Apparatus for supplying emergency power supply

Abstract

An apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a protection circuit unit connected to a battery and configured to limit a range of available voltage and a range of non-available voltage of the battery, a bypass unit connected in parallel to the protection circuit unit and configured to form a bypass path of a current output from the battery according to an operation state of a set switching element, and a control unit configured to electrically connect the bypass path formed by the bypass unit by controlling the operation state of the switching element to an on state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0017877, filed on February 13, 2020, in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for supplying an emergency power, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of supplying an emergency power by expanding an available voltage range of a battery. BACKGROUND

[0003] Recently, there has been a sharp increase in demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, and mobile phones, and electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. have been developed vigorously. Accordingly, high-performance batteries that allow repeated charging and discharging are being actively researched.

[0004] Currently available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium batteries, etc. Among them, lithium batteries have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, have an extremely low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density, and thus are attracting much attention.

[0005] Generally, when a battery is over-discharged or over-charged, the battery can be damaged to accelerate degradation, and an expansion phenomenon of the battery swelling can occur. In addition, in a serious case, the battery can explode.

[0006] Conventionally, a protection circuit is connected to a battery to prevent over-discharge or over-charge of the battery (Patent Document 1). That is, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the voltage of the battery is maintained between an upper threshold voltage and a lower threshold voltage by using a protection circuit.

[0007] However, if the protection circuit still operates in the event of an emergency and thus needs to provide additional power from the battery, the battery is recognized as an over-discharged state, and thus the connection between the battery and a load is disconnected even though sufficient additional power can be provided from the battery. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology capable of supplying an emergency power by preventing the protection circuit from operating in the event of an emergency.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2003-0078289A SUMMARY

[0009] Technical problem

[0010] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure relates to providing an apparatus for supplying an emergency power, the apparatus being capable of supplying an emergency power by removing a non-available voltage range of a battery limited by a protection circuit in the event of an emergency.

[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description and will become more apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be implemented by means other than those specifically set forth herein, and that the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of embodiments and of one or more combinations of the embodiments herein.

[0012] Technical scheme

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply includes a protection circuit unit connected to a battery and configured to limit a range of available voltages and a range of non-available voltages of the battery; a bypass unit connected in parallel with the protection circuit unit and configured to form a bypass path of a current output from the battery according to an operating state of a set switching element; and a control unit configured to electrically connect the bypass path formed by the bypass unit by controlling the operating state of the switching element to an on state.

[0014] The bypass unit can be configured to form the bypass path that allows a current of the battery to bypass the protection circuit unit when the operating state of the switching element is controlled to the on state.

[0015] The control unit can be configured to release the limitation of the range of non-available voltages to expand the range of available voltages by electrically connecting the bypass path.

[0016] The control unit can be configured to release the limitation of a low voltage range in the range of non-available voltages limited by the protection circuit unit by electrically connecting the bypass path.

[0017] The control unit can be configured to control the operating state of the switching element to the on state when an emergency power supply request is input.

[0018] The control unit can be configured to control the operating state of the switching element to the on state during a preset initial operation time.

[0019] In another aspect, the apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply can further include a measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the battery.

[0020] The control unit can be configured to measure a discharge time of a continuous discharge of the battery, and control the operating state of the switching element to the on state when at least one of the measured discharge time and the measured voltage satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0021] The control unit can be configured to measure a discharge time when the measured voltage is within a preset low voltage range, and control an operation state of the switching element to be an on state when the measured discharge time is equal to or greater than a reference time.

[0022] After controlling the operation state of the switching element to be the on state, the control unit can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element according to a charge start voltage of the battery measured by the measurement unit when the battery starts to be charged.

[0023] The control unit can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element to be an off state when the charge start voltage is within the preset low voltage range.

[0024] The control unit can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element to be the on state when the charge start voltage is lower than a lower limit of the preset low voltage range.

[0025] The protection circuit unit can include a plurality of unit protection circuit units configured to segmentally limit the unusable voltage range of the battery.

[0026] The bypass unit can include a plurality of unit bypass units configured to be connected in parallel to at least one of the plurality of unit protection circuit units.

[0027] The control unit can be configured to select a unit protection circuit unit in which a limited voltage segment is closest to a current voltage of the battery among the plurality of unit protection circuit units, and control an operation state of a switching element provided in a unit bypass unit corresponding to the selected unit protection circuit unit to be an on state.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is also provided a battery management system (BMS) including the apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0029] In still another aspect of the disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack including the apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an advantage of supplying an emergency power by releasing a limitation on an unusable voltage range of a battery under a predetermined condition.

[0032] Further, according to an aspect of the disclosure, because the apparatus for supplying an emergency power autonomously determines whether an emergency situation occurs, it is possible to smoothly supply an emergency power, thereby preventing a connection between a battery and a load from being accidentally released.

[0033] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack including the device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the battery pack including the device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a voltage range of a battery connected to the device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of abnormal behavior of a battery.

[0040] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure releases a limitation on a non-usable voltage range of a battery.

[0041] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including the device for supplying an emergency power according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including the device for supplying an emergency power according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example in which the device for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure releases a limitation on a non-usable voltage range of a battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] It should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings and should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define appropriate terms in order to obtain the best explanation.

[0045] Therefore, the description set forth herein is merely illustrative of preferred examples and is not in any way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and it should be appreciated that the same can be employed in other, equivalent techniques without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Also, in describing the present disclosure, when it is considered that a detailed description of related known elements or functions makes the key subject of the present disclosure unclear, a detailed description is omitted herein.

[0047] The terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," or the like can be used to distinguish one element from another element in various elements, but are not intended to limit the elements by the terms.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as "including" or "comprising" any element, unless otherwise specified, it means that the part can further include other elements, not excluding the other elements.

[0049] Also, the term "control unit" described in the specification refers to a unit processing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0050] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as "connected" to another part, it is not limited to the case where they are "directly connected", but also includes the case where they are "indirectly connected" and another element is interposed therebetween.

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 , the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a protection circuit unit 110, a bypass unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0054] First, the protection circuit unit 110 can be connected to the battery 10.

[0055] Here, the battery 10 includes a negative terminal and a positive terminal, and can refer to one independent unit that can be physically separated. For example, one pouch-type lithium polymer battery can be considered as one battery unit. Also, the battery 10 can refer to a battery module in which one or more battery units are connected in series and / or in parallel. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, it will be described that the battery 10 refers to one independent battery unit.

[0056] The protection circuit unit 110 can be configured to limit a range of available voltage and a range of non-available voltage of the battery 10.

[0057] That is, the protection circuit unit 110 can prevent the battery 10 from being overcharged or overdischarged by limiting the range of available voltage and the range of non-available voltage of the battery 10.

[0058] For example, assume that the protection circuit unit 110 is connected to a 4.5 [V] battery 10. The protection circuit unit 110 can be configured to limit the range of available voltage to 2.7 [V] to 4 [V] to prevent the battery 10 from being overcharged or overdischarged.

[0059] The bypass unit 120 can be connected in parallel with the protection circuit unit 110.

[0060] In particular, the connection relationship between the protection circuit unit 110 and the bypass unit 120 will be described with reference to Figure 2

[0061] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack 1 including a device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2 , the protection circuit unit 110 can be electrically connected to both ends of the battery 10. For example, one end of the protection circuit unit 110 can be connected to the positive terminal of the battery 10, and the other end of the protection circuit unit 110 can be connected to the negative terminal of the battery 10. That is, one end of the protection circuit unit 110 can be connected between the positive terminal of the battery 10 and the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1, and the other end of the protection circuit unit 110 can be connected between the negative terminal of the battery 10 and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1. In addition, one end of the bypass unit 120 can be connected to the negative terminal of the battery 10, and the other end of the bypass unit 120 can be connected to the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1.

[0063] Here, a load can be connected to the positive terminal P+ and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1. For example, the load can be a charging terminal capable of charging the battery 10 or a terminal for receiving power from the battery 10.

[0064] ​Further, the bypass unit 120 can be configured to form a bypass path of a current output from the battery 10 according to an operating state of the switching element 121 set.

[0065] Specifically, when the operating state of the switching element 121 is controlled to be in an on state, the bypass unit 120 can be configured to form a bypass path that allows a current of the battery 10 to bypass the protection circuit unit 110.

[0066] An example configuration of the protection circuit unit 110 and the bypass unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Figure 3

[0067] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a battery pack 1 including a device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 3 The bypass unit 120 can include a switching element 121. One end of the switching element 121 can be connected to a negative terminal of the battery 10, and the other end can be connected to a negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1.

[0069] For example, in an embodiment of FIG. 1, Figure 3 If the bypass unit 120 is electrically connected, a bypass path for connecting the negative terminal of the battery 10 and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1 can be formed.

[0070] In addition, referring to FIG. 1, Figure 3 The protection circuit unit 110 can include a plurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, a capacitor C1, an ICT 111, and a switching element 112. Through the configuration of the protection circuit unit 110, a usable voltage range and a non-usable voltage range of the battery 10 can be limited.

[0071] The control unit 130 can be configured to electrically connect the bypass path formed by the bypass unit 120 by controlling the operating state of the switching element 121 to be in an on state.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operating state of the switching element 121 to be in an on state or an off state. If the control unit 130 controls the operating state of the switching element 121 to be in an on state, the bypass path formed by the bypass unit 120 can be electrically connected. In this case, a current output from the battery 10 can flow through the bypass path without passing through the protection circuit unit 110.

[0073] For example, in an embodiment of FIG. 1, Figure 3 ​In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switching element 121 can employ a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The switching element 121 can include a drain terminal D, a source terminal S, and a gate terminal G. The control unit 130 can be electrically connected to the gate terminal G of the switching element 121 and output a control signal to the gate terminal G. According to the control signal output by the control unit 130, the operating state of the switching element 121 can be controlled to be in an on state or an off state.

[0074] An advantage of the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure is that the current output from the battery 10 is controlled to flow through the bypass unit 120 or the protection circuit unit 110 by controlling the operating state of the switching element 121 provided in the bypass unit 120.

[0075] Meanwhile, the control unit 130 provided in the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power can selectively include a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipsets, logic circuitry, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc. known in the art to perform various control logics performed in the disclosure. In addition, when the control logics are implemented in software, the control unit 130 can be implemented as a set of program modules. At this time, the program modules can be stored in a memory and executed by the control unit 130. The memory can be located inside or outside the control unit 130, and can be connected to the control unit 130 by various known means.

[0076] In addition, the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure can further include a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit can store programs, data, etc. required for the control unit 130 to manage the switching element 121. That is, the storage unit can store data necessary for the operation and functions of each component of the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power, data generated in the process of performing the operation or function, etc. The kind of the storage unit is not particularly limited as long as it is a known information storage device that can record, erase, update, and read data. For example, the information storage device can include a RAM, a flash memory, a ROM, an EEPROM, a register, etc. In addition, the storage unit can store program codes in which processes executable by the control unit 130 are defined.

[0077] Preferably, the control unit 130 can be configured to release the limitation on the non-usable voltage range by electrically connecting the bypass path.

[0078] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a voltage range of a battery 10 connected to an apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0079] For example, Figure 4The battery 10 of the embodiment is an example in which a 4.5 [V] pouch-type battery cell is applied.

[0080] In Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the available voltage range of the battery 10 can be limited to 2.7 [V] to 4 [V]. Since the deterioration rate of the battery 10 generally increases if the voltage of the battery 10 is less than 2.7 [V] or greater than 4 [V], the limited available voltage range can be an arbitrary voltage range set in order to prevent the deterioration of the battery 10. However, it should be noted that the available voltage range of the battery 10 can be set to a range different from that shown in the drawings and the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the available voltage range is not to be interpreted restrictively by the numerical values shown in the drawings and the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4

[0081] If the control unit 130 controls the operation state of the switching element 121 provided in the bypass unit 120 to be the on state, the bypass path formed by the bypass unit 120 can be electrically connected. In this case, since the current output from the battery 10 does not pass through the protection circuit unit 110, the non-available voltage range limited by the protection circuit unit 110 can be released.

[0082] For example, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the control unit 130 electrically connects the bypass path, the limitation of the voltage range of 0 [V] to 2.7 [V] and the voltage range greater than 4 [V] can be released. Figure 4

[0083] Since the available voltage range of the battery 10 is expanded, the battery 10 can be used for a long time.

[0084] Preferably, the control unit 130 can be configured to release the limitation of the low voltage range in the non-available voltage range limited by the protection circuit unit 110 by electrically connecting the bypass path.

[0085] A case in which the battery 10 is provided in a portable terminal is described as an example. In a case in which the voltage of the battery 10 approaches the lower limit of the available voltage range, resulting in insufficient remaining capacity of the battery 10 and the battery 10 not being charged, it can be necessary to use the portable terminal in an emergency. For example, this can be a case in which the flashlight of the portable terminal needs to be turned on in a dark space or an emergency call is being made.

[0086] As another example, a case in which the battery 10 is provided in a vehicle is described as an example. While the vehicle is traveling, even if the voltage of the battery 10 reaches the lower limit of the available voltage range, in order to secure the safety of the driver, there can be a case in which the battery 10 must be continuously operated to provide an emergency power source.

[0087] ​​In the case where the battery 10 is urgently used even though the battery 10 is rapidly deteriorated as in the above-described example, the control unit 130 can electrically connect the bypass path to release the restriction of the non-usable voltage range of the battery 10. Also, because the usable voltage range of the battery 10 is expanded, the battery 10 can operate for a longer time.

[0088] Therefore, when an emergency occurs, the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to the embodiment of the disclosure can release the restriction of the non-usable voltage range of the battery 10 by electrically connecting the bypass path of the bypass unit 120. Thus, in the emergency, the operation time of the battery 10 can be increased, thus having an advantage that a user can take appropriate measures for the emergency using the emergency power supplied by the battery 10.

[0089] Hereinafter, each embodiment in which the control unit 130 controls the operation state of the switching element 121 provided in the bypass unit 120 to the on state will be described.

[0090] First, if an emergency power supply request is input, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0091] For example, the control unit 130 can be configured to communicate with the outside. If the control unit 130 receives an emergency power supply request from the outside, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state. In this case, the usable voltage range of the battery 10 is expanded so that the battery 10 can continuously discharge. Thus, the emergency power can be supplied to the load.

[0092] In another embodiment, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state during a preset initial operation time.

[0093] Specifically, the control unit 130 can calculate the preset initial operation time from a time point at which the battery 10 starts to operate. That is, when the battery 10 starts to operate, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state for the preset initial operation time, thereby releasing the non-usable voltage range restricted by the protection circuit unit 110.

[0094] Here, the preset initial operation time can be pre-stored in the control unit 130 or a storage unit.

[0095] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a graph schematically showing an example of abnormal behavior of the battery 10.

[0096] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the voltage of the battery 10 can be abnormally and temporarily decreased during the initial operation time of the battery 10. Figure 5 In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the voltage of the battery 10 can be abnormally and temporarily decreased during the initial operation time of the battery 10.

[0097] Here, the initial operation time can be set to correspond to the maximum capacity of the battery 10. That is, the larger the maximum capacity [mAh] of the battery 10, the longer the initial operation time can be set. For example, in an embodiment of Figure 5 the initial operation time can be set to 10 seconds.

[0098] Because the battery 10 has both physical and chemical characteristics, when the battery 10 starts to operate, a situation in which the voltage of the battery 10 is abnormally decreased due to external factors can occur. For example, if the temperature of the battery 10 is very low or very high beyond the reference temperature range when the battery 10 starts to operate, the voltage of the battery 10 can temporarily decrease. As another example, when the battery 10 starts to operate, a situation in which the voltage of the battery 10 temporarily decreases due to degradation of the battery 10 can occur.

[0099] As in an embodiment of Figure 5 , when the voltage of the battery 10 is abnormally decreased below the available voltage range, if the protection circuit unit 110 operates, the connection between the battery 10 and the load can be immediately cut off. That is, there can be a situation in which the connection between the battery 10 and the load is accidentally cut off due to abnormal behavior of the battery 10.

[0100] The control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 of the bypass unit 120 to be an on state during the initial operation time to cope with abnormal behavior of the battery 10. Therefore, in an embodiment of Figure 5 , even if the voltage of the battery 10 reaches 2.7 [V] within the initial operation time, the connection between the battery 10 and the load is not cut off. Also, after the preset initial operation time, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 of the bypass unit 120 to be an off state to make the protection circuit unit 110 operate.

[0101] Because the device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure prevents the protection circuit unit 110 from operating during the preset initial operation time, it has an advantage of preventing the connection between the battery 10 and the load from being accidentally released due to abnormal behavior of the battery 10 at the time when the battery 10 starts to operate.

[0102] Hereinafter, another embodiment in which the control unit 130 controls the operation state of the switching element 121 will be described.

[0103] First, referring to Figure 1 , the device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure can further include a measurement unit 140 configured to measure the voltage of the battery 10.

[0104] For example, in an embodiment ofFigure 2 In an embodiment of the disclosure, the measurement unit 140 can be directly electrically connected to both ends of the battery 10. The measurement unit 140 can measure the voltage of the battery 10 by measuring the positive electrode voltage and the negative electrode voltage of the battery 10 and calculating the difference between the measured positive and negative electrode voltages.

[0105] In addition, the measurement unit 140 can transmit the measured voltage of the battery 10 to the control unit 130.

[0106] The control unit 130 can be configured to measure the discharge time during which the battery 10 is continuously discharged.

[0107] For example, if charging and discharging of the battery 10 are alternately performed, the control unit 130 can measure the discharge time during which the battery 10 is continuously discharged. That is, the control unit 130 can be configured to measure the discharge time during which the battery 10 is continuously discharged without measuring the total time during which the battery 10 is discharged.

[0108] If at least one of the measured discharge time and the measured voltage satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0109] That is, based on at least one of the measured discharge time and the voltage measured by the measurement unit 140, the control unit 130 can determine whether an emergency situation in which an emergency power supply must be supplied occurs. In addition, if it is determined that an emergency situation occurs, the control unit 130 can supply an emergency power supply to the load by controlling the operation state of the switching element 121 provided in the bypass unit 120 to the on state.

[0110] Therefore, even if there is no emergency power supply request input from the outside, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply according to an embodiment of the disclosure can determine whether an emergency situation occurs based on at least one of the voltage and the discharge time of the battery 10. In addition, if it is determined that an emergency situation occurs, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply can electrically connect a bypass path to supply an emergency power supply to the load. Therefore, even when a user cannot request an emergency power supply or an emergency power supply request is not normally transmitted to the control unit 130, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply has the advantage of determining whether an emergency situation occurs and supplying an emergency power supply.

[0111] Preferably, the control unit 130 can be configured to measure the discharge time when the measured voltage is within a preset low voltage range.

[0112] In detail, the control unit 130 can measure the discharge time only when the voltage of the battery 10 received from the measurement unit 140 is within a preset low voltage range.

[0113] Here, the preset low voltage range can be pre-stored in the control unit 130 or a storage unit.

[0114] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating that the device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure releases the limitation of the non-usable voltage range of the battery 10.

[0115] For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 6 In an embodiment of the disclosure, it is assumed that the battery 10 is continuously discharged from 0 seconds. Also, it is assumed that the preset low voltage range is 2.7 [V] to 2.8 [V]. When the voltage of the battery 10 received from the measurement unit 140 is within the preset low voltage range, the control unit 130 can measure the discharge time of the battery 10 from the time point t2.

[0116] Also, if the measured discharge time is equal to or greater than the reference time, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0117] For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 6 If the discharge time of the battery 10 measured from the time point t2 increases beyond the reference time, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state. That is, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state at the time point t3 to expand the usable voltage range (2.7 [V] to 4 [V]) to 0 [V] to 4 [V].

[0118] Specifically, if the voltage of the battery 10 belongs to the preset low voltage range for greater than or equal to the reference time while the battery 10 is continuously discharged, the control unit 130 can determine that an emergency situation occurs. For example, in a situation where the remaining capacity of the battery 10 is low and charging of the battery 10 is not possible, if it is necessary to continue to use the battery 10, the situation can correspond to the above-described situation.

[0119] Accordingly, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power according to an embodiment of the disclosure has an advantage of reducing the trouble of requiring a user to directly request emergency power supply by autonomously determining whether an emergency situation occurs. Also, because it is determined whether to supply an emergency power by the control unit 130, there is an advantage that an accident that can occur due to an unexpected disconnection between the battery 10 and the load can be prevented in advance.

[0120] The control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 according to the charge start voltage of the battery 10 measured by the measurement unit 140 when the battery 10 starts charging after the operation state of the switching element 121 is controlled to the on state.

[0121] Specifically, after the operation state of the switching element 121 is controlled to the on state, the measurement unit 140 can measure the charge start voltage of the battery 10 when the battery 10 starts charging.

[0122] Further, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 depending on whether the charge start voltage of the battery 10 is within the preset low voltage range.

[0123] For example, if the charge start voltage is within the preset low voltage range, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state. In contrast, if the charge start voltage is lower than the lower limit of the preset low voltage range, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0124] That is, the control unit 130 can release or block the bypass path formed by the bypass unit 120 depending on the charge start voltage of the battery 10.

[0125] For example, if the operation state of the switching element 121 is controlled to the on state to form the bypass path by the bypass unit 120, the battery 10 can provide an emergency power supply. In this process, if the voltage of the battery 10 decreases below the preset low voltage range, the voltage of the battery 10 can be lower than the preset low voltage range even if the battery 10 starts charging. In this case, if the control unit 130 switches the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state, the protection circuit unit 110 can operate to release the connection between the battery 10 and the load. That is, although the battery 10 starts charging, the voltage of the battery 10, which has already provided an emergency power supply, can not be within the available voltage range. Therefore, the control unit 130 can not control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state just because the battery 10 starts charging, but can control the operation state of the switching element 121 in consideration of the charge start voltage of the battery 10.

[0126] Preferably, after the battery 10 starts charging, if the voltage of the battery 10 is within the preset low voltage range, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state so that the protection circuit unit 110 operates.

[0127] For example, in the case where the battery 10 is connected to the load and the voltage of the battery 10 is within the preset low voltage range, the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state. Figure 6In the embodiment of the battery 10, it is assumed that the operation state of the switching element 121 is controlled to the on state at the time point t3 so that the available voltage range is expanded to 0 [V] to 4 [V]. In addition, it is assumed that the voltage of the battery 10 decreases below the lower limit (2.7 [V]) of the preset low voltage range after the time point t3. Thereafter, even if the battery 10 is charged, the voltage of the battery 10 can be less than 2.7 [V]. Therefore, if the voltage of the battery 10 is within the preset low voltage range (2.7 [V] to 2.8 [V]), the control unit 130 can control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the off state to block the bypass path formed by the bypass unit 120 and operate the protection circuit unit 110.

[0128] More preferably, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state in consideration of not only the voltage and the discharge time of the battery 10 but also the current of the battery 10.

[0129] First, the measurement unit 140 can be configured to further measure the current of the battery 10.

[0130] For example, in the embodiment of the battery 10, the measurement unit 140 can be connected to the current measurement element A for measuring the current of the battery 10. Here, the current measurement element A can be an ammeter and / or a sensing resistor. Figure 2

[0131] The measurement unit 140 can transmit the measured current of the battery 10 to the control unit 130, and the control unit 130 can receive the current of the battery 10 and the voltage of the battery 10 from the measurement unit 140.

[0132] In addition, the control unit 130 can be configured to measure the discharge time when the measured current is within the preset low current range and the measured voltage is within the preset low voltage range.

[0133] Here, the preset low current range can be pre-stored in the control unit 130 or the storage unit.

[0134] Specifically, the control unit 130 measures the discharge time in which the battery 10 continuously discharges only when the voltage of the battery 10 is within the preset low voltage range and the current of the battery 10 is within the preset low current range. That is, the control unit 130 can measure the discharge time when the battery 10 is operated in the low power mode.

[0135] If the measured discharge time is greater than or equal to the reference time, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operation state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0136] ​For example, if the battery 10 is not charged and used in the low-power mode for more than a reference time, the control unit 130 can determine that this is an emergency situation requiring emergency use of the battery 10. In this case, the control unit 130 can be configured to provide an emergency power supply to the load by controlling the operating state of the switching element 121 to the on state.

[0137] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the battery pack 1 including the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the battery pack 1 including the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0138] The protection circuit unit 110 can include a plurality of unit protection circuit units 110 configured to segmentally limit a non-usable voltage range of the battery 10.

[0139] For example, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply can include a first unit protection circuit unit 110a and a second unit protection circuit unit 110b. However, it should be noted that the number of the plurality of unit protection circuit units 110 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0140] Further, the bypass unit 120 can include a plurality of unit bypass units 120 configured to be connected in parallel to at least one of the plurality of unit protection circuit units 110.

[0141] For example, Figure 7 is an embodiment in which the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply includes a first unit bypass unit 120a and a second unit bypass unit 120b. Specifically, the first unit bypass unit 120a can be connected in parallel to the first unit protection circuit unit 110a, and the second unit bypass unit 120b can be connected in parallel to the second unit protection circuit unit 110b.

[0142] As another example, Figure 8 is an embodiment in which the device 100 for supplying an emergency power supply includes only the first unit bypass unit 120a. The first unit bypass unit 120a can be connected in parallel to the first unit protection circuit unit 110a. In this case, because the second unit bypass unit 120b is not included, the current output from the battery 10 cannot bypass the second unit protection circuit unit 110b. Therefore, the control unit 130 cannot release the limitation of the non-usable voltage range by the second unit protection circuit unit 110b.

[0143] That is, Figure 8 The device 100 for supplying an emergency power source shown includes only the first cell bypass unit 120a. In some cases, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power source can extend the available voltage range to the first voltage range limited by the first cell protection circuit unit 110a, but can always operate the second cell protection circuit unit 110b to prevent serious degradation of the battery 10.

[0144] Preferably, the non-available voltage ranges of the battery 10 limited by the plurality of cell protection circuit units 110 can be different from each other. More preferably, the plurality of cell protection circuit units 110 can be configured to limit the non-available voltage range closer to the available voltage range of the battery 10 when disposed closer to the electrode terminal of the battery pack 1.

[0145] Figure 9 is a diagram showing another example in which the device 100 for supplying an emergency power source according to an embodiment of the disclosure releases the limitation of the non-available voltage range of the battery 10.

[0146] For example, in the embodiment of Figure 9 , the first voltage range limited is the range of 2.5 [V] to 2.7 [V] and the range of 4 [V] to 4.2 [V], which is the non-available voltage range limited by the first cell protection circuit unit 110a. The second voltage range limited is the range less than 2.5 [V] and greater than 4.2 [V], which is the non-available voltage range limited by the second cell protection circuit unit 110b.

[0147] Therefore, by including the plurality of cell protection circuit units 110, the device 100 for supplying an emergency power source according to another embodiment of the disclosure has the advantage of more finely limiting the non-available voltage range of the battery 10.

[0148] Preferably, the control unit 130 can be configured to select the cell protection circuit unit 110 whose limited voltage section is closest to the current voltage of the battery 10 among the plurality of cell protection circuit units 110.

[0149] Further, the control unit 130 can be configured to control the operating state of the switching element 121 disposed in the cell bypass unit 120 corresponding to the selected cell protection circuit unit 110 to the on state.

[0150] For example, in the embodiment of Figure 9 , the control unit 130 can select the first cell protection circuit unit 110a that limits the first voltage range.

[0151] Assuming that the voltage of the battery 10 belongs to the preset low voltage range, but the control unit 130 controls the operation state of the switching element 121 provided in the second cell bypass unit 120b to the on state. In this case, since the first voltage range is still limited, there can be a problem that the emergency power is not provided to the load regardless of whether the limitation of the second voltage range is released or not.

[0152] Therefore, the control unit 130 can release the limitation of the non-usable voltage range closest to the current voltage of the battery 10, and thus the emergency power can be smoothly provided.

[0153] The apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to the present disclosure can be applied to a BMS (Battery Management System). That is, the BMS according to the present disclosure can include the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power described above. In this configuration, at least some components of the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power can be implemented by supplementing or adding functions of components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the protection circuit unit 110, the bypass unit 120, the measurement unit 140, and the control unit 130 of the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power can be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0154] In addition, the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power according to the present disclosure can be provided in a battery pack 1. That is, the battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure can include the apparatus 100 for supplying an emergency power and at least one battery cell. Further, the battery pack 1 can further include an electrical device (relay, fuse, etc.) and a housing.

[0155] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented not only by an apparatus and a method, but also by a program implementing functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present disclosure or a recording medium on which the program is recorded. The program or the recording medium can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art from the above description of the embodiments.

[0156] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0157] Further, those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications, and changes to the above-described present disclosure without departing from the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and each embodiment can be selectively partially or wholly combined to allow various modifications.

[0158] (Reference Signs)

[0159] 1: battery pack

[0160] 10: battery

[0161] 100: device for supplying emergency power

[0162] 110: protection circuit unit

[0163] 120: bypass unit

[0164] 121: switching element

[0165] 130: control unit

[0166] 140: measurement unit

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply, comprising: a protection circuit unit connected to a battery and configured to limit a usable voltage range and a non-usable voltage range of the battery; a measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the battery, a bypass unit having a switching element in parallel with the protection circuit unit and configured to form a bypass path of a current output from the battery according to an operation state of the switching element; and a control unit configured to electrically connect the bypass path formed by the bypass unit by controlling the operation state of the switching element to an on state, wherein the control unit is configured to measure a discharge time of a continuous discharge of the battery, and control the operation state of the switching element to the on state when at least one of the measured discharge time and the measured voltage satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein the control unit is configured to release the limitation on the non-usable voltage range by electrically connecting the bypass path to expand the usable voltage range.

2. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, wherein the bypass unit is configured to form the bypass path that allows a current of the battery to bypass the protection circuit unit when the operation state of the switching element is controlled to the on state.

3. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to release the limitation on a low voltage range in the non-usable voltage range limited by the protection circuit unit by electrically connecting the bypass path.

4. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation state of the switching element to the on state when an emergency power supply request is input.

5. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation state of the switching element to the on state during a preset initial operation time.

6. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to measure the discharge time when the measured voltage is within a preset low voltage range, and control the operation state of the switching element to the on state when the measured discharge time is equal to or greater than a reference time.

7. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 6, wherein after controlling the operation state of the switching element to the on state, the control unit is configured to control the operation state of the switching element according to a charge start voltage of the battery measured by the measurement unit when the battery starts charging.

8. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to: control the operation state of the switching element to an off state when the charge start voltage is within the preset low voltage range, and control the operation state of the switching element to the on state when the charge start voltage is lower than a lower limit of the preset low voltage range.

9. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power supply according to claim 1, ​ wherein the protection circuit unit includes a plurality of unit protection circuit units configured to segmentally limit the non-usable voltage range of the battery, and wherein the bypass unit includes a plurality of unit bypass units configured to be connected in parallel to at least one of the plurality of unit protection circuit units.

10. The apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to select a unit protection circuit unit in which a limited voltage segment of the plurality of unit protection circuit units is closest to a current voltage of the battery, and control an operation state of a switching element provided in a unit bypass unit corresponding to the selected unit protection circuit unit to an on state.

11. A battery management system (BMS) including the apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A battery pack including the apparatus for supplying an emergency power according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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