Battery management apparatus capable of supporting plurality of secondary battery modules

Abstract

To provide a method for supporting various kinds of applications and cell types by one BMS.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to a battery management system (BMS) for managing a secondary battery. A battery management apparatus, comprising: a general-PurposeInput / output (GPIO) port connected to a secondary battery module; a plurality of module support programs for supporting a plurality of secondary battery module types and various cell types; a configuration information designation port included in the GPIO port and configured to designate configuration information of the module support programs; and a module support unit configured to detect a state of the configuration information designation port to recognize a secondary battery module type and a cell type, and call a module support program corresponding thereto to manage the secondary battery module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery management device that manages a secondary battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged. 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 and electric vehicles.

[0003] The secondary battery module or pack may include a battery management system (BMS) to manage the battery. The BMS measures the voltage (V), current (I), temperature (T), etc. of the battery installed in the electric vehicle or ESS through sensors, and controls the battery to ensure optimal performance.

[0004] The scope and function of BMS protection differs depending on the information about each secondary battery cell, the application, and the characteristics of the cell. For example, in the case of a low emission vehicle (LEV), different BMS must be developed and applied depending on the presence or absence of smart module support and the cell type.

[0005] The information disclosed above in this Background of the Invention section is merely intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a solution that can support various types of applications and cell types with one BMS.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a battery management device including: a GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) port connected to a secondary battery module; a plurality of module support programs for supporting a plurality of secondary battery module types and various cell types; a configuration information designation port included in the GPIO port for designating configuration information of the module support program; and a module support unit that detects the state of the configuration information designation port to recognize the secondary battery module type and cell type, and calls the corresponding module support program to perform management of the secondary battery module.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secondary battery pack including a battery management device including a secondary battery module, a GPIO port, a module support program for supporting the secondary battery module, a configuration information designation port that designates configuration information of the module support program and is included in the GPIO port, and a module support unit that detects a state of the configuration information designation port to recognize a secondary battery module type and a cell type, and calls a corresponding module support program to perform management of the secondary battery module.

[0010] The features of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other features not mentioned and will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention set forth below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the past, it was necessary to download and use a different BMS for each secondary battery module type or model and / or cell, but according to the present invention, one BMS can commonly support multiple models / types of secondary battery modules and / or cells.

[0012] However, the effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a pouch-type secondary battery. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing the appearance of a prismatic secondary battery. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a secondary battery module in which secondary batteries are arranged. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram illustrating a secondary battery pack configured to apply the secondary battery module illustrated in FIG. 4 to an actual product. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an automobile including the secondary battery pack illustrated in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram of a BMS 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which one configuration information specification port 330 among the GPIO ports is used. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment in which two configuration information specification ports 330 and 340 are used among the GPIO ports. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which three configuration information specification ports 330, 340, and 350 are used among the GPIO ports. [Figure 11a] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for setting the state of a configuration information designated port according to some embodiments. [Figure 11b] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the state of a configuration information designated port according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a BMS 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in which the designated state detection unit 140 of the BMS 100 reads the configuration information designated port 330, 340, or 350 to detect the configuration information designated state and determine the integrity in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order 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 only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0016] Also, as used in this specification, "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated shapes, numbers, steps, operations, members, elements, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0017] Furthermore, for the purpose of understanding 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 deviations that are considered low in the art, for example, deviations within 5%. Furthermore, "uniformity of a parameter in a given region" can mean uniformity from an average perspective.

[0019] For example, although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and it goes without saying 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] When an arbitrary structure is placed on the "top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it 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 another structure may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure placed above (or below) the component.

[0022] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or coupled to each other, but that other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" through other components.

[0023] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Also, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." Phrases such as "one or more" preceding a list of elements modify the list of elements as a whole, and not the individual elements of the list.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is used, this means A, or B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and when "C to D" is used, this means at least C and at most D, unless otherwise specified.

[0025] When syntax such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the syntax can refer to any and all suitable combinations.

[0026] The term "use" is considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, drawing layer, or cross section from another element, component, region, drawing layer, or cross section. Thus, a first element, component, region, level, or section discussed below may be termed a second element, component, region, level, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0028] As shown, in describing the relationship of one element or feature to another, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. are used throughout the specification. Spatially relative positions will be understood to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, the other elements would be understood as "beneath" or "below" and the illustrated element would be understood as "above" or "upper" of the other elements. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0031] The pouch-type secondary battery may be composed of an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 20 that houses the electrode assembly 10 .

[0032] 1 may be welded and electrically connected to an external first terminal lead 16 and a second terminal lead 17, respectively. A tab film 18 may be attached to the first terminal lead 16 and the second terminal lead 17 to insulate them from the pouch 20.

[0033] The pouch 20 can be sealed by abutting the sealing portions 21 at the edges with the electrode assembly 10 housed therein, with the tab film 18 interposed between the sealing portions 21. The sealing portion 21 of the pouch 20 is made of a heat-sealing material, but because heat-sealing materials generally have poor adhesion to metals, it can be fused to the pouch 20 via the thin tab film 18.

[0034] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery. The cylindrical secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 30, a case 40 that houses the electrode assembly 30 and an electrolyte, a cap assembly 50 that is coupled to an opening of the case 40 to seal the case 40, and an insulating plate 37 that is located inside the case 40 between the electrode assembly 30 and the cap assembly 50.

[0035] The electrode assembly 30 may include a separator 30b, a first electrode 30c, and a second electrode 30a positioned on either side of the separator 30b, and is wound up in a jelly-roll shape.

[0036] The first electrode 30c includes a first substrate and a first active material layer disposed on the first substrate. A first lead tab 35 may extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not disposed. The first lead tab 35 may be electrically connected to the cap assembly 50.

[0037] The second electrode 30a includes a second substrate and a second active material layer disposed on the second substrate. A second lead tab 34 may extend outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not disposed, and the second lead tab 34 may be electrically connected to the case 40. The first lead tab 35 and the second lead tab 34 may extend in opposite directions.

[0038] The first electrode 30a can function as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate can be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 30c can function as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate can be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0039] Separator 30b allows the movement of lithium ions while preventing short-circuiting between first electrode 33 and second electrode 31. Separator 30b is made of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film.

[0040] The case 40 accommodates the electrode assembly 30 and the electrolyte and, together with the cap assembly 50, defines the outer shape of the battery. The case 40 may include a substantially cylindrical body portion 40b and a bottom portion 40a connected to one side of the body portion 40b. A beading portion 31 deformed inward may be located in the body portion 40b, and a crimping portion 33 bent inward may be located at the open end of the body portion 40a.

[0041] The beading portion 31 can prevent the electrode assembly 30 from moving inside the case 40 and can facilitate the placement of the gasket 32 ​​and the cap assembly 50. The crimping portion 33 can apply pressure to the periphery of the cap assembly 50 via the gasket 32 ​​to firmly fix the cap assembly 50. The case 40 is made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0042] The cap assembly 50 is fixed to the inside of the crimping portion 33 via the gasket 32 ​​to seal the case 40. The cap assembly 50 may include a cap up, a safety vent, a cap down, an insulating member, and a subplate, but is not limited to these examples and may be modified in various ways.

[0043] The cap may be located on the top side of the cap assembly 50. The cap may include a terminal portion that bulges upward and protrudes to be connected to an external circuit, and an exhaust port for exhausting gas may be located around the terminal portion.

[0044] The safety vent may be located under the cap-up. The safety vent may include a protrusion that bulges downward and protrudes to be connected to the subplate, and at least one notch located around the protrusion.

[0045] If gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion is deformed upward by pressure and separated from the sub-plate, while the safety vent is cut along the notch. The cut safety vent can release the gas to the outside, preventing the secondary battery from exploding.

[0046] The cap down may be located below the safety vent. The cap down may have a first opening for exposing the protruding portion of the safety vent and a second opening for gas discharge. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent and the cap down to insulate the safety vent from the cap down.

[0047] A sub-plate may be positioned below the cap down. The sub-plate is fixed to the underside of the cap down so as to cover the first opening of the cap down, and a protruding portion of the safety vent is fixed to the sub-plate. A first lead tab 35 extending from the electrode assembly 30 is fixed to the sub-plate. Therefore, the cap up, safety vent, cap down, and sub-plate can be electrically connected to the first electrode 30c of the electrode assembly 30.

[0048] The insulating plate 37 may be positioned below the beading portion 31 so as to contact the electrode assembly 30, and the insulating plate 37 is provided with a tab opening for extracting the first lead tab 35. The cap assembly 50, electrically connected to the first electrode 30c by the first lead tab 35, faces the electrode assembly 30 across the insulating plate 37, and can be kept insulated from the electrode assembly 30 by the insulating plate 37. Meanwhile, another insulating plate 36 is included for insulation between the electrode assembly 30 and the bottom 40a of the case 40.

[0049] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the top of the prismatic secondary battery, and FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in FIG. 3a.

[0050] First, the appearance of the prismatic secondary battery shown in FIG. 3A will be described.

[0051] The case 59 forms the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery and is made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel, and may provide a space for housing the electrode assembly.

[0052] The cap assembly 60 may include a cap plate 61 that covers the opening of the case 59, and the case 59 and the cap plate 61 are made of a conductive material. Here, the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 are electrically connected to the positive electrode or negative electrode inside the case 59 and protrude outward through the cap plate 61.

[0053] The cap plate 61 is formed with an electrolyte injection port 64 fitted with a sealing plug, and is also provided with a vent 66 having a notch 65. The vent 66 is used to degass gas generated inside the battery.

[0054] The internal structure of the prismatic secondary battery and the structure of connection with the cap assembly 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 3b.

[0055] The prismatic secondary battery shown in FIG. 3b can basically include an electrode assembly 40, a first current collecting portion 41, a first terminal 62, a second current collecting portion 42, a second terminal 63, and a cap assembly 60.

[0056] The electrode assembly 40 is formed by winding or stacking a laminate of a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, each formed in a plate or film shape. When the electrode assembly 40 is a wound laminate, the winding axis may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case. The electrode assembly 40 may also be a stack type rather than a wound type, but this does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly 40 in the present invention. The electrode assembly 40 may also be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are inserted on either side of a separator folded into a Z-stack. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 40 may be one or more electrode assemblies stacked with their long sides adjacent to each other and housed inside the case, and the number of electrode assemblies is not limited in the present invention. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 40 can function as a negative electrode and the second electrode plate can function as a positive electrode, or vice versa.

[0057] The first electrode plate is formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, on a first electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy, and may include a first electrode tab (or first uncoated portion) that is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 43 serves as a current path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector 41. In some examples, the first electrode tab 43 may be formed by cutting the first electrode plate to protrude from one side in advance when manufacturing the first electrode plate, or may protrude further from one side beyond the separator without a separate cut.

[0058] The second electrode plate is formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, on a substrate made of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and may include a second electrode tab (or second uncoated portion) 44, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 44 serves as a current path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 42. In some examples, the second electrode tab 44 may be formed by cutting the second electrode plate during manufacturing so that it protrudes to the other side, or may protrude further from the separator to the other side without a separate cut.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 43 may be located on the right side of the electrode assembly 40, and the second electrode tab 44 may be located on the left side of the electrode assembly 40, or may be located on one surface in the same direction. Also, in some embodiments, the first electrode tab 43 and the second electrode tab 44 may be located on the top of the electrode assembly 40.

[0060] Here, the terms left, right, and top are used for convenience of explanation based on the secondary battery shown in FIG. 3b, and the positions can be changed when the secondary battery is rotated left and right or up and down.

[0061] The separator allows lithium ions to move while preventing short-circuiting between the first and second electrode plates, and is made of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film.

[0062] A first electrode tab 43 of the first electrode plate and a second electrode tab 44 of the second electrode plate extend from both ends of the electrode assembly 40. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 40 is housed in a case 59 together with an electrolyte.

[0063] In the electrode assembly 40, the first electrode tab 43 and the second electrode tab 44 extending from both sides of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can be connected to the first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42, respectively, by welding. If, as mentioned above, the first electrode tab 43 and the second electrode tab 44 are located at the top of the electrode assembly 40 in some embodiments, the first current collector and the second current collector will be located at the top of the electrode assembly 40.

[0064] The first current collecting part 41 and the second current collecting part 42 are respectively connected to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 illustrated in FIG. 3a via a connecting pole 67. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the connecting pole 67 may be threaded, and the connecting pole 67 may be fastened to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 by a threaded connection. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connecting pole 67 may be connected to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 by a riveting method or welding.

[0065] 4 is an exemplary view of a secondary battery module in which rectangular secondary batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged. Due to the increasing capacity of secondary batteries for driving electric vehicles and the like, a secondary battery module is fabricated by arranging and connecting multiple secondary battery cells in a horizontal and / or vertical direction.

[0066] A plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in the space formed by a pair of opposing end plates 68a, 68b and a pair of opposing side plates 69a, 69b. The arrangement direction and number of secondary batteries can be designed to obtain the desired voltage and current specifications.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a secondary battery pack 70 configured to apply the prismatic secondary battery module illustrated in FIG. 4 to an actual product (for example, an automobile).

[0068] A secondary battery pack can be fabricated by incorporating multiple secondary battery modules into a pack housing designed to be mounted in an actual product. The pack housing includes fastening parts and electrical leads required for mounting to the product. For ease of illustration, Figure 5 omits the illustration of related elements such as bus bars for electrically connecting the secondary batteries, a cooling unit, and external terminals.

[0069] The secondary battery pack can be installed in a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may be a four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive vehicle.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including the secondary battery pack illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 illustrates a secondary battery pack 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted under the body of the vehicle. The vehicle operates by receiving power supply from the secondary battery pack 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] A secondary battery pack can include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) that manages the battery. The BMS measures the voltage (V), current (I), temperature (T), etc. of the battery installed in an electric vehicle or ESS through sensors, and controls the battery to ensure optimal performance.

[0072] The battery management system may include a detection system, a balancing system, and a control system.

[0073] The detection device can sense the battery state (V, I, T, etc.) to detect state information indicating the battery state. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell or each secondary battery module constituting the battery. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each secondary battery module constituting the secondary battery module or secondary battery pack. The detection device can detect the cell and / or module and / or ambient temperature at at least one point of the battery.

[0074] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on the secondary battery modules and / or cells that constitute the battery. The control device can receive status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the secondary battery modules 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 secondary battery modules 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 with external devices of the secondary battery pack (e.g., a host controller, a vehicle, a charger, a PCS, etc.).

[0075] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and the protection operation 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.

[0076] 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 as needed (by controlling a relay, etc.), control thermal management (cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and detect or calculate insulation and short-circuit conditions.

[0077] The relay may be a mechanical contact that is turned on and off by the magnetic force of a coil, or may be a semiconductor switch such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0078] The relay control is a function that cuts off the power supply from the battery if a problem occurs in the vehicle or battery system, and can be configured with one or more relays and a precharge relay at the positive and negative terminals, respectively.

[0079] Pre-charge control can prevent inrush current from being generated 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 operated and connected to a pre-charge resistor before connecting the main relay when the vehicle is started.

[0080] The high voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high voltage components are connected to the entire automobile system, and can have the function of forcibly opening a relay if an open occurs at any point on the entire loop.

[0081] Conventionally, a different BMS had to be downloaded and used for each model / pack type and / or cell type, but the present invention makes it possible to use a single BMS for various module / pack or cell types in the above cases.

[0082] Hereinafter, a configuration method for supporting various types of applications and cell types with one BMS will be described. In this specification, the term "module / pack" is used to mean a module or a pack, and will be referred to as the term "module" hereinafter.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a BMS 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] The BMS 100 is connected to the secondary battery module 200 via a cable 300 including a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) port 310 and a communication line 320. Here, the secondary battery module 200 refers to a collection of cells formed in a specific shape with specific voltage and current specifications, in which a specific type of secondary battery cell is arranged in series and / or parallel with the aforementioned cells. It is also clear that the term "secondary battery module 200" used herein includes the aforementioned secondary battery pack 70. The GPIO port (general-purpose input / output port) refers to a "multi-purpose or general-purpose input / output pin" that is a port or pin for digital signals of an integrated circuit or an electric circuit and whose operations, including input and output, can be controlled by the user at runtime.

[0085] The BMS 100 stores various module support programs 160 for supporting various secondary battery module types and / or various cell types, and can detect the type of connected module 200 and the type of cells used therein and perform battery management tasks using the corresponding support program. Examples of module types include a stand-alone module without communication capabilities, a smart model with communication capabilities, and a custom module tailored to a specific user. Examples of cell types include cell shapes such as cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped, as well as cell standards and specifications.

[0086] The BMS 100 stores the module type information and cell type information as described above, and can detect the module type and cell type of the connected module 200 and configure or call the corresponding support program to perform management for the module and cell.

[0087] The module type of the connected module 200 and the cell type contained therein can be detected by reading the state of the GPIO port 310. For example, some of the GPIO ports 310 can be used as ports for specifying configuration information for the module support program of the BMS 100. Two states can be specified per port by setting this configuration information specifying port to a high level ("1" state) or a low level ("0" state).

[0088] The BMS 100 reads the state of this configuration information designation port, recognizes the type and cell type of the connected module 200, and can call the appropriate module support program 160 using the resulting configuration information.

[0089] As outlined above, the BMS 100 is configured to support various types of modules and cells with one BMS storing various module support programs 160 for supporting various types of secondary battery modules and cells, and may include the following elements:

[0090] The module information storage unit 110 may be configured to store information indicating the type of the linked module 200 (for example, a first identifier assigned according to the type of the module 200).

[0091] The cell information storage unit 120 may be configured to store information indicating the type of the cell included in the linked module 200 (for example, a second identifier assigned according to the type of the cell).

[0092] The configuration information storage unit 130 may be configured to store configuration information for each module type stored in the module information storage unit 110 and configuration information for each cell type stored in the cell information storage unit 120. This configuration information may be information necessary for configuring, calling, or executing the module support program 160.

[0093] The specified state detection unit 140 may be configured to read the level state of a configuration information specified port set in one or more of the GPIO ports 310 and detect the state specified by the coupled module 200.

[0094] The module support unit 150 can be configured to access the configuration information storage unit 130, the module information storage unit 110, and the cell information storage unit 120 to obtain configuration information for each module type and configuration information for each cell type corresponding to the specified state detected, and to call and execute the support program 160 suitable for the module 200.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which one configuration information specification port 330 of the GPIO ports is used.

[0096] Since one configuration information designation port 330 is used, this port can provide two levels of status: 0 or 1. For example, in some embodiments, assuming that configuration information is stored in the configuration information storage unit 130, where the module type is set to a smart module when the status of port P1 is 1 and the module type is set to a standalone module when the status of port P1 is 0, as shown in Table 1 below, the designation status detection unit 140 of the BMS 100 can check the configuration information designation port 330 to detect whether its status is 1 or 0. Then, the module support unit 150 can work with the configuration information storage unit 130 according to the detected status to call the module support program 160 corresponding to the status and perform management tasks for the connected module 200. In this regard, in other embodiments, the module information storage unit 110 and the cell information storage unit 120 can be involved in the operation of the module support unit 150.

[0097] [Table 1]

[0098] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment in which two configuration information specification ports 330, 340 are used among the GPIO ports.

[0099] Since each of the two configuration information specification ports 330 and 340 can be specified to one of two level states, 0 or 1, this embodiment 2 The number of cases where =4 can be provided.

[0100] For example, as shown in Table 2 below, if the configuration information is stored in port P1, the state of port P1 is 1 for a smart module, 0 for a standalone module, and port 2 is 1 for a first cell type (e.g., a cylindrical cell), and 0 for a second cell type (e.g., a rectangular cell), the BMS 100 can support two module types and two cell types. To this end, the designated state detection unit 140 of the BMS 100 can check the configuration information designation ports 330 and 340 to detect whether their respective level states are 1 or 0. Then, the module support unit 150 can call the module support program 160 corresponding to the detected state in cooperation with the configuration information storage unit 130 and can perform management tasks for the connected module 200. In this regard, in another embodiment, the module information storage unit 110 and the cell information storage unit 120 can be involved in the operation of the module support unit 150.

[0101] [Table 2]

[0102] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which three configuration information specification ports 330, 340, and 350 are used among the GPIO ports.

[0103] Each of the three configuration information specification ports 330, 340, and 350 can be specified to one of two levels, 0 or 1. 3 The number of cases where =8 can be provided.

[0104] For example, as shown in Table 3, assuming that configuration information is stored in a smart module when port P1 is in a state of 1 and in a stand-alone module when port P1 is in a state of 0, a first cell type (e.g., a cylindrical cell) when port P2 is in a state of 1 and in a second cell type (e.g., a prismatic cell) when port P2 is in a state of 1 and in a state of 0, a third cell type (e.g., a cell delivered to company H) when port P3 is in a state of 1, and a fourth cell type (e.g., a cell delivered to company T) ​​when port P3 is in a state of 0, the BMS 100 can support two module types and four cell types. To this end, the designated state detection unit 140 of the BMS 100 can check the configuration information designated ports 330, 340, and 350 to detect whether the respective level states are 1 or 0. Then, the module support unit 150 can call the module support program 160 corresponding to the detected state in cooperation with the configuration information storage unit 130 and can perform management tasks for the connected module 200. In this case, in another embodiment, the module information storage unit 110 and the cell information storage unit 120 may be involved in the operation of the module support unit 150 .

[0105] [Table 3]

[0106] FIG. 11a illustrates a method for setting the state of a configuration information designated port according to some embodiments.

[0107] 11a shows that a pull-up resistor Ru is connected between port P1 and Vcc, and a pull-down resistor Rd is connected between port P2 and ground GND, in which case P1 is in a state of level 1 and P2 is in a state of level 0. Conversely, when a pull-up resistor Ru is connected between port P2 and Vcc, and a pull-down resistor Rd is connected between port P2 and ground GND, P1 is in a state of level 0 and P2 is in a state of level 1. In this way, four port states can be set by using four combinations of pull-up resistor Ru and pull-down resistor Rd.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11a, the pull-up resistor Ru and the pull-down resistor Rd are mounted on a separate circuit board 400 and inserted into the GPIO line connecting the secondary battery module 200 and the BMS 100. However, in other embodiments, the pull-up resistor and the pull-down resistor can be included inside the secondary battery module. In this case, the pull-up resistor and the pull-down resistor are used in combination at a level that specifies the module type and cell type when the module is fabricated. In still other embodiments, the pull-up resistor and the pull-down resistor can be included in the BMS. In this case, the pull-up resistor and the pull-down resistor can be used in combination on the BMS side to match the secondary battery module type and cell type that are manufactured for general use.

[0109] FIG. 11b is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the state of a configuration information designated port according to another embodiment.

[0110] A pull-up resistor R1u is connected to port P1 via a switch S1a, and a pull-down resistor R1d is connected to port P2 via a switch S2a, and a pull-down resistor R2d is connected to port P2 via a switch S2b. Four possible states (00, 01, 10, 11) can be set by combining the four switches S1a, S1b, S2a, and S2b.

[0111] In the embodiment of FIG. 11b, the pull-up resistor, pull-down resistor, and switch may also be mounted on a separate circuit board 410 and inserted into the GPIO line connecting the secondary battery module 200 and the BMS 100, or may be included inside the secondary battery module, or may be included in the BMS.

[0112] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a BMS 100 according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] The module information storage unit 110, the cell information storage unit 120, the configuration information storage unit 130, and the module support unit 150 in this embodiment are the same as those described with reference to Fig. 7, and may further include a wake-up processing unit 170. The wake-up processing unit 170 minimizes power consumption by putting the BMS into a low power mode or a shutdown mode when there is no charging or discharging of the secondary battery module / pack for a specific time, and can wake up the BMS 100 in the low power mode or the shutdown mode to resume operation.

[0114] In this embodiment, the time when the designated state detection unit 140 detects the level state of the configuration information designated port set to one or more of the GPIO ports 310 may be the time when the wake-up processing unit 170 wakes up the BMS 100 in the low power mode or the power-off mode to resume operation.

[0115] 13 illustrates a process by which the designated state detector 140 of the BMS 100 in some embodiments reads the configuration information designated port 330, 340, or 350 to detect the configuration information designated state and determine its integrity. This process illustrates the processing steps for two module types (standalone module, smart module) and two cell types (cylindrical cell, prismatic cell) using two ports, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and Table 2.

[0116] The designated state detection unit 140 of the BMS 100 detects the configuration information designated state from the configuration information designated port 330, 340, or 350, and determines the module type and cell type designated for the connected module 200 to determine whether the module type is a standalone type or a smart type (S100), and whether the cell type is a first cell type or a second cell type (S200).

[0117] If the secondary battery module 200 is determined to be a standalone type, a communication test is performed to check whether communication occurs with the device in which the secondary battery module 200 is installed (such as an automobile, golf cart, or other electrical appliance) (S110, S120). The communication test is also performed if the secondary battery module 200 is determined to be a smart type (S210, S220). The communication test can be performed, for example, by transmitting a communication signal from a vehicle control unit (VCU) of a vehicle equipped with the secondary battery module 200 and checking whether the BMS responds appropriately. In the communication tests (S110, S120) for a standalone module, if no communication occurs, the test results in PASS, and if communication occurs, the test results in FAIL. Conversely, in the communication tests (S210, S220) for a smart module, if communication occurs, the test results in PASS, and if communication does not occur, the test results in FAIL.

[0118] If the communication test result is FAIL, the state detected at the configuration information specification port 330, 340, or 350 is an error, or there is an error in the configuration information specification of the secondary battery module 200, or there is some other error, so the BMS 100 does not perform any management operations, and instead performs FAULT processing such as re-specifying the configuration information or searching for errors (S150).

[0119] If both the communication tests for the standalone module (S110, S120) and the communication tests for the smart module (S210, S220) are passed, the previously detected cell type is verified. The cell type verification can be performed, for example, by comparing the cell information stored in the cell information storage unit 120 of the BMS 100 with the state specified in the GPIO configuration information specification port 330, 340, or 350.

[0120] First, in the case of a stand-alone module, if the first detected cell type is the first cell type, the first cell type is verified after the first communication test S110 for the stand-alone module (S130), and if the first detected cell type is the second cell type, the second cell type is verified after the second communication test S120 for the stand-alone module (S140). If the first cell type verification (S130) is PASS or the second cell type verification (S140) is PASS, it is verified that the secondary battery module 200 installed in the product is a stand-alone module and the cell type is the first cell type or the second cell type, so the BMS 100 (e.g., the module support unit 150) calls the support program 160 for the module to perform an operation to support the stand-alone module (S160).

[0121] Next, in the case of a smart module, if the first detected cell type is the first cell type, the first cell type is verified after the first communication test S210 for the smart module (S230), and if the first detected cell type is the second cell type, the second cell type is verified after the second communication test S220 for the smart module (S240). If the first cell type verification (S230) is PASS or the second cell type verification (S240) is PASS, it is verified that the secondary battery module 200 installed in the product is a smart module and the cell type is the first cell type or the second cell type, so the BMS 100 (e.g., the module support unit 150) calls the support program 160 for the module to perform an operation to support the smart module (S260).

[0122] Table 4 below shows an example of configuration information designation states for managing an RXV product, which is a type of LEV (low emission vehicle) used as a golf cart, and an aftermarket product using one BMS. A single BMS provided to a customer can support both the RXV product and the aftermarket product, and product designation can be performed by the customer. That is, port P1 can be designated as state 1 for the RXV product, and state 0 for the aftermarket product. Port P2 can be designated as state 1 if company S cells are used in the RXV product or the aftermarket product, and state 0 if company L cells are used. The state designation can be performed using, but is not limited to, circuit board 410 shown in FIG. 11b.

[0123] [Table 4]

[0124] The battery management system BMS according to the above-described embodiments may be utilized as a component of a secondary battery pack as shown in Fig. 5. For example, the secondary battery pack may be configured to include a secondary battery module in which secondary battery cells are arranged, and the battery management system according to the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 4. Here, the battery management system may be configured to detect a configuration information designation state from a configuration information designation port, determine the module type and cell type designated for the secondary battery module, perform a communication test with the secondary battery module, and verify the cell type included in the secondary battery module.

[0125] For this purpose, the battery management device may also include a GPIO (general-purpose input / output) port that can be connected to the cells of the secondary battery module via a cable, a module support program for supporting the secondary battery module, and a module support that specifies configuration information of the module support program, detects the configuration information specification port included in the GPIO port, and the state of the configuration information specification port to recognize the secondary battery module type and cell type, and calls the corresponding module support program to perform management of the secondary battery module.

[0126] More specifically, the battery management device may include a module information storage unit configured to store information indicating a secondary battery module type, a cell information storage unit configured to store information indicating a cell type included in the secondary battery module, a configuration information storage unit configured to store configuration information for each secondary battery module type stored in the module information storage unit and configuration information for each cell type stored in the cell information storage unit, and a designated state detection unit configured to read the state of a configuration information designated port and detect a state designated by the secondary battery module.

[0127] Although the present invention has been described above using limited examples and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10 electrode assembly, 16 first terminal lead, 17 second terminal lead, 20 pouch, 30 electrode assembly, 40 electrode assembly, 41 first current collecting plate, 42 second current collecting plate, 43 first electrode tab, 44 second electrode tap, 50 cap assembly, 51 cap up, 52 safety vent, 53 cap down, 54 subplate, 59 case, 60 cap assembly, 61 cap plate, 62 first terminal, 63 second terminal, 64 electrolyte injection port, 65 gas exhaust hole, 66 vent (gas exhaust device), 67 connecting member, 68a 68b end plate, 69a 69b side plate, 70 secondary battery pack, 300 cable, 310 GPIO port, 320 communication line, 330, 340, 350 configuration information designation port

Claims

1. a GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) port connected to the secondary battery module; A multiple module support program for supporting multiple secondary battery module types and various cell types; a configuration information specifying port included in the GPIO port, which specifies configuration information of a module support program; a module support unit that detects the state of the configuration information designated port to recognize a secondary battery module type and a cell type, and calls a corresponding module support program to perform management of the secondary battery module.

2. a module information storage unit configured to store information indicating a type of the secondary battery module; a cell information storage unit configured to store information indicating the type of a cell included in the secondary battery module; a configuration information storage unit configured to store configuration information for each type of secondary battery module stored in the module information storage unit and configuration information for each cell type stored in the cell information storage unit; The battery management device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a designated state detection unit configured to read a state of the configuration information designated port and detect a state designated by a secondary battery module.

3. The module support unit 2. The battery management device of claim 1, configured to acquire configuration information for each secondary battery module type and configuration information for each cell type corresponding to the detected specified state, and call and execute a support program for the secondary battery module.

4. The battery management device according to claim 2 , wherein the configuration information of the configuration information storage unit is information necessary for configuring, calling, and executing the module support program.

5. The battery management device according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration information designation port is one or more of GPIO ports.

6. The configuration information designation port is 10. The battery management device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of pull-up and pull-down resistors coupled to each port.

7. The configuration information designation port is a pair of pull-up and pull-down resistors coupled to each port; a first switch that cuts off the pull-up resistor; 2. The battery management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second switch that disconnects the pull-down resistor.

8. The battery management device further includes a wake-up processing unit; The battery management device of claim 1 , wherein the module support unit is further configured to detect a designated state at which the wake-up processing unit wakes up the battery management device to resume operation.

9. The specified state detection unit Detecting a configuration information designation state from the configuration information designation port to determine the module type and cell type designated for the secondary battery module; Conduct a communication test with the secondary battery module, The battery management device according to claim 2 , configured to verify the cell type included in the secondary battery module.

10. a secondary battery module; A module support program for supporting a GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) port and a secondary battery module; a configuration information specifying port included in the GPIO port, which specifies configuration information of a module support program; a module support unit that detects the state of the configuration information designated port to recognize a secondary battery module type and a cell type, and calls a corresponding module support program to perform management of the secondary battery module; A secondary battery pack including a battery management device including:

11. The battery management device a module information storage unit configured to store information indicating a type of the secondary battery module; a cell information storage unit configured to store information indicating the type of a cell included in the secondary battery module; a configuration information storage unit configured to store configuration information for each type of secondary battery module stored in the module information storage unit and configuration information for each cell type stored in the cell information storage unit; The secondary battery pack according to claim 10 , further comprising: a designated state detection unit configured to read a state of the configuration information designated port to detect a state designated by the secondary battery module.

12. The secondary battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the configuration information designated port is one or more GPIO ports.

13. The secondary battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the configuration information specifying ports include a pair of pull-up and pull-down resistors coupled to each port.

14. The configuration information designation port is a pair of pull-up and pull-down resistors coupled to each port; a first switch that cuts off the pull-up resistor; The secondary battery pack according to claim 10 , further comprising: a second switch that cuts off the pull-down resistor.

15. The battery management device Detecting a configuration information designation state from the configuration information designation port to determine the module type and cell type designated for the secondary battery module; Conduct a communication test with the secondary battery module, The secondary battery pack according to claim 10 , configured to verify the type of cells included in the secondary battery module.

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