Battery device and operation method thereof, and battery pack

Abstract

To provide an independent power supply topology for a battery pack that can ensure an independent and permanent operational power supply.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to a battery device and an operating method thereof, and a battery pack. The present disclosure provides a configuration in which a capacitor is charged by a charging current flowing through a closed circuit connecting a plurality of battery cells, a first switch, a capacitor, and a second switch, and the voltage charged to the capacitor is used as an operating voltage for a BMS or master board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for forming a power supply for a processor that constitutes a battery device. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and video cameras, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as motor drive power sources and power storage batteries for hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case to house the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in the background of the invention is intended to enhance understanding of the background of the invention only, and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The battery pack is equipped with a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as BMS) that measures, monitors, and controls the status of the battery cells and battery modules. The BMS is configured to perform a series of controls to protect the battery based on measured values ​​such as the current, voltage, charge / discharge current of the battery module, and to perform various functions such as cell balancing to charge the battery cells evenly.

[0005] Common methods for supplying operating power to a BMS or a master board on which a BMS is implemented include: i) supplying operating power through a low-voltage battery (e.g., lead-acid battery) installed in the vehicle or an external SMPS; ii) placing a coin cell inside the master board and supplying operating power to the BMS or memory implemented on the master board through the coin cell; and iii) supplying operating power by regulating the voltage of the battery pack itself (e.g., DC-DC converting).

[0006] When powering a BMS through a low-voltage battery or an external SMPS, the unit cost of the low-voltage battery or SMPS increases, the power supply itself is susceptible to defects, and voltage fluctuations (e.g., power supply voltage drops, jumps, disconnections, noise, and poor connection) frequently occur. Such power supply instability makes it impossible to guarantee normal operation of the BMS, which can lead to problems with the battery pack itself.

[0007] In the case of supplying power for the BMS through a coin cell, the amount of data that can be stored in memory (e.g., battery impedance, capacity, lifespan, and various measurements required for their calculation) is extremely limited due to the limited power that can be output from the coin cell, which in turn poses a high risk of data loss.

[0008] In the case of a method of supplying operating power by regulating the voltage of the battery pack itself, with the current trend of higher battery pack voltages (approximately 1500V), there are limitations such as power loss due to reduced efficiency in DC-DC conversion and various problems caused by the internal pressure of the master board (e.g., increased unit cost, restrictions on the distance between elements within the master board, etc.).

[0009] Therefore, the present invention solves the conventional problems caused by supplying operating power to the BMS or master board of the battery pack through the voltage of a low-voltage battery, SMPS, coin cell, or the battery pack itself, and proposes an independent power supply formation topology for the battery pack that can ensure an independent and permanent operating power source.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a battery device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first switch connected to an uppermost node of a plurality of battery cells connected in series included in a battery module; a second switch connected to a lowermost node of the plurality of battery cells; a capacitor connected between the first switch and the second switch; and a processor that controls the on / off operation of each of the first and second switches to control voltage charging of the capacitor using charging current from the plurality of battery cells; and the voltage charged to the capacitor functions as the operating voltage of the processor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a battery pack configuration can be adopted in which the voltage of the battery module is selectively charged to a capacitor by controlling the on / off of a switch provided in the battery module, and the voltage charged to the capacitor is supplied as the operating voltage of a BMS or a master board, thereby ensuring an independent and permanent operating voltage without using the voltage of a low-voltage battery, SMPS, coin cell, or battery pack itself.

[0013] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which voltage is extracted from a target battery module with the highest module voltage among multiple battery modules and supplied as the operating voltage of the BMS or master board, an independent and permanent operating voltage is secured and module balancing can be performed for the battery modules, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the battery pack.

[0014] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention to be given later, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters shown in these drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of a circuit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a flow of a charging current for charging a capacitor in a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example circuit diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his or her invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of filing this application. Furthermore, as used in this specification, the words "comprise," "include," and / or "comprising," "including," specify the presence of a stated shape, number, step, operation, member, element, and / or group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups. Furthermore, when describing each embodiment of the present invention, the word "may" can include "one or more embodiments of the present invention."

[0017] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. In addition, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same components in different embodiments.

[0018] A statement that two comparison objects are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" can include cases where there is a deviation that is considered to be a low level in the art, for example, a deviation within 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of any parameter in a given region can mean uniformity on average.

[0019] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and it is understood that a first component may also be a second component unless otherwise specified.

[0020] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0021] The placement of an arbitrary structure on the "top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component can mean not only that the arbitrary structure is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure placed above (or below) the component.

[0022] Furthermore, when a description is made that one component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled, coupled, or connected to each other, but it should also be understood that there may be other components "intervening" between the components, or that the components may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components. Furthermore, when it is said that one part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only the case where they are directly coupled, but also the case where they are coupled via another element in between.

[0023] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, or B, or A and B, unless specifically stated to the contrary. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. "C through D" means at least C and at most D, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0024] Prior to a detailed description of the "independent power supply forming topology" that is the focus of this embodiment, the structure of a battery module and a battery pack that can be applied to this embodiment will be described first.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module M according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] 1, a battery module M according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells C each having terminal portions 11 and 12 and arranged in one direction, a connection tab 20 connecting a battery cell 10a to an adjacent battery cell 10b, and a protection circuit module 30 having one end connected to the connection tab 20. The protection circuit module 30 may be a battery management system (hereinafter, referred to as BMS). The connection tab 20 includes a body portion 22 contacting the terminal portions 11 and 12 between the adjacent battery cells 10a and 10b, and an extension portion extending from the body portion 22 and connected to the protection circuit module 30. The connection tab 20 may be a bus bar.

[0027] First, a battery cell C may include a battery case, an electrode assembly, and an electrolyte solution housed within the battery case. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution react electrochemically to generate energy. One side of the battery cell C may include terminals 11 and 12 electrically connected to a connection tab 20 and a vent 13, which serves as a passage for discharging gas generated therein. The terminals 11 and 12 of the battery cell C may be a positive terminal 11 and a negative terminal 12 having opposite polarities, and the terminals 11 and 12 of adjacent battery cells 10a and 10b may be electrically connected in series or parallel by a connection tab 20, which will be described later. While the above description has been given using a series connection as an example, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and various connection structures may be adopted as needed. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the battery cells C are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1 and may be modified as needed.

[0028] A plurality of battery cells C may be arranged in one direction such that wide surfaces of the battery cells C face each other, and the arranged plurality of battery cells C may be fixed by housings 61, 62, 63, and 64. The housings 61, 62, 63, and 64 may include a pair of end plates 61 and 62 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells C, and a side plate 63 and a bottom plate 64 connecting the pair of end plates 61 and 62. The side plate 63 may support the side surfaces of the battery cells C, and the bottom plate 64 may support the bottom surfaces of the battery cells C. In addition, the pair of end plates 61 and 62 may be connected to the side plate 63 and the bottom plate 64 by members such as bolts 65.

[0029] The protection circuit module 30 includes electronic components and a protection circuit, and may be electrically connected to the connection tab 20 (described later). The protection circuit module 30 includes a first protection circuit module 30a and a second protection circuit module 30b extending at different positions along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged. The first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b may be positioned parallel to each other while being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and may be electrically connected to the adjacent connection tab 20. For example, the first protection circuit module 30a may be formed extending from one side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells C along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged, and the second protection circuit module 30b may be formed extending from the other side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells C along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged. The second protection circuit module 30b may be positioned parallel to the first protection circuit module 30a while being spaced apart by a predetermined distance across the vent 13. In this way, the two protection circuit modules are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged, thereby minimizing the area of ​​the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that constitutes the protection circuit module. By configuring the protection circuit module as two separate protection circuit modules, unnecessary PCM area is minimized. The first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b may be connected by a conductive connecting member 50. In this case, one side of the connecting member 50 is connected to the first protection circuit module 30a, and the other side is connected to the second protection circuit module 30b, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the two protection circuit modules.

[0030] The connection may be performed by any one of soldering, resistance welding, laser welding, and projection welding.

[0031] The connecting member 50 may be, for example, an electric wire. The connecting member 50 may also be made of an elastic or flexible material. The connecting member 50 may be used to check and manage whether the voltage, temperature, and current of the plurality of battery cells C are normal. That is, information on the voltage, current, temperature, etc. transmitted from the connecting tab adjacent to the first protection circuit module and information on the voltage, current, and temperature transmitted from the connecting tab adjacent to the second protection circuit module may be integrated and managed by the protection circuit module through the connecting member 50.

[0032] Furthermore, when the battery cell C expands, the elasticity or flexibility of the connecting member 50 absorbs the impact, thereby preventing damage to the first and second protection circuit modules 30a and 30b.

[0033] Furthermore, the shape and structure of the connecting member 50 are not limited to the shape shown in FIG.

[0034] As described above, since the protection circuit module 30 is provided with the first and second protection circuit modules 30a and 30b, the area of ​​the PCB constituting the protection circuit module can be minimized, thereby securing space inside the battery module M. This not only simplifies the fastening operation of connecting the connection tab 20 and the protection circuit module 30, but also facilitates repairs when an abnormality is detected in the battery module M, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0035] 2A and 2B illustrate a battery pack P according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The battery pack P may include a number of battery modules M and a housing H for accommodating the number of battery modules M. For example, the housing H may include first and second housings H1 and H2 coupled in opposing directions with the number of battery modules M interposed therebetween. The number of battery modules M may be electrically connected using bus bars 51, and the number of battery modules M may be electrically connected to each other in a series / parallel or series-parallel mixed mode to obtain a required electrical output.

[0037] Meanwhile, the battery pack may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. A battery module may include a plurality of cells connected to each other in series or parallel. The battery modules may be connected to each other in series or parallel.

[0038] The detection device can sense the battery status (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) and detect status information representing the battery status. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell or each battery module constituting the battery. The detection device can also detect the current flowing through each battery module constituting a battery module or battery pack. The detection device can also detect the cell and / or module and / or ambient temperature at at least one point of the battery.

[0039] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on battery modules and / or cells that constitute a battery. The control device can receive status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate the status (voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), etc.) of the battery module based on the status information received from the detection device. The control device can also perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current prevention, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.) based on the status monitoring results. The control device can also perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., upper controller, vehicle, charger, PCS, etc.).

[0040] The control device can also control the charging / discharging and protection operations of the battery, and for this purpose, the control device can include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit, and a protection unit.

[0041] A battery management system is a system that monitors the battery status and performs diagnostic, control, communication, and protection functions. It can calculate the charge / discharge status, calculate the battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off battery power (relay control) as needed, control thermal management (cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and detect and calculate insulation and short-circuit conditions.

[0042] A relay can be a mechanical contactor that is turned on and off by the magnetic force of a coil, or it can be a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0043] The relay control is a function that cuts off the power supply from the battery when a problem occurs in the vehicle or battery system, and can be configured with one or more relays and precharge relays at the positive and negative terminals, respectively.

[0044] Pre-charge control can prevent inrush current from occurring in the high voltage capacitor on the inverter input side when a battery load is connected. To prevent this, the pre-charge relay can be activated and connected to a pre-charge resistor before connecting the main relay when the vehicle is started.

[0045] The high voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high voltage parts are connected to the entire automobile system, and can be equipped with a function that forcibly opens a relay if an open occurs at even one point on the entire loop.

[0046] The above-described BMS functions serve as basic functions for implementing the operation of the second processor 200, which will be described below.

[0047] Based on the above explanation, the operation of the battery device of this embodiment will be specifically explained below.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of the flow of charging current for charging a capacitor in a battery device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] 3, the battery device of this embodiment may include a battery module 100, a second processor 200, and a memory 300, and the components 100, 200, and 300 may together constitute a battery pack P. The battery module denoted by reference numeral "100" has the same configuration as the battery module denoted by reference numeral "M" in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0050] For clear distinction of terminology, the first and second processors 110 and 200 will be defined first. The first processor 110 may correspond to a BMIC (Battery Monitoring IC) constituting the battery module 100 described below, and may operate to monitor the status, such as the current and voltage, of each battery cell included in the battery module 100. In this embodiment, the first processor 110 may locally control (i.e., control at the battery module 100 level) the on / off operations of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 through control of first and second switch drivers DRV1 and DRV2 described below.

[0051] The second processor 200 may correspond to a master Battery Management System (BMS) that functions as a higher-level controller of the first processor 110. The second processor 200 may monitor the module voltage of each of the plurality of battery modules 100 and transmit a control command CTRL to the first processor 110 based on the module voltage monitoring result, thereby causing the first processor 110 to control the on / off operation of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2. The second processor 200 may globally control (i.e., control at the battery pack level) the on / off operation of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 through the first processor 110. As will be described later, the voltage charged in the capacitor CAP of the battery module 100 may function as the operating voltage of the second processor 200. The second processor 200 may also be equipped with a step-down DC-DC converter that receives the charging voltage of the capacitor CAP, performs step-down DC-DC conversion, and generates the operating voltage of the second processor 200 (i.e., the internal voltage of the master board). On the other hand, it is clear that the "processor" described in the claims of this application corresponds to the second processor 200.

[0052] The memory 300 may store at least one instruction to be executed by the second processor 200. The memory 300 may be embodied as a volatile storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM). The memory may be embodied to constitute a BMS together with the second processor 200.

[0053] Next, the battery module 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 4, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells C connected in series, first and second switches SW1 and SW2, first and second switch drivers DRV1 and DRV2, a capacitor CAP, and the first processor 110 described above.

[0054] The first switch SW1 may correspond to a high-side switch connected to an uppermost node of the plurality of battery cells C (i.e., a positive electrode node of the uppermost cell among the plurality of battery cells C; hereinafter, abbreviated as the uppermost node), and the second switch SW2 may correspond to a low-side switch connected to a lowermost node of the plurality of battery cells C (i.e., a negative electrode node of the lowermost cell among the plurality of battery cells C; hereinafter, abbreviated as the lowermost node). The first and second switches SW1 and SW2 may be implemented using a typical switching element such as a relay or an FET.

[0055] The first and second switch drivers DRV1 and DRV2 may correspond to driver ICs that drive the on / off operations of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 under the control of the first processor 110, respectively.

[0056] The capacitor CAP may be connected between the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. One node (one terminal) of the capacitor CAP may be connected to the other node of the first switch SW1 other than the node connected to the top node, and the other node (other terminal) of the capacitor CAP may be connected to the other node of the second switch SW2 other than the node connected to the bottom node. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, a closed circuit is formed connecting the plurality of battery cells C, the top node, the first switch SW1, the capacitor CAP, the second switch SW2, and the bottom node, based on a state in which the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 are closed. A topology may be implemented in which the voltage of the capacitor CAP is charged by a charging current drawn from the plurality of battery cells C that flows through the closed circuit. The voltage charged in the capacitor CAP of the battery module 100 may function as the operating voltage of the second processor 200. The capacitance of the capacitor CAP may be predetermined by a designer based on specifications of the battery pack system, such as the magnitude of the operating voltage required for the second processor 200 and the capacity of the battery cells C.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of battery modules 100 may be provided, and the plurality of battery modules 100 and the second processor 200 may constitute a battery pack. Regarding the wiring structure, any two of the plurality of battery modules 100 are defined as the first and second battery modules. The first and second battery modules may be connected in a manner in which the capacitor CAP of the first battery module and the capacitor CAP of the second battery module are connected in parallel with each other through the connector CNT. The parallel wiring structure of the capacitors CAP of each battery module 100 provides a path (hereinafter, referred to as the voltage application path P) through which the operating voltage of the second processor 200 is applied. V ) may be provided.

[0058] As mentioned above, this embodiment focuses on a configuration that ensures an independent and permanent operating voltage for the BMS (i.e., second processor 200) of the battery pack, and based on the above explanation, the topology adopted to ensure an independent power supply for second processor 200 will be specifically described below.

[0059] First, the second processor 200 can identify the battery module 100 (hereinafter, the target battery module) having the largest module voltage, defined as the voltage difference between the top node and the bottom node, among the plurality of battery modules 100 (assuming that the operating voltage for performing the initial operation of the second processor 200 has already been secured. For example, when the power supply of the first battery pack system is turned on, the first processor 110 included in the top battery module 100 closes the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 to charge the capacitor CAP with a voltage, and an embodiment can be provided in which the charged voltage of the capacitor CAP is used for the initial operation of the second processor 200).

[0060] When the target battery module is identified, the second processor 200 transmits a switch closing control command CTRL to the first processor 110 included in the target battery module, and accordingly, the first processor 110 of the target battery module may operate to close the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 through the first and second switch drivers DRV1 and DRV2. Accordingly, a flow of charging current as shown in Fig. 5 occurs, and the capacitor CAP included in the target battery module may be charged. The voltage charged in the capacitor CAP of the target battery module is applied via the voltage application path P V The power supply voltage is transmitted to the second processor 200 via the step-down DC-DC converter of the second processor 200, and an operating voltage for the second processor 200 can be generated by the step-down DC-DC converter of the second processor 200.

[0061] According to the above configuration, a topology can be provided in which a capacitor CAP is charged using a plurality of battery cells C included in the battery module 100 having the highest module voltage, and only the voltage charged in the capacitor CAP is used as the operating voltage of the second processor 200. That is, the target battery module corresponds to the battery module 100 having a higher module voltage than the other battery modules, and the overcharged portion of the module voltage of the target battery module compared to the other battery modules must necessarily be discharged for module balancing. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the overcharged portion of the voltage to be discharged formed in the target battery module is used as the operating voltage of the second processor 200. Accordingly, by supplying the operating voltage of the second processor 200 (i.e., the BMS) from the plurality of battery cells C included in the battery module 100, a topology for forming an independent power supply for the BMS can be provided that does not use the voltage of a separate low-voltage battery, SMPS, coin cell, or battery pack itself, and voltage balancing between the battery modules 100 can be naturally achieved without a separate discharge operation during the process of forming an independent power supply for the BMS.

[0062] Meanwhile, when the independent power supply forming operation is defined as "the operation of identifying a target battery module having the largest module voltage, defined as the voltage difference between the uppermost node and the lowermost node, among the plurality of battery modules 100, and closing the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 included in the identified target battery module to charge the capacitor CAP included in the target battery module," the second processor 200 may be configured to determine the charging time of the capacitor CAP included in the target battery module based on the module voltages of battery modules other than the target battery module when performing the independent power supply forming operation.

[0063] Specifically, the independent power supply formation operation described above performs a function of ensuring the operating voltage of the second processor 200 as well as a function of balancing voltages between the battery modules 100. As the charging time of the capacitor CAP included in a target battery module increases, the voltage of the plurality of battery cells C included in the target battery module decreases, which can result in the module voltage of the target battery module becoming lower than the module voltages of the other battery modules. To prevent this voltage imbalance between the battery modules 100, the second processor 200 can operate to limit the drop in the module voltage of the target battery module due to current draw from the plurality of battery cells C to the module voltage of the other battery modules.

[0064] To implement the above-described module voltage drop limiting operation, the second processor 200 determines a charging time for the capacitor CAP included in the target battery module based on the module voltages of the other battery modules, and then performs a capacitor CAP charging operation for the target battery module only during the determined charging time. The charging time for the capacitor CAP of the target battery module may correspond to the time required for the module voltage of the target battery module to decrease to the module voltage of the other battery modules (e.g., the average module voltage of the other battery modules), and the second processor 200 may operate to determine the charging time for the capacitor CAP based on parameters such as the capacitance of the capacitor CAP, the module voltage difference between the target battery module and the other battery modules, and the C-rate of the multiple battery cells C of the target battery module.

[0065] In this case, the second processor 200 may control the first processors 110 of the other battery modules to maintain the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 included in the other battery modules other than the target battery module in an open state while performing the independent power supply formation operation for the target battery module. That is, if the capacitors CAP of the other battery modules are simultaneously charged while the capacitor CAP of the target battery module is being charged for the charging time determined for the target battery module, additional voltage imbalances may occur among the plurality of battery modules 100. To prevent such additional voltage imbalances, the second processor 200 may prevent the voltage charging operation of the capacitors CAP of the other battery modules from being performed.

[0066] To continuously maintain the operating voltage of the second processor 200, the second processor 200 may be configured to perform an independent power supply formation operation when the charging voltage of each capacitor CAP of each battery module 100 drops below a preset reference voltage. That is, after the above-described independent power supply formation operation is completed, all of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 of each battery module 100 are maintained in an open state, thereby reducing the charging voltage of each capacitor CAP of each battery module 100. To prevent a situation in which the capacitor CAP is completely discharged and the operating voltage of the second processor 200 cannot be supplied, the second processor 200 may be configured to constantly monitor the charging voltage of the capacitor CAP and, if the charging voltage of the capacitor CAP drops below the reference voltage, to perform the above-described independent power supply formation operation again.

[0067] 7 and 8 are flowcharts of a method for operating a battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for operating a battery device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Detailed descriptions of components that overlap with those described above will be omitted, and the description will focus on the chronological configuration.

[0068] First, the second processor 200 monitors the charging voltage of each capacitor CAP of each battery module 100, and compares the monitored charging voltage of the capacitor CAP with a preset reference voltage (S100).

[0069] If it is determined in step S100 that the charging voltage of capacitor CAP has decreased below the reference voltage, second processor 200 controls the on / off operation of first and second switches SW1 and SW2 by transmitting a control command CTRL to first processor 110 (S200). As shown in FIG. 8, in step S200, the processor identifies a target battery module among the plurality of battery modules 100 that has the highest module voltage, defined as the voltage difference between the top node and the bottom node (S210), and closes first and second switches SW1 and SW2 included in the target battery module identified in step S210 (S220). In this case, second processor 200 maintains first and second switches SW1 and SW2 included in battery modules other than the target battery module in an open state (S230). Steps S220 and S230 are performed independently in parallel, and the order of their execution is not limited to the order described above.

[0070] The capacitor CAP connected between the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is charged by the on / off operation of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 in step S200 (S300). In step S300, the capacitor CAP included in the target battery module identified in step S210 is charged. The capacitor CAP charging operation in step S300 is performed for a charging time determined based on the module voltages of battery modules other than the target battery module.

[0071] The voltage charged in the capacitor CAP in step S300 is applied through the voltage application path P V The voltage is supplied as an operating voltage for the second processor 200 through the power supply (S400).

[0072] As described above, according to the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which the voltage of the battery module is selectively charged to the capacitor by controlling the on / off of a switch provided in the battery module, and the voltage charged to the capacitor is supplied as the operating voltage of the BMS or master board, thereby making it possible to configure a battery pack that can ensure an independent and permanent operating voltage without using the voltage of a low-voltage battery, SMPS, coin cell, or battery pack itself.

[0073] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which voltage is extracted from a target battery module with the highest module voltage among multiple battery modules and supplied as the operating voltage for the BMS or master board, an independent and permanent operating voltage can be secured and module balancing can be performed for the battery modules, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the battery pack.

[0074] The implementations described herein may be embodied, for example, as a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the discussed implementation of a feature may also be embodied in other forms (e.g., an apparatus or a program). An apparatus may be embodied in appropriate hardware, software, firmware, etc. A method may be embodied in an apparatus, such as, for example, a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices, such as computers, mobile phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end users.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it is understood that these are merely illustrative and that those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100: Battery module 110: First processor SW1: First switch SW2: Second switch DRV1: 1st switch driver DRV2: Second switch driver CAP: Capacitor 200: Second processor 300:Memory

Claims

1. a first switch connected to a top node of the plurality of battery cells connected in series included in the battery module; a second switch coupled to a lowest node of the plurality of battery cells; a capacitor connected between the first switch and the second switch; a processor that controls the on / off operation of each of the first and second switches to control the voltage charging of the capacitor by the charging current from the plurality of battery cells; A battery device, wherein the voltage charged in the capacitor serves as an operating voltage for the processor.

2. 2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitor is charged by a charging current from the plurality of battery cells that flows through a path connecting the top node, the first switch, the capacitor, the second switch, and the bottom node.

3. the plurality of battery cells, the first switch, the second switch, and the capacitor constitute the battery module; The battery device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor constitutes a master battery management system (BMS) for the battery modules.

4. A plurality of the battery modules are provided, When any two of the plurality of battery modules are defined as a first and a second battery module, the plurality of battery modules are connected to each other in a manner that a capacitor of the first battery module and a capacitor of the second battery module are connected to each other in parallel; 4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein a path for applying the operating voltage of the processor is provided by a parallel connection structure of each capacitor of each battery module.

5. the processor is configured to perform an independent power supply formation operation; 5. The battery device of claim 4, wherein the independent power supply forming operation is defined as an operation of identifying a target battery module having a maximum module voltage, defined as a voltage difference between a top node and a bottom node, among the plurality of battery modules, and closing first and second switches included in the identified target battery module to charge a capacitor included in the target battery module.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein the processor determines a charging time for the capacitor included in the target battery module based on module voltages of battery modules other than the target battery module.

7. 6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein the processor maintains first and second switches included in battery modules other than the target battery module in an open state while performing the independent power supply formation operation for the target battery module.

8. 6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein the processor performs the independent power supply forming operation when a charging voltage of each capacitor of each battery module falls below a preset reference voltage.

9. 2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the operating voltage of the processor is constituted only by the charging voltage of the capacitor.

10. a step of a processor controlling on / off operations of first and second switches, the first and second switches being respectively connected to an uppermost node and a lowermost node of a plurality of serially connected battery cells included in a battery module; Charging a capacitor connected between the first switch and the second switch by turning on and off the first and second switches; and A method for operating a battery device, comprising the step of providing the voltage charged in the capacitor as the operating voltage of the processor.

11. In the charging step, 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the capacitor is charged by a charging current from the plurality of battery cells that flows through a path connecting the top node, the first switch, the capacitor, the second switch, and the bottom node.

12. the plurality of battery cells, the first switch, the second switch, and the capacitor constitute the battery module; The method of claim 10, wherein the processor configures a master battery management system (BMS) for the battery modules.

13. A plurality of the battery modules are provided, When any two of the plurality of battery modules are defined as a first and a second battery module, the plurality of battery modules are connected to each other in a manner that a capacitor of the first battery module and a capacitor of the second battery module are connected to each other in parallel; 13. The method for operating a battery device according to claim 12, wherein a path for applying the operating voltage of the processor is provided by a parallel connection structure of each capacitor of each battery module.

14. The controlling step includes: The processor identifies a target battery module among the plurality of battery modules, the target battery module having the largest module voltage defined by the voltage difference between the top node and the bottom node; and the processor closing first and second switches included in the identified target battery module; In the charging step, The method for operating a battery device according to claim 13, wherein a capacitor included in the target battery module is charged.

15. The controlling step includes:

15. The method for operating a battery device according to claim 14, further comprising: a step of maintaining first and second switches included in battery modules other than the target battery module in an open state, the step being performed by the processor after the identifying step.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the charging step is performed for a charging time determined based on module voltages of battery modules other than the target battery module.

17. Prior to the controlling step, The processor further includes a step of comparing the charging voltage of each capacitor of each battery module with a preset reference voltage; 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the controlling step is initiated when the charging voltage of each capacitor of each battery module decreases to or below the reference voltage.

18. A battery module, A plurality of battery cells connected in series; a first switch connected to a top node of the plurality of battery cells; a second switch connected to a lowest node of the plurality of battery cells; a capacitor connected between the first switch and the second switch; and a battery module including a BMIC (Battery Monitoring IC) that controls the on / off operations of the first and second switches; and a BMS (Battery Management System) that functions as a host control device of the BMIC and transmits a switch control signal to the BMIC; the BMIC controls the on / off operation of each of the first and second switches according to a switch control signal transmitted from the BMS; The voltage charged in the capacitor functions as an operating voltage for the BMS.

19. A plurality of the battery modules are provided, When any two of the plurality of battery modules are defined as a first and a second battery module, the plurality of battery modules are connected to each other in a manner that a capacitor of the first battery module and a capacitor of the second battery module are connected to each other in parallel; The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein a path to which the operating voltage of the BMS is applied is provided by a parallel connection structure of each capacitor of each battery module.

20. The BMS is configured to perform an independent power supply formation operation, 20. The battery pack of claim 19, wherein the independent power supply forming operation is defined as an operation of identifying a target battery module having a maximum module voltage, defined as a voltage difference between a top node and a bottom node, among the plurality of battery modules, and closing first and second switches included in the identified target battery module to charge a capacitor included in the target battery module.

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