Remaining battery capacity measuring device

• US 6,140,928 A
• Filed: 10/29/1998
• Issued: 10/31/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd. (Toshiba Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd. (Toshiba Corporation)
• Inventors: Miyamoto, Hideki, Tsuchihata, Makoto, Shibuya, Nobuo, Sakai, Hirotaka
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Application Number:
  US09/181,812
• Time in Patent Office: 733 Days
• Field of Search: 340/636, 324/426, 324/433, 320/134, 320/156
• US Class Current: 340/636.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3842 combining voltage and current measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A remaining battery capacity measuring device having a microprocessor and an integrated circuit is packaged together with a secondary battery to form a battery pack. The integrated circuit includes a current measuring circuit for charging and discharging currents of a secondary battery, an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery, a driver circuit for driving a semiconductor switch for change and discharge control of the secondary battery, and a power switch circuit for power-saving operation. The current measuring circuit includes an operational amplifier for detecting a voltage across a resistor for current detection, and has a function to apply a variable offset voltage to the amplifier and a function to vary the gain of another operational amplifier for amplifying the output of the former operational amplifier. The current measuring circuit detects the voltage across the resistor independently of the overcurrent detection circuit, and enjoys high measurement accuracy. The overcurrent detection level and overcurrent detection response time of the overcurrent detection circuit can be externally set by an external divider circuit and an external variable capacitor. The power switch circuit selectively connects various circuit sections of the battery capacity measuring device to a power source, depending on the operating state, charging or discharging, of the secondary battery.

Claims

1. A remaining battery capacity measuring device comprising:

a current measuring circuit for measuring charging and discharging currents of a secondary battery, said current measuring circuit including;

a differential amplifier circuit for detecting a voltage across a resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery,

an offset voltage regulator circuit for selectively applying an offset voltage to the differential amplifier circuit and for variably setting the offset voltage, and

a gain adjusting circuit for variably setting a gain of the differential amplifier circuit.

2. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said current measuring circuit further includes a polarity inversion switch circuit interposed between the resistor and the differential amplifier circuit,

the polarity inversion switch circuit changes input polarity of the voltage across the resistor, the voltage being input to the differential amplifier circuit in the input polarity,

said differential amplifier circuit is driven by a single power source, and

said polarity inversion switch circuit takes a first shift position when the secondary battery is charged and takes a second shift position when the secondary battery is discharged, the input polarity in the second shift position being opposite to that in the first shift position.

3. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting the voltage across the resistor independently of the current measuring circuit and for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery in accordance with the detected voltage across the resistor.

4. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 3, wherein each of said current measuring circuit and said overcurrent detection circuit has an input stage comprised of a differential amplifier with high input impedance.

5. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 4, wherein said current measuring circuit and said overcurrent detection circuit are configured in an integrated circuit form.

6. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery;

wherein the overcurrent detection circuit includes a differential amplifier for detecting the voltage across the resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery, a comparator for comparing an externally set reference value with an output of the differential amplifier and for outputting an output signal indicative of generation of overcurrent when the reference value is exceeded by the output of the differential amplifier, and a timer circuit for starting time measurement in response to an output signal of the comparator and for outputting an overcurrent detection signal when an externally set time is over.

7. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each driven by a single power source, and

each of the first and second differential amplifiers is connected with opposite ends of the resistor so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity which is different between the first and second differential amplifiers.

8. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 7, wherein said first differential amplifier has a noninverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor and an inverting input terminal connected to another end of the resistor, and

said second differential amplifier has an inverting input terminal connected to the one end of the resistor and a noninverting input terminal connected to said another end of the resistor.

9. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 7, wherein a corresponding one of said first and second differential amplifiers is driven depending on whether the secondary battery is charged or discharged.

10. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said comparator of said overcurrent detection circuit has an input terminal connected to the differential amplifier and an input terminal connected to a voltage divider circuit comprised of a resistor externally attached to the overcurrent detection circuit.

11. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 10, wherein said voltage divider circuit includes a variable resistor.

12. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said timer circuit includes a switch circuit responsive to the output signal of the comparator, a constant-current source connected through the switch circuit to a capacitor, externally attached to the overcurrent detection circuit, for charging the capacitor, and an auxiliary comparator for comparing a charging voltage to which the capacitor is charged with a reference voltage and for outputting the overcurrent detection signal when the reference voltage is exceeded by the charging voltage of the capacitor.

13. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 12, wherein said capacitor is a variable capacitor.

14. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said current measuring circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each connected to opposite ends of the resistor for current detection, connected in series with the secondary battery, so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery based on the voltage across the resistor, and

said remaining battery capacity measuring device further comprises a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

15. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery in accordance with the voltage across the resistor, the overcurrent detection circuit including first and second differential amplifiers each connected with opposite ends of the resistor so as to input the applied voltage across the resistor in polarity which is different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery from the voltage across the resistor; and

a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

16. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 15, wherein said first differential amplifier has a noninverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor for current detection and an inverting input terminal connected to another end of the resistor, and

said second differential amplifier has an inverting input terminal connected to the one end of the resistor for current detection and a noninverting input terminal connected to said another end of the resistor.

17. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 15, wherein said first and second differential amplifiers are each driven by a single power source.

18. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 15, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit further includes a first comparator for comparing an output of the first differential amplifier with a first reference value and for outputting a first discrimination output when the first reference value is exceeded by the output of the first differential amplifier, and a second comparator for comparing an output of the second differential amplifier with a second reference value and for outputting a second discrimination output when the second reference value is exceeded by the output of the second differential amplifier;

and

said power switch circuit connects a corresponding one of the first and second comparators to the power source, depending on which of the first and second differential amplifiers is connected to the power source through the power switch circuit.

19. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 18, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit further includes a first overcurrent detector for detecting overcurrent in accordance with the first discrimination output from the first comparator, and a second overcurrent detector for detecting overcurrent in accordance with the second discrimination output from the second comparator;

and

said power switch circuit connects the first overcurrent detector to the power source when the first discrimination output is delivered and connects the second overcurrent detector to the power source when the second discrimination output is delivered.

20. A remaining battery capacity measuring device, comprising:

a current measuring circuit for detecting a voltage across a resistor for current detection connected in series with a secondary battery and for measuring charging and discharging currents of the secondary battery in accordance with the voltage across the resistor; and

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting the voltage across the resistor independently of said current measuring circuit and for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery in accordance with the detected voltage across the resistor.

21. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 20, wherein each of said current measuring circuit and said overcurrent detection circuit has an input stage comprised of a differential amplifier with high input impedance.

22. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 21, wherein said current measuring circuit and said overcurrent detection circuit are configured in an integrated circuit form.

23. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 20, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes a differential amplifier for detecting the voltage across the resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery, a comparator for comparing an externally set reference value with an output of said differential amplifier and for outputting an output signal indicative of generation of overcurrent when the reference value is exceeded by the output of the differential amplifier, and a timer circuit for starting time measurement in response to an output signal of the comparator and for outputting an overcurrent detection signal when an externally set time is over.

24. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 20, wherein said current measuring circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each connected to opposite ends of the resistor for current detection, connected in series with the secondary battery, so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery based on the voltage across the resistor, and

said remaining battery capacity measuring device further comprises a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

25. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 20, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each connected to opposite ends of the resistor for current detection so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery based on the voltage across the resistor, and

said remaining battery capacity measuring device further comprises a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

26. A remaining battery capacity measuring device, comprising:

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in a secondary battery, said overcurrent detection circuit including;

a differential amplifier for detecting a voltage across a resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery;

a comparator for comparing an externally set reference value with an output of the differential amplifier and for outputting an output signal indicative of the generation of overcurrent when the reference value is exceeded by the output of the differential amplifier; and

a timer circuit for starting time measurement in response to an output signal of the comparator and for outputting an overcurrent detection signal when an externally set time is over.

27. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each driven by a single power source, and

each of the first and second differential amplifiers is connected with opposite ends of the resistor so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity which is different between the first and second differential amplifiers.

28. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 27, wherein said first differential amplifier has a noninverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor and an inverting input terminal connected to another end of the resistor, and

said second differential amplifier has an inverting input terminal connected to the one end of the resistor and a noninverting input terminal connected to said another end of the resistor.

29. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 27, wherein a corresponding one of said first and second differential amplifiers is driven depending on whether the secondary battery is charged or discharged.

30. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, wherein said comparator of said overcurrent detection circuit has an input terminal connected to the differential amplifier and an input terminal connected to a voltage divider circuit comprised of a resistor externally attached to the overcurrent detection circuit.

31. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 30, wherein said voltage divider circuit includes a variable resistor.

32. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, wherein said timer circuit includes a switch circuit responsive to the output signal of the comparator, a constant-current source connected through the switch circuit to a capacitor, externally attached to the overcurrent detection circuit, for charging the capacitor, and an auxiliary comparator for comparing a charging voltage to which the capacitor is charged with a reference voltage and for outputting the overcurrent detection signal when the reference voltage is exceeded by the charging voltage of the capacitor.

33. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 32, wherein said capacitor is a variable capacitor.

34. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, further comprising:

a current measuring circuit for detecting the voltage across the resistor independently of the overcurrent detecting circuit and for detecting charging and discharging currents of the secondary battery in accordance with the detected voltage across the resistor.

35. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, further comprising:

a current measuring circuit for detecting charging and discharging currents of the secondary battery, said current measuring circuit including first and second differential amplifiers each connected to opposite ends of the resistor for current detection, connected in series with the secondary battery, so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery based on the voltage across the resistor, and

a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

36. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 26, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes first and second differential amplifiers each connected with opposite ends of the resistor so as to input the applied voltage across the resistor in polarity which is different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery from the voltage across the resistor, and

the remaining battery capacity measuring device further comprises a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

37. A remaining battery capacity measuring device, comprising:

a current detection circuit including first and second differential amplifiers each connected to opposite ends of a resistor for current detection, connected in series with a secondary battery, so as to input the voltage across the resistor in polarity different between the first and second differential amplifiers, each of the first and second differential amplifiers detecting an electric current flowing through the secondary battery based on the voltage across the resistor; and

a power switch circuit for selectively connecting the first or second differential amplifier to a power source, depending on the direction of the electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

38. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 37, wherein said first differential amplifier has a noninverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor for current detection and an inverting input terminal connected to another end of the resistor, and

said second differential amplifier has an inverting input terminal connected to the one end of the resistor for current detection and a noninverting input terminal connected to said another end of the resistor.

39. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 38, wherein said first and second differential amplifiers are each driven by a single power source.

40. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 37, wherein said current detection circuit is a current measuring circuit for detecting the charging and discharging currents of the secondary battery in accordance with the voltage across the resistor for current detection, and a corresponding one of the first and second differential amplifiers is connected to the power source through the power switch circuit, depending on whether the secondary battery is charged or discharged.

41. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 37, wherein said current detection circuit is an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery in accordance with the voltage across the resistor for current detection.

42. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 41, wherein said current detection circuit constituting the overcurrent detection circuit further includes a first comparator for comparing an output of the first differential amplifier with a first reference value and for outputting a first discrimination output when the first reference value is exceeded by the output of the first differential amplifier, and a second comparator for comparing an output of the second differential amplifier with a second reference value and for outputting a second discrimination output when the second reference value is exceeded by the output of the second differential amplifier, and

said power switch circuit connects a corresponding one of the first and second comparators to the power source, depending on which of the first and second differential amplifiers is connected to the power source through the power switch circuit.

43. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 42, wherein said current detection circuit constituting the overcurrent detection circuit further includes a first overcurrent detector for detecting overcurrent in accordance with the first discrimination output from the first comparator and a second overcurrent detector for detecting overcurrent in accordance with the second discrimination output from the second comparator, and

said power switch circuit connects the first overcurrent detector to the power source when the first discrimination output is delivered and connects the second overcurrent detector to the power source when the second discrimination output is delivered.

44. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 40, further comprising:

an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting the voltage across the resistor independently of the current measuring circuit and for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery in accordance with the detected voltage across the resistor.

45. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 44, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes a differential amplifier for detecting the voltage across the resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery, a comparator for comparing an externally set reference value with an output of the differential amplifier and for outputting an output signal indicative of generation of overcurrent when the reference value is exceeded by the output of the differential amplifier, and a timer circuit for starting time measurement in response to an output signal of the comparator and for outputting an overcurrent detection signal when an externally set time is over.

46. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 41, further comprising:

a current measuring circuit for detecting the voltage across the resistor independently of the overcurrent detecting circuit and for detecting charging and discharging currents of the secondary battery in accordance with the detected voltage across the resistor.

47. The remaining battery capacity measuring device according to claim 46, wherein said overcurrent detection circuit includes a differential amplifier for detecting the voltage across the resistor for current detection connected in series with the secondary battery, a comparator for comparing an externally set reference value with an output of the differential amplifier and for outputting an output signal indicative of generation of overcurrent when the reference value is exceeded by the output of the differential amplifier, and a timer circuit for starting time measurement in response to an output signal of the comparator and for outputting an overcurrent detection signal when an externally set time is over.