blocking section that blocks the directcurrent
power outputted via the power line from being
inputted to the memory element.
[0010]
The memory element can be an electronic tag.
[0011]
- 4 -
SP313620
The battery device can further include a voltage
generating section that is connected in parallel with the
memory element, and supplies a voltage generated by the
alternating-current signal exchanged via the power line to
the memory element.
[0012]
The voltage generating section can be formed by a coil
or a transformer.
[0013]
The direct-current blocking section can be formed by a
capacitor.
[0014]
The battery information stored in the memory element
can include at least one of identification information,
specifications information, history information, and billing
information.
[0015]
The battery device can include one or more battery
cells, each of the battery cells can have the battery, the
memory element, and the direct-current blocking section, and
the memory element can store the identification information
of the battery cell in which the memory element is installed.
[0016]
The battery device can further include the memory
element that stores the identification information of the
- 5 -
SP313620
battery device, and is not associated with the battery.
[0017]
The memory element that is not associated with the
battery can have precedence in outputting the battery
information over the memory element of the battery cell.
[0018]
The capacitor that forms the direct-current blocking
section, and the coil that forms the voltage generating
section can form a series resonant circuit whose center
frequency is a fundamental frequency of a carrier of the
alternating-current signal.
[0019]
Another aspect of the present invention is a battery
management system including a battery device including a
battery that outputs direct-current power via a power line,
a memory element that outputs stored battery information by
load-modulating an alternating-current signal exchanged via
the power line, and a direct-current blocking section that
blocks the direct-current power outputted via the power line
from being inputted to the memory element, a management
device that supplies the alternating-current signal to the
memory element via the power line to read the battery
information and control charging or discharging of the
battery, a high-pass filter that cuts off input of the
direct-current power to the management device, and passes
- 6 -
SP313620
the alternating-current signal so that the management device
can exchange the alternating-current signal with the memory
element, and a low-pass filter that passes the directcurrent
power at discharging or charging to a block that
operates on the direct-current power, and cuts off the
alternating-current signal.
[0020]
The battery management system can further include a
switch that cuts off the direct-current power to the battery
device at charging.
[0021]
The management device can control the switch so as to
cut off the direct-current power in a case where the battery
information is invalid.
[0022]
The management device can include a reader/writer that
communicates with the memory element by the alternatingcurrent
signal, and a controller that controls operation of
the reader/writer.
[0023]
The battery device, the management device, the highpass
filter, and the low-pass filter can be included in an
electronic apparatus.
[0024]
The management device, the high-pass filter, and the
- 7 -
SP313620
low-pass filter can be included in a charging device that
charges the battery device.
[0025]
In an aspect of the present invention, direct-current
power of the battery is outputted via a power line, and by
the memory element, stored battery information is outputted
via the power line by load-modulating an alternating-current
signal exchanged via the power line. By the direct-current
blocking section, the he direct-current power outputted via
the power line is blocked from being inputted to the memory
element.
[0026]
In another aspect of the present invention, the
management device supplies the alternating-current signal to
the memory element via the power line to read the battery
information and control charging or discharging of the
battery, and the high-pass filter cuts off input of the
direct-current power to the management device, and passes
the alternating-current signal so that the management device
can exchange the alternating-current signal with the memory
element. The low-pass filter passes the direct-current
power at discharging or charging to a block that operates on
the direct-current power, and cuts off the alternatingcurrent
signal.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
- 8 -
SP313620
[0027]
As describe above, according to aspects of the present
invention, management of a battery is facilitated.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0028]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an embodiment of a battery management
system according to the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an embodiment of a battery device.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another
configuration of an embodiment of the battery device.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating still
another configuration of an embodiment of the battery device,
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an
authentication process in a management device.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an
authentication process in the battery device.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus to
which the battery management system according to the present
invention is applied.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an embodiment of a reader/writer.
[Fig. 9] Fig, 9 is a block diagram illustrating a
- 9 -
SP313620
configuration of an embodiment of a controller.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an
authentication process.
[Fig. 11] Fig, 11 is a flowchart illustrating an
authentication process.
[Fig. 12] Fig, 12 is a flowchart illustrating an
authentication process.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an embodiment of a charging system to which
the battery management system according to the present
invention is applied.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a
charging process.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a
charging process.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a
charging process.
Description of Embodiments
[0029]
Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention
(hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described.
It should be noted that the description will be given in the
following order.
1. First Embodiment (battery management system)
2. Second Embodiment (electronic apparatus)
- 10 -
SP313620
3. Third Embodiment (charging system)
4. Modifications
[0030]
<1. First Embodiment>
[Fundamental Configuration of Battery Management System]
[0031]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
of an embodiment of a battery management system according to
the present invention. This battery management system 1
includes a battery device 11, a low-pass filter 12, an
operating section 13, a high-pass filter 14, and a
management device 15.
[0032]
The battery device 11 has one or more battery cells
(battery cells 31-1 to 31-3 in Figs. 2 to 4 described later)
built therein, and supplies a direct-current voltage/direct
current, that is, direct-current power to the operating
section 13 via power lines 17, 18. The operating section 13
receives the supply of direct-current power from the battery
device 11, and executes various operations. That is, the
operating section 13 is a section to be supplied with
direct-current power. The battery device 11 can be
configured as, for example, a battery pack.
[0033]
The low-pass filter 12 is arranged on the power lines
- 11 -
SP313620
17, 18 between the battery device 11 and the operating
section 13, and allows direct-current power to be supplied
to the operating section 13, which is a block that operates
on direct-current power. Moreover, the low-pass filter 12
cuts off an alternating-current signal generated by the
management device 15 and transmitted via the power lines 17,
18, thereby preventing the alternating-current signal from
being inputted to the operating section 13 that operates on
direct-current power and causing a failure of the operating
section 13.
[0034]
The high-pass filter 14 passes the alternating-current
signal generated by the management device 15, and causes the
alternating-current signal to be supplied to the battery
device 11 via the power lines 17, 18. Moreover, the highpass
filter 14 cuts off direct-current power transmitted via
the power lines 17, 18, thereby preventing the directcurrent
power from causing a failure of the management
device 15 that operates on alternating-current power.
[0035]
The management device 15 that manages the battery
device 11 outputs an alternating-current signal via the
power lines 17, 18, and communicates with the battery device
11. The management device 15 has the following functional
blocks: a generating section 21, a modulating section 22, a
- 12 -
SP313620
transmitting section 23, a demodulating section 24, a
determining section 25, and a processing section 26.
[0036]
The generating section 21 generates a command. The
modulating section 22 modulates a carrier with the command,
and outputs the result as an alternating-current signal. As
the carrier, for example, a radio-frequency signal (also
referred to as RF signal) with a frequency of 13.56 MHz is
used. As the alternating-current signal, other than 13.56
MHz, it is also possible to use an arbitrary frequency such
as 130 kHz to 135 kHz, 433 MHz, 900-MHz band, or 2.45 GHz.
The transmitting section 23 outputs the alternating-current
signal.
[0037]
The demodulating section 24 demodulates the reflected
wave of the alternating-current signal generated by load
modulation from the battery device 11.
The determining section 25 performs various
determination processes. The processing section 26 executes
various processing on the basis of the determination results,
[0038]
[Configuration (1) of Battery Device 11]
[0039]
Next, a configuration example of the battery device 11
will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a
- 13 -
SP313620
configuration of the battery device.
[0040]
In Fig. 2, the battery device 11 includes one battery
cell 31-1. The battery cell 31-1 includes a battery 51, a
direct-current blocking section 52, and an IC chip 53.
[0041]
The battery 51 outputs a positive voltage to the power
line 17 from a terminal 41, and a negative voltage to the
power line 18 from a terminal 42. The battery 51 is a
rechargeable secondary battery. That is, the power lines 17,
18 each serve as a supply path for direct current/directcurrent
voltage at charging or discharging.
[0042]
The direct-current blocking section 52 has the function
of supplying an alternating-current signal supplied from the
management device 15 via the power lines 17, 18, to the IC
chip 53. The direct-current blocking section 52 also cuts
off input of direct-current power to the IC chip 53 from the
power line 17 serving as a supply path for direct-current
power, thereby preventing a failure of the IC chip 53 that
operates on an alternating-current signal. In the case of
this embodiment, the direct-current blocking section 52 is
configured by a capacitor 61 with a capacitance CI. The
capacitor 61 is arranged between the positive terminal 17,
and a positive voltage supply point 83 of the IC chip 53.
- 14 -
SP313620
[0043]
It should be noted that although an alternating-current
signal is also inputted to the battery 51, as a result of
experiment, there is no practical problem.
[0044]
The IC chip 53 as a memory element can be configured by
an electronic tag such as an IC chip or tag based on various
standards. For example, not to mention standards such as
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Mifare, Felica, and
NFC (Near Field Communication) (all registered trademarks)
but also an electronic tag with a unique configuration not
based on these standards can be provided. The memory
element has at least the function of reading and outputting
internally stored information by an alternating-current
signal, and preferably further has the function of storing
supplied information. Either one of a passive type and an
active type may be used.
[0045]
The IC chip 53 in Fig. 2 includes a resonant section 71,
a detecting section 72, a load modulation section 73, a
voltage regulator 74, a power supply section 75, a data
receiving section 76, a clock generating section 77, and a
signal processing section 78.
[0046]
The resonant section 71 is configured by a parallel
- 15 -
SP313620
resonant circuit of a coil 81 with an inductance Lll that
functions as an antenna, and a capacitor 82 with a
capacitance Cll. One connecting point of the coil 81 and
the capacitor 82 is the positive voltage supply point 83,
and the other connecting point is a negative voltage supply
point 84. The values of the inductance Lll and capacitor
Cll are set so that the resonant frequency becomes 13.56 MHz,
That is, the resonant section 71 having the coil 81 is
originally intended to have the function of receiving an
alternating-current signal with a frequency of 13.56 MHz
from a coil 282 that functions as an antenna of a
reader/writer 291-11 illustrated in Fig. 8 described later,
and generating an alternating-current induced voltage by
electromagnetic induction.
[0047]
However, in the case of this embodiment, the
alternating-current signal with a frequency of 13.56 MHz is
not supplied from the coil 282 of the reader/writer 291-11
but is supplied from the management device 15 via the power
lines 17, 18 and the capacitor 61. Accordingly, it is
preferable to omit the resonant section 71 or at least its
coil 81. Consequently, malfunction due to the influence of
a nearby metal or the like is suppressed. In this case, an
alternating-current signal is directly inputted to the
detecting section 72. In a case where the resonant section
- 16 -
SP313620
71 is not omitted, when an alternating-current signal with a
frequency of 13.56 MHz is inputted, the resonant section 71
resonates to this signal, and generates voltage from the
voltage supply points 83, 84.
[0048]
The detecting section 72 is configured by a diode 91 in
the case of this embodiment. The anode of the diode 91 is
connected to the positive voltage supply point 83, and its
cathode is connected to one end of a resistor 101 of the
load modulation section 73. The diode 91 rectifies an
alternating-current induced voltage from the voltage supply
point 83 into a direct-current induced voltage, and
demodulates a signal included in an alternating-current
signal (carrier) transmitted from the reader/writer 291-11.
One end of a FET (Field Effect Transistor) 102 constituting
the load modulation section 73 together with the resistor
101 is connected to the other end of the resistor 101. It
should be noted that the FET 102 as a switching element may
be either one of p-channel and n-channel. Moreover, it is
also possible to use a bipolar transistor.
[0049]
The voltage regulator 74 smoothes and converts the
voltage rectified by the diode 91 into a constant voltage,
and supplies the voltage to the power supply section 75.
The power supply section 75 generates a voltage for driving
- 17 -
SP313620
the IC chip, and supplies the voltage to the data receiving
section 76, the clock generating section 77, and the signal
processing section 78.
[0050]
The data receiving section 7 6 extracts (amplitudedemodulates)
low frequency components from a half-wave
rectified voltage outputted from the diode 91, amplifies the
low frequency components to generate a binarized data signal
with a high level and a low level, and supplies the data
signal to the signal processing section 78. The clock
generating section 77 generates a square clock signal from
an alternating-current signal supplied from the voltage
supply point 83, and supplies the clock signal to the signal
processing section 78.
[0051]
The signal processing section 78 reads the data signal
in synchronization with the clock signal. Then, on the
basis of battery information stored in the built-in memory
section 111, the signal processing section 78 generates a
binarized response signal with a high level and a low level,
and outputs the response signal to the gate of the FET 102.
The FET 102 is turned on or off by the response signal.
Consequently, load modulation that varies the impedance seen
from the voltage supply points 83, 84 is performed. It
should be noted that while at least identification
- 18 -
SP313620
information is included in the battery information, as will
be described later, specifications information, history
information, billing information, and the like can be also
included.
[0052]
[Configuration (2) of Battery Device 11]
[0053]
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another
configuration of the battery device. This battery device 11
has one battery cell 31-2. The battery cell 31-2 has a
voltage generating section 151 between the voltage supply
points 83, 84. In the case of this embodiment, the voltage
generating section 151 is configured by a coil 161 with an
inductance L21. The coil 161 generates a voltage when an
alternating-current signal is inputted from the management
device 15 via the power lines 17, 18 and the capacitor 61,
and supplies the voltage to the voltage supply points 83, 84,
The coil 161 and the capacitor 61 can form a series resonant
circuit that resonates to an alternating-current signal at
13.56 MHz.
[0054]
The configuration is otherwise the same as in the case
of Fig. 2, and a description thereof is omitted to avoid
repetition. That is, in the case of this embodiment,
voltage is generated by the voltage generating section 151
- 19 -
SP313620
(both the resonant section 71 and the voltage generating
section 151 in a case where the resonant section 71 is not
omitted), and thus voltage can be generated more reliably in
comparison to the embodiment in Fig. 2. Therefore, the
embodiment in Fig, 3 is more advantageous in the case of
transmitting an alternating-current signal to a large number
of serially-connected battery cells via the power lines 17,
18.
[0055]
[Configuration (3) of Battery Device 11]
[0056]
Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating still another
configuration of the battery device. This battery device 11
also has one battery cell 31-3. Like the battery cell 31-2,
the battery cell 31-3 has the voltage generating section 151,
However, the voltage generating section 151 according to
this embodiment is configured by a transformer 171.
[0057]
That is, the transformer 171 is configured by a coil
181 connected between one end of the capacitor 61 and the
negative terminal 42, and a coil 182 connected between the
voltage supply point 83 and the voltage supply point 84.
When an alternating-current signal from the management
device 15 is inputted to the coil 181, a voltage is induced
in the coil 182 that is electromagnetically coupled, and the
- 20 -
SP313620
voltage is supplied to the voltage supply points 83, 84.
The coil 181 and the capacitor 61 can form a series resonant
circuit that resonates to an alternating-current signal at
13.56 MHz. In this case as well, the resonant section 71
can be omitted. The configuration is otherwise the same as
in the embodiment in Fig. 2, and a description thereof is
omitted to avoid repetition.
[0058]
This embodiment in Fig. 4 is also advantageous in
transmitting an alternating-current signal to a large number
of serially-connected battery cells via the power lines 17,
18.
[0059]
The battery device 11 as described above illustrated in
Figs. 2 to 4 is adopted for the battery management system 1
in Fig. 1.
[0060]
[Authentication Process in Battery Management System]
[0061]
Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication
process in the management device, and Fig. 6 is a flowchart
illustrating the corresponding authentication process in the
battery device. Next, an authentication process performed
in the battery management system 1 in Fig. 1 will be
described with reference to the flowcharts of Figs. 5 and 6.
- 21 -
SP313620
This authentication process is executed when the battery
device 11 is installed in the battery management system 1,
or when it is instructed by the user to start the process.
[0062]
In step Sll in Fig. 5, the generating section 21 of the
management device 15 generates an ID read command. That is,
as described above, the signal processing section 78 of the
battery cell 31 stores an ID (Identifier) as identification
information for identifying itself, and a command for
reading this ID is generated. It should be noted that in
the following description, the battery cells 31-1 to 31-3
will be simply referred to as battery cell(s) 31 in cases
where there is no need to individually distinguish between
the battery cells. The same also applies to other
components.
[0063]
In step S12, the modulating section 22 modulates a
radio-frequency signal as an alternating-current signal in
accordance with the command. That is, the modulating
section 22 amplitude-modulates a carrier with a frequency of
13.56 MHz as an alternating-current signal, in accordance
with the command generated in step Sll. In step S13, the
transmitting section 23 outputs the radio-frequency signal.
[0064]
The radio-frequency signal outputted from the
- 22 -
SP313620
management device 15 passes through the high-pass filter 14,
and is transmitted to the power lines 17, 18. At this time,
the low-pass filter 12 cuts off the radio-frequency signal,
and thus the radio-frequency signal is not inputted to the
operating section 13. Therefore, a failure of the operating
section 13 that operates on the direct-current power from
the battery device 11 is prevented. The low-pass filter 12
also has the function of preventing radio-frequency noise
from flowing to the outside. In a case where a direct
current outputted from the battery 11 is flowing through the
power lines 17, 18, the radio-frequency signal is
superimposed on the direct current.
[0065]
In step S41 in Fig. 6, the battery cell 31 receives the
radio-frequency signal. That is, the radio-frequency signal
passes through the capacitor 61 and is inputted to the
voltage supply points 83, 84. In a case where the resonant
section 71 exists, the frequency of the carrier of the
radio-frequency signal coincides with the resonant frequency
of the resonant section 71. Thus, the resonant section 71
resonates to the radio-frequency signal, and a resonant
voltage is induced at the voltage supply points 83, 84.
[0066]
In step S42, the diode 91 detects an inputted radiofrequency
voltage. That is, an alternating-current radio-
23 -
SP313620
frequency voltage is rectified, and a direct-current (more
precisely, pulsating-current) voltage is generated. In step
S43, the voltage regulator 74 smoothes and converts the
rectified voltage into a constant voltage. In step S44, the
power supply section 75 generates a driving voltage from the
voltage converted into a constant voltage. The generated
driving voltage is supplied to the data receiving section 7 6,
the clock generating section 77, the signal processing
section 78, and the like.
[0067]
In step S45, the clock generating section 77 generates
a square clock signal from an inputted radio-frequency
voltage. The clock signal is supplied to the signal
processing section 78. In step S46, the data receiving
section 7 6 generates data. That is, signal components (i.e.
amplitude components) included in the radio-frequency
voltage (i.e. carrier) are extracted from the signal
rectified by the diode 91, and are amplified. Consequently,
a binarized data signal with a high level and a low level is
generated, and is supplied to the signal processing section
78.
[0068]
In step S47, the signal processing section 78 executes
a command. That is, the signal processing section 7 8 reads
a command from the data signal in synchronization with the
- 24 -
SP313620
clock signal, and executes processing corresponding to the
read command. In the present case, an ID stored in the
memory section 111 is read, and response data is generated.
This response data is also binarized.
[0069]
In step S48, the signal processing section 78 performs
load modulation in accordance with the response data. That
is, the FET 102 is turned on or off in accordance with the
response data generated in the processing of step S47. The
impedance seen from the voltage supply points 83, 84 differs
between when the FET 102 is turned on and when the FET 102
is turned off. This change in impedance is reflected on the
reflected wave of the radio-frequency signal, and is
transmitted to the management device 15 via the power lines
17, 18.
[0070]
In step S14 in Fig. 5, the demodulating section 24 of
the management device 15 demodulates the signal of a
reflected wave generated by load-modulation of the radiofrequency
signal. Consequently, the ID of the battery cell
31 is read. In step S15, the determining section 25
determines whether or not the read ID is a registered ID.
That is, a predetermined ID is assigned to an authorized
battery cell 31 in advance, and the determining section 25
stores this assigned ID. It is determined whether or not
- 25 -
SP313620
the read ID matches a registered ID.
[0071]
In a case where the read ID matches a registered ID,
that is, when the battery cell 31 is authenticated, in step
S16, the processing section 26 performs processing for an
authorized battery cell. Specifically, the operating
section 13 is permitted to execute its intended operation.
[0072]
In contrast, in a case where the read ID does not match
a registered ID, in step S17, the processing section 26
performs processing for an invalid battery cell. For
example, the processing section 26 disables the operating
section 13 to execute its intended operation. Further, the
processing section 2 6 causes a warning message such as "This
battery device is invalid. Replace with a valid battery
device." to be displayed on a display constituting the
operating section 13. The user replaces the battery device
11 with a valid one in accordance with this message.
Consequently, a failure of the operating section 13, or
occurrence of a fire is prevented.
[0073]
<2. Second Embodiment>
[Configuration of Electronic Apparatus]
[0074]
Next, an electronic apparatus to which the battery
- 26 -
SP313620
management system 1 is applied will be described.
[0075]
Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus 201 to which the
battery management system 1 according to the present
invention is applied. The electronic apparatus 201 is an
apparatus that operates on a battery, and for example, a
personal computer, an electric automobile, or the like is
considered.
[0076]
In this embodiment, the electronic apparatus 201 has a
battery device 11-11, a low-pass filter 12-11, an operating
section 13-11, a high-pass filter 14-11, and a management
device 15-11. The management device 15-11 includes the
reader/writer 291-11 and a controller 292-11. The power for
operating the reader/writer 291-11 and the controller 292-11
is supplied from an unillustrated internal power supply.
[0077]
The battery device 11-11 has four battery cells 31-11
to 31-14, and one battery management cell 221-11. Terminals
241-11, 242-11 are terminals through which discharging
current (charging current at charging) flows.
[0078]
It should be noted that while in this embodiment four
battery cells 31 are connected in series to achieve a
- 27 -
SP313620
capacity higher than that in the case of a single battery
cell 31 illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4, the niomber of battery
cells 31 is arbitrary. Moreover, the battery cells 31 may
be also connected in parallel to further increase capacity.
[0079]
The battery cell 31-11 has a battery 51-11, a capacitor
61-11 as the direct-current blocking section 52, a coil 161-
11 as the voltage generating section 151, and an IC chip 53-
11, and outputs direct-current power from terminals 41-11,
42-11. The connection state thereof is the same as in the
case illustrated in Fig. 3. Like the battery cell 31-11,
the other battery cells 31-li (i = 2, 3, 4) each have a
battery 51-li, a capacitor 61-li as the direct-current
blocking section 52, a coil 161-li as the voltage generating
section 151, and an IC chip 53-li, and outputs directcurrent
power from terminals 41-li, 42-li. The connection
state thereof is the same as in the case illustrated in Fig.
3.
[0080]
The battery management cell 221-11 has a capacitor 61-
20 as the direct-current blocking section 52, a coil 161-20
as the voltage generating section 151, and an IC chip 53-20.
The battery management cell 221-11 does not have the battery
51. The capacitor 61-20 and the IC chip 53-20 are connected
in series. The coil 161-20 is connected in parallel with
- 28 -
SP313620
the series circuit. The opposite ends of the coil 161-20
are connected to terminals 251-11, 252-11 that connect to a
power supply line.
[0081]
The battery cells 31-11 to 31-14,,and the battery
management cell 221-11 are connected in series. That is,
the positive terminal 251-11 of the battery management cell
221-11 is connected to the terminal 241-11 that outputs a
positive direct-current voltage, and the positive terminal
41-11 of the battery cell 31-11 is connected to the negative
terminal 252-11 of the battery management cell 221-11.
[0082]
Hereinafter, likewise, the negative terminal 42-11 of
the battery cell 31-11 is connected to the positive terminal
41-12 of the battery cell 31-12, and the positive terminal
41-13 of the battery cell 31-13 is connected to the negative
terminal 42-12 of the battery cell 31-12. The negative
terminal 42-13 of the battery cell 31-13 is connected to the
positive terminal 41-14 of the battery cell 31-14, and the
negative terminal 242-11 of the battery device 11-11 is
connected to the negative terminal 42-14 of the battery cell
31-14. Direct-current power is outputted from the positive
terminal 241-11 and negative terminal 242-11 of the battery
device 11-11.
[0083]
- 29 -
SP313620
The IC chips 53-11 to 53-14 of the battery cells 31-11
and 31-14 each store its own identification information. In
contrast, the IC chip 53-20 of the battery management cell
221-11 stores identification information of the battery
device 11-11.
[0084]
A direct-current discharging current flows along the
following path: a negative power line 18-11, the terminal
242-11, the terminal 42-14, the battery 51-14, the terminals
41-14, 42-13, the battery 51-13, the terminals 41-13, 42-12,
the battery 51-12, the terminals 41-12, 42-11, the battery
51-11, the terminals 41-11, 252-11, the coil 161-20, the
terminals 251-11, 241-11, and a positive power line 17-11.
[0085]
A radio-frequency signal is inputted to the battery
management cell 221-11 from the positive power line 17-11
and the terminals 241-11, 251-11. Inside the battery
management cell 221-11, the radio-frequency signal flows
through the coil 161-20, and also flows through the series
circuit of the capacitor 61-20 and the IC chip 53-20, which
is connected in parallel with the coil 161-20.
[0086]
The radio-frequency signal inputted into the battery
cell 31-11 via the terminals 252-11, 41-11 flows to the
capacitor 61-11 and the coil 161-11, and also flows to the
- 30 -
SP313620
IC chip 53-11 that is connected in parallel with the coil
161-11.
[0087]
Hereinafter, likewise, the radio-frequency signal flows
through the battery cells 31-12, 31-13, 31-14, and is
outputted from the terminal 242-11. Of course, the radiofrequency
signal also flows along a path reverse to that
mentioned above.
[0088]
The low-pass filter 12-11 includes coils 261-11, 262-11
that are inserted in the power lines 17-11, 18-11,
respectively, and a capacitor 2 63-11 that is connected
between the power lines 17-11, 18-11.
[0089]
The high-pass filter 14-11 includes a capacitor 271-11
that is inserted in a positive line branched off from the
power line 17-11, and a capacitor 272-11 that is inserted in
a negative line branched off from the power line 18-11.
[0090]
[Configuration of Reader/Writer]
[0091]
Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
of an embodiment of the reader/writer. The reader/writer
291-11 has a driving section 281 and a coil 282. The
driving section 281 has the following functional blocks: a
- 31 -
SP313620
transmitting section 291, a receiving section 292, and a
processing section 293,
[0092]
The transmitting section 291 transmits a radiofrequency
signal to the power lines 17-11, 18-11 via the
high-pass filter 14-11. The receiving section 292 receives
a radio-frequency signal transmitted to the power lines 17-
11, 18-11 by the battery device 11-11, via the high-pass
filter 14-11. The processing section 293 executes
communication with the battery device 11-11 and the
controller 292-11.
[0093]
The coil 282 of the reader/writer 292-11 is originally
intended to serve the purpose of exchanging a radiofrequency
signal between the reader/writer 291-11 and the IC
chip 53 by electromagnetically coupling with the coil 81 of
the IC chip 53. That is, the reader/writer 291-11 is
provided for writing/reading information in accordance with
the standard of the IC chip 53. However, in this embodiment,
a radio-frequency signal is exchanged via the power lines
17-11, 18-11. That is, a radio-frequency signal otherwise
intended to be exchanged by means of the coil 282 is
superimposed on the power lines via the high-pass filter,
and communication with the IC chip is performed via the
power lines. Thus, the coil 282 used for electromagnetic
- 32 -
SP313620
coupling through a space can be omitted. Consequently,
there is less fear of unnecessary electromagnetic waves
being radiated to the surroundings or noise being picked up
to cause malfunction.
[0094]
[Configuration of Controller]
[0095]
Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
of an embodiment of the controller 292-11. For example, the
controller 292-11 configured by a MPU (Micro Processor Unit),
a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or the like has the
following functional blocks: a transmitting section 301, a
receiving section 302, and a processing section 303.
[0096]
The transmitting section 301 transmits a command to the
reader/writer 291-11. The receiving section 302 receives a
signal corresponding to a signal received from the battery
device 11-11, which is transmitted by the reader/writer 291-
11. The processing section 303 executes processing
corresponding to the signal that is received from the
battery device 11-11 via the reader/writer 291-11.
[0097]
[Authentication Process in Electronic Apparatus]
[0098]
Figs. 10 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating an
- 33 -
SP313620
authentication process. Hereinafter, an authentication
process in the electronic apparatus 201 will be described
with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. This authentication
process is executed when the battery device 11-11 is
installed in the electronic apparatus 201, or when it is
instructed by the user to start the process.
[0099]
In step Sill in Fig. 10, the transmitting section 301
of the controller 292-11 instructs the ID of the battery
device 11-11 to be read. That is, an ID read command for
the reader/writer 291-11 is generated, and the command is
transmitted to the reader/writer 291-11.
[0100]
It should be noted that since the processing related to
exchange of a radio-frequency signal is as already described
with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, a description thereof is
omitted here.
[0101]
In step S131, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 2 91-11 receives the command from the
controller 292-11. At this time, the transmitting section
291 of the reader/writer 291-11 generates an ID read command
for the battery device 11-11. In step S132, the
transmitting section 291 of the reader/writer 291-11 further
modulates a radio-frequency signal in accordance with the
- 34 -
SP313620
command. Then, in step S133, the transmitting section 2 91
outputs the radio-frequency signal. That is, the modulated
radio-frequency signal is transmitted to the power lines 17-
11, 18-11 via the high-pass filter 14-11. At this time, the
low-pass filter 12-11 cuts off input of the radio-frequency
signal to the operating section 13-11, thereby preventing a
failure of the operating section 13-11 that operates on
direct-current power.
[0102]
The IC chip 53-20 of the battery management cell 221-11
is ranked so as to communicate in precedence to the IC chips
53-11 to 53-14 of the battery cells 31-11 to 31-14. For
example, in each battery device 11, an ID is assigned which
allows the built-in battery management cell 221 to be
designated while being differentiated from the battery cell
31. Therefore, by designating the IC chip 53-20 of the
battery management cell 221-11 as the destination ID for the
command, it is possible to communicate with the IC chip 53-
20 of the battery management cell 221-11. Alternatively,
the ID of the battery management cell 221-11 is set so that
the ID can be read by a smaller output from the
reader/writer 291-11 in comparison to the IDs of the battery
cells 31-11 to 31-14. By initially setting the output of
the reader/writer 2 91-11 small, and then making the output
larger, the battery management cell 221 can be given
- 35 -
SP313620
precedence in communication. As a result, quick processing
becomes possible.
[0103]
It should be noted that it is also possible not to give
precedence to the IC chip 53-20 of the battery management
cell 221-11 over the IC chips 53-11 to 53-14 of the other
battery cells 31-11 to 31-14. In this case, processing is
performed in the order according to ranking based on an
anti-collision process described later.
[0104]
In step S161, the IC chip 53-20 of the battery
management cell 221-11 receives the radio-frequency signal
that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-11 in the
processing of step S133. Then, an ID stored in the memory
section 111 of the IC chip 53-20 is read and outputted.
Detailed processing in the IC chip 53-20 in this case is the
same as in the case described with reference to Fig. 6, and
a description thereof is omitted to avoid repetition.
[0105]
In step S134, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-11 receives the ID transmitted via the
power lines 17-11, 18-11. In step S135, the transmitting
section 291 transfers the received ID.
[0106]
In step S112, the receiving section 302 of the
- 36 -
SP313620
controller 292-11 receives the ID from the reader/writer
291-11. In step S113, the processing section 303 checks the
received ID, That is, in the same manner as in the case
described with reference to Fig. 5, authentication is
performed by comparing the received ID with a registered ID.
In a case where the received ID does not match a registered
ID, the processing section 303 executes the same processing
as in the case of step S17 in Fig. 5. That is, a warning
indicating that the battery device 11-11 is invalid is
displayed, and operation of the operating section 13-11 is
disabled. In a case where the ID is determined to be
invalid, the subsequent processing is not executed.
[0107]
In a case where the ID is authenticated to be genuine,
further, a process of reading IDs from the IC chips 53 of
the respective battery cells 31 is executed. That is, in
step S114, the transmitting section 301 instructs the IDs of
the battery cells 53 to be read.
[0108]
In step S136, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-11 receives the instruction from the
controller 292-11. The transmitting section 292 executes an
anti-collision process at this time. That is, by a method
such as a time slot scheme or a slot marker scheme, for
example, the order of communications is assigned so that the
- 37 -
SP313620
IC chips 53-11 to 53-14 of the respective battery cells 31-
11 to 31-14 communicate at staggered timings. Although a
detailed description of each scheme is omitted, this
prevents a situation where two or more of the IC chips 53-11
to 53-14 communicate with the reader/writer 291-11
simultaneously, making communication practically impossible.
[0109]
Now, for example, suppose that communications are
assigned in the order of the IC chip 53-11, the IC chip 53-
12, the IC chip 53-14, and the IC chip 53-13.
[0110]
Then, in step S137, the transmitting section 291 of the
reader/writer 291-11 generates an ID read command for the
battery cell 31-11. In step S138, the transmitting section
291 of the reader/writer 291-11 further modulates a radiofrequency
signal in accordance with the command. Then, in
step S139, the transmitting section 291 outputs the radiofrequency
signal. That is, the modulated radio-frequency
signal is transmitted to the power lines 17-11, 18-11 via
the high-pass filter 14-11.
[0111]
At the moment, communication is possible for the
battery cell 31-11. Accordingly, in step S181, the IC chip
53-11 of the battery cell 31-11 receives the radio-frequency
signal that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-11 in
- 38 -
SP313620
the processing of step S139. Then, an ID stored in the
memory section 111 of the IC chip 53-11 is read and
outputted. Detailed processing in the IC chip 53-11 in this
case is also the same as in the case described with
reference to Fig. 6, and a description thereof is omitted to
avoid repetition.
[0112]
In step S140, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-11 receives the ID transmitted via the
power lines 17-11, 18-11. The receiving section 292
temporarily stores the received ID.
[0113]
Next, in step S141, the transmitting section 291 of the
reader/writer 291-11 generates an ID read command for the
battery cell 31-12. In step S142, the transmitting section
291 of the reader/writer 291-11 further modulates a radiofrequency
signal in accordance with the command. Then, in
step S143, the transmitting section 291 outputs the radiofrequency
signal. That is, the modulated radio-frequency
signal is transmitted to the power lines 17-11, 18-11 via
the high-pass filter 14-11.
[0114]
At the moment, communication is possible for the
battery cell 31-12. Accordingly, in step S191, the IC chip
53-12 of the battery cell 31-12 receives the radio-frequency
- 39 -
SP313620
signal that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-11 in
the processing of step S143. Then, an ID stored in the
memory section 111 of the IC chip 53-12 is read and
outputted. Detailed processing in the IC chip 53-12 in this
case is also the same as in the case described with
reference to Fig, 6, and a description thereof is omitted to
avoid repetition,
[0115]
In step S144, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-11 receives the ID transmitted via the
power lines 17-11, 18-11, The receiving section 292
temporarily stores the received ID.
[0116]
Hereinafter, in the same manner, communication is
performed in the order of the IC chip 53-14 and the IC chip
53-13, and their IDs are read,
[0117]
When the IDs of all of the battery cells 31 have been
read as described above, in step S146, the transmitting
section 291 transmits the read IDs to the controller 292-11.
It should be noted that the read IDs may be transferred one
by one, rather than being transferred all at once.
[0118]
In step S115, the receiving section 302 of the
controller 292-11 receives the IDs transmitted from the
- 40 -
SP313620
reader/writer 291-11. In step S116, the processing section
303 checks the IDs of the battery cells 31. That is, in
this case as well, the same processing as in the case of
step S113 (that is, steps S15 to 17 in Fig. 5) is executed.
[0119]
In this way, authentication is performed on a perbattery-
cell basis, and in a case where there is even one
invalid battery cell 31, a warning is displayed, and
operation of the operating section 13 is disabled.
Consequently, a failure of the electronic apparatus 201, or
occurrence of a fire is prevented, thereby ensuring safety
and reliability of the battery device 11-11. Moreover, even
when the number of battery cells 31 becomes large, it is
possible to communicate with all of the battery cells 31
easily without providing a dedicated independent
communication line for each battery cell 31, thereby
facilitating manufacture and also reducing cost.
[0120]
<3. Third Embodiment>
[Configuration of Charging System]
[0121]
Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
of an embodiment of a charging system to which the battery
management system 1 according to the present invention is
applied. This charging system 400 includes a charging
- 41 -
SP313620
device 401, an external power supply 402, a battery device
11-31, and charging cables 403, 404 as power lines.
[0122]
In a case where the battery device 11-31 is a battery
device of an electric automobile, the charging device 4 01
can be arranged in a charging station.
[0123]
The charging device 401 has a rectifying/smoothing
section 431, a low-pass filter 12-31, a switch 432, a highpass
filter 14-31, a management device 15-31, a power meter
433, and a display 434.
[0124]
The rectifying/smoothing section 431 rectifies and
smoothes alternating-current power from the external power
supply 402, and outputs the result as charging directcurrent
power to terminals 451, 452 via the low-pass filter
12-31 and the switch 432. It should be noted that like the
operating section 13-11 in the electronic apparatus 201 in
Fig. 7, the rectifying/smoothing section 431 is a block that
operates on direct-current power in the charging device 401.
The low-pass filter 12-31 includes coils 261-31, 262-31 that
are respectively inserted in two charging lines, and a
capacitor 263-31 that is connected between two lines.
[0125]
The switch 432 is arranged in two charging lines, and
- 42 -
SP313620
is controlled by a controller 291-31 described later. The
switch 432 is turned on when starting charging, and turned
off when ending charging. While the switch 432 is arranged
in a positive charging line in the case of this embodiment,
the switch 432 can be arranged in a negative charging line,
or both of the lines. The high-pass filter 14-31 includes a
capacitor 271-31 inserted in a positive charging line that
is branched off, and a capacitor 272-31 inserted in a
negative charging line.
[0126]
The high-pass filter 14-31 enables exchange of a radiofrequency
signal between the charging device 11-31 and a
reader/writer 291-31 of the management device 15-31 via
charging lines, and blocks direct-current charging power
from being inputted to the reader/writer 291-31.
Consequently, a failure of the reader/writer 291-31 that
operates on alternating-current power is prevented.
[0127]
The management device 15-31 to which alternatingcurrent
power is supplied from an unillustrated external
device includes the reader/writer 291-31 and a controller
291-31. The controller 291-31 controls charging of the
battery device 11-31 via the reader/writer 291-31. The
display 434 is controlled by the controller 291-31, and
displays predetermined information.
- 43 -
SP313620
[0128]
The power meter 433 measures and displays charging
power, and outputs the measurement results to the controller
292-31. The power meter 433 is arranged between the lowpass
filter 12-31 and the rectifying/smoothing section 431
so that a radio-frequency signal is not inputted.
[0129]
The battery device 11-31 has the same configuration as
that of the battery device 11-11 in Fig. 7. That is, the
battery device 11-31 has four battery cells 31-31 to 31-34,
and one battery management cell 221-31, Terminals 241-31,
242-31 are terminals through which discharging current
(charging current at charging) flows.
[0130]
It should be noted that as in the case of the
embodiment in Fig. 7, the number of battery cells 31 is
arbitrary, and may be further increased to achieve higher
capacity.
[0131]
The battery cell 31-31 has a battery 51-31, a capacitor
61-31 as the direct-current blocking section 52, a coil 161-
31 as the voltage generating section 151, and an IC chip 53-
31, and outputs direct-current power from terminals 41-31,
42-31. The connection state thereof is the same as in the
case illustrated in Fig. 3. Like the battery cell 31-31,
- 44 -
SP313620
the other battery cells 31-3i (i = 2, 3, 4) each have a
battery 51-3i, a capacitor 61-3i as the direct-current
blocking section 52, a coil 161-3i as the voltage generating
section 151, and an IC chip 53-3i, and outputs directcurrent
power from terminals 41-3i, 42-3i. The connection
state thereof is the same as in the case illustrated in Fig.
3.
[0132]
The battery management cell 221-31 has a capacitor 61-
30 as the direct-current blocking section 52, a coil 161-30
as the voltage generating section 151, and an IC chip 53-30.
The battery management cell 221-31 does not have the battery
51. The capacitor 61-30 and the IC chip 53-30 are connected
in series. The coil 161-30 is connected in parallel with
the series circuit. The opposite ends of the coil 161-30
are connected to terminals 251-31, 252-31 that connect to a
power supply line.
[0133]
The battery cells 31-31 to 31-34, and the battery
management cell 221-31 are connected in series. That is,
the positive terminal 251-31 of the battery management cell
221-31 is connected to the terminal 241-31 that outputs a
positive direct-current voltage, and the positive terminal
41-31 of the battery cell 31-31 is connected to the negative
terminal 252-31 of the battery management cell 221-31.
- 45 -
SP313620
[0134]
Hereinafter, likewise, the negative terminal 42-31 of
the battery cell 31-31 is connected to the positive terminal
41-32 of the battery cell 31-32, and the positive terminal
41-33 of the battery cell 31-33 is connected to the negative
terminal 42-32 of the battery cell 31-32. The negative
terminal 42-33 of the battery cell 31-33 is connected to the
positive terminal 41-34 of the battery cell 31-34, and the
negative terminal 242-31 of the battery device 11-31 is
connected to the negative terminal 42-34 of the battery cell
31-34, The positive terminal 241-31 and negative terminal
242-31 of the battery device 11-31 are terminals from which
direct-current discharging power is outputted, and are
terminals to which charging direct-current power is inputted.
[0135]
A direct-current charging current flows along a path
reverse to a discharging current. That is, the charging
current flows along the following path: the positive
charging cable 403, the terminals 241-31, 251-31, the coil
161-30, the terminals 252-31, 41-31, the battery 51-31, the
terminals 42-31, 41-32, the battery 51-32, the terminals 42-
32, 41-33, the battery 51-33, the terminals 42-33, 41-34,
the battery 51-34, the terminals 42-34, 242-31, and the
charging cable 404.
[0136]
- 46 -
SP313620
A radio-frequency signal is inputted to the battery
management cell 221-31 from the positive charging cable 403
and the terminals 241-31, 251-31. Inside the battery
management cell 221-31, the radio-frequency signal flows
through the coil 161-30, and also flows through the series
circuit of the capacitor 61-30 and the IC chip 53-30, which
is connected in parallel with the coil 161-30.
[0137]
The radio-frequency signal inputted into the battery
cell 31-31 via the terminals 252-31, 41-31 flows to the
capacitor 61-31 and the coil 161-31, and also flows to the
IC chip 53-31 that is connected in parallel with the coil
161-31.
[0138]
Hereinafter, likewise, the radio-frequency signal flows
through the battery cells 31-32, 31-33, 31-34, and is
outputted from the terminal 242-31. Of course, the radiofrequency
signal also flows along a path reverse to that
mentioned above.
[0139]
The IC chips 53-31 to 53-34 of the battery cells 31-31
and 31-34 each store its own identification information. In
contrast, the IC chip 53-30 of the battery management cell
221-31 stores identification information of the battery
device 11-31.
- 47 -
SP313620
[0140]
The battery information includes history information,
specifications information, and billing information, in
addition to the identification information mentioned above.
The history information can be information such as the date
and time and the number of times of charging or discharging
of a battery, battery capacity at the time of purchase,
present battery capacity, and transition of the battery
capacity. The specifications information can be information
on conditions such as charging voltage, the specification
value of charging current, appropriate temperature during
use, and charged capacity. The billing information can be
information necessary to bill for the power used or charged.
[0141]
It should be noted that the reader/writer 291-31 is of
the same configuration as the reader/writer 291-11
illustrated in Fig. 8, and the controller 292-31 is also of
the same configuration as the controller 292-11 illustrated
in Fig. 9. Therefore, in the following description, the
configurations in Figs. 8 and 9 are also cited as the
configurations of the reader/writer 291-31 and controller
292-31.
[0142]
[Charging Process]
[0143]
- 48 -
SP313620
Figs. 14 to 16 are flowcharts illustrating a charging
process. Hereinafter, a charging process in the charging
system 400 will be described with reference to these figures,
This process is started when the user instructs charging to
be performed.
[0144]
In step S211 in Fig. 14, the transmitting section 301
of the controller 292-11 instructs battery information of
the battery device 11-31 to be read. That is, a battery
information read command for the reader/writer 291-31 is
generated, and the command is transmitted to the
reader/writer 291-31. Since the processing related to
exchange of a radio-frequency signal is as already described
with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, a description thereof is
omitted here.
[0145]
In step S251, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-31 receives the command from the
controller 292-31. At this time, the transmitting section
291 of the reader/writer 291-31 generates a battery
information read command for the battery device 11-31. In
step S252, the transmitting section 291 of the reader/writer
291-31 further modulates a radio-frequency signal in
accordance with the command. Then, in step S253, the
transmitting section 291 outputs the radio-frequency signal.
- 49 -
SP313620
That is, the modulated radio-frequency signal is transmitted
to the charging cables 403, 404 via the high-pass filter 14-
31. At this time, the low-pass filter 12-31 cuts off input
of the radio-frequency signal to the rectifying/smoothing
section 431, thereby preventing a failure of the power meter
433 and the rectifying/smoothing section 43 that operate on
direct-current power.
[0146]
The IC chip 53-30 of the battery management cell 221-31
is ranked so as to communicate in precedence to the IC chips
53-31 to 53-34 of the battery cells 31-31 to 31-34. As
described above, in each battery device 11, an ID is
assigned which allows the built-in battery management cell
221 to be designated while being differentiated from the
battery cell 31. Therefore, by designating the IC chip 53-
30 of the battery management cell 221-31 as the destination
ID for the command, it is possible to communicate with the
IC chip 53-30 of the battery management cell 221-31.
Alternatively, the ID of the battery management cell 221-31
is set so that the ID can be read by a smaller output from
the reader/writer 291-31 in comparison to the IDs of the
battery cells 31-31 to 31-34. By initially setting the
output of the reader/writer 291-31 small, and then making
the output larger, the battery management cell 221 can be
given precedence in communication. As a result, quick
- 50 -
SP313620
processing becomes possible.
[0147]
It should be noted that it is also possible not to give
precedence to the IC chip 53-30 of the battery management
cell 221-31 over the IC chips 53-31 to 53-34 of the other
battery cells 31-31 to 31-34. In this case, processing for
the IC chip 53-30 of the battery management cell 221-31 is
performed in the order according to ranking based on the
anti-collision process described above.
[0148]
In step S291, the IC chip 53-30 of the battery
management cell 221-31 receives the radio-frequency signal
that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-31 in the
processing of step S253. Then, the signal processing
section 78 of the IC chip 53-30 reads and outputs battery
information stored in its memory section 111. Detailed
processing in the IC chip 53-30 in this case is the same as
in the case described with reference to Fig. 6, and a
description thereof is omitted to avoid repetition.
[0149]
In step S254, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-31 receives the battery information
transmitted via the charging cables 403, 404. In step S255,
the transmitting section 291 transfers the received battery
information.
- 51 -
SP313620
[0150]
In step S212, the receiving section 302 of the
controller 292-31 receives the battery information from the
reader/writer 291-31. In step S213, the processing section
303 checks received identification information. That is, in
the same manner as in the case described with reference to
Fig. 5, authentication is performed by comparing the
received identification information with registered
identification information. In a case where the received
identification information does not match registered
identification information, the processing section 303
executes the same processing as in the case of step S17 in
Fig. 5. That is, a warning indicating that the battery
device 11-31 is invalid is displayed on the display 434, and
charging is disabled. That is, the switch 432 is turned off,
In a case where the identification information is determined
to be invalid, the subsequent processing is not executed.
[0151]
It should be noted that in this embodiment, only
battery information of the IC chip 53-30 of the battery
management cell 221-31 is read, and battery information of
the IC chip 53 of the battery cell 31 is not read. However,
the battery information may be read. In this case, an anticollision
process is performed as described above, and
identification information from the IC chip 53 of each
- 52 -
SP313620
battery cell 31 is read sequentially. Then, charging can be
disabled in a case where at least one battery cell 31 is
invalid. The processing in this case is the same as in the
case described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12, and a
description thereof is omitted to avoid repetition.
[0152]
For example, in a case where the battery device 11-31
is installed in an electric automobile, the number of
battery cells 31 contained is expected to become as many as
100 or more. If there is even a single invalid battery cell
31 among the battery cells 31, there is a fear that a fire
may occur while driving, or it may be impossible to generate
sufficient motor torque. However, performing authentication
on a per-battery-cell basis in this way makes it possible to
prevent such accidents from occurring.
[0153]
In a case where the identification information is
authenticated to be genuine, in step S214, the processing
section 303 of the controller 292-31 checks history
information. For example, in a case where the number of
times of charging or discharging has reached a predetermined
reference number of times, the processing section 303 causes
the display 434 to display a message that urges replacement
of the battery device 11-31 or the corresponding battery
cell 31. Consequently, the battery device 11-31 can be used
- 53 -
SP313620
with safety by the user. Alternatively, a message urging
disposal or recycling can be also displayed.
[0154]
In step S215, the processing section 303 of the
controller 292-31 checks specifications information. For
example, the processing section 303 checks the rated voltage
and rated current at charging, and controls the
rectifying/smoothing section 431 so that charging is
performed in accordance with the rated values. Consequently,
the battery device can be charged under optimal conditions
in a short time with efficiency. As a result, the lifetime
of the battery device 11-31 can be extended.
[0155]
The IC chips 53 of the respective battery cells 31
store their individual rated values. In contrast, the IC
chip 53-30 of the battery management cell 221-31 stores the
rated values of the battery device 11-31. Accordingly, by
taking the conditions of the IC chip 53-30 into
consideration, it is possible for the battery cells 31 to
perform charging at specification values of the battery
device 11-31 as a whole, which take the number of battery
cells 31 connected in series or parallel into consideration.
[0156]
In step S216, the processing section 303 executes
charging. That is, the processing section 303 turns the
- 54 -
SP313620
switch 432 on. Consequently, a charging current outputted
from the rectifying/smoothing section 431 flows along the
following path: the power meter 433, the low-pass filter 12-
31, the charging cable 403, the battery device 11-31, and
the charging cable 404, and the batteries 51-31 to 51-34 are
charged. When charging is completed (for example, when the
charging voltage has reached a predetermined value), the
processing section 303 turns the switch 432 off.
Consequently, charging is stopped. The power consumed by
the charging is measured by the power meter 433, and the
processing section 303 is notified of the measurement
results.
[0157]
In step S217, the transmitting section 303 instructs
history information to be updated. That is, a history
information update command for the reader/writer 291-31 is
generated, and the command is transmitted to the
reader/writer 291-31. At this time, pieces of history
information to be updated, such as the date and time of
charging, power, and the niimber of times of charging
incremented, are also transmitted.
[0158]
In step S256, the receiving section 292 of the readerwriter
291-31 receives the command from the controller 292-
31. At this time, the transmitting section 291 of the
- 55 -
SP313620
reader/writer 291-31 generates a history information update
command for the battery device 11-31. In step S257, the
transmitting section 291 of the reader/writer 291-31 further
modulates a radio-frequency signal in accordance with the
command. Then, in step S258, the transmitting section 291
outputs the radio-frequency signal. That is, the modulated
radio-frequency signal is transmitted to the charging cables
403, 404 via the high-pass filter 14-31.
[0159]
In step S292, the IC chip 53-30 of the battery
management cell 221-31 receives the radio-frequency signal
that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-31 in the
processing of step S258. Then, the signal processing
section 78 of the IC chip 53-30 updates history information
stored in the memory section 111 with the received history
information.
[0160]
In step S218, the transmitting section 301 of the
controller 292-11 instructs billing information of the
battery device 11-31 to be read. That is, a billing
information read command for the reader/writer 291-31 is
generated, and the command is transmitted to the
reader/writer 291-31.
[0161]
In step S259, the receiving section 292 of the reader-
56 -
SP313620
writer 291-31 receives the command from the controller 292-
31. At this time, the transmitting section 291 of the
reader/writer 291-31 generates a billing information read
command for the battery device 11-31. In step S2 60, the
transmitting section 291 of the reader/writer 291-31 further
modulates a radio-frequency signal in accordance with the
command. Then, in step S2 61, the transmitting section 2 91
outputs the radio-frequency signal. That is, the modulated
radio-frequency signal is transmitted to the charging cables
403, 404 via the high-pass filter 14-31.
[0162]
In step S293, the IC chip 53-30 of the battery
management cell 221-31 receives the radio-frequency signal
that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-31 in the
processing of step S261. Then, the signal processing
section 78 reads and outputs billing information stored in
its memory section 111.
[0163]
In step S262, the receiving section 292 of the
reader/writer 291-31 receives the billing information
transmitted via the charging cables 403, 404. In step S263,
the transmitting section 291 transfers the received billing
information.
[0164]
In step S219, the receiving section 302 of the
- 57 -
SP313620
controller 292-31 receives the billing information from the
reader/writer 291-31, and communicates with a billing server
connected via an unillustrated IP network or cellular
network, and the processing section 303 checks the received
billing information. For example, in a case where prepaid
electronic money is included in the billing information, the
processing section 303 subtracts an equivalent amount of
value corresponding to the power that has been required for
charging, from the prepaid electronic money.
[0165]
In step S220, the transmitting section 301 of the
controller 292-31 instructs the billing information to be
updated. That is, a billing information update command for
the reader/writer 291-31 is generated, and the command is
transmitted to the reader/writer 291-31. At this time, the
amount of prepared electronic money after subtraction is
also transmitted.
[0166]
In step S264, the receiving section 292 of the readerwriter
291-31 receives the command from the controller 292-
31. At this time, the transmitting section 291 of the
reader/writer 291-31 generates a billing information update
command for the battery device 11-31. In step S265, the
transmitting section 291 of the reader/writer 291-31 further
modulates a radio-frequency signal in accordance with the
- 58 -
SP313620
command. Then, in step S266, the transmitting section 291
outputs the radio-frequency signal. That is, the modulated
radio-frequency signal is transmitted to the charging cables
403, 404 via the high-pass filter 14-31.
[0167]
In step S294, the IC chip 53-30 of the battery
management cell 221-31 receives the radio-frequency signal
that is transmitted from the reader/writer 291-31 in the
processing of step S266. Then, the signal processing
section 78 of the IC chip 53-30 updates billing information
stored in the memory section 111 with the received billing
information. Consequently, the prepaid electronic money is
updated to the amount after subtraction.
[0168]
It should be noted that the billing process may be such
that the value corresponding to the power that has been
required for charging is stored, and the processing for
withdrawing the corresponding amount from the user's account
is executed later.
[0169]
The charging system 400 can be also applied to the case
of charging the battery device 11-11 of the electronic
apparatus 201 in Fig. 7.
[0170]
<4. Modifications>
- 59 -
SP313620
[0171]
While a rechargeable secondary battery is used as a
battery in the foregoing description, in a case where only
discharging current is used, the present invention can be
also applied to a non-rechargeable primary battery.
[0172]
Also, the term system as used in this specification
refers to the entirety of a device configured by a plurality
of devices.
[0173]
It should be noted that embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to the embodiments described above,
and various changes are possible without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
Reference Signs List
[0174]
I battery management system
II battery device
12 low-pass filter
13 operating section
14 high-pass filter
15 management device
31-11 to 31-14 battery cell
53-11 to 53-14, 53-20 IC chip

- 60 -
SP313620
CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A battery device comprising:
a battery that outputs direct-current power via a power
line;
a memory element that outputs stored battery
information via the power line, by load-modulating an
alternating-current signal exchanged via the power line; and
a direct-current blocking section that blocks the
direct-current power outputted via the power line from being
inputted to the memory element.
[Claim 2]
The battery device according to Claim 1,
wherein the memory element is an electronic tag.
[Claim 3]
The battery device according to Claim 2, further
comprising:
a voltage generating section that is connected in
parallel with the memory element, and supplies a voltage
generated by the alternating-current signal exchanged via
the power line to the memory element.
[Claim 4]
The battery device according to Claim 3,
wherein the voltage generating section is formed by a
coil or a transformer.
- 61 -
SP313620
[Claim 5]
The battery device according to Claim 4,
wherein the direct-current blocking section is formed
by a capacitor.
[Claim 6]
The battery device according to Claim 5,
wherein the battery information stored in the memory
element includes at least one of identification information,
specifications information, history information, and billing
information.
[Claim 7]
The battery device according to Claim 6, comprising:
one or more battery cells,
wherein each of the battery cells has the battery, the
memory element, and the direct-current blocking section, and
the memory element stores the identification
information of the battery cell in which the memory element
is installed.
[Claim 8]
The battery device according to Claim 7, further
comprising:
the memory element that stores the identification
information of the battery device, and is not associated
with the battery.
[Claim 9]
- 62 -
SP313620
The battery device according to Claim 8,
wherein the memory element that is not associated with
the battery outputs the battery information in precedence to
the memory element of the battery cell.
[Claim 10]
The battery device according to Claim 5,
wherein the capacitor that forms the direct-current
blocking section, and the coil that forms the voltage
generating section form a series resonant circuit whose
center frequency is a fundamental frequency of a carrier of
the alternating-current signal.
[Claim 11]
A battery management method for a battery device that
includes a battery, a memory element, and a direct-current
blocking section, comprising:
outputting direct-current power of the battery via a
power line;
outputting stored battery information via the power
line by load-modulating an alternating-current signal
exchanged via the power line, by the memory element; and
blocking the direct-current power outputted via the
power line from being inputted to the memory element, by the
direct-current blocking section.
[Claim 12]
A battery management system comprising:
- 63 -
SP313620
a battery device including a battery that outputs
direct-current power via a power line, a memory element that
outputs stored battery information by load-modulating an
alternating-current signal exchanged via the power line, and
a direct-current blocking section that blocks the directcurrent
power outputted via the power line from being
inputted to the memory element;
a management device that supplies the alternatingcurrent
signal to the memory element via the power line to
read the battery information and control charging or
discharging of the battery;
a high-pass filter that cuts off input of the directcurrent
power to the management device, and passes the
alternating-current signal so that the management device can
exchange the alternating-current signal with the memory
element; and
a low-pass filter that passes the direct-current power
at discharging or charging to a block that operates on the
direct-current power, and cuts off the alternating-current
signal.
[Claim 13]
The battery management system according to Claim 12,
wherein the management device includes:
a reader/writer that communicates with the memory
element by the alternating-current signal; and
- 64 -
SP313620
a controller that controls operation of the
reader/writer.
[Claim 14]
The battery management system according to Claim 13,
wherein the battery device, the management device, the
high-pass filter, and the low-pass filter are included in an
electronic apparatus.
[Claim 15]
The battery management system according to Claim 14,
wherein the management device, the high-pass filter,
and the low-pass filter are included in a charging device
that charges the battery device.
[Claim 16]
The battery management system according to Claim 15,
further comprising:
a switch that cuts off the direct-current power to the
battery device at charging.
[Claim 17]
The battery management system according to Claim 16,
wherein the management device controls the switch so as
to cut off the direct-current power in a case where the
battery information is invalid.
[Claim 18]
A battery management method for a battery management
system, the battery management system including
- 65 -
SP313620
a battery device including a battery that outputs
direct-current power via a power line, a memory element that
outputs stored battery information by load-modulating an
alternating-current signal exchanged via the power line, and
a direct-current blocking section that blocks the directcurrent
power outputted via the power line from being
inputted to the memory element,
a management device,
a high-pass filter, and
a low-pass filter, wherein:
the management device supplies the alternating-current
signal to the memory element via the power line to read the
battery infqrmation and control charging or discharging of
the battery;
the high-pass filter cuts off input of the directcurrent
power to the management device, and passes the
alternating-current signal so that the management device can
exchange the alternating-current signal with the memory
element; and
the low-pass filter passes the direct-current power at
discharging or charging to a block that operates on the
direct-current power, and cuts off the alternating-current
signal.