Battery management device

Abstract

The device for managing a battery according to one embodiment of the present application can manage the battery in consideration of the mobility of lithium ions according to the temperature of the battery, and the object of the present application is to provide a device for managing a battery capable of increasing the temperature of the battery without control by a processing module when the temperature of the battery is below a certain temperature. According to one aspect of the present application, in an emergency situation in which the temperature of the battery drops below a certain temperature, a heating element is heated without going through a system process to increase the temperature of the battery, and thus, there is an advantage of allowing the battery to operate normally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0089136, filed in Korea on July 17, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery management devices, and more specifically, to battery management devices capable of managing a battery by taking into account the mobility of lithium ions based on the battery temperature. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has increased dramatically, and electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites have seen significant development. Therefore, high-performance batteries that allow for repeated charging and discharging are being actively researched.

[0004] Currently available batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their virtually non-existent memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, as well as their very low self-charge rate and high energy density.

[0005] This type of battery can be charged or discharged as lithium ions move through the electrolyte from the positive electrode to the negative electrode or vice versa. That is, the battery is charged or discharged through the movement of lithium ions. However, if the battery temperature drops to a certain temperature or lower, the electrolyte may freeze, significantly reducing the mobility of lithium ions. For example, if the battery temperature drops to -40°C or lower, the mobility of lithium ions may decrease significantly, making it impossible for the battery to charge or discharge.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a technique has been developed to drive the heater when the battery temperature reaches a critical temperature in order to maintain the battery temperature at an appropriate temperature (Patent Document 1).

[0007] Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery system that uses a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of a lithium battery. When the temperature of the lithium battery is equal to or lower than a first critical temperature, the system controls the operation of a switch to an on state to supply power to a battery heater. When the temperature of the lithium battery is equal to or higher than a second critical temperature, the system controls the operation of the switch to an off state to block the supply of power to the battery heater.

[0008] However, the battery system in Patent Document 1 compares the temperature of the lithium battery with a first critical temperature and a second critical temperature through a control unit (processing module), and directly controls the operating state of the switch based on the comparison result. If the battery system is continuously exposed to low temperatures while the power is off, causing the internal temperature of the battery system to exceed the appropriate temperature range for the control unit to operate, the control unit may fail to operate properly. In this case, there are problems with the inability to compare the battery temperature with the first critical temperature and the inability to control the operating state of the switch.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology that can automatically raise the battery temperature without using a processing module when the battery temperature drops below a certain level. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery management device that can increase the temperature of a battery without control by a processing module when the battery temperature drops below a certain temperature.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, and will become more apparent from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery management device is provided, comprising: a heating unit configured to be connected in parallel to a battery; a first switch connected between the heating unit and a charging and discharging path, and configured to open and close the path between the charging and discharging path and the heating unit according to an operating state of the first switch, for current to charge and discharge the battery to flow in the charging and discharging path; a heating element connected in parallel to the heating unit, and configured to increase the temperature of the battery by generating heat when current is supplied from the heating unit; a second switch connected between the heating element and the heating unit, and configured to open and close the path connected to the heating element and the heating unit according to an operating state of the second switch; and a heating control unit connected to the first switch and the second switch respectively, connected between the battery and the first switch to receive the battery voltage, and configured to control the operating states of the first switch and the second switch respectively according to an input voltage.

[0015] The heating control unit can be configured to control the operating states of the first switch and the second switch in different ways.

[0016] The heating control unit can be configured to generate a control signal corresponding to the input voltage, generate an inverted signal of the control signal, output the control signal to a first switch, and output the inverted signal to a second switch.

[0017] The heating element can be configured to generate heat by current supplied from the heating unit when the operation state of the first switch is controlled to the off state and the operation state of the second switch is controlled to the on state by the heating control unit.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the battery management device may further include a signal delay unit provided to the path between the heating control unit and the second switch, and configured to delay the time when an inverted signal is input to the second switch, the inverted signal passing through the path between the heating control unit and the second switch.

[0019] The inverted signal can be configured to be input to the second switch after the control signal is input to the first switch.

[0020] The signal delay unit may include: a resistor configured to be connected between the heating control unit and the second switch; and a capacitor configured to have one end connected between the resistor and the second switch and the other end connected to ground.

[0021] The heating control unit may include: a buffer configured to receive the battery voltage through the buffer's input terminal, generate a control signal with the same amplitude as the input voltage, and output the generated control signal through the buffer's output terminal; and an inverter connected to the buffer's output terminal to receive the control signal, configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal, and output the generated inverted signal to a second switch.

[0022] The heating control unit may include: a comparator configured to receive a battery voltage via a first input terminal and a reference voltage via a second input terminal, compare the amplitude of the battery voltage with the amplitude of the reference voltage to generate a high-level signal or a low-level signal with different signal levels as a control signal, and output the generated control signal via an output terminal of the comparator; and an inverter connected to the output terminal of the comparator to receive the control signal and configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal, and output the generated inverted signal to a second switch.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack may include a battery management device according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, in emergency situations where the battery temperature drops below a certain temperature, there is an advantage that the battery can operate normally by heating the heating element to raise the battery temperature without system processing.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of this disclosure, since the energy required when the heating element is heated can be supplied from the heating unit, there is an advantage that the energy of the battery is not consumed to heat the heating element.

[0027] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art as described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 To show more specifically Figure 2 A diagram showing an example configuration of the battery pack.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including a battery management device according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 To show more specifically Figure 4 A diagram showing an example configuration of the battery pack.

[0034] Figure 6 To show more specifically Figure 5 A diagram showing an example configuration of the battery pack.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including a battery management device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be understood that the terms used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of the principle that the inventors should properly define the terms for the best purpose of explanation.

[0037] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Additionally, in describing this disclosure, if a detailed description of a known element or function is deemed to obscure the key subject matter of the disclosure, such detailed description is omitted herein.

[0039] Ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to distinguish one element from another among various elements, but are not intended to limit these elements.

[0040] Throughout the specification, when a section is referred to as “comprising” or “including” any element, it means that the section may include other elements rather than exclude other elements, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when one part is referred to as "connected" to another part, this is not limited to the case where they are "directly connected," but also includes the case where they are "indirectly connected" in which another element is inserted between them.

[0042] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example configuration of a battery pack 1 including a battery management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery management device 100 may include a heating unit 110, a first switch 120, a heating element 130, a second switch 140, and a heating control unit 150.

[0045] The heating unit 110 can be configured to be connected in parallel to the battery 10.

[0046] For example, battery 10 and / or heating unit 110 may refer to a single, independent secondary battery that includes a negative terminal and a positive terminal and is physically separable. As another example, battery 10 and / or heating unit 110 may refer to a unit assembly in which one or more secondary batteries are connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0047] Typically, when the temperature of battery 10 is equal to or below a certain temperature, the mobility of lithium ions included in battery 10 decreases significantly, making it impossible for battery 10 to discharge properly. For example, when the temperature of battery 10 is about -40°C or lower, the electrolyte freezes, significantly reducing the mobility of lithium ions, and the voltage of battery 10 may approach about 0 [V]. That is, due to the significantly reduced mobility of lithium ions, battery 10 may be unable to charge and discharge.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the battery 10 and the heating unit 110 can be connected in parallel with each other.

[0049] The first switch 120 can be configured to connect between the heating unit 110 and the charging and discharging path L, so that the current for charging and discharging the battery 10 flows in the charging and discharging path L.

[0050] Here, the charging and discharging path L can be the path through which the charging current applied from the load 20 to the battery 10 and the discharging current output from the battery 10 to the load 20 flow. For example, in Figure 2 In this embodiment, the path connecting the positive terminal P+ of battery pack 1, battery 10, and negative terminal P- of battery pack 1 can be a charging and discharging path L. Through the charging and discharging path L, battery 10 can receive charging current from load 20 or output discharging current to load 20.

[0051] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, one end of the first switch 120 can be connected to the charging and discharging path L. Additionally, the other end of the first switch 120 can be connected to one end of the heating unit 110. Therefore, the heating unit 110 can be connected to the battery 10 in parallel via the first switch 120 and the charging and discharging path L.

[0052] Additionally, the first switch 120 can be configured to open and close the path between the charging and discharging path L and the heating unit 110 according to the operating state.

[0053] Specifically, the heating unit 110 can be connected to the charging and discharging path L via the first switch 120. Therefore, the path between the heating unit 110 and the charging and discharging path L can be opened and closed depending on the operating state of the first switch 120.

[0054] Here, the first switch 120 can be in an on or off state. For example, if the first switch 120 is in an on state, the heating unit 110 can be connected to the charging and discharging path L. Conversely, when the first switch 120 is in an off state, the connection between the heating unit 110 and the charging and discharging path L can be blocked.

[0055] For example, in Figure 2 In one embodiment, when the first switch 120 is in the ON state, the heating unit 110 can be charged by the battery 10.

[0056] The heating element 130 can be configured to be connected in parallel to the heating unit 110.

[0057] For example, in Figure 2 In one embodiment, one end of the heating element 130 can be connected to one end of the heating unit 110, and the other end of the heating element 130 can be connected to the other end of the heating unit 110.

[0058] In addition, the heating element 130 can be configured to increase the temperature of the battery 10 by heating when current is supplied from the heating unit 110.

[0059] Specifically, the heating element 130 can be an element that generates heat when an electric current flows. For example, any configuration that can generate heat when an electric current is applied from the heating unit 110, such as a thermoelectric element, a heating resistor, or a heating pad, can be applied to the heating element 130 without limitation.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the heating element 130 forms a closed circuit with the heating unit 110 to receive current from the heating unit 110. When the current output from the heating unit 110 passes through the heating element 130, the heating element 130 can be heated to generate heat.

[0061] Preferably, inside the battery pack 1, the battery 10 can be positioned at a location where heat generated by the heating element 130 can be conducted. That is, the heat generated by the heating element 130 is conducted to the battery 10, which can increase the temperature of the battery 10.

[0062] The second switch 140 can be configured to be connected between the heating element 130 and the heating unit 110.

[0063] For example, in Figure 2In this embodiment, one end of the second switch 140 can be connected to one end of the heating unit 110. Additionally, the other end of the second switch 140 can be connected to one end of the heating element 130. That is, the second switch 140 can be connected between the heating unit 110 and the heating element 130. Therefore, the heating unit 110, the second switch 140, and the heating element 130 can form a closed circuit.

[0064] Additionally, the second switch 140 can be configured to open and close the path connected to the heating element 130 and the heating unit 110 depending on the operating state.

[0065] Here, the second switch 140 can be in an on or off state. For example, if the second switch 140 is in an on state, the path between the heating unit 110 and the heating element 130 can be connected. Conversely, when the second switch 140 is in an off state, the connection between the heating unit 110 and the heating element 130 can be blocked.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the path connecting the heating unit 110 and the heating element 130 can be opened and closed according to the operating state of the second switch 140. If the second switch 140 is in the on state, the heating unit 110 and the heating element 130 can be electrically connected to each other, so that the current output from the heating unit 110 flows to the heating element 130. In this case, the heating element 130 is heated, and the heat generated by the heating element 130 can be conducted to the battery 10.

[0067] The heating control unit 150 can be configured to be connected to the first switch 120 and the second switch 140, respectively.

[0068] For example, the heating control unit 150 can be connected to the first switch 120 and the second switch 140.

[0069] Additionally, the heating control unit 150 can be connected between the battery 10 and the first switch 120, and is configured to receive the voltage from the battery 10.

[0070] Specifically, the voltage sensing line SL of the heating control unit 150 can be connected to the charging and discharging path L between the battery 10 and the first switch 120. Additionally, the heating control unit 150 can receive the voltage of the battery 10 via the voltage sensing line SL connected to the charging and discharging path L.

[0071] Furthermore, the heating control unit 150 can be configured to control the operating state of the first switch 120 and the operating state of the second switch 140 respectively according to the input voltage.

[0072] Preferably, the heating control unit 150 can be configured to control the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 differently from each other. That is, the heating control unit 150 can control the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 differently based on the voltage of the battery 10 received through the voltage sensing line SL.

[0073] That is, the heating control unit 150 can control the operation state of the first switch 120 to the on state and the operation state of the second switch 140 to the off state. In this case, the current output from the battery 10 can be applied to the load 20 to supply power to the load 20. In addition, the current output from the battery 10 can be applied to the heating unit 110 through the first switch 120 to charge the heating unit 110.

[0074] Additionally, the heating control unit 150 can control the operation state of the first switch 120 to the off state and the operation state of the second switch 140 to the on state. In this case, the current output from the heating unit 110 can be applied to the heating element 130 through the second switch 140 to heat the heating element 130.

[0075] Preferably, in the case of low temperature when the battery 10 is not normally discharged, the heating control unit 150 can heat the heating element 130 by controlling the operation state of the second switch 140 to the on state based on the voltage of the battery 10. When the temperature of the battery 10 rises due to the heat generated by the heating element 130, the mobility of lithium ions gradually increases, allowing the battery 10 to discharge normally. Subsequently, if the temperature of the battery 10 rises and the battery 10 discharges normally, the heating control unit 150 can control the operation state of the second switch 140 to the off state to stop the heating of the heating element 130. In addition, the control unit can control the operation state of the first switch 120 to the on state to charge the heating unit 110, which discharges to heat the heating element 130.

[0076] Additionally, preferably, the heating unit 110 can be configured to include an electrolyte having a lower freezing point than the electrolyte of the battery 10, thereby enabling operation even at low temperatures. Furthermore, the surface of the heating unit 110 can be coated with one or more insulating materials such as aerogel.

[0077] That is, the battery management device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the following advantages: in an emergency situation where the temperature of the battery 10 drops below a certain temperature, the temperature of the battery 10 is increased by heating the heating element 130, so that the battery 10 can operate normally.

[0078] In addition, since the energy required for heating the heating element 130 can be supplied from the heating unit 110, there is an advantage that the energy of the battery 10 is not required to heat the heating element 130.

[0079] The heating control unit 150 can be configured to generate a control signal corresponding to the input voltage.

[0080] Specifically, the control signal can be a high-level signal or a low-level signal. Here, a high-level signal can be a signal with an amplitude capable of controlling the operation state of the first switch 120 or the second switch 140 to the ON state when a high-level signal is applied to the first switch 120 or the second switch 140. Conversely, a low-level signal can be a signal with a magnitude that, even if a low-level signal is applied to the first switch 120 or the second switch 140, cannot control the operation state of the first switch 120 or the second switch 140 to the ON state.

[0081] For example, when the temperature of battery 10 drops below a certain temperature, the voltage of battery 10 input through voltage sensing line SL may be 0 [V] because the mobility of lithium ions decreases. In this case, heating control unit 150 can generate a control signal with an amplitude corresponding to 0 [V]. Since a control signal with an amplitude corresponding to 0 [V] cannot control the operation state of the first switch 120 or the second switch 140 to the on state even if applied to the first switch 120 or the second switch 140, the control signal with an amplitude corresponding to 0 [V] can be a low-level signal.

[0082] Furthermore, the heating control unit 150 can be configured to generate an inverted signal of the control signal.

[0083] Specifically, when the generated control signal is a low-level signal, the inverted signal can be a high-level signal. Conversely, when the generated control signal is a high-level signal, the inverted signal can be a low-level signal.

[0084] Additionally, the heating control unit 150 can be configured to output a control signal to the first switch 120 and an inverted signal to the second switch 140.

[0085] Specifically, since the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 receive low-level signals or high-level signals respectively, the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 can be controlled differently by the heating control unit 150.

[0086] For example, if the first switch 120 is in the ON state, the second switch 140 can be in the OFF state. Conversely, if the first switch 120 is in the OFF state, the second switch 140 can be in the ON state.

[0087] Preferably, when the operating state of the first switch 120 is controlled to be off and the operating state of the second switch 140 is controlled to be on by the heating control unit 150, the heating element 130 can be configured to generate heat by the current supplied from the heating unit 110.

[0088] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, when the first switch 120 is in the off state and the second switch 140 is in the on state, the connection between the heating unit 110 and the charging and discharging path L can be blocked. Simultaneously, the heating unit 110, the second switch 140, and the heating element 130 can form a closed circuit. Therefore, the current output from the heating unit 110 can be applied to the heating element 130, causing the heating element 130 to generate heat.

[0089] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, when both the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 are in the ON state, the current output from the heating unit 110 can be applied to the heating element 130 and the load 20.

[0090] If the temperature of battery 10 is equal to or below a certain temperature, some of the current output from heating unit 110 is applied to load 20 and lost, and therefore heating element 130 may not be heated quickly. In addition, due to the current loss, there is a problem that too much energy is consumed and the heating element 130 cannot be heated.

[0091] Therefore, the heating control unit 150 has the following advantages: it can effectively heat the heating element 130 by controlling the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 differently from each other.

[0092] Figure 3 To show more specifically Figure 2 A diagram showing an example configuration of battery pack 1.

[0093] Reference Figure 3 The heating control unit 150 may include a buffer 151 and an inverter 152.

[0094] The buffer 151 can be configured to receive the voltage of the battery 10 through its input terminal.

[0095] exist Figure 3In this embodiment, the voltage sensing line SL can be connected to the first input terminal (+) of the buffer 151. Additionally, the buffer 151 can receive the voltage of the battery 10 via the voltage sensing line SL connected to the first input terminal (+).

[0096] Furthermore, buffer 151 can be configured to generate a control signal with the same amplitude as the input voltage.

[0097] For example, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, a voltage follower can be applied to the buffer 151. Therefore, the buffer 151 can generate a control signal with the same amplitude as the voltage of the battery 10 received via the voltage sensing line SL. Additionally, the buffer 151 can be operated by receiving a drive voltage of 5 [V] via a voltage source separate from the battery 10.

[0098] Additionally, buffer 151 can be configured to output the generated control signal through its output terminal O.

[0099] Inverter 152 can be connected to the output terminal O of buffer 151 and configured to receive control signals.

[0100] Specifically, the control signal output from the output terminal O of the buffer 151 can be input to the first switch 120 and the inverter 152.

[0101] For example, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the line connected to the output terminal O of the buffer 151 to output the control signal can be branched at the branch point BP into a unit line connected to the first switch 120 and a unit line connected to the inverter 152. Therefore, the control signal output from the buffer 151 can be input to the inverter 152 and the first switch 120.

[0102] Additionally, inverter 152 can be configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal.

[0103] For example, inverter 152 can be a logic circuit with an input signal and an inverted output. Specifically, when the control signal output from the output terminal O of buffer 151 is a low-level signal, inverter 152 can generate a high-level signal. Conversely, when the control signal output from the output terminal O of buffer 151 is a high-level signal, inverter 152 can generate a low-level signal.

[0104] Additionally, inverter 152 can be configured to output the generated inverted signal to second switch 140.

[0105] exist Figure 3In this embodiment, the control signal output from buffer 151 can be input to the first switch 120 and inverter 152, and the inverted signal output from inverter 152 can be input to the second switch 140. Therefore, the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 can be controlled differently from each other.

[0106] Meanwhile, the heating control unit 150 may not be equipped with a processing module such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, processor, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) known in the art. Such processing modules can be manufactured to operate normally at appropriate temperatures. Therefore, in extremely low temperatures where the mobility of lithium ions is significantly reduced, the processing module may not operate normally. That is, in an emergency situation where the battery 10 has not discharged properly, the processing module may not operate.

[0107] At the same time, refer to Figure 3 The heating control unit 150 may be configured with one or more devices capable of automatically generating and outputting control signals and inverting signals corresponding to the voltage of the battery 10 input through the voltage sensing line SL. Therefore, even in low-temperature conditions where the battery 10 is not properly discharged, the heating control unit 150 can automatically control the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 to heat the heating element 130.

[0108] That is, the battery management device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the following advantages: it can quickly resolve emergency situations where the battery 10 is not properly discharged by using a heating control unit 150 that is not equipped with a separate processing module.

[0109] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 1 including a battery management device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The battery management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a signal delay unit 160, which is configured to delay the input time of the inverted signal to the second switch 140, such that the inverted signal is input to the second switch 140 after the control signal is input to the first switch 120.

[0111] The signal delay unit 160 can be configured to be provided to the path through which the inverted signal passes between the heating control unit 150 and the second switch 140.

[0112] Specifically, the inverted signal output from the heating control unit 150 can be passed through the signal delay unit 160 and input to the second switch 140.

[0113] For example, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the signal delay unit 160 can be disposed on the path between the heating control unit 150 and the second switch 140. Additionally, an inverted signal can be input from the heating control unit 150 to the second switch 140 via the path on which the signal delay unit 160 is disposed.

[0114] In addition, the signal delay unit 160 can be configured to delay the time for the inverted signal to be input to the second switch 140.

[0115] Preferably, the inverted signal can be configured to be input to the second switch 140 after the control signal is input to the first switch 120.

[0116] Specifically, the signal delay unit 160 can delay the time when the inverted signal output from the heating control unit 150 is input to the second switch 140, so that the control signal output from the heating control unit 150 is input to the first switch 120 earlier.

[0117] Figure 5 To show more specifically Figure 4 A diagram showing an example configuration of battery pack 1.

[0118] Reference Figure 5 The signal delay unit 160 can be configured to include a resistor 161 and a capacitor 162.

[0119] Resistor 161 can be configured to be connected between heating control unit 150 and second switch 140.

[0120] For example, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, one end of resistor 161 can be connected to inverter 152. Additionally, the other end of resistor 161 can be connected to the second switch 140. That is, the inverted signal output from inverter 152 can pass through resistor 161 and be input to the second switch 140.

[0121] Capacitor 162 can be configured to have one end connected between resistor 161 and second switch 140, and the other end connected to ground.

[0122] For example, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, one end of capacitor 162 can be connected to the path between resistor 161 and second switch 140. Additionally, the other end of capacitor 162 can be connected to the path between battery 10 and the negative terminal P- of battery pack 1 on the charging and discharging path L. That is, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the other end of capacitor 162 can be connected to ground of the charging and discharging path L. Figure 5 In a different implementation, the other end of capacitor 162 can be connected to a separate ground.

[0123] Reference Figure 5 The signal delay unit 160 can be configured as an RC filter including a resistor 161 and a capacitor 162. Specifically, the inverted signal output from the inverter 152 can be input to the capacitor 162 after passing through the resistor 161, and can be input to the second switch 140 after the capacitor 162 is charged. That is, by inputting the inverted signal, the time for the inverted signal to be input to the second switch 140 can be delayed by the amount of time during the charging of the capacitor 162. At the same time, since the control signal output from the buffer 151 is input to the first switch 120 without passing through the signal delay unit 160, the inverted signal can be input to the second switch 140 after the control signal is input to the first switch 120.

[0124] For example, suppose the temperature of battery 10 is within the normal temperature range, and therefore battery 10 is discharging normally. In this case, the first switch 120 can be in the ON state, and the second switch 140 can be in the OFF state. Then, when the temperature of battery 10 drops below a certain temperature, the control signal output from the heating control unit 150 can be a low-level signal, and the inverted signal can be a high-level signal. If the inverted signal is input to the second switch 140 before the control signal is input to the first switch 120, both the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 can be momentarily ON. In this case, since a portion of the current output from the heating unit 110 is applied to the load 20 and lost, the heating element 130 may not heat up quickly. Furthermore, due to the current loss, there is a problem that too much energy is consumed to heat the heating element 130.

[0125] Therefore, the battery management device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the following advantages: by delaying the time when the inverting signal is input to the second switch 140, the operating state of the second switch 140 is switched after the operating state of the first switch 120 is switched, the above-mentioned problems are solved.

[0126] Figure 6 To show more specifically Figure 5 A diagram showing an example configuration of battery pack 1.

[0127] Reference Figure 6 N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) can be applied to the first switch 120 and the second switch 140.

[0128] Specifically, the gate terminal G of the first switch 120 can be connected to the branch point BP, the drain terminal D can be connected to the charging and discharging path L, and the source terminal S can be connected to the heating unit 110. Additionally, the gate terminal G of the second switch 140 can be connected between the other end of the resistor 161 and one end of the capacitor 162, the drain terminal D can be connected between the source terminal S of the first switch 120 and the heating unit 110, and the source terminal S can be connected to the heating element 130.

[0129] exist Figure 6 In this implementation, when the temperature of the battery 10 drops below a certain temperature and the mobility of lithium ions inside the battery 10 decreases significantly, the first switch 120 can be controlled to be in an off state, and the second switch 140 can be controlled to be in an on state. In this case, a small current can flow from the heating unit 110 to the charging and discharging path L through the body diode included in the first switch 120. However, typically, since the magnitude of the small current flowing through the body diode included in the MOSFET is too small to be considered, most of the current output from the heating unit 110 is applied to the heating element 130, allowing the heating element 130 to heat up rapidly.

[0130] At the same time, Figure 6 In one embodiment, a third switch (not shown) may also be provided between the first switch 120 and the charging and discharging path L to block the small current flowing through the body diode included in the first switch 120.

[0131] That is, the battery pack 1 may further include a third switch between the first switch 120 and the charging and discharging path L. For example, the drain terminal of the third switch may be connected to the drain terminal D of the first switch 120, the source terminal of the third switch may be connected to the charging and discharging path L, and the gate terminal of the third switch may be connected to the branch point BP. Additionally, the body diode included in the third switch may be configured such that the direction toward the first switch 120 is positive. Specifically, the body diode included in the third switch may be configured such that the direction oriented from the source terminal of the third switch toward the drain terminal is positive.

[0132] Furthermore, the operating state of the third switch can be controlled in the same manner as the operating state of the first switch 120. Specifically, when the heating control unit 150 controls the operating state of the first switch 120 to the ON state, the heating control unit 150 can also control the operating state of the third switch to the ON state. Conversely, when the heating control unit 150 controls the operating state of the first switch 120 to the OFF state, the heating control unit 150 can also control the operating state of the third switch to the OFF state.

[0133] For example, when the temperature of battery 10 drops below a certain temperature and the mobility of lithium ions within battery 10 decreases significantly, the operating states of the first switch 120 and the third switch can be controlled to be off, and the operating state of the second switch 140 can be controlled to be on. In this case, the small current flowing from the heating unit 110 to the charging and discharging path L through the body diode included in the first switch 120 can be blocked by the third switch. Therefore, the entire current output from the heating unit 110 can be applied to the heating element 130 through the second switch 140, allowing the heating element 130 to be heated more quickly.

[0134] At the same time, it should be understood that the first switch 120, the second switch 140 and the third switch are not limited to N-channel MOSFETs, and any switching device capable of opening and closing the mounting path, such as P-channel MOSFETs, FETs, relays or contactors, can be used without restriction.

[0135] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 1 including a battery management device 100 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Reference Figure 7 The heating control unit 150 may include a comparator 153 and an inverter 152.

[0137] Here, comparator 153 can be configured to compare the amplitude of a first signal input through the first input terminal (+) of comparator 153 with the amplitude of a second signal input through the second input terminal (-) of comparator 153, and output an output signal corresponding to the comparison result.

[0138] Comparator 153 can be configured to receive the voltage of battery 10 via a first input terminal (+). That is, the first input terminal (+) of comparator 153 can be connected to the voltage sensing line SL.

[0139] Additionally, comparator 153 can be configured to receive a reference voltage via a second input terminal (-). Here, the reference voltage can be set to the lowest voltage required to control the operating state of the first switch 120 or the second switch 140 to the ON state.

[0140] Additionally, comparator 153 can be configured to compare the amplitude of the voltage of battery 10 with the amplitude of a reference voltage to generate a high-level signal or a low-level signal with different signal levels as a control signal, and output the generated control signal through output terminal O.

[0141] Specifically, comparator 153 can be configured to output a high-level signal when the voltage of battery 10 is greater than or equal to a reference voltage, and to output a low-level signal when the voltage of battery 10 is less than a reference voltage.

[0142] For example, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 10 gradually decreases to below a certain temperature, even if the voltage of the battery 10 is input to the first switch 120 or the second switch 140, the operating states of the first switch 120 and the second switch 140 cannot be controlled to be in the ON state. Therefore, when the voltage of the battery 10 input to the first input terminal (+) of the comparator 153 is less than the reference voltage, the comparator 153 outputs a low-level signal as a control signal, and thus the operating state of the first switch 120 can be controlled to be in the OFF state.

[0143] Inverter 152 can be connected to the output terminal O of comparator 153 to receive control signals and be configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal and output the generated inverted signal to the second switch 140.

[0144] For example, in Figure 7 In this implementation, when a low-level signal is output from comparator 153 as a control signal, the output low-level signal can be input to inverter 152. Additionally, inverter 152 can generate a high-level signal as an inverted signal and output the generated high-level signal. Furthermore, the high-level signal output from inverter 152 can be input to the second switch 140 after passing through signal delay unit 160. Therefore, after the first switch 120's operating state is first switched to the off state, the second switch 140's operating state can be switched to the on state.

[0145] Additionally, the battery management device 100 according to this disclosure can be provided to the battery pack 1. That is, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include the battery management device 100 and one or more batteries 10. Furthermore, the battery pack 1 may also include electronic equipment (relays, contactors, fuses, etc.) and a housing.

[0146] For example, refer to Figures 2 to 7 The battery pack 1 may include a battery management device 100 and a battery 10. Furthermore, the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1, the battery 10, and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1 can form a charging and discharging path L. Additionally, a load 20 can be connected to the positive terminal P+ and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1.

[0147] The embodiments of this disclosure described above cannot be implemented solely by devices and methods, but can be implemented by a program that implements functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of this disclosure, or by a recording medium on which such program is recorded. Those skilled in the art can readily implement such a program or recording medium based on the above description of the embodiments.

[0148] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various variations and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description.

[0149] Additionally, those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications, and variations to the above-described disclosure without departing from the technical aspects of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings, and each embodiment can be selectively combined in part or in whole to allow for various modifications.

[0150] (See attached image labels)

[0151] 1: Battery pack

[0152] 10: Battery

[0153] 20: Load

[0154] 100: Battery Management Device

[0155] 110: Heating unit

[0156] 120: First switch

[0157] 130: Heating element

[0158] 140: Second switch

[0159] 150: Heating control unit

[0160] 151: Buffer

[0161] 152: Inverter

[0162] 153: Comparator

[0163] 160: Signal Delay Unit

[0164] 161: Resistor

[0165] 162: Capacitor

Claims

1. A battery management device, comprising: A heating unit configured to be connected in parallel to the battery; A first switch is connected between the heating unit and the charging and discharging path, and is configured to open and close the path between the charging and discharging path and the heating unit according to the operation state of the first switch, for the current for charging and discharging the battery to flow in the charging and discharging path; A heating element is connected in parallel to the heating unit and configured to increase the temperature of the battery by generating heat when current is supplied from the heating unit, wherein the energy required to heat the heating element is supplied from the heating unit without consuming the energy of the battery to heat the heating element; A second switch, connected between the heating element and the heating unit, and configured to open and close the path connecting the heating element and the heating unit according to the operating state of the second switch; and A heating control unit is connected to both the first switch and the second switch, and is connected between the battery and the first switch to receive the battery voltage. The heating control unit is configured to control the operating states of the first switch and the second switch respectively based on the input voltage. The heating control unit is configured to generate a control signal corresponding to the input voltage, generate an inverted signal of the control signal, output the control signal to the first switch, and output the inverted signal to the second switch. In the case of low temperatures when the battery is not properly discharged, the heating control unit can automatically control the first switch and the second switch to heat the heating element. The heating control unit includes: A buffer configured to receive the battery voltage via its input terminal, generate a control signal corresponding to the input voltage, and output the generated control signal via its output terminal; and An inverter, connected to the output terminal of the buffer to receive the control signal, and configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal, and output the generated inverted signal to the second switch, or The heating control unit includes: A comparator configured to receive the battery voltage via a first input terminal and a reference voltage via a second input terminal, compare the amplitude of the battery voltage with the amplitude of the reference voltage to generate a high-level signal or a low-level signal with different signal levels as the control signal, and output the generated control signal via an output terminal of the comparator; and An inverter, connected to the output terminal of the comparator to receive the control signal, is configured to generate an inverted signal for the input control signal and output the generated inverted signal to the second switch.

2. The battery management device according to claim 1, in, The heating control unit is configured to control the operating states of the first switch and the second switch differently.

3. The battery management device according to claim 1, in, The heating element is configured to generate heat by current supplied from the heating unit when the operating state of the first switch is controlled to be off and the operating state of the second switch is controlled to be on by the heating control unit.

4. The battery management device according to claim 1, further comprising: A signal delay unit is provided to the path between the heating control unit and the second switch, and is configured to delay the time when the inverted signal is input to the second switch, the inverted signal passing through the path between the heating control unit and the second switch.

5. The battery management device according to claim 4, in, The inverting signal is configured to be input to the second switch after the control signal is input to the first switch.

6. The battery management device according to claim 4, in, The signal delay unit includes: A resistor, configured to be connected between the heating control unit and the second switch; and A capacitor, the capacitor being configured to have one end connected between the resistor and the second switch and the other end connected to ground.

7. A battery pack comprising a battery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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