Battery device

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery device comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a BMS for managing the plurality of battery cells; and a connection control unit for enabling the plurality of battery cells to be sequentially connected to the BMS, wherein the connection control unit connects the battery cells to the BMS according to the potential of the battery cells and the potential of the battery cells below.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device, and more particularly, to a battery device capable of preventing electrical damage to a battery management system (BMS) when battery cells are connected to the BMS. Background Art

[0002] Rechargeable batteries (i.e., batteries) that can be charged and discharged are widely used as energy sources for mobile devices such as smartphones. In addition, batteries are also used as energy sources for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which are proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by gasoline and diesel vehicles using fossil fuels.

[0003] Due to the advantages of batteries, the types of applications using batteries are diversifying, and it is expected that batteries will be used in more fields and products than now in the future.

[0004] Batteries are also classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium polymer batteries according to the composition of electrodes and electrolytes, among which the use of lithium-ion polymer batteries is increasing, which are less likely to leak electrolytes and are easy to manufacture.

[0005] Although batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of products, they contain various flammable materials and therefore pose a risk of heat generation and explosion due to overcharging, overcurrent, and other physical external impacts. To avoid these problems, the following are provided to protect battery cells from overdischarge, overcharge, and overcurrent: a protection circuit that cuts off the current in the event of overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent; a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element that blocks the current by significantly increasing its resistance when the temperature rises; and a safety system (e.g., a safety vent that blocks the current or releases gas when pressure rises due to gas generation); and, in medium- to large-sized battery packs with a multi-cell structure consisting of a structure combining multiple battery modules, safety systems such as fuses, bimetallic strips, and a battery management system (BMS).

[0006] The BMS is electrically connected to multiple battery cells. To prevent damage to the integrated circuit (IC) due to the internal relative potential and absolute voltage withstand of the IC when the battery cells are connected to the BMS, each battery cell should be electrically connected to the BMS's cell connection terminals. This means that during the electrical connection between the battery cells and the BMS's integrated circuit (IC), the withstand voltages of the IC's various connection terminals vary, potentially damaging the IC due to high pressure.

[0007] A conventional approach to addressing this issue involves first physically connecting the battery cells to the BMS by applying weld eyes, and then electrically connecting the battery cells to the BMS. A weld eye is a structure that includes an insulating portion on a terminal connection member. This structure does not electrically connect the battery cells during arrangement, but does when coupling the electrode terminals to the terminal connection member. However, this approach increases manufacturing costs due to the increased materials and processes involved.

[0008] Another conventional method for addressing the above-mentioned problem involves the operator performing welding sequentially. That is, the BMS should be connected sequentially from the lowest battery cell to the highest battery cell. For example, assuming the first to nth battery cells are arranged from bottom to top, the first to nth battery cells are connected sequentially to the BMS. However, this method can lead to defects due to operator immaturity. That is, if the batteries are not welded sequentially starting with the lowest battery cell, the cell power may be randomly applied to the BMS IC, causing electrical damage to the IC. That is, the power for IC operation is received from the battery cells, and if, for example, grounding is not done first, or the first to nth battery cells are connected from the middle, even if a voltage exceeding 4.2V should not be applied to the IC's input pins, electrical damage may occur if two or more battery cells are connected, causing more voltage than the allowable value to be applied to the IC. When a current or voltage exceeding the allowable value is applied, electrical damage can cause IC failure.

[0009] As a known prior art document in this regard, there is Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1680189. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention provides a battery device in which electrical connection between battery cells and a BMS is performed sequentially.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery device including a switch circuit to automatically block a path for inputting a voltage of a lower battery cell to a BMS when the voltage of the lower battery cell is not input.

[0013] Technical Solutions

[0014] A battery device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells; a BMS configured to manage the plurality of battery cells; and a connection control unit configured to sequentially connect the plurality of battery cells to the BMS, wherein the connection control unit connects the corresponding battery cell to the BMS according to the potential of the battery cell below and the potential of the corresponding battery cell.

[0015] The connection control unit allows the batteries to be sequentially connected to the BMS in one direction from the lowermost battery cell to the uppermost battery cell.

[0016] According to the connection control unit, when the battery cells are randomly connected, the corresponding battery cells are not connected to the BMS, and when the battery cells are sequentially connected, the corresponding battery cells are connected to the BMS.

[0017] The connection control unit is mounted on a substrate on which the BMS is mounted.

[0018] The connection control unit is provided between a plurality of connection terminals each extending from the plurality of battery cells and an IC connection terminal of the BMS.

[0019] The connection control unit includes a plurality of switch units.

[0020] The plurality of switching units are driven according to the potentials of the underlying battery cells and the potentials of the corresponding battery cells to apply the potentials of the corresponding battery cells to the BMS.

[0021] The connection control unit allows the lowermost battery cell to be directly connected to the BMS, allows the uppermost battery cell to be connected to the BMS through one switch, and allows battery cells between the lowermost battery cell and the uppermost battery cell to be connected to the BMS through two switches.

[0022] The uppermost battery cell is connected to the BMS through a P-type FET, and the battery cells between the lowermost battery cell and the uppermost battery cell are connected to the BMS through a P-type FET and an N-type FET.

[0023] The P-type FET of the battery cell between the bottom battery cell and the top battery cell is driven according to the potential of the bottom battery cell and the potential of the corresponding battery cell to transfer the potential of the corresponding battery cell to the BMS, wherein the N-type FET is driven according to the ground potential and the potential of the corresponding battery cell to maintain the initial potential of the P-type FET of the top battery cell.

[0024] The battery device further includes diodes connected in parallel to the P-type FET and the N-type FET, respectively.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to the present invention, a connection control unit is provided between the connection terminal of the battery cell and the IC connection terminal of the BMS, and the battery cells are sequentially connected to the BMS through the connection control unit. That is, the connection control unit can be sequentially connected to the IC of the BMS from the battery cell with a lower order to the battery cell with a higher order (i.e., from low order to high order). In addition, in the case where any battery cell is randomly connected rather than sequentially connected, the corresponding battery cell can be connected to the BMS only when it is not connected to the BMS and is connected sequentially.

[0027] Therefore, since there is no need to apply solder eyes, an increase in manufacturing costs can be prevented. In addition, even when the operator performs soldering in sequence, the occurrence of defects due to the operator's lack of experience, that is, electrical damage to the IC of the BMS 200, can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a partial circuit diagram of a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of driving a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various forms, which are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and fully inform those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 : is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial circuit diagram of a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a circuit diagram for explaining a connection control unit constituting the battery device.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery 100, which includes a plurality of battery cells 110 to 140; a BMS 200, which is used to manage the battery 100; and a connection control unit 300, which is provided in the BMS 200 and sequentially connects the battery cells 110 to 140 to the BMS 200.

[0034] 1. Battery

[0035] The battery 100 is an electrical energy source that provides energy to power-consuming devices. Power-consuming devices may include mobile devices such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. The battery 100 may include at least one battery pack. Each of the at least one battery pack may include multiple battery modules, and each battery module may include multiple rechargeable and dischargeable battery cells. That is, the battery 100 includes multiple battery cells, which may be bundled into predetermined units to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules may form a single battery pack. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the multiple battery cells comprising the battery 100 may also be connected sequentially in a single direction. That is, the multiple battery cells 110 to 140 may be connected in a single direction, for example, vertically, with the first to nth battery cells connected sequentially from the bottom. Furthermore, the multiple battery cells may be connected in series and / or in parallel in various configurations to meet the specifications of the energy-consuming device. Of course, multiple battery packs, each including multiple battery cells 110 to 140, may also be connected in series and / or in parallel. Here, the type of the battery cell is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel zinc battery, and the like.

[0036] 2.BMS

[0037] The BMS 200 estimates the state of the battery 100 and uses the estimated state information to manage the battery 100. For example, the BMS 200 estimates and manages the state information of the battery 100, such as the battery 100's state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), maximum input / output power tolerance, and output voltage. This state information is then used to control the charging or discharging of the battery 100. The BMS 200 according to the present invention includes an SOC estimation device for estimating the SOC of the battery 100. Furthermore, the BMS 200 controls cell balancing to balance the state of charge of each battery cell. In other words, battery cells with a relatively high state of charge can be discharged, while battery cells with a relatively low state of charge can be charged. Furthermore, in order to manage the battery 100 using the BMS 200, a sensing unit for sensing the state of the battery 100 may also be included. The sensing unit may include a current sensor for sensing the current of the battery 100, a voltage sensor for sensing the voltage, and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature. In this case, at least one current sensor, voltage sensor, and temperature sensor may be provided. The BMS 200, which performs the various functions described above, may be made of various components and mounted on a predetermined substrate. That is, a plurality of components for SOC estimation, a plurality of components for cell balancing, a plurality of components constituting a sensing unit, and other passive elements may be mounted on the substrate.

[0038] 3. Connect the control unit

[0039] The connection control unit 300 sequentially connects the battery cells 110 to 140 to the BMS 200. That is, the connection control unit 300 sequentially connects the plurality of battery cells 110 to 140 to the BMS 200 one by one. To this end, the connection control unit 300 may be provided between the battery 100 and the BMS 200, and may be mounted on a board on which the BMS 200 is mounted. That is, the connection control unit 300 may be provided on a substrate between the plurality of battery cells 110 to 140 and the IC of the BMS 200. Therefore, the connection control unit 300 may be a part of the BMS 200. At the same time, Figure 2 , V00, V01, V02, and V03 are connection terminals of the respective battery cells 110 to 140, and VC00, VC01, VC02, and VC03 are connection terminals of an IC inside the BMS 200. That is, the connection control unit 300 is provided between the connection terminals V00, V01, V02, and V03 of the respective battery cells 110 to 140 and the IC connection terminals VC00, VC01, VC02, and VC03 of the BMS 200, thereby controlling the connection between each of the battery cells 110 to 140 and the IC of the BMS 200.

[0040] The connection control unit 300 may include multiple switching units 310 to 330 that control the connection between each of the multiple battery cells 110 to 140 and the BMS 200. In this case, the bottommost battery cell 110 is directly connected to the BMS 200 (i.e., the integrated circuit), while the remaining battery cells 120 to 140 are connected to the BMS 200 via the switching units 310 to 330. Each of the multiple switching units 310 to 330 can be switched based on the potential of the underlying connection terminal and the potential of the corresponding connection terminal. Specifically, the first switching unit 310 is driven based on the voltage of the first battery cell 110 at the first connection terminal V00 and the voltage of the second battery cell 120 at the second connection terminal V01, thereby transferring the voltage at the second connection terminal V01 to the second integrated circuit connection terminal VCO1. Furthermore, the second switching unit 320 is driven based on the voltage of the second battery cell 120 at the second connection terminal V01 and the voltage of the third battery cell 130 at the third connection terminal V02, thereby transferring the voltage at the third connection terminal V02 to the third integrated circuit connection terminal VCO2. Also, the third switch unit 330 is driven according to the voltage of the third battery cell 130 from the third connection terminal V02 and the voltage of the fourth battery cell 140 from the fourth connection terminal V03 so that the voltage of the fourth connection terminal V03 can be transferred to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03.

[0041] The configuration of the connection control unit 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] First, the bottommost battery cell 110 is directly connected to the IC of the BMS 200. That is, the connection terminal V00 (i.e., the first connection terminal V00) of the bottommost battery cell 110 is directly connected to the first IC connection terminal VC00 of the BMS 200 without passing through the switch unit. In addition, the connection terminal V00 of the bottommost battery cell 110 maintains the ground potential.

[0043] 3.1. First switch unit

[0044] The first switch unit 310 can be provided between the connection terminal V01 (i.e., the second connection terminal V01) of the second battery cell 120 and the second IC connection terminal V01 of the BMS 200. The first switch unit 310 is driven based on the potential of the first connection terminal V00 and the potential of the second connection terminal V01, so that the potential of the second battery cell 120 (i.e., the potential of the second connection terminal V01) can be transferred to the second IC connection terminal V01 of the BMS 200. Furthermore, the first switch unit 310 can control the second switch unit 320 based on the potential of the second connection terminal V01. The first switch unit 310 may include a first switch 311 and a second switch 312. Specifically, the first switch 311 is driven based on the potential of the first connection terminal V00 and the potential of the second connection terminal V01, so that the potential of the second connection terminal V01 is transferred to the second IC connection terminal V01 of the BMS 200. Furthermore, the second switch 312 is driven based on the potential of the second connection terminal V01 transmitted via the first switch 311 to control the initial activation of the second switch unit 320. The first switch 311 and the second switch 312 of the first switching unit 310 will be described in more detail below.

[0045] The first switch 311 may include a first FET 311a and a first diode 311b. The first FET 311a is driven according to the potentials of the first connection terminal V00 and the second connection terminal V01 (i.e., driven according to the voltage of the first battery cell 110 and the voltage of the second battery cell 120), so that the voltage of the second battery cell 120 is shifted. That is, the gate terminal of the first FET 311a may be connected to the connection point of the first connection terminal V00 and the second connection terminal V01, i.e., the first node Q11. In this case, the first resistor R11 may be provided between the gate terminal of the first FET 311a and the second connection terminal V01. Therefore, the potential of the second connection terminal V01 can be applied to the gate terminal of the first FET 311a through the first resistor R11 together with the potential of the first connection terminal V00. The first FET 311a may be a P-type FET. Regarding the first FET 311a, the gate terminal can be connected to the first node Q11, the drain terminal can be connected to the second connection terminal V01, and the source terminal can be connected to the gate terminal of the second FET 312a of the second switch 312. The first diode 311b is connected in parallel to the first FET 311a. In this case, the first diode 311b can be reversely connected to the current flow path from the second connection terminal V01 to the second IC connection terminal VC01. In other words, the first diode 311b can be forwardly connected between the connection point of the source terminal of the first FET 311a and the gate terminal of the second FET 312a (i.e., the third node Q13) and the second connection terminal V01 (i.e., the second node Q12). The first diode 311b blocks the path from the second connection terminal V01 to the second IC connection terminal VC01 until the first FET 311a is turned on.

[0046] The second switch 312 may include a second FET 312a and a second diode 312b. The second FET 312a is driven based on the output terminal and ground terminal of the first switch 311, so that the output of the first switch 311 (i.e., the voltage of the second battery cell 120) is transferred to the second IC connection terminal VC01. That is, the gate terminal of the second FET 312a may be connected to the connection point between the source terminal and the ground terminal of the first FET 311a (i.e., the third node Q13). Furthermore, the drain terminal of the second FET 312a is connected to the upper P-type FET (i.e., the gate terminal of the third FET 321a of the third switch 321 of the second switch unit 320), and the source terminal may be connected to the ground terminal. That is, the second FET 312a may be connected to the gate terminal of the third switch 321, which transfers the potential of the third connection terminal V02 to the third IC connection terminal VC02. In this case, the second resistor R12 may be provided between the gate terminal and the ground terminal of the second FET 312a. Therefore, the output potential of the first switch 311 can be applied to the ground terminal and the gate terminal of the second FET 312a through the second resistor R12. The second FET 312a can be an N-type FET. Regarding the second FET 312a, the gate terminal can be connected to the third node Q13, the drain terminal can be connected to the gate terminal of the third switch 321 (i.e., the fifth node Q15), and the source terminal can be connected to the ground terminal. The second diode 312b is connected in parallel to the second FET 312a. In this case, the second diode 312b can be reversely connected to the current flow path from the second connection terminal V01 to the second IC connection terminal VC01. In other words, the second diode 312b can be reversely connected between the drain terminal and the source terminal of the second FET 312a. The second diode 312b maintains the potential of the third FET 321a of the third switch until the second FET 312a is turned on.

[0047] 3.2. Second switch unit

[0048] The second switch unit 320 can be provided between the connection terminal V02 of the third battery cell 130 (i.e., the third connection terminal V02) and the third IC connection terminal VCO2 of the BMS 200. The second switch unit 320 is driven based on the potentials of the second connection terminal V01 and the third connection terminal V02, so that the potential of the third battery cell 130 (i.e., the potential of the third connection terminal V02) can be transferred to the third IC connection terminal VCO2 of the BMS 200. Furthermore, the second switch unit 320 can control the third switch unit 330 based on the potential of the third connection terminal V02. The second switch unit 320 can include a third switch 321 and a fourth switch 322. Specifically, the third switch 321 is driven based on the potentials of the second connection terminal V01 and the third connection terminal V02, so that the potential of the third connection terminal V02 is transferred to the third IC connection terminal VCO2 of the BMS 200. Furthermore, the fourth switch 322 is driven based on the potential of the third connection terminal V02 transmitted via the third switch 321 to control the initial activation of the third switch unit 330. The third switch 321 and the fourth switch 322 of the second switching unit 320 will be described in more detail below.

[0049] The third switch 321 may include a third FET 321a and a third diode 321b. The third FET 321a is driven according to the potentials of the second connection terminal V01 and the third connection terminal V02 (i.e., driven according to the voltage of the second battery cell 120 and the voltage of the third battery cell 130), so that the voltage of the third battery cell 130 is shifted. That is, the gate terminal of the third FET 321a can be connected to the connection point of the drain terminal of the second FET 312a and the third resistor R13 (i.e., the fifth node Q15). In this case, the third resistor R13 can be provided between the gate terminal of the third FET 321a and the third connection terminal V02. Therefore, the potential of the third connection terminal V02 can be applied to the gate terminal of the third FET 321a together with the potential of the second connection terminal V01 through the third resistor R13. The third FET 321a may be a P-type FET. That is, regarding the third FET 321a, the gate terminal can be connected to the fifth node Q15, the drain terminal can be connected to the third connection terminal V02, and the source terminal can be connected to the gate terminal of the fourth FET 322a of the fourth switch 322. The third diode 321b is connected in parallel with the third FET 321a. In this case, the third diode 321b can be reversely connected to the current flow path from the third connection terminal V02 to the third IC connection terminal VC02. In other words, the third diode 321b can be forwardly connected between the connection point of the source terminal of the third FET 321a and the gate terminal of the fourth FET 322a (i.e., the seventh node Q17) and the third connection terminal V02 (i.e., the sixth node Q16). This third diode 321b blocks the path from the third connection terminal V02 to the third IC connection terminal VC02 until the third FET 321a is turned on.

[0050] The fourth switch 322 may include a fourth FET 322a and a fourth diode 322b. The fourth FET 322a is driven based on the output terminal and the ground terminal of the third switch 321, so that the output of the third switch 321 (i.e., the voltage of the third battery cell 130) is transferred to the third IC connection terminal VCO2. That is, the gate terminal of the fourth FET 322a may be connected to the connection point between the source terminal and the ground terminal of the third FET 321a (i.e., the seventh node Q17). Furthermore, the drain terminal of the fourth FET 322a may be connected to the upper P-type FET (i.e., the gate terminal of the fifth FET 331a of the fifth switch 331 of the third switch unit 330), and the source terminal may be connected to the ground terminal. That is, the fourth FET 322a may be connected to the gate terminal of the fifth switch 331, which transfers the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03 to the fourth IC connection terminal VCO3. In this case, a fourth resistor R14 may be provided between the gate terminal and the ground terminal of the fourth FET 322a. Therefore, the output potential of the third switch 321 can be applied to the ground terminal and the gate terminal of the fourth FET 322a via the fourth resistor R14. The fourth FET 322a can be an N-type FET. That is, with respect to the fourth FET 322a, the gate terminal can be connected to the seventh node Q17, the drain terminal can be connected to the gate terminal of the fifth switch 331 (i.e., the ninth node Q19), and the source terminal can be connected to the ground terminal. The fourth diode 322b is connected in parallel to the fourth FET 322a. In this case, the fourth diode 322b can be reversely connected to the current flow path from the third connection terminal V02 to the third IC connection terminal VC02. That is, the fourth diode 322b can be reversely connected between the drain terminal and the source terminal of the fourth FET 322a. The fourth diode 322b maintains the potential of the fifth FET 331a of the fifth switch until the fourth FET 322a is turned on.

[0051] 3.3. The third switch unit

[0052] The third switch unit 330 may be provided between the connection terminal V03 of the fourth battery cell 140 (i.e., the fourth connection terminal V03) and the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 of the BMS 200. The third switch unit 330 is driven based on the potential of the third connection terminal V02 and the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03, so that the potential of the fourth battery cell 140 (i.e., the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03) can be transferred to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 of the BMS 200. The third switch unit 330 may include a fifth switch 331. That is, the fifth switch 331 is driven based on the potential of the third connection terminal V02 and the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03, so that the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03 is transferred to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 of the BMS 200. The fifth switch 331 of the third switch unit 330 will be described in more detail below.

[0053] The fifth switch 331 may include a fifth FET 331a and a fifth diode 331b. The fifth FET 331a is driven according to the potentials of the third connection terminal V02 and the fourth connection terminal V03 (i.e., driven according to the voltage of the third battery cell 130 and the voltage of the fourth battery cell 140), so that the voltage of the fourth battery cell 140 is shifted. That is, the gate terminal of the fifth FET 331a can be connected to the connection point of the drain terminal of the fourth FET 322a and the fifth resistor R15 (i.e., the ninth node Q19). In this case, the fifth resistor R15 can be provided between the gate terminal of the fifth FET 331a and the fourth connection terminal V03. Therefore, the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03 can be applied to the gate terminal of the fifth FET 331a together with the potential of the third connection terminal V02 through the fifth resistor R15. The fifth FET 331a may be a P-type FET. That is, regarding the fifth FET 331a, the gate terminal can be connected to the ninth node Q19, the drain terminal can be connected to the fourth connection terminal V03, and the source terminal can be connected to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03. The fifth diode 331b is connected in parallel to the fifth FET 331a. In this case, the fifth diode 331b can be reversely connected to the current flow path from the fourth connection terminal V03 to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03. That is, the fifth diode 331b is forwardly connected between the source terminal of the fifth FET 331a and the connection point between the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 and the fourth connection terminal V03 (i.e., the tenth node Q20). This fifth diode 331b blocks the path from the fourth connection terminal V03 to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 until the fifth FET 331a is turned on.

[0054] As described above, the connection terminal (i.e., first connection terminal V00) of the bottommost battery cell 110 is directly connected to the first IC connection terminal VC00 of the BMS 200, and the connection terminal (i.e., fourth connection terminal V03) of the topmost battery cell 140 is connected to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 via the third switch 330 including one P-type FET 331a. Furthermore, with respect to the battery cells 120 and 130 between the bottommost battery cell 110 and the topmost battery cell 140, the connection terminals V01 and V02 are connected to the second IC connection terminal VC01 and the third IC connection terminal VC02, respectively, via switches 311 and 321 including P-type FETs 311a and 321a, and switches 312 and 322 including N-type FETs 312a and 322a. That is, the connection control unit 300 according to the present invention includes switches 311 and 321 including P-type FETs 311a and 321a for connecting the battery cells 120 and 130 between the lowermost battery cell 110 and the uppermost battery cell 140, respectively, and switches 312 and 322 including N-type FETs 312a and 322a, respectively, so that the switch units 310 and 320 are configured, and the switch unit 330 including the P-type FET 331 is configured to connect the uppermost battery cell 140. In addition, the connection control unit 300 allows the first connection terminal V00 of the lowermost battery cell 110 to be directly connected to the first IC connection terminal VC00 of the BMS 200.

[0055] That is, the connection control unit may be sequentially connected to the IC of the BMS from a battery cell with a lower order to a battery cell with a higher order (i.e., from a lower order to a higher order). However, in the case where random battery cells are randomly connected and not sequentially connected, the corresponding battery cells may be connected to the IC of the BMS 200 only when they are sequentially connected, and otherwise may not be connected to the IC of the BMS 200.

[0056] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A method of driving a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a method of connecting a battery cell and a BMS is shown. Here, Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the battery cells connected from low order to high order, that is, in the order of the first battery cell 110, the second battery cell 120, the third battery cell 130 and the fourth battery cell 140. In addition, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a situation where battery cells are connected randomly rather than sequentially.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the connection terminal V00 of the first battery unit 110 is connected to the first IC connection terminal VC00 to maintain the ground potential (1).

[0058] In this state, when the voltage of the second battery cell 120 is applied through the second connection terminal V01 (i.e., when the second connection terminal V01 of the second battery cell 120 is connected to the second IC connection terminal VC01 of the BMS 200), the gate terminal of the first FET 311a (i.e., the first node Q11) maintains the potential of the first connection terminal V00 and the potential of the second connection terminal V01. Therefore, the first FET 311a is turned on, and therefore, the potential of the second connection terminal V01 is applied to the second IC connection terminal VC01 (2). That is, the second battery cell 120 is connected to the IC of the BMS 200. At this time, the potential of the second connection terminal V01 applied through the first FET 311a is applied to the gate terminal of the second FET 312a to turn on the second FET 312a. Since the second FET 312a is turned on, the fifth node Q15 can maintain the ground potential.

[0059] In a state where the potential of the second battery cell 120 is applied to the second IC connection terminal VC01 through the second connection terminal V01 and the fifth node Q15 maintains the ground potential, when the voltage of the third battery cell 130 is applied through the third connection terminal V02, the gate terminal of the third FET 321a (i.e., the fifth node Q15) maintains the ground potential and the potential of the third connection terminal V02. Therefore, the third FET 321a is turned on, and therefore, the potential of the third connection terminal V02 is applied to the third IC connection terminal VC02 (3). That is, the third battery cell 130 is connected to the IC of the BMS 200. At this time, the potential of the third connection terminal V02 applied through the third FET 321a is applied to the gate terminal of the fourth FET 322a to turn on the fourth FET 322a. Since the fourth FET 332a is turned on, the ninth node Q19 can maintain the ground potential.

[0060] When the voltage of the fourth battery cell 140 is applied via the fourth connection terminal V03 while the potential of the third battery cell 130 is applied to the third IC connection terminal VC02 via the third connection terminal V02 and the ninth node Q19 is maintained at the ground potential, the gate terminal of the fifth FET 331a (i.e., the ninth node Q19) maintains the ground potential and the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03. Therefore, the fifth FET 331a is turned on, and the potential of the fourth connection terminal V03 is applied to the fourth IC connection terminal VC03 (4). That is, the fourth battery cell 140 is connected to the IC of the BMS 200.

[0061] As described above, when the battery cells are connected sequentially from the low-order battery cells to the high-order battery cells, that is, when the first battery cell 110, the second battery cell 120, the third battery cell 130 and the fourth battery cell 140 are connected in sequence, the connection control unit 300 can be connected to the IC of the BMS 200 in order from the low order to the high order.

[0062] However, if Figure 4 As shown, in the state (1) where the connection terminal V00 of the first battery cell 110 is connected to the first IC connection terminal VC00 to maintain the ground potential, when a voltage is applied through the connection terminal V02 of the third battery cell 130, the second battery cell 120 is not connected to the BMS 200, so that the third battery cell 130 is not connected to the BMS 200. However, when a voltage is applied through the connection terminal V01 of the second battery cell 120, after the second battery cell 120 is connected to the BMS 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As mentioned above, the third battery unit 130 may be connected to the BMS 200 .

[0063] As described above, the connection control unit can sequentially connect to the IC of the BMS from a battery cell with a lower order to a battery cell with a higher order (i.e., from a lower order to a higher order). However, in the case where random battery cells are randomly connected instead of being connected in sequence, the corresponding battery cells can be connected to the IC of the BMS 200 only when they are connected in sequence, and otherwise cannot be connected to the IC of the BMS 200.

[0064] Therefore, since there is no need to apply solder eyes, an increase in manufacturing costs can be prevented. In addition, even when the operator performs soldering in sequence, defects caused by the operator's lack of experience, that is, electrical damage to the IC of the BMS 200, can be prevented.

[0065] As described above, although the technical concept of the present invention has been specifically described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, it should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are for the purpose of explanation rather than limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present invention will be able to understand that various embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery device comprising: multiple battery cells; a BMS configured to manage the plurality of battery cells; as well as a connection control unit configured to sequentially connect the plurality of battery cells to the BMS, The connection control unit connects the corresponding battery cell to the BMS according to the potential of the following battery cell and the potential of the corresponding battery cell. Wherein, the connection control unit includes: a first switch corresponding to the uppermost battery cell; a first switch and a second switch corresponding to each battery cell between the lowermost battery cell and the uppermost battery cell, The second switch is driven according to the ground potential and the potential of the corresponding battery cell delivered through the corresponding first switch.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein The connection control unit allows batteries to be sequentially connected to the BMS in one direction from the lowermost battery cell to the uppermost battery cell.

3. The battery device according to claim 2, wherein: According to the connection control unit, when the battery cells are randomly connected, the corresponding battery cells are not connected to the BMS, and when the battery cells are sequentially connected, the corresponding battery cells are connected to the BMS.

4. The battery device according to claim 2, wherein: The connection control unit is mounted on a substrate on which the BMS is mounted.

5. The battery device according to claim 4, wherein: The connection control unit is provided between a plurality of connection terminals each extending from the plurality of battery cells and an IC connection terminal of the BMS.

6. The battery device according to claim 2, wherein: The connection control unit includes a plurality of switch units.

7. The battery device according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of switching units are driven according to potentials of underlying battery cells and potentials of corresponding battery cells to apply the potentials of the corresponding battery cells to the BMS.

8. The battery device according to claim 6, wherein: The connection control unit is configured to directly connect the lowermost battery cell to the BMS, Except for the first switch of the upper battery cell adjacent to the lowermost battery cell, each first switch is controlled by the second switch of the corresponding lower battery cell to connect the corresponding battery cell to the BMS.

9. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein The first switch of the battery cell between the lowermost battery cell and the uppermost battery cell is a P-type FET, and the second switch is an N-type FET.

10. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein The first switch is driven according to the potential of the lower battery cell and the potential of the corresponding battery cell to transfer the potential of the corresponding battery cell to the BMS. 11 . The battery device according to claim 9 , further comprising diodes connected in parallel to the P-type FET and the N-type FET, respectively.

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