Device and method for preventing overloading

Abstract

Device for preventing overloading (100) which has the following features: a microcontrol unit (30) that controls the charging and discharging of a battery (200); a detection unit (10) that detects the battery (200) and thus receives detection information; a transceiver (20) (transmitter receiver) that sends the acquisition information to the microcontroller unit (30); and a switch (40) which, based on a signal from the transceiver (20), interrupts a voltage supplied to the battery (200), wherein the microcontrol unit (30), the transceiver (20) and the detection unit (10) are supplied with electrical energy by an external power source (300), characterized in that the external power source (300) supplies the transceiver (20) and the acquisition unit (10) with a first electrical energy (a), wherein the external power source (300) supplies the microcontrol unit (30) and the transceiver (20) with a second electrical energy (b) independent of the first electrical energy (a), wherein the transceiver (20) is supplied with the first electrical energy (a) so that an electrical energy required for the operation of the transceiver (20) is converted, and wherein, if the transceiver (20) is supplied with the second electrical energy (b), the transceiver (20) communicates with the microcontrol unit (30), wherein the input / output level of the transceiver (20) is equal to the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontrol unit (30).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for preventing overcharging. In particular, the present invention relates to a device or a method for preventing overcharging, which can prevent the battery of an electric vehicle from being overcharged. State of the art

[0002] In general, electric vehicles are those motor vehicles which can obtain motive power by driving an alternating current or a direct current motor using a power source such as a battery, whereby the performance of the battery therefore directly influences the performance of the motor vehicle.

[0003] A battery management system (BMS) is designed as a system for managing such a battery, measuring the voltage of each battery cell, the voltage and current of the entire battery, etc., and thus effectively managing the charging and discharging of the respective battery cell, or monitoring the state of an integrated cell sensing circuit for sensing each battery cell and thus performing stable control of a given cell.

[0004] Even if the battery cells are charged with the same voltage, one particular cell could become overcharged compared to the others. Such a battery management system therefore necessarily requires an overcharging prevention device, designed to interrupt the charging process if a cell becomes overcharged.

[0005] If the voltage of the battery cell is above a reference value, this device, designed to prevent overcharging, determines that the battery cell has been overcharged and then controls a switch connected between the battery cell and a load to prevent the battery cell from being overcharged.

[0006] Conversely, if a phenomenon occurs in which a microcontrol unit forming part of the battery management system is broken or its operation is stopped, then the battery cannot be controlled or an incorrect control command can be issued, which can lead to adverse phenomena such as reduced lifespan, reduced efficiency and battery explosion, and the required electrical power cannot be supplied to the vehicle, which could lead to a serious problem with the safety of the entire vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, research is ongoing on devices for preventing overcharging, which can detect battery overcharging even in the unstable operating state of the microcontroller unit and thus prevent an emergency. The present invention was developed accordingly.

[0008] A device to prevent overloading is known, for example, from KR 20180023647(A), US 2017 / 0077726 (A1), US 2019 / 0101598 (A1) and US 2012 / 0212176(A1). Disclosure of the invention; Purpose of the invention

[0009] The present invention is based on the technical problem to be solved, namely a device or a method for preventing overloading, in which a safety specification is enhanced.

[0010] The present invention further addresses the technical problem to be solved, namely a device or method for preventing overcharging, which can also decide, even in the unstable operation of a microcontrol unit, whether a battery has been overcharged or not, and then prevent an emergency.

[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not to be limited to those mentioned above, and the other, unmentioned, technical problems are also clearly understandable to a person skilled in the art from the following description. Solution to the problem of the invention

[0012] A device according to the invention for preventing overloading is described in claim 1. A method according to the invention for preventing overloading is described in claim 8. Dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0013] To solve the technical problems, a device for preventing overcharging according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following features: a microcontrol unit that controls the charging and discharging of a battery; a detection unit that detects the battery and thus receives detection information; a transceiver that sends the detection information to the microcontrol unit; and a switch that interrupts a voltage supplied to the battery based on a signal from the transceiver, wherein the microcontrol unit, the transceiver and the detection unit can be supplied with electrical energy from an external power source.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the external power source provides the transceiver and the detection unit with a first electrical energy.

[0015] According to one embodiment, it is further provided that the external power source supplies the microcontrol unit and the transceiver with a second electrical energy that is independent of the first electrical energy.

[0016] According to one embodiment, it is provided that, if the transceiver is supplied with the first electrical energy, the transceiver is supplied with the first electrical energy so that it can generate electrical energy required for the operation of the transceiver.

[0017] In contrast, according to one embodiment, it is provided that if the transceiver is supplied with the second electrical energy, the transceiver communicates with the microcontrol unit, wherein the input / output level of the transceiver is equal to the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontrol unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it can further be provided that the detection unit generates signals of different waveforms depending on whether the battery is in an overcharge or deep discharge state.

[0019] According to one embodiment, it can also be provided that in the overcharged state of the battery, the detection unit generates a signal that has a longer period than a signal generated in the normal state of the battery.

[0020] According to one embodiment, it can also be provided that, in the case of an overcharged battery, the transceiver switches off the switch in such a way that a voltage supplied to the battery is interrupted.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the transceiver may also have an isolation functional unit that serves to isolate at least one function from a communication function for sending the detection information to the microcontrol unit and an OPD function (OPD: Over Power Detect) for interrupting the voltage supplied to the battery in the case of an overcharged state of the battery.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device for preventing overcharging may also have an internal power source that serves to convert electrical energy supplied by the external power source into electrical energy that can be supplied to the microcontrol unit.

[0023] According to one embodiment, it can also be provided that the transceiver is supplied with an input / output voltage from the internal power source for communication with the microcontrol unit, whereby it can use the supplied input / output voltage as a reference point for a high-level "open-drain" detection voltage.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method for preventing an overcharge of a battery by means of a transceiver (transmitter receiver) according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following method steps: receiving detection information from a detection unit; deciding on an overcharged state of the battery by means of the detection information; and sending a control signal to the switch to turn off a switch when the battery is in an overcharged state. Effect of the invention

[0025] The present invention makes it possible to detect the presence of an overcharge in a battery independently of the operation of the microcontrol unit, thus enhancing a safety specification.

[0026] Furthermore, it can also be achieved to maintain a stable battery voltage, extend the battery's lifespan, and preserve its durability and performance.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not to be limited to those mentioned above, and the other, unmentioned effects are also clearly understandable to a person skilled in the art from the following description. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] They show: Fig. 1. A design of a device for preventing overloading according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a diagram illustrating an exemplary signal generated by a detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in the normal state of a battery; Fig. 3 a diagram to illustrate an exemplary signal generated by the detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention in the overcharged state of the battery; Fig. 4. A structure of a transceiver (transmitter-receiver) according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of the operation carried out by the transceiver in the device for preventing an overload according to one embodiment of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0029] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will be clearly explained with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings described in more detail later. However, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described below, but can be implemented in various forms. The described embodiments are provided only to complete the description of the present invention and to fully inform a person skilled in the art about the scope of the invention. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout this entire description, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0030] The term "battery" (200) used in this description refers to a battery that can be used as an energy source for electric vehicles. In a narrower sense, "battery" also refers to a set formed by connecting several battery cells in series or parallel. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this description (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings that a person skilled in the art would understand. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be understood neither ideally nor excessively, unless explicitly and specifically defined. That is to say, the terms used in this description are intended only to illustrate the exemplary embodiments and should not limit the present invention.In this description, singular expressions also include plural meanings, unless specifically mentioned in the context.

[0031] Regarding the expressions, such as "include" or "include" and / or "including" or "comprising", etc., used in this description, it should not be understood that the mentioned component, step, movement and / or element excludes the presence or possibility of the addition of one or more components, steps, movements and / or elements.

[0032] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the reference symbols on the drawings and the element symbols can also be described in parallel to each other.

[0033] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a structure of a device for preventing an overload (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device for preventing an overload (100) comprises a detection unit (10), a transceiver (20), a microcontrol unit (30) and a switch (40).

[0036] First, the detection unit (10) detects an electric current or an electrical voltage of a battery (200) and thus receives detection information, whereby the received detection information can be sent to the microcontrol unit (30) via the transceiver (20) to be mentioned later.

[0037] The acquisition information can have a signal that shows a constant waveform, whereby the acquisition unit (10) can generate signals of different waveforms depending on the overcharging or deep discharging of the battery (200).

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary signal generated by a detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in the normal state of a battery, while Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary signal generated by the detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention when the battery is overcharged.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 2 it can be seen that the detection unit (10) in the normal state of the battery (200) generates a signal which has a waveform with a constant period.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 3, however, it is evident that the detection unit (10) generates a signal in the overcharged state of the battery (200) which has a longer period than the signal generated in the normal state of the battery (200).

[0041] In contrast, if the battery (200) is formed by connecting several battery cells in series or parallel, more than one detection unit (10) can be provided to measure each battery cell individually, or only one detection unit (10) can measure a battery cell or the whole of the battery cells.

[0042] The transceiver (20) can then send the acquisition information received from the acquisition unit (10) to the microcontrol unit (30) to be mentioned later, whereby the transceiver (20) can have an open-drain communication pin so that it can send and receive the information to and from the microcontrol unit (30).

[0043] Now the transceiver (20) can receive a signal generated by the detection unit (10) in the overcharged state of the battery (200), then switch off the switch (40), and consequently interrupt a voltage supplied to the battery (200), so that the overcharged state of the battery (200) can be avoided.

[0044] Furthermore, the transceiver (20) may also include an isolation functional unit (29) for performing an isolation function.

[0045] More precisely, the isolation function unit (28) can isolate a communication function for sending the detection information to the microcontrol unit (30) and an OPD function (OPD: Over Power Detect) in which the switch (40) is turned off so that the voltage supplied to the battery (200) is interrupted based on the signal received from the detection unit (10).

[0046] If the battery (200) has been overcharged, the switch (40) is switched off based on the signal from the transceiver (20), so that the voltage supplied to the battery (200) can be interrupted.

[0047] More precisely, more than one switch (40) can be provided to increase the stability of the battery (200), its type and number being determined according to the user's wishes and the required stability, etc. For example, the switch (40) can be implemented by one of the switching elements, such as a relay, contactor, transistor, thyristor, or the like, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0048] The microcontrol unit (30) is designed as a processor for controlling the battery (200), whereby it can control the charging and discharging of the battery (200) using the acquisition information explained above.

[0049] More precisely, the microcontrol unit (30) can use the acquisition information to monitor the condition of at least one battery cell that makes up the battery (200).

[0050] In contrast, the microcontrol unit (30) can calculate a state of charge (SOC: state of charging) of the battery (200) or a change in resistance within the battery (200) based on the current and voltage of the battery (200) obtained from the sensing unit (10), the voltage of each battery cell, the cell temperature and the ambient temperature, and then calculate an aging or health state (SOH: state of health) so that it can generate the information to inform about the state of the battery (200).

[0051] So far, the detection unit (10), the transceiver (20), and the microcontrol unit (30) have been described as components included in the overload prevention device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. These components also require electrical energy to power them, which can therefore be supplied by an external power source (300), namely a conventional battery installed in the vehicle. This will be explained in detail below.

[0052] The acquisition unit (10), the transceiver (20) and the microcontrol unit (30) can be supplied with electrical energy from the external power source (300).

[0053] More precisely, the external power source (300) can supply the transceiver (20) with the first electrical energy (a) and the second, independent electrical energy (b), and the microcontrol unit (30) with the electrical energy (b). The detection unit (10), one end of which is connected to the transceiver (20), can be supplied by the external power source (300) with the second electrical energy (a), which is independent of the microcontrol unit (30). Furthermore, the detection unit (10) is connected at its other end to the battery (200), and can therefore be supplied with electrical energy by the battery (200).

[0054] The first electrical energy (a) supplied to the transceiver (20) and the acquisition unit (10) can be a high-voltage electrical energy, while the second electrical energy (b) can be a low-voltage electrical energy, lower than the first electrical energy (a). For example, the first electrical energy (a) can be 12 V and the second electrical energy (b) 5 V, but these are not the only possible combinations.

[0055] In contrast, the operations of the transceiver (20) that it performs when it is supplied with the first (a) and the second electrical energy (b) from the external power source (300) can be different from each other, which is explained in detail below.

[0056] If the transceiver (20) is supplied with the first electrical energy (a), the transceiver (20) can generate its own electrical energy required for its operation. The operation of the transceiver (20) is defined as receiving detection information from the detection unit (10) or using this detection information to control the switch (40), but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0057] If, however, the transceiver (20) is supplied with the second electrical energy (b), the transceiver (20) can communicate with the microcontroller (30), more precisely, the transceiver (20) can send the acquisition information to the microcontroller (30). The input / output level of the transceiver (20) is equal to the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontroller (30), and the transceiver (20) can only communicate with the microcontroller (30) if the input / output level of the transceiver (20) and the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontroller (30) are equal.

[0058] In this way, the transceiver (20) is supplied with the first electrical energy (b) which is independent of the electrical energy supplied to the microcontrol unit (30), so that the transceiver (20) does not have to be supplied with electrical energy via the microcontrol unit (30) and can also perform its function, which is why the overcharging of the battery (200) can be avoided independently of the operation of the microcontrol unit (30).

[0059] Now, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device for preventing an overload (100) can further comprise an internal power source (50) which serves to convert electrical energy supplied by the external power source (300).

[0060] More precisely, the internal power source (50) can convert the electrical energy supplied by the external power source (300) into a lower electrical energy and supply it to the transceiver (20) and the microcontroller (30). For example, the internal power source (50) can convert the 12V energy supplied by the external power source (300) into 5V energy and supply it to the transceiver (20) and the microcontroller (30).

[0061] That is, the internal power source (50) is used when the transceiver (20) and the microcontrol unit (30) are supplied with the second electrical energy (b) from the external power source (300).

[0062] Below, a transceiver (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 4 explained in detail.

[0063] Fig. Figure 4 shows a structure of a transceiver (20) (transmitter receiver) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver (20) comprises a communication unit (22), an electricity generation unit (26), an isolation functional unit (28) and a switch control unit (24).

[0065] The communication unit (22) can communicate with the microcontrol unit (30), whereby, as explained above, communication can only take place if the input / output level of the transceiver (20) and the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontrol unit (30) are the same.

[0066] The communication unit (22) is supplied with the electrical energy required for its operation by the power generation unit (26), while the internal power source (50) supplies it with the input / output voltage for communication with the microcontroller unit (30), this input / output voltage being used as the reference point for a high-level, open-drain detection voltage. That is, the communication unit (22) has an open-drain communication pin for communication with the microcontroller unit (30), enabling the transceiver (20) to communicate bidirectionally with the microcontroller unit (30).

[0067] The communication unit (22) can be supplied with the input / output voltage from the internal power source (50) to communicate with the microcontrol unit (30) and thus use this input / output voltage as a reference point for a high-level open-drain detection voltage.

[0068] Furthermore, the electricity generating unit (26) can be supplied with the first electrical energy (a) from the external power source (300), so that it can generate electrical energy required for the operation of the transceiver (20). That is, the transceiver (20) can generate the electrical energy directly via the electricity generating unit (26), which is why no separate power element is required.

[0069] Furthermore, the isolating functional unit (28) can isolate a function performed by the transceiver (20), i.e., a communication function to send the acquisition information to the microcontrol unit (30), and an OPD function (OPD: Over Power Detect), which detects a signal from the acquisition unit (10) and thus controls the switch (40) in such a way that the voltage supplied to the battery (200) is interrupted.

[0070] In this way, the transceiver (20) can perform the isolation functions by means of the isolation unit (28), so that no externally installed, separate isolation device is required. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the transceiver (20) in the overload prevention device (100) can be reduced, thus miniaturizing the overall size of the device.

[0071] Furthermore, the switch control unit (24) can detect a signal from the detection unit (10) and thus control the switch (40).

[0072] More precisely, the switch control unit (24) can then switch off the switch (40) if the detection unit (10) detects a signal that has a different waveform than the signal generated in the normal state of the battery (200). For example, the signal with the different waveform can be one that has a longer period than the signal generated in the normal state of the battery (200), but this is not necessarily the only possible outcome.

[0073] This means that the transceiver (20) can detect an overloaded state of the battery (200) by means of the switching control unit (24) and thus avoid this, even if there is a fault in the micro control unit (30), or even if the power supply of the micro control unit (30) is abnormal, etc.

[0074] The operation carried out by a transceiver (20) in a device for preventing an overload (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Fig. 5 explained.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the operation carried out by the transceiver (20) in the device for preventing an overload (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] This corresponds to a flowchart that is preferred for solving the problems of the present invention, although it is natural that some process steps may be added or omitted as needed.

[0077] First, a transceiver (20) receives acquisition information (S110) from a acquisition unit (10).

[0078] More precisely, when the transceiver (20) receives the acquisition information from the acquisition unit (10), the transceiver (20) can then send the acquisition information to a microcontroller (30). For example, the acquisition information could be information about the currents and voltages measured by the acquisition unit (10).

[0079] The transceiver (20) then uses the acquired information to determine the state in which the battery (200) is overcharged (S120).

[0080] More precisely, the transceiver (20) can detect a detection signal that is included in the detection information, i.e., a signal that is generated by the detection unit (10) in the overcharged state of the battery (200), and thus decide on a state in which the battery (200) is overcharged.

[0081] The signal generated by the detection unit (10) in the overcharged state of the battery (200) can be the one that has a longer period than the signal generated in the normal state of the battery (200), but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0082] If the transceiver (20) determines that the battery (20) is not overcharged, the transceiver (20) repeats the previously described procedure step S110.

[0083] If, however, the transceiver (20) decides that the battery (20) is overcharged, the transceiver (20) sends a control signal to switch off the switch (40) to this switch (40) (S130).

[0084] More precisely, the transceiver (20) sends the control signal to switch off the switch (40) and thus switches off this switch (40), so that the electrical energy supplied to the battery (200) can be interrupted, thereby preventing the battery (200) from becoming overloaded.

[0085] So far, the device for preventing overloading has been explained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] With the present invention, the overcharged state of the battery (200) can be detected independently of the operation of the microcontrol unit (30), and thus an emergency can be avoided, thereby increasing the safety specification, whereby an overcharged state is permanently detected, which is why a safe state of the battery (200) can be permanently maintained.

[0087] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is understood that a person skilled in the art can also implement the invention in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as merely illustrative and not to be considered limiting. Reference symbol list 100 Device to prevent overloading 10 recording units 20 transceivers (transceivers) 30 microcontroller unit 40 switches 50 internal power source 200 battery 300 external power source

Claims

[1] Device for preventing overloading (100) which has the following features: a microcontrol unit (30) that controls the charging and discharging of a battery (200); a detection unit (10) that detects the battery (200) and thus receives detection information; a transceiver (20) (transmitter receiver) that sends the acquisition information to the microcontroller unit (30); and a switch (40) which, based on a signal from the transceiver (20), interrupts a voltage supplied to the battery (200), wherein the microcontrol unit (30), the transceiver (20) and the acquisition unit (10) are supplied with electrical energy from an external power source (300), characterized by , that the external power source (300) supplies the transceiver (20) and the acquisition unit (10) with a first electrical energy (a), wherein the external power source (300) supplies the microcontrol unit (30) and the transceiver (20) with a second electrical energy (b) independent of the first electrical energy (a), wherein the transceiver (20) is supplied with the first electrical energy (a) so that an electrical energy required for the operation of the transceiver (20) is converted, and wherein, if the transceiver (20) is supplied with the second electrical energy (b), the transceiver (20) communicates with the microcontrol unit (30), wherein the input / output level of the transceiver (20) is equal to the input level of the electrical energy of the microcontrol unit (30). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit (10) generates signals of different waveforms depending on the presence of an overcharge or deep discharge state of the battery (200). [3] Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein in the overcharged state of the battery (200) the detection unit (10) generates a signal which has a longer period than a signal generated in the normal state of the battery (200). [4] Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein in the overcharged state of the battery (200) the transceiver (20) switches off the switch (40) in such a way that a voltage supplied to the battery (200) is interrupted. [5] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver (20) has an isolation functional unit which serves to isolate a communication function for sending the detection information to the microcontrol unit (30) and an OPD function (OPD: Over Power Detect) for interrupting the voltage supplied to the battery (200) in the overcharged state of the battery (200). [6] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an internal power source (50) which serves to convert electrical energy supplied by the external power source (300) into electrical energy that can be supplied to the microcontrol unit (30). [7] Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the transceiver (20) is supplied with an input / output voltage from the internal power source (50) for communication with the microcontrol unit (30), wherein the supplied input / output voltage can be used as a reference point for a high-level open-drain detection voltage. [8] Method for preventing an overcharging of a battery (200) with a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims by means of a transceiver (20) (transmitter receiver), wherein the method comprises the following method steps: receiving a capture information from a capture unit (10); deciding on an overloaded state of the battery (200) using the acquisition information; and Sending a control signal to switch (40) to turn off the switch (40) when the battery (200) is in an overloaded state as a result of the decision.

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