Battery pack moisture detection module, moisture detection device using the same, and battery pack protection method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a moisture detection module for a battery pack comprising a case having a predetermined space inside, a first dielectric formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the case, a second dielectric formed inside the case at a predetermined height from the lower surface of the case, and a moisture detection unit electrically connected to the second dielectric to detect moisture penetrating into the case, as well as a moisture detection device and a method for protecting a battery pack using the same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly to a module for detecting moisture that has penetrated into a battery pack, a moisture detection device using the same, and a method for protecting a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] Rechargeable secondary batteries, or batteries, are widely used as energy sources for mobile devices such as smartphones. Batteries are also used as energy sources for environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which are proposed as a solution to address air pollution caused by fossil fuel-based gasoline and diesel vehicles. Batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, and they are expected to be adopted in even more fields and products in the future.

[0003] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention due to their flexible charge and discharge cycles, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, and their extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density. Furthermore, because lithium-ion batteries can be manufactured to be compact and lightweight, they are widely used as power sources for mobile devices and electric vehicles, drawing attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0004] Such batteries are generally used in the form of a battery pack rather than as a single battery cell. A battery pack includes at least one battery module, which may consist of multiple battery cells. Battery packs are developed to meet consumer needs with higher capacity and voltage specifications to enable longer use and more powerful driving. In addition, a Battery Management System (BMS) is installed to manage the overall status of the battery cell, battery module, or battery pack. The BMS checks the battery's performance and status, as well as diagnoses it, to ensure stable battery operation.

[0005] Meanwhile, battery packs are vulnerable to moisture and therefore employ waterproof structures. A variety of methods have been used to prevent moisture from penetrating into battery packs, such as filling the interior of the battery pack with a waterproofing liquid or coating it. Furthermore, since loss of the waterproof structure rapidly reduces performance, it is necessary to quickly detect whether the waterproof structure has been lost or if water has entered the battery pack. However, conventional battery packs have not been equipped with a means for detecting moisture penetration into the battery pack and performing safety operations in response. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Publication Patent No. 2023-0061042 [Patent Document 2] Republic of Korea Publication Patent No. 2021-0037459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a moisture detection module for a battery pack capable of detecting moisture that has penetrated into the battery pack, a moisture detection device using the same, and a method for protecting a battery pack.

[0008] The present invention provides a moisture detection module for a battery pack that detects moisture penetrating into the battery pack to ensure safe operation of the battery pack, a moisture detection device using the same, and a method for protecting the battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A moisture detection module for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a case having a predetermined space therein, a first dielectric formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the case, a second dielectric formed inside the case at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the case, and a moisture detection unit electrically connected to the second dielectric to detect moisture penetrating into the case.

[0010] The device further includes an external connection terminal that is connected to the second dielectric and extends to the outside of the case to electrically connect the inside and outside of the case.

[0011] a first moisture penetration hole formed in the case at a lower portion of one side of the second dielectric, and a second moisture penetration hole formed in the case at an upper portion of the other side of the second dielectric;

[0012] The moisture detection module of the battery pack further includes an extension portion extending from the second moisture penetration opening into the inside of the case.

[0013] The first dielectric has an upper end that is electrically open and a lower end that is connected to ground.

[0014] The second dielectric is formed from one sidewall of the case to the other opposite sidewall with a predetermined height and width to divide the internal space of the case.

[0015] The surface of the second dielectric is coated with an insulator.

[0016] The moisture detection unit includes a plurality of resistors formed on one side and the other side of the second dielectric, and detects moisture penetration and the amount of moisture by changing resistance depending on the amount of moisture flowing into the case.

[0017] The moisture detection unit includes first and second resistors formed on one side of the second dielectric and spaced apart from each other in the height direction, and a third resistor formed on the other side of the second dielectric.

[0018] In the moisture detection section, the first to third resistors are immersed in water in this order depending on the amount of moisture that has permeated into the case or the direction of the moisture permeation, thereby changing the resistance value.

[0019] In addition, the moisture detection device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention is ref and the reference resistance R ref a moisture detection module that detects moisture flowing into the battery pack according to a change in resistance; and a reference voltage V ref The voltage drop due to the resistance value of the moisture detection module relative to the input voltage V in and a control unit that determines whether or not moisture has penetrated and the amount of moisture that has penetrated.

[0020] The control unit controls the input voltage V in is the reference voltage V ref If the result is the same as above, it is determined that no water has penetrated.

[0021] The control unit controls the input voltage V in is the first input voltage V as shown in Equation 1. in1 If so, it is determined that a first amount of moisture has permeated from the bottom of the moisture detection module.

[0022]

number

[0023] where R1 is the first resistance value of the first resistor of the moisture detection module

[0024] The control unit controls the input voltage V in is the second input voltage V as shown in Equation 2. in2 If so, it is determined that a second amount of moisture, which is greater than the first amount, has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module.

[0025]

number

[0026] Here, R1 and R2 are the first resistance value of the first resistor and the second resistance value of the second resistor of the moisture detection module, respectively.

[0027] The control unit controls the input voltage V in is the third input voltage V as shown in Equation 3. in3 If so, it is determined that a third amount of moisture, which is greater than the second amount, has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module.

[0028]

number

[0029] Here, R1, R2 and R3 are the first resistance value, the second resistance value and the third resistance value of the first resistor, the second resistor and the third resistor of the moisture detection module, respectively.

[0030] The control unit controls the input voltage V in is the fourth input voltage V as shown in Equation 4. in4 If so, it is determined that moisture has penetrated from the top of the moisture detection module.

[0031]

number

[0032] Here, R3 is the third resistance value of the third resistor of the moisture detection module.

[0033] A method for protecting a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention is a method for protecting a battery pack using a moisture detection device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprising: in and a procedure for determining the input voltage V in is the reference voltage V ref If it is the same, it is determined that moisture has not penetrated and the battery pack operates normally. in is the first input voltage V in1 If the input voltage V is greater than or equal to the first amount of moisture, the step of determining that the first amount of moisture has penetrated and sending a warning message to the user is also included. in is the second input voltage V in2 If the input voltage V is greater than the first amount, it is determined that a second amount of moisture has penetrated the battery pack, and the battery pack is protected by the second amount of moisture. in is the third input voltage V in3 or the fourth input voltage V in4 If so, the method includes a step of determining that moisture has penetrated from the top of the moisture detection module, or determining that a third amount of moisture greater than the second amount has penetrated from the bottom of the moisture detection module, and stopping operation of the battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The moisture detection module of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention has a second dielectric disposed in the center of the interior of a case having a predetermined space, and a moisture detection unit connected to the second dielectric to detect moisture, thereby detecting moisture penetrating through first and second moisture penetration holes formed in the lower and upper parts of the case. The moisture detection unit may be composed of a resistor having a predetermined resistance value depending on moisture, and may be composed of a plurality of resistors whose resistance value changes depending on the amount of moisture penetrating. The moisture detection device of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention detects the amount of moisture from the resistance of the moisture detection module and a reference resistor, thereby performing a battery pack protection operation.

[0035] Therefore, the present invention can detect moisture penetrating into the battery pack to safely protect the battery pack and ensure the safe operation of the battery pack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a moisture detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a schematic diagram of a moisture detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which uses a moisture detection module of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a moisture detection device according to the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the moisture detection module. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph showing the difference in input voltage of the moisture detection device according to the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the moisture detection module. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including a moisture detection module and a moisture detection device using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for protecting a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a moisture detection module according to one embodiment of the present invention, that is, Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a moisture detection module according to one embodiment of the present invention taken vertically.

[0039] 1, a moisture detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case 100 having a predetermined space therein and defining the outer shape of the moisture detection module, a first dielectric 200 formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the case 100, a second dielectric 300 formed inside the case 100 at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the case 100, and a moisture detection unit 400 connected to the second dielectric 300 and detecting moisture that has penetrated into the case 100. In addition, at least one moisture penetration opening 110, 120 is formed in at least a portion of the case 100, through which moisture flowing into the battery pack can penetrate. The first dielectric 200 has an upper end that is electrically open and a lower end that is connected to ground, and the surface of the second dielectric 300 is coated with an insulator to prevent direct contact with moisture. The moisture detection unit 400 detects the penetration and amount of moisture by changing its resistance in response to the amount of moisture flowing into the case 100. To this end, the moisture detection unit 400 may include a plurality of resistors 410, 420, 430 formed on one side and the other side of the second dielectric 300. The moisture detection unit 400 may further include a connection terminal 500 extending from the second dielectric 300 to the outside of the case 100 to connect the inside and outside of the case 100. That is, the connection terminal 500 connects the second dielectric 300 and the moisture detection device. Each component of the moisture detection module according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0040] 1. Case The case 100 may be made of an insulating material, form the outer shape of the moisture detection module, and have a shape with a predetermined space provided inside. That is, the case 100 may have a variety of shapes with a predetermined space provided inside. For example, the case 100 may have a shape such as a square, a rectangular parallelepiped, or a cylinder with at least a portion of the top and bottom closed, with a predetermined space provided inside.

[0041] The case 100 may also have moisture penetration openings 110, 120 formed therein to allow moisture to penetrate into the case 100. The moisture penetration openings 110, 120 may be formed on at least one side of the case 100. For example, the moisture penetration openings 110, 120 may be formed on the bottom surface of the case 100, or on the bottom and top surfaces. That is, the moisture penetration openings 110, 120 may include a first moisture penetration opening 110 formed on the bottom surface of the case 100 and a second moisture penetration opening 120 formed on the top surface of the case 100. In this case, the first and second moisture penetration openings 110, 120 may be formed in regions that are offset from each other in the vertical direction. For example, the first and second moisture penetration openings 110, 120 may be formed at the bottom of one side and the top of the other side of the second dielectric 300 formed inside the case 100, respectively, with the second dielectric 300 at the center. Moisture can permeate into the moisture detection module, i.e., into the case 100, through these moisture permeation openings 110 and 120. That is, moisture can permeate from the lower part of the moisture detection module through the first moisture permeation opening 110, and moisture can permeate from the upper part of the moisture detection module through the second moisture permeation opening 120. Moisture permeating through the first moisture permeation opening 110 fills up from the lower part of one side of the second dielectric 300 and can flow over the second dielectric 300 to the other side of the second dielectric 300 depending on the amount of moisture. Moisture permeating through the second moisture permeation opening 120 fills up from the lower part of the other side of the second dielectric 300 and can flow over the second dielectric 300 to one side of the second dielectric 300 depending on the amount of moisture.

[0042] The case 100 may also have an extension 130 extending from the second moisture penetration opening 120 formed in the upper portion thereof into the interior of the case 100. The extension 130 is an extension of the case 100 and may be made of an insulator. The extension 130 may extend toward one side of the moisture detection module, i.e., the second dielectric 300, formed in the center of the interior of the case 100. That is, the second dielectric 300 is formed in the center of the moisture detection module, and the moisture detection unit 400 includes first and second resistors 410 and 420 formed on one side of the second dielectric 300 and a third resistor 430 formed on the other side. The extension 130 may extend at an angle toward the third resistor 430 so that the permeating moisture is guided toward the third resistor 430. Therefore, moisture permeating through the second moisture penetration opening 120 can flow into the third resistor 430 formed on the other side of the second dielectric 300.

[0043] On the other hand, the case 100 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the case 100 may be made of plastic, glass, rubber, etc. That is, the case 100 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic with at least one moisture penetration opening 110, 120 formed in a predetermined area.

[0044] 2. First dielectric The first dielectric 200 may be formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the case 100. That is, the first dielectric 200 may be formed on the inner surface of the case 100 and at least a portion of the inner upper surface of the case 100. For example, the first dielectric 200 may not be formed on the lower surface of the interior of the case 100 or on a portion of the upper surface of the interior of the case 100. That is, the first dielectric 200 may not be formed on the entire lower surface of the interior of the case 100 or in the area where the second moisture intrusion hole 120 is formed. Therefore, the upper end of the first dielectric 200 is electrically open. Alternatively, the lower end of the first dielectric 200 may be connected to a ground terminal. That is, the first dielectric 200 may be formed on the inner wall of the sidewall of the case 100 and extend vertically from the sidewall to the top, with its upper end being electrically open and its lower end being connected to ground. The first dielectric 200 may be formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant, such as ceramic. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 shows that the first dielectric 200 is formed on the inner wall of the case 100 when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1. Although not visible in FIG. 1, the first dielectric 200 can also be formed on the inner wall surface of the case 100 in the front / rear direction. The first dielectric 200 is shown connected to ground at its lower portion on both sides in FIG. 1 to indicate that its lower portion is connected to ground even when it is not connected to each other by the first and second moisture penetration openings 110, 120. The first dielectrics 200 formed on the side walls of the case 100 are not necessarily formed separately from each other. The present invention includes both cases where the first dielectric 200 is formed separately and cases where it is formed integrally.

[0045] 3. Second Dielectric The second dielectric 300 is provided inside the moisture detection module. That is, the second dielectric 300 may be provided inside the case 100. The second dielectric 300 may be formed with a predetermined height and width from the lower surface of the case 100 to the upper surface. In this case, the second dielectric 300 may divide the internal space of the moisture detection module into two parts (i.e., into two parts). That is, the second dielectric 300 may be formed with a predetermined height and width and may be formed from one side wall of the case 100 to the other side wall opposite thereto. In this case, if the first dielectric 200 is formed on the side wall, the second dielectric 300 formed on the other side wall is formed only to an extent that does not contact the first dielectric 200.

[0046] Therefore, the inside of the moisture detection module can be divided into two sides by the second dielectric 300. In addition, the second dielectric 300 may be formed at a height from the bottom surface of the moisture detection module so as not to abut against the top surface of the moisture detection module.

[0047] A first moisture inlet 110 is located at the bottom of one side of second dielectric 300, and a second moisture inlet 120 is located at the top of the other side of second dielectric 300. Therefore, when moisture flowing in from first moisture inlet 110 reaches the height of one side of second dielectric 300, it flows over second dielectric 300 and spills out onto the other side of second dielectric 300. At this time, because extension 130 is formed at the top of case 100, the moisture spilling out from one side of second dielectric 300 can flow to the other side of second dielectric 300 without being discharged to the outside of case 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the surface of the second dielectric 300 may be coated with an insulator. That is, the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the second dielectric 300 may be coated with an insulator. Therefore, the bottom surface of the second dielectric 300 may be electrically open. However, the second dielectric 300 is electrically connected to the external connection terminal 500 via a separate connection wiring, and is formed insulated from the first dielectric 200.

[0049] On the other hand, the second dielectric 300 can be made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant, and may be made of the same material as the first dielectric 200, or may be made of a material different from the first dielectric 200. For example, the second dielectric 300 can be made of ceramic.

[0050] 4. Moisture detection unit The moisture detection unit 400 is provided inside the moisture detection module to detect moisture flowing into the moisture detection module. The moisture detection unit 400 is spaced a predetermined distance from the case 100 in the height direction of the second dielectric 300 and is electrically connected to the second dielectric 300. The moisture detection unit 400 detects moisture penetration by changing its resistance depending on the amount of moisture flowing into the moisture detection module, thereby detecting the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the moisture detection module. To this end, the moisture detection unit 400 may include a plurality of resistors 410, 420, and 430 formed on one side and the other side of the second dielectric 300. That is, the moisture detection unit 400 may include first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 connected to the second dielectric 300. One side of the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 is electrically connected to the second dielectric 300.

[0051] The first and second resistors 410 and 420 may be formed on one side of the second dielectric 300, and the third resistor 430 may be formed on the other side of the second dielectric 300. The first resistor 410 may be formed extending downward at a predetermined angle from a side surface of the second dielectric 300 in the height direction. The second resistor 420 may be formed extending downward at a predetermined angle from a position higher than the first resistor 410 in the height direction of the second dielectric 300. The third resistor 430 may be provided extending downward from a predetermined height on the other side surface of the second dielectric 300 opposite to the one side surface on which the first and second resistors 410 and 420 are formed. In this case, the angles formed by the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 with the second dielectric 300 may be the same. Furthermore, the first and second resistors 410, 420 may have the same length, and the third resistor 430 may have a different length from the first and second resistors 410, 420. For example, the third resistor 430 may be formed to be longer than the first and second resistors 410, 420, and may be formed to contact the lower surface of the inside of the case 100. The first to third resistors 410, 420, 430 may be formed from a material having a predetermined insulation resistance, and the resistance values ​​of the first to third resistors 410, 420, 430 may be the same or different.

[0052] A first moisture penetration hole 110 is located at the bottom of one side of the case 100 and a second moisture penetration hole 120 is located at the top of the other side of the case 100, based on the second dielectric 300. That is, the first moisture penetration hole 110 is formed at the bottom of one side of the second dielectric 300 on which the first and second resistors 410 and 420 are formed, and the second moisture penetration hole 120 is formed at the top of the other side of the second dielectric 300 on which the third resistor 430 is formed.

[0053] When moisture flows in through the first moisture penetration port 110 and fills the inside of the case 100, the first resistor 410 becomes immersed in the moisture. At this time, an electrical path is formed between the first resistor 410 and the first dielectric 200 by the electrolyte in the moisture, and a current flows from the external connection terminal 500 to the ground terminal via the second dielectric 300, the first resistor 410, and the first dielectric 200. Therefore, the external connection terminal 500 connects to a moisture detection circuit (described later), and the moisture detection circuit detects a reference resistor R ref and the first resistor R1 of the first resistor 410 are connected in series, and are represented by an equivalent circuit of FIG. 3(b) having a resistance value.

[0054] After this, if the moisture continues to flow in, the inside of the case 100 will become further filled with moisture, and the second resistor 420 will become immersed in the moisture. Similarly, an electric path will be further formed between the second resistor 420 and the first dielectric 200 by the electrolyte in the moisture, and a current will flow. Therefore, the parallel combined resistance of the first and second resistors R1 and R2 of the first and second resistors 410 and 420, respectively, is connected to the moisture detection circuit by the external connection terminal 500. As a result, the moisture detection circuit detects the reference resistor R ref and the parallel combined resistance of the first and second resistors R1 and R2 have a resistance value which can be represented by the equivalent circuit of FIG. 3(c).

[0055] Furthermore, if moisture continues to flow in and fills the inside of the case 100, it will flow over the second dielectric 300 and onto the other side of the second dielectric 300, spilling out. Therefore, the third resistor 430 will be immersed in moisture. At this time, an electric path is also formed between the third resistor 430 and the first dielectric 200, causing a current to flow. Therefore, the parallel combined resistance of the first to third resistors R1, R2, R3 of the first to third resistors 410, 420, 430, respectively, is connected to the moisture detection circuit by the external connection terminal 500. As a result, the moisture detection circuit detects the reference resistance R refand the parallel combined resistance of the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 are connected together, and can be represented by the equivalent circuit of FIG. 3(d).

[0056] As described above, the moisture detection module for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a second dielectric 300 provided at the center of the interior of a case 100 having a predetermined internal space. In the moisture detection module for a battery pack, a moisture detection unit 400 for detecting moisture is connected to the second dielectric 300 and can detect moisture penetrating through first and second moisture penetration holes 110 and 120 formed at the bottom and top of the case 100, respectively. The moisture detection unit 400 is composed of a plurality of resistors 410, 420, and 430 having a predetermined resistance value depending on moisture, and the resistance value changes depending on the amount of moisture penetration, thereby detecting the amount of moisture. Therefore, moisture penetrating the battery pack can be detected to safely protect the battery pack and ensure safe operation of the battery pack.

[0057] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a moisture detection device using a moisture detection module of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the moisture detection device according to the amount of moisture that has permeated into the moisture detection module. Fig. 4 is a graph showing the difference in input voltage of the moisture detection device according to the amount of moisture that has permeated into the moisture detection module.

[0058] 2 and 3, the moisture detection device for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a reference voltage V ref and the reference resistance R ref a moisture detection module 10 that detects moisture flowing into the battery pack according to a change in resistance; and a resistance value of the moisture detection module 10 and a reference resistance R ref Reference voltage V according to ref is the input voltage V in and a control unit 20 that determines whether or not moisture has penetrated and the amount of moisture that has penetrated.

[0059] As described with reference to FIG. 1, the moisture detection module 10 has an exterior made of an insulator and an interior made of a dielectric and a resistor. That is, the moisture detection module 10 may include a case 100 made of an insulator, first and second dielectrics 200 and 300 formed inside the case 100, and a moisture detection unit 400 made of first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 connected to the second dielectric 300. Here, the first dielectric 200 forms a path with the second dielectric 300 when moisture penetrates into the module. In the moisture detection unit 400, the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 are connected to the first dielectric 200 in this order depending on the amount of moisture that penetrates, thereby changing the resistance of the moisture detection module. Meanwhile, the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 can be represented by first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 connected in parallel, as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 may be selectively connected to the moisture detection circuit depending on the amount of moisture penetration. Meanwhile, the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 may have a predetermined resistance value, but the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 may have different resistance values ​​from each other or may have the same resistance value from each other. When the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 have different resistance values ​​from each other, the third resistor 430 is connected first, and the control unit 20 can infer whether the moisture will penetrate into the lower or upper part of the case of the moisture detection module.

[0060] At this time, the control unit 20 determines the amount of moisture detected by the moisture detection module 10. That is, the resistance value of the moisture detection module 10 changes depending on the amount of moisture that has been detected as having penetrated, and the control unit 20 determines the change in the resistance value of the moisture detection module 10 to determine the amount of moisture detected. For this purpose, the control unit 20 determines the amount of moisture detected by the applied input voltage V in That is, the control unit 20 can use a voltage value of the input voltage V inBased on the voltage value of the battery pack, the amount of moisture flowing into the battery pack can be determined. Furthermore, the control unit 20 can perform a protection operation for the battery pack depending on the amount of moisture flowing into the battery pack. At this time, the control unit 20 can perform different protection operations for the battery pack depending on the amount of moisture. For example, if the amount of moisture is low, the control unit 20 can send a warning message to the user, and as the amount of moisture gradually increases, the control unit 20 can perform a protection operation for the battery pack or stop the operation of the battery pack. The method for protecting the battery pack will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0061] The operation method of the moisture detecting device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below in accordance with the amount of permeating moisture using the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG.

[0062] First, if there is no moisture penetration into the battery pack, as shown in the circuit diagram of Figure 3(a), the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 are connected to the reference resistor R ref In other words, if moisture does not penetrate, the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 of the moisture detection module 10 are not electrically connected to the first dielectric 200, and the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 are not connected to the reference resistor R ref Therefore, the input voltage V in is the reference voltage V ref That is, Vin=V ref Therefore, the control unit 20 can calculate the input voltage V in and the reference voltage V ref If the input voltage V is the same, it is determined that no moisture has been detected, i.e., that moisture has not penetrated. in is V as shown in Figure 4. ref (equivalent circuit in FIG. 3(a)).

[0063] Moisture permeating from the bottom of the moisture detection module 10 flows into the interior of the moisture detection module 10 through the first moisture permeation port 110 at the bottom of the moisture detection module 10. When the moisture flowing into the interior of the moisture detection module 10 reaches the height of the first resistor 410, the first resistor 410 becomes immersed in the moisture. At this time, an electrical path is formed between the first resistor 410 and the first dielectric 200 by the electrolyte in the moisture, causing a current to flow. Therefore, the first resistor R1 is connected to the moisture detection device, and the second and third resistors R2 and R3 are not connected to the moisture detection device. In other words, the first resistor R1 is turned on, and the second and third resistors R2 and R3 are turned off. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the first resistor R1 is connected to the reference resistor R ref , and the input voltage input to the control unit 20, i.e., the first input voltage V in1 , can be expressed as Equation 1. At this time, the first input voltage V in1 is the reference voltage V as shown in Figure 4. ref A first input voltage value V that is smaller than the voltage value in1 When the input voltage is the first input voltage of Equation 1, the control unit 20 determines that a predetermined first amount of moisture has penetrated.

[0064]

number

[0065] Here, R1 is the first resistance value of the first resistor of the moisture detection module.

[0066] After this, as moisture continues to flow in and fills the moisture detection module 10, the second resistor 420 is also immersed, and an electrical path is further formed between the second resistor 420 and the first and second dielectrics 200, 300. Therefore, the first and second resistors R1, R2 are turned on, and the third resistor R3 is turned off. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the first and second resistors R1, R2 are connected in parallel to the reference resistor R refand a second input voltage V in2 can be expressed as Equation 2. At this time, the second input voltage V in2 is the first input voltage value V, as shown in FIG. in1 a second voltage value V that is smaller than in2 The control unit 20 controls the input voltage V in is the second input voltage V as shown in Equation 2. in2 If so, it can be determined that a second amount of moisture, which is greater than the first amount, has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module.

[0067]

number

[0068] Here, R1 and R2 are the first and second resistance values ​​of the first and second resistors 410, 420 of the moisture detection module, respectively.

[0069] As moisture continues to flow in and fills the moisture detection module 10, it will exceed the second dielectric 300 and reach the other side of the second dielectric 300. At this time, when the third resistor 430 is immersed in moisture, an electric path is further formed between the third resistor 430 and the first and second dielectrics 200, 300. Therefore, the first to third resistors R1, R2, R3 are in an ON state. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the first to third resistors R1, R2, R3 are connected in parallel to form a reference resistor R ref and a third input voltage V in3 can be expressed as Equation 3. At this time, the third input voltage V in3 is the second input voltage value V, as shown in Figure 4. in2 A third input voltage value V that is smaller than in3 The control unit 20 controls the input voltage V in is the third input voltage V as shown in Equation 3. in3 If so, it can be determined that a third amount of moisture, which is greater than the second amount, has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module.

[0070]

number

[0071] Here, R1, R2, and R3 are the first to third resistance values ​​of the first to third resistors 410, 420, and 430 of the moisture detection module, respectively.

[0072] Conversely, it can also be assumed that water falls from top to bottom. In this case, water immediately enters through the second moisture penetration port 120 at the top end of the moisture detection module 10, and the third resistor 430 is immersed in the moisture. In this case, an electrical path is also formed between the third resistor 430 and the first dielectric 200, and only the third resistor R3 is connected to the reference resistor R, as shown in FIG. 3(e). ref At this time, the fourth input voltage V in4 can be expressed as Equation 4, and the fourth input voltage V in4 is a third voltage value V, as shown in FIG. in3 A fourth voltage value V that is greater than in4 In FIG. 4, the fourth input voltage value V in4 is the second input voltage value V in2 However, this will vary depending on the size of the third resistor 430. The control unit 20 controls the input voltage V in is the fourth input voltage V as shown in Equation 4. in4 If so, it can be determined that moisture has penetrated from the top of the moisture detection module.

[0073]

number

[0074] On the other hand, under the assumption that the resistance values ​​of the first to third resistors R1, R2, and R3 are not the same, the combined resistance for each situation is represented by a distinct value. This is exactly the same as the input voltage V in The control unit 20 of the BMS recognizes this and can differentiate and perform safety operations suited to each moisture penetration situation.

[0075] As described above, the moisture detection device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention is ref and the reference resistance R ref a moisture detection module 10 that detects moisture flowing into the battery pack according to a change in resistance; and a resistance value of the moisture detection module 10 and a reference resistance R ref Reference voltage V according to ref is the input voltage V in The moisture detection device of the present invention may also include a control unit 20 that determines whether or not moisture has penetrated and the amount of moisture that has penetrated as a result. Therefore, the resistance value of the moisture detection module 10 changes depending on the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the moisture detection module 10, and the moisture detection device of the present invention can detect an input voltage V that changes depending on the change in the resistance value. in Based on this, it is possible to determine the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the moisture detection module 10. The moisture detection device performs safe operation of the battery pack according to the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the battery pack, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the battery pack.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack 1000 that includes a moisture detection device that uses the moisture detection module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery pack 1000 according to the present invention includes a battery module 1100 having a plurality of battery cells, a BMS 1200 that manages the battery pack 1000, and a reference resistor R ref , reference voltage V refand control unit 20, and a moisture detection module 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to the moisture detection device. That is, the moisture detection module 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided outside the BMS 1200, and the moisture detection device is provided inside the BMS 1200 and connected to the moisture detection module 120. In other words, the moisture detection module 120 outside the BMS 1200 is connected to the moisture detection device inside the BMS 1200.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for protecting a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention, i.e., a method for protecting a battery pack by a moisture detection device using a moisture detection module for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, a method for protecting a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is to control an input voltage V of a control unit in response to the amount of moisture detected by a moisture detection module. in Step S110: Determine the input voltage V in is the reference voltage V ref If the input voltage is equal to the first input voltage V (S120), it is determined that no moisture has penetrated and normal operation is performed (S130). in1 If so (S140), a procedure of determining that a small amount of moisture has penetrated and sending a warning message to the user (S150) and a procedure of determining that the input voltage is a second input voltage V in2 If so (S160), a procedure is performed in which it is determined that a medium amount of moisture has penetrated and the user is made to perform a protective operation for the battery pack (S170); and if the input voltage is equal to or lower than a third input voltage V in3 or the fourth input voltage V in4If so, the method may include a step (S180) of determining that moisture has penetrated from the top of the moisture detection module or that a large amount of moisture has penetrated from the bottom of the moisture detection module and stopping the operation of the battery pack. That is, the battery pack protection method according to the present invention can send a warning message to the user to warn them in advance depending on the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the battery pack, or can perform safe operation of the battery pack.

[0080] The control unit 20 determines the amount of moisture that has permeated into the battery pack based on the resistance value from the moisture detection module 10. That is, the control unit 20 calculates the resistance value from the moisture detection module 10 and the reference resistance R ref Input voltage V according to in The amount of moisture can be determined based on the voltage value of the input voltage V in is the reference voltage V ref If the input voltage V is equal to the voltage V, it is determined that there is no moisture penetration and the battery pack can operate normally. in is the reference voltage V ref The first input voltage V is smaller than in1 If the input voltage V in is the first input voltage V in1 A second input voltage V that is smaller than in2 If the input voltage V in is the second input voltage V in2 A third input voltage V that is smaller than in3 or the second input voltage V in2 A third input voltage V in3 A fourth input voltage V that is greater than in4 If so, it can be determined that a large amount of moisture has penetrated to the extent that the third resistor 430 of the moisture detection module is submerged, and the operation of the battery pack can be stopped.

[0081] As described above, the battery pack protection method according to another embodiment of the present invention can provide a warning message to the user in advance depending on the amount of moisture that has penetrated into the battery pack, or can perform a safety operation such as protecting the battery pack or shutting down the operation of the battery pack. That is, the moisture detection device of the present invention detects the input voltage V that changes depending on the resistance value of the moisture detection module. in Based on this, the amount of moisture that penetrates into the moisture detection module can be determined, and the safe operation of the battery pack can be thereby ensured.

[0082] Although the technical concept of the present invention as described above has been specifically described based on the above embodiment, it should be noted that the above embodiment is for the purpose of explanation and not for the purpose of limitation. It should be understood that a person skilled in the art of the present invention can implement various embodiments within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10: Moisture detection module 20: Control unit 100:Case 110: First moisture penetration port 120: Second moisture inlet 130: Extension part 200: First dielectric 300: Second dielectric 400: Moisture detection unit 410, 420, 430: first, second and third resistors 500: External connection terminal 1000: Battery pack 1100: Battery module 1200:BMS

Claims

1. A case having a predetermined space inside; a first dielectric formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the case; a second dielectric body formed inside the case at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the case; a moisture detector electrically connected to the second dielectric to detect moisture that has penetrated into the case; A moisture detection module for a battery pack comprising:

2. The moisture detection module for a battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising an external connection terminal connected to the second dielectric and extending to the outside of the case to electrically connect the inside and outside of the case.

3. 3. The moisture detection module of claim 1, further comprising: a first moisture penetration opening formed in the case at the bottom of one side of the second dielectric; and a second moisture penetration opening formed in the case at the top of the other side of the second dielectric.

4. The moisture detection module for a battery pack according to claim 3 , further comprising an extension portion extending from the second moisture penetration opening into the inside of the case.

5. 4. The moisture detection module for a battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first dielectric has an upper end that is electrically open and a lower end that is connected to ground.

6. 6. The moisture detection module for a battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the second dielectric is formed to a predetermined height and width from one side wall of the case to the other opposite side wall thereof, thereby dividing the internal space of the case.

7. 7. The moisture detection module for a battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the second dielectric has a surface coated with an insulator.

8. 8. The moisture detection module of claim 7, wherein the moisture detection unit includes a plurality of resistors formed on one side and the other side of the second dielectric, and the resistance of the resistors changes depending on the amount of moisture flowing into the case.

9. 9. The moisture detection module of claim 8, wherein the moisture detection unit comprises first and second resistors formed on one side of the second dielectric and spaced apart from each other in a height direction, and a third resistor formed on the other side of the second dielectric.

10. The moisture detection module for a battery pack as described in claim 9, wherein the moisture detection unit is configured such that the first to third resistors are submerged in water in this order depending on the amount of moisture penetrating into the inside of the case or the direction of moisture penetration, thereby changing the resistance value.

11. Reference voltage (V ｒｅｆ )and, Reference resistance (R ｒｅｆ )and, a moisture detection module that detects moisture entering the battery pack based on a change in resistance; The reference voltage (V ｒｅｆ ) is the voltage drop due to the resistance value of the moisture detection module relative to the input voltage (V ｉｎ a control unit that determines whether or not moisture has penetrated and the amount of moisture that has penetrated; A moisture detection device for a battery pack comprising:

12. The control unit controls the input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the reference voltage (V ｒｅｆ 12. The moisture detection device for a battery pack according to claim 11, wherein if the measured value is the same as the measured value, it is determined that moisture has not penetrated.

13. The control unit controls the input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the first input voltage (V ｉｎ１ 13. The moisture detection device for a battery pack according to claim 12, wherein if the moisture level is 0.01 or 0.02, it is determined that a first amount of moisture has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module. [Equation 1] Here, R １ is the first resistance value of the first resistor of the moisture detection module.

14. The control unit controls the input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the second input voltage (V ｉｎ２ 14. The moisture detection device for a battery pack according to claim 13, wherein if the second amount of moisture is greater than the first amount, it is determined that a second amount of moisture has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module. [Equation 2] Here, R １ and R ２ are the first and second resistance values ​​of the first and second resistors of the moisture detection module, respectively.

15. The control unit controls the input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the third input voltage (V ｉｎ３ 15. The moisture detection device for a battery pack according to claim 14, wherein if the moisture content is greater than the second amount, it is determined that a third amount of moisture has permeated from the lower part of the moisture detection module. [Equation 3] Here, R １ , R ２ and R ３ are the first resistance value, the second resistance value, and the third resistance value of the first resistor, the second resistor, and the third resistor of the moisture detection module, respectively.

16. The control unit controls the input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the fourth input voltage (V ｉｎ４ 16. The moisture detection device for a battery pack according to claim 15, wherein if the moisture content is 0.001 or 0.001, it is determined that moisture has penetrated from an upper portion of the moisture detection module. [Equation 4] Here, R ３ is the third resistance value of the third resistor of the moisture detection module.

17. A method for protecting a battery pack using the moisture detection device for a battery pack according to any one of claims 11 to 16, comprising: The input voltage (V) according to the amount of moisture detected in the moisture detection module ｉｎ ) and the procedure for determining The input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the reference voltage (V ｒｅｆ ) If it is the same as the above, it is determined that water has not penetrated and the battery pack will operate normally. The input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the first input voltage (V ｉｎ１ ), determining that the first amount of moisture has penetrated and sending a warning message to the user; The input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the second input voltage (V ｉｎ２ ), determining that a second amount of moisture greater than the first amount has penetrated, and performing a protective operation for the battery pack; The input voltage (V ｉｎ ) is the third input voltage (V ｉｎ３ ) or the fourth input voltage (V ｉｎ４ ), determining that moisture has penetrated from the top of the moisture detection module, or determining that a third amount of moisture greater than the second amount has penetrated from the bottom of the moisture detection module, and stopping operation of the battery pack; 2. A method for protecting a battery pack, including:

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