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2.2. Function of the Battery
The battery management system, which is built-in the battery, provides the following three major
functions: “residual capacity management”, “battery information communication”, and “service”.
(1) Residual Capacity Management
The battery management system uses an “amperage
integration system” to manage the residual capacity,
and displays the residual capacity in 6 stages using
the indicator lamps located at the top of the battery.
When the indicator switch is pressed, the 5 capacity
indicator lamps turn ON for 5 seconds to show the
residual capacity of the battery in 6 stages. (The last
segment consists of 2 stages, ON and blinking.)
For the lithium ion battery, a relative indication system is used, in which all 5 capacity indicator
lamps turn ON at the completion of a full charge cycle, even if the battery has deteriorated.
(2) Battery Information Management
Battery Information Communication
The battery management system has a built-in function to establish communication with
the drive unit and the charger, and exchanges various types of information while using the
wheelchair or during a charge cycle.
Battery Life Management
The battery management system of the lithium ion battery remembers its cumulative usage
time and integral charge capacity. In order to use the battery safely, the battery has an
upper limit (life) for the cumulative usage time and the integral charge capacity: 8 years and
8000Ah, respectively. Once you reach the upper limit (i.e. end of life), the BMC prevents
further charging or use of the battery.
CAUTION
If 1 segment of the capacity gauge blinks (residual capacity warning), instruct
the user to immediately charge the battery or replace it with a spare battery.
Both the charger and the vehicle will show a communication malfunction if
communication is disabled due to the deformation of the contact points or the
entry of foreign matter. In this case, clean the contact.
NOTE
Residual capacity
80–100%
40–60%
0–20%
20–40%
60–80%
(Blinks at 0 to 5%)