Battery Pack Management Device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack management device capable of efficiently managing a battery pack configured to be installable in various applications for each application. The battery pack management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for managing a battery pack including one or more secondary batteries and supplying power to an external device through a power supply path, the battery pack management device including: a switching module provided in the power supply path and capable of selectively turning on / off the power supply path; a communication module capable of communicating with a mobile device and receiving usage information of the battery pack from the mobile device; and a processor that changes at least one setting value of a voltage, a current, and a temperature preset for the battery pack based on the usage information received by the communication module, and controls the switching module according to the changed setting value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0132069, filed on October 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery technology, and more particularly to a technology for effectively managing a battery pack configured to be usable in various forms in a manner suitable for each of the forms of use. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries are commercially available. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom of charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with the negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, such as a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Secondary batteries have been widely used for several decades to supply operating power to mobile devices such as smartphones and laptop computers, and have recently become a very important component as a driving energy source for electric vehicles along with their development and popularity. In particular, since high output and capacity are required to drive electric vehicles, secondary batteries are not used individually, but rather multiple secondary batteries are connected in series and / or parallel to each other to form a high-voltage battery pack, and such a battery pack is installed in the electric vehicle.

[0007] The battery pack that supplies the driving power for moving the vehicle can be configured to be detachable from the vehicle. Furthermore, with the revitalization of the shared e-mobility business, the battery pack can be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle by general drivers as well as specialized engineers.

[0008] In recent years, battery packs have been increasingly installed as driving power sources for various other means of transportation in addition to automobiles. For example, electric motorbikes, electric bicycles, electric kick scooters, electric wheels, and other means of transportation for transporting people are often powered by battery packs.

[0009] However, most battery packs developed so far are limited mainly to a specific type of power supply target, i.e., application. For example, a battery pack for an automobile is configured to be usable only when installed in a specific type of automobile, and use for other purposes is limited. In particular, a battery pack is operated with specifications such as voltage and current magnitude that change depending on the usage form. However, until now, there has been no sufficient battery pack management technology that can be changed to specifications suitable for such various usage forms and be operated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack management device that can efficiently manage a battery pack configured to be installed in various applications for each application, and a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof as set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a battery pack management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for managing a battery pack which has one or more secondary batteries and supplies power to an outside via a power supply path, and includes: a switching module provided in the power supply path and capable of selectively turning on / off the power supply path; a communication module capable of communicating with a mobile terminal and receiving utilization information of the battery pack from the mobile terminal; and a processor which changes at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature preset for the battery pack based on the utilization information received by the communication module, and controls the switching module in accordance with the changed setting value.

[0013] Here, the communication module may be configured to receive information regarding whether the battery pack is attached or used as utilization information of the battery pack.

[0014] The communication module may also be configured to receive information regarding the type of vehicle to which the battery pack is attached as utilization information of the battery pack.

[0015] In addition, the processor may be configured to set at least one of the set values ​​of the voltage, current, and temperature lower when the battery pack usage information received by the communication module is not installed and in use, compared to when the battery pack is installed and in use.

[0016] The processor may also be configured to modify maximum allowed values ​​for at least one of the voltage, current, and temperature based on the utilization information.

[0017] The processor may also be configured to change the set value with the switching module turned off, and to turn on the switching module after the set value has been changed.

[0018] The communication module may also be configured to sense a change in the relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal.

[0019] The processor may also be configured to turn off the switching module when a change in a relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference change amount.

[0020] The communication module may also be configured to transmit warning information to the mobile terminal when a change in the relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference change amount.

[0021] Furthermore, when the battery pack is configured to be attached to a vehicle and the vehicle is equipped with a control unit capable of communicating with the communication module, the processor may be configured to control the switching module based on a signal from the control unit.

[0022] The processor may also be configured to control the switching module based on a signal from the mobile terminal when the vehicle to which the battery pack is attached does not have a control unit capable of communicating with the communication module, or when the battery pack is used without being attached to a vehicle.

[0023] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack management device according to the present invention.

[0024] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack management device according to the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, in a situation where a battery pack is utilized in various forms, the battery pack can be effectively managed in a manner suitable for each form.

[0026] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the battery pack is attached to various transportation devices such as automobiles, motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric kick scooters, and electric wheels, charging and discharging can be appropriately controlled according to each attachment object.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack is configured to be used independently as a mobile power source without being attached to a specific transportation device, and in this case, charging and discharging of the battery pack can be appropriately controlled. Therefore, the battery pack to which the battery pack management device according to the present invention is applied can be separated from the vehicle in a situation where commercial power is not supplied, such as a campsite, while being attached to an electric vehicle and used as a driving power source, and can appropriately supply and control power to camping electronic products.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery pack including a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for detecting a change in the relative distance between a battery pack and a mobile terminal using a communication module of a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention when a battery pack is mounted on a vehicle. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration and operation of a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention when a battery pack is mounted on a vehicle. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the configuration and operation of a battery pack management device according to an embodiment of the present invention when a battery pack is not installed and used; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted limitedly to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in the meaning and concept according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best describe the invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery pack 1000 including a battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] 1 and 2, a battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention is a device for managing a battery pack 1000 including one or more secondary batteries 200. The battery pack 1000 may further include a power supply path 300 and a power supply terminal 400 in addition to the battery pack management device 100 and the secondary battery 200.

[0034] The secondary battery 200 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and an exterior material. Here, the electrode assembly is an assembly of an electrode and a separator, and may be configured in a form in which one or more positive electrode plates and one or more negative electrode plates are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween. Also, each electrode plate of the electrode assembly may be provided with an electrode tab and connected to an electrode lead. Such a secondary battery 200 may include a pouch-type secondary battery in which the exterior material is configured in the form of an aluminum pouch sheet and / or a can-type secondary battery in which the exterior material is configured in the form of a metal can. Furthermore, when the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention is an automobile battery pack for supplying driving power to the automobile by being mounted on the automobile, a plurality of secondary batteries 200 may be included in the battery pack 1000 in a form in which they are connected in series and / or in parallel since high output and / or high capacity are required. And, such a secondary battery 200 may store and release energy for driving by repeatedly charging and discharging. The present invention is not limited by the specific form or configuration of such a secondary battery 200, and various secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the present invention.

[0035] The power supply path 300 may be connected to both ends of the secondary battery 200 to provide a path through which a charge / discharge current flows for charging or discharging the secondary battery 200. In particular, since the battery pack 1000 includes a power supply terminal 400, the power supply path 300 may be connected between the power supply terminal 400 and the secondary battery 200 to provide a path through which a charging power source or a discharging power source is supplied between the secondary battery 200 and the power supply terminal 400. The power supply path 300 may adopt various power supply forms known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a wire or metal plate including an electrically conductive material, or a conductor print form.

[0036] The power supply terminal 400 is a component of the battery pack 1000 for electrically connecting to the outside, and may be configured to be connectable to an external device or a connection cable for connecting to an external device. For example, the power supply terminal 400 may be configured to be connectable to a connection terminal of an automobile, and may be configured to be electrically connected to a motor, electrical components, or an auxiliary battery of the automobile. For example, when the power supply terminal 400 is connected to a connection terminal of the automobile, the driving power supplied from the secondary battery 200 may be supplied to the motor of the automobile through the power supply path 300, the power supply terminal 400, and the connection terminal. The power supply terminal 400 is a terminal on the battery pack side configured to be connected to a connection terminal of an external device, and may be configured in a form corresponding to the connection terminal of the external device, for example, in the form of a socket or a plug.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may include a switching module 110, a communication module 120, and a processor 130.

[0038] The switching module 110 may be provided on the power supply path 300. The switching module 110 may be configured to be openable and closable, and may be configured to selectively turn on / off the power supply path 300. For example, when the switching module 110 is turned on, the power supply path 300 is connected and power is supplied from the secondary battery 200 to the power supply terminal 400. On the other hand, when the switching module 110 is turned off, the power supply path 300 is disconnected and power is not supplied from the secondary battery 200 to the power supply terminal 400. The switching module 110 may be implemented using various switching elements or components known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, the switching module 110 may be implemented as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) or an electromagnetic relay.

[0039] The communication module 120 may be configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 10. Here, the mobile terminal 10 refers to a terminal carried by a user and configured to be able to communicate, such as a user's smartphone, laptop computer, or smart pad. The communication module 120 may be configured to transmit and receive information to and from the mobile terminal 10 using various communication methods. For example, the communication module 120 may transmit and receive information to and from the mobile terminal 10 using a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. Furthermore, the communication module 120 may be configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 10 using a communication method such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The present invention is not limited by a specific communication method between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10, and the communication module 120 may communicate with the mobile terminal 10 by adopting various communication methods known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0040] The communication module 120 may be configured to receive usage information of the battery pack 1000 from the mobile terminal 10 through communication with the mobile terminal 10. Here, the usage information of the battery pack 1000 may include information on the type of object to which the battery pack 1000 is attached and / or the type of form in which the battery pack 1000 is used.

[0041] The communication module 120 may be configured to provide the mobile terminal 10 with various selection information related to utilization information of the battery pack 1000. Here, the selection information refers to a plurality of items or elements presented as utilization information of the battery pack, and the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to select at least a part of them. In this case, the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to provide such selection information to a user, and to have the user directly input and select a specific item or element, and provide the input information to the communication module 120. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to select a specific item or element through information prestored or programmed by itself, and provide the selected item or element to the communication module 120.

[0042] The processor 130 may be configured to receive utilization information from the communication module 120. The processor 130 may be configured to change a setting value required to manage charging and / or discharging of the battery pack 1000 based on the utilization information received by the communication module 120. In this specification, the term "configured to" with respect to the processor 130, etc. may include the meaning of "programmed to".

[0043] In particular, values ​​for voltage, current, and / or temperature may be preset and stored in the battery pack 1000 to properly manage charging and discharging of the battery pack 1000. In this case, the processor 130 may be configured to change a preset setting value for the battery pack 1000, in particular a setting value for at least one of the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery pack 1000, based on the utilization information of the battery pack 1000 received by the communication module 120.

[0044] For example, the processor 130 may be configured to increase or decrease a set value for the magnitude of the charge / discharge voltage and charge / discharge current of the battery pack 1000 based on the usage information of the battery pack 1000 selected by a user. Alternatively, the processor 130 may be configured to change a set value for the range of the appropriate operating temperature of the battery pack 1000 based on the usage information of the battery pack 1000 selected by the mobile terminal 10 itself.

[0045] The processor 130 may be configured to control the switching module 110 according to the changed setting value. For example, the processor 130 may control the switching module 110 to turn on and off so that the charge / discharge current flows within a range of the current magnitude changed and set based on the utilization information selected by the mobile terminal 10. As a specific example, the processor 130 turns off the switching module 110 to prevent the current from flowing through the power supply path 300 when the charge / discharge current is out of a specific range. Alternatively, the processor 130 may be configured to control the magnitude of the current or voltage flowing through the battery pack 1000 through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control using the switching module 110. Alternatively, the battery pack management device 100, the battery pack 1000, or the switching module 110 according to the present invention may be configured to further include a transformer circuit. In this case, the processor 130 may be configured to control the magnitude of the output voltage of the battery pack 1000 by controlling the transformer circuit.

[0046] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to suitably control the charging and discharging of the battery pack 1000 depending on the usage form of the battery pack 1000. In particular, according to this configuration of the present invention, information on how the battery pack 1000 is used can be transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the battery pack management device 100. Thus, the user can select the usage form of the battery pack 1000. Also, according to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to effectively control the voltage, current, and / or temperature in a suitable manner depending on the usage form of the battery pack 1000.

[0047] Meanwhile, the processor 130 is known in the art for executing various control logics executed in the present invention, and may selectively include or be represented by a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a chipset, a logic circuit, a register, a communication modem, a data processing device, etc. Also, when the control logic is embodied as software, the processor 130 may be embodied as a collection of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be stored in a memory and executed by the processor 130. The memory may be provided inside or outside the processor 130, and may be connected to the processor 130 by various known means. Furthermore, a battery pack often includes a control device referred to as a micro controller unit (MCU) or a battery management system (BMS). The processor 130 may be embodied by components such as an MCU or a BMS that are provided in a typical battery pack.

[0048] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may further include a recording module 140.

[0049] The recording module 140 may store programs and data required for each component of the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention to execute its function. For example, the recording module 140 may be configured to store a preset setting value for at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature for the battery pack 1000. Alternatively, the recording module 140 may be configured to store data or programs required for the processor 130 to change a setting value or control the switching module 110, and data or programs required for the communication module 120 to communicate. The recording module 140 may be electrically connected to the communication module 120, the processor 130, etc., and configured to allow these components to store data or read the stored data.

[0050] In addition, the communication module 120 may be configured to receive information on whether the battery pack 1000 is attached and used as the utilization information of the battery pack 1000. That is, the communication module 120 may be configured to receive information on whether the battery pack 1000 is used in a state where it is attached to a specific external device or in a state where it is not attached to a specific external device. Here, when the battery pack 1000 is used in a state where it is attached to a specific external device, it is called "attached use" when it is used in a state where it is attached to a vehicle such as a car. When the battery pack 1000 is used in a state where it is not attached to a specific external device, it is called "unattached use" when it is used alone without being attached to a vehicle. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source, it can be called "unattached use."

[0051] At this time, the mobile terminal 10 may receive information on whether the battery pack 1000 is worn or not from the user, and provide the information on whether the battery pack 1000 is worn or not to the communication module 120 based on the input information. In this case, the user may input the information on whether the battery pack 1000 is worn or not to the mobile terminal 10 through an input function such as a touch screen, a button, or voice recognition provided in the mobile terminal 10. As a specific example, the mobile terminal 10 may allow the user to select whether the battery pack 1000 is worn or not to be worn through a display device such as an LCD, and provide the information selected by the user to the communication module 120. For example, when the user intends to use the battery pack 1000 as a camping power source, i.e., a mobile power source, the user touches a "not worn or not to be worn" button on the display device of the mobile terminal 10. Then, the touch information may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the communication module 120.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is easily selected whether the battery pack 1000 is used as a driving force mounted on a vehicle or as a mobile power source through communication between the mobile terminal 10 and the communication module 120. Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the user can easily input information regarding the usage form of the battery pack 1000 through the mobile terminal 10. And, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1000 can be operated appropriately according to the usage form of the battery pack 1000.

[0053] In addition, the communication module 120 may be configured to receive information regarding the type of vehicle in which the battery pack 1000 is mounted as utilization information of the battery pack 1000.

[0054] For example, the communication module 120 may be configured to receive information regarding whether the vehicle to which the battery pack 1000 is attached is an electric vehicle, an electric two-wheeler (motorcycle, bicycle), an electric kick scooter, an electric wheel, etc.

[0055] The mobile terminal 10 may be configured to receive information about the type of transportation means from the user or to directly provide the information itself. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to provide the user with a list of multiple items about the type of transportation means, and the user may select one of the items. The selected information may then be provided to the communication module 120.

[0056] Then, when receiving information about the type of transportation provided from the mobile terminal 10 in this manner, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit the received information about the type of transportation to the processor 130.

[0057] According to this configuration of the present invention, the battery pack 1000 is controlled or operated appropriately depending on the type of transportation means transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 or the user. Furthermore, the operation mode and control configuration of the battery pack 1000 may change depending on the type of transportation means. According to the above embodiment, the battery pack 1000 can be operated or controlled in an optimal manner depending on the type of such transportation means. For example, a car and an electric bicycle are the same in that they are transportation means, but their output and operating temperature range may be significantly different. Therefore, the settings of the available voltage, available current, and / or available temperature may be different depending on whether the corresponding battery pack 1000 is installed in a car or an electric bicycle.

[0058] In addition, the processor 130 may be configured to set at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature to a lower value when the usage information of the battery pack 1000 received by the communication module 120 indicates that the battery pack 1000 is not attached and in use, compared to when the battery pack 1000 is attached and in use. Here, the set value may be a specific value or may be in a specific range.

[0059] For example, when the battery pack 1000 is used while attached to a vehicle, the discharge voltage value set by the processor 130 is V1, and when the battery pack 1000 is not attached to a vehicle and used as a mobile power source, the discharge voltage value set by the processor 130 is V2, where V2 may be set lower than V1. Alternatively, when the battery pack 1000 is used while attached to a vehicle, the discharge current range set by the processor 130 is I1, and when the battery pack 1000 is not attached to a vehicle and used as a mobile power source, the discharge current range set by the processor 130 is I2, where I2 may be set to a range narrower than I1.

[0060] According to the above configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the battery pack 1000 from being operated under excessive voltage, current and / or temperature conditions. In particular, when the battery pack 1000 is used in an unattached state, i.e., as a mobile power source, the magnitude of the required voltage and current may be smaller than when the battery pack 1000 is attached to a vehicle. Therefore, when the battery pack 1000 is used in an unattached state, it is possible to prevent the application of unnecessarily high voltage and current. In addition, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to ensure the safety of the user. In particular, when the battery pack 1000 is used in an unattached state, the user often directly operates the battery pack 1000, and the battery pack 1000 cannot be protected by the control unit provided in the vehicle. Therefore, by preventing overvoltage and overcurrent, it is possible to prevent situations such as electric shock accidents and spark generation for the user.

[0061] The processor 130 may also be configured to change the maximum allowable value for at least one of the voltage, the current, and the temperature based on the usage information of the battery pack 1000 received by the communication module 120.

[0062] For example, the processor 130 may be configured to increase or decrease the maximum allowable voltage, current and / or temperature for the battery pack 1000 when a user inputs utilization information regarding the installation of an electric wheel from the communication module 120.

[0063] Here, the increase or decrease in the maximum allowable value may be determined by comparing with the previous usage state. For example, if the previous usage state was an electric vehicle-mounted state and the newly received usage information is that an electric wheel is mounted, the processor 130 may decrease the maximum allowable value of the voltage, current, and / or temperature. On the other hand, if the previous usage state was a state in which the electric vehicle was not mounted and the newly received usage information is that an electric wheel is mounted, the processor 130 may increase the maximum allowable value of the voltage, current, and / or temperature.

[0064] When the battery pack 1000 is charged or discharged, the maximum allowable values ​​of voltage, current, and / or temperature may vary for each operating state. According to the above embodiment, the battery pack 1000 can be appropriately operated and controlled in each operating state by changing the maximum allowable values. In particular, when used as an electric vehicle, an electric bicycle, or a mobile power source, the maximum output required for the battery pack may differ. Therefore, by changing the maximum allowable values ​​as in the above embodiment, the battery pack 1000 can be appropriately operated according to the maximum output required for each operating state.

[0065] Additionally, the processor 130 may be configured to change the setpoint with the switching module 110 turned off.

[0066] For example, when the processor 130 attempts to change a set value for a voltage, a current, and / or a temperature in response to utilization information of the battery pack 1000 transmitted from the communication module 120, the processor 130 may first check whether the switching module 110 is in a turned-off state before changing the set value. If the switching module 110 is in a turned-on state, the processor 130 may be configured to first turn off the switching module 110 and then change the set value, or to wait until the switching module 110 is turned off and then change the set value.

[0067] The processor 130 may also be configured to turn on the switching module 110 after changing the setpoint.

[0068] For example, when the processor 130 is to change a setpoint for voltage, current, and / or temperature, the processor 130 may be configured to not turn on the switching module 110 until the setpoint is completely changed, and then the processor 130 may turn on the switching module 110 once the setpoint change is complete.

[0069] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the set value for charge / discharge control of the battery pack 1000 can be safely changed by changing the set value when no charge / discharge current flows through the battery pack 1000. For example, if the charge / discharge current, voltage, temperature, etc. change while charging / discharging is in progress, the battery pack 1000 or an external device (such as an automobile) that receives power from the battery pack 1000 may be damaged. However, according to the above embodiment, such inconvenience can be prevented. Also, according to such an embodiment of the present invention, the set value for charge / discharge control is prevented from being changed when a charge / discharge current flows through the battery pack 1000, so that the charge / discharge control of the battery pack 1000 can be stably performed.

[0070] Additionally, the communication module 120 may be configured to sense a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for detecting a change in the relative distance between a battery pack 1000 and a mobile terminal 10 by a communication module 120 of a battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] 3, the battery pack management device 100 may be mounted on the battery pack 1000 and may include a communication module 120. In this case, the communication module 120 may be configured to sense a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10. That is, the communication module 120 may be configured to sense a position change as to whether the distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 has become farther or closer.

[0073] Here, the communication module 120 may be configured to grasp the position of the mobile terminal 10 and the position of the battery pack 1000, respectively, and sense a relative distance change. For example, the communication module 120 may be configured to include a global positioning system (GPS) and grasp the position of the battery pack 1000 itself. The communication module 120 may be configured to receive information on the position of the mobile terminal 10 from the mobile terminal 10. In particular, the mobile terminal 10 such as a smartphone is often equipped with a function capable of measuring its own position using GPS, Wi-Fi, or the like. Therefore, the communication module 120 may grasp the position of the mobile terminal 10 using the positioning function of such a mobile terminal 10. The communication module 120 may be configured to grasp the mutual distance based on the positions of the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10, and to grasp whether such a distance has changed.

[0074] Alternatively, the communication module 120 may be configured to detect a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 depending on the connection status or communication sensitivity of the communication. For example, the communication module 120 may be configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 10 at short distances using a communication method such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In this case, the communication module 120 may detect that the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 has become long when the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication is disconnected or the communication sensitivity is weakened. Alternatively, the communication module 120 may detect that the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 has become short when the communication is reconnected or the communication sensitivity is strengthened. The communication module 120 may detect a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 based on the connection status or change in the connection status of a communication method having a limited communication distance.

[0075] Alternatively, the communication module 120 may be configured to detect a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 through optical communication such as infrared communication. Alternatively, the communication module 120 may be configured to detect a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 through various other communication methods such as Wi-Fi.

[0076] In such a configuration, the processor 130 may be configured to control the on / off of the switching module 110 based on a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 .

[0077] In particular, the processor 130 may be configured to determine whether a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount. Here, the reference change amount is a value to be compared with a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10, and may be a preset value. In addition, such a reference change amount may be stored in advance in the recording module 140, the memory of the processor 130, or the like.

[0078] At this time, the reference change amount may be set to a distance at which communication is possible between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10. For example, if the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10 are configured to be able to communicate with each other using a Bluetooth communication method, a change in distance to an area where Bluetooth communication is possible between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10 may be set as the reference change amount. For example, if the communicable distance between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10 is shown with the mobile terminal 10 at the center, it will be as shown in A1 in Fig. 3. At this time, such a specific area as shown in A1, i.e., the communicable area, is the range set as the reference change amount.

[0079] In this case, when the communication module 120 changes its position within the communication area indicated by A1, the processor 130 determines that the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is less than the reference change amount. For example, when the battery pack 1000 moves as indicated by the arrow A2, although there is a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10, it can be determined that the change is less than the reference change amount because it is within the communication area A1. However, when the battery pack 1000 moves as indicated by the arrow A3, it can be said that the battery pack 1000 has exceeded the communication area between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10. Therefore, in this case, the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 can be determined to be equal to or greater than the reference change amount.

[0080] According to the above-described configuration of the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp whether the battery pack 1000 has become farther away from the mobile terminal 10 than a certain level. That is, according to the battery pack management device 100 of the present invention, the communication module 120 is configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 10, and the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 can be sensed using the communication function of the communication module 120. Therefore, even if the battery pack management device 100 and the mobile terminal 10 are not further provided with special configurations or functions, it is possible to easily grasp whether the change in the relative distance between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount.

[0081] In addition, the configuration for determining whether the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than the reference change amount may be embodied in various other forms.

[0082] For example, a reference sensitivity for the communication sensitivity between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 may be preset as the reference change amount. The processor 130 may be configured to receive the communication sensitivity between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 from the communication module 120, and compare the received communication sensitivity with the reference sensitivity to determine whether a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than the reference change amount.

[0083] As another example, the communication module 120 may be configured to directly measure and grasp the distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 through a GPS device or the like. The distance information measured in this manner may be transmitted to the processor 130. The processor 130 may then compare a previously stored reference distance with the measured distance transmitted from the communication module 120, and determine that the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than the reference change amount if the measured distance exceeds the reference distance.

[0084] In this manner, when the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is determined to be equal to or greater than a reference change amount, the processor 130 may be configured to turn off the switching module 110 .

[0085] 3, while the battery pack 1000 is being used with the switching module 110 turned on, if the battery pack 1000 moves as indicated by arrow A3 and the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 exceeds a reference change amount, the processor 130 may turn off the switching module 110. That is, when the battery pack 1000 moves as indicated by arrow A3, the processor 130 prevents a charging / discharging current from flowing to the battery pack 1000. Therefore, in this case, the battery pack 1000 is no longer usable.

[0086] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of Fig. 3, when the battery pack 1000 moves as indicated by the arrow A2 while the battery pack 1000 is being used with the switching module 110 turned on, the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 becomes less than the reference change amount. In this case, the processor 130 does not turn off the switching module 110, but keeps the switching module 110 turned on. Therefore, in this case, the battery pack 1000 is in a continuously usable state.

[0087] According to the above configuration of the present invention, the safety of use of the battery pack 1000 is ensured by controlling the turn-off of the switching module 110 according to the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10. In particular, since the mobile terminal 10 is usually carried by a user, the distance between the mobile terminal 10 and the battery pack 1000 can be regarded as the distance between the user and the battery pack 1000. Therefore, if the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount, the battery pack 1000 is regarded as being in a state in which it cannot be further managed by the user, and the use of the battery pack 1000 can be interrupted. On the other hand, if the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is less than the reference change amount, the battery pack 1000 is still in a state in which it can be managed by the user, and therefore the battery pack 1000 can be continuously used even if the relative position of the battery pack 1000 with respect to the mobile terminal 10 is changed slightly.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the battery pack 1000 is stolen, the battery pack 1000 is rendered unusable, thereby preventing the theft of the battery pack 1000. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source at a campsite or the like, even if the battery pack 1000 is stolen while the user is sleeping, the stolen battery pack 1000 cannot be used any more if it moves away from the user by a certain distance or more. Therefore, this can ultimately provide an anti-theft effect for the battery pack 1000.

[0089] Therefore, when the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 exceeds a reference change amount and the switching module 110 is turned off, the processor 130 may be configured to obtain approval for turning on the switching module 110 from the mobile terminal 10 through the communication module 120 when turning on the switching module 110. For example, when the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is determined to be equal to or greater than the reference change amount and the switching module 110 is turned off, the processor 130 may be configured not to immediately turn on the switching module 110 even if the change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 becomes less than the reference change amount. At this time, the processor 130 may transmit a confirmation request regarding whether or not to turn on the switching module 110 to the mobile terminal 10 through the communication module 120. Then, when an approval request is received from the mobile terminal 10 in response to the confirmation request by the communication module 120, the processor 130 may turn on the switching module 110.

[0090] In addition, when a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit warning information to the mobile terminal 10. In this case, the communication module 120 may transmit the warning information by itself or under the control of the processor 130.

[0091] For example, in an embodiment in which the communication module 120 determines whether a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount based on the communication sensitivity with the mobile terminal 10, if the communication sensitivity is less than the reference sensitivity, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit warning information to the mobile terminal 10. Such warning information may be outputted in the form of characters, graphics, etc. through a display device of the mobile terminal 10, or in the form of a warning sound through a speaker of the mobile terminal 10, to notify the user of the mobile terminal 10.

[0092] As another example, when the communication module 120 detects a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 through a GPS device or the like, if the change in the detected relative distance is equal to or greater than a reference change amount, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit warning information to the mobile terminal 10.

[0093] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the user can sense a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10, it is possible to effectively prevent theft of the battery pack 1000. Also, according to this configuration of the present invention, before a situation occurs in which the user cannot control the battery pack 1000 through the mobile terminal 10, the user can recognize the situation and appropriately control the battery pack 1000 in advance.

[0094] In addition, the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may further include a warning module.

[0095] The warning module may be configured to issue warning information. For example, the warning module may be configured to include a speaker and issue a warning sound from the battery pack 1000 itself. Alternatively, the warning module may be configured to include a lamp or a display device and to light a lamp or display a warning message, etc.

[0096] In particular, the warning module may be configured to issue warning information when a change in the relative distance between the battery pack 1000 and the mobile terminal 10 is equal to or greater than a reference change amount. At this time, such warning information may be issued based on the control of the processor 130 or a signal transmitted from the processor 130. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is separated from the mobile terminal 10 by a certain distance or more, the processor 130 may transmit such information to the warning module. Then, the warning module may be configured to notify the surroundings of the fact by emitting a warning sound, etc.

[0097] According to such a configuration of the present invention, it is possible to immediately display the fact that the battery pack 1000 is moving away from the mobile terminal 10 by a certain distance or more. Therefore, the user can understand the fact and take appropriate measures. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, when the battery pack 1000 is stolen, the fact of the theft is immediately notified to those around through an alarm sound, etc., thereby further improving the theft prevention effect.

[0098] The battery pack 1000 including the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may be configured to be mountable to a vehicle. In particular, the battery pack 100 including the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may be configured to be mountable to a plurality of types of vehicle. For example, the battery pack 100 according to the present invention may be configured to be mountable to one or more of vehicle such as an electric car, an electric two-wheeler, an electric bicycle, an electric kickboard, and an electric wheel. In this case, the control of the switching module 110 of the processor 130 may differ depending on whether the vehicle is provided with a control unit capable of communicating with the communication module 120. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the relevant description of the parts to which the description of the above-mentioned embodiments is applied in the same or similar manner will be omitted or simplified, and differences will be mainly described.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of a battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention when a battery pack 1000 is mounted on a vehicle 20. As shown in FIG.

[0100] 4, the vehicle 20 to which the battery pack 1000 is attached includes a control unit 23. In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the control unit 23 of the vehicle 20 is connected to a communication unit 22 and configured to be able to communicate with a communication module 120 of the battery pack management device 100. For example, in the case of an electric car or an electric two-wheeler, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may be installed as the control unit 23, and such an ECU may include a communication unit 22 itself or may be connected to an external communication unit 22 and configured to be able to communicate. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the control unit 23 on the vehicle 20 side, such as an ECU, is configured to be able to communicate, particularly wirelessly.

[0101] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, first, as indicated by an arrow b1, the communication module 120 may receive utilization information of the battery pack 1000 from the mobile terminal 10. For example, a user may input information that the battery pack 1000 is to be mounted on an electric vehicle and used as utilization information of the battery pack 1000 to the mobile terminal 10. The input information may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the communication module 120 and then transferred to the processor 130 as indicated by an arrow b2. Then, the processor 130 may suitably set the maximum allowable current, voltage, and / or temperature of the battery pack 1000 according to the specifications of the electric vehicle through settings of a protection circuit provided in the battery pack management device 100 or the battery pack 1000 based on the utilization information.

[0102] Then, as indicated by arrow b3, when the battery pack 1000 is mounted on a vehicle 20 (such as an electric vehicle), the communication unit 22 of the vehicle 20 may communicate with the communication module 120 of the battery pack 1000 as indicated by arrow b4. For example, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit a response request signal to the control unit 23 through the communication unit 22 when the battery pack 1000 is mounted on the electric vehicle, and the control unit 23 may transmit a response signal corresponding to the response request signal to the communication module 120 through the communication unit 22.

[0103] If the control unit 23 transmits a response signal to the communication module 120 through the communication unit 22, the processor 130 may be configured to control the switching module 110 based on the signal from the control unit 23.

[0104] For example, when a response signal is received from the control unit 23, the processor 130 may transmit a turn-on signal to the switching module 110 as indicated by an arrow b5 to turn on the switching module 110. Then, as indicated by an arrow b6, driving power is supplied from the secondary battery 200 of the battery pack 1000 to the motor 21, thereby enabling the vehicle 20, such as an electric vehicle, to be driven.

[0105] Alternatively, the processor 130 may be configured to control turning on or off the switching module 110 under the control of the control unit 23 .

[0106] For example, when a driving power supply request signal is transmitted from the control unit 23 to the communication module 120 via the communication unit 22, the processor 130 may turn on the switching module 110. Alternatively, when a driving power supply interruption signal is transmitted from the control unit 23 to the communication module 120 via the communication unit 22, the processor 130 may turn off the switching module 110.

[0107] 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration and operation of the battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the battery pack 1000 is mounted on the vehicle 20. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

[0108] 5, the vehicle 20 to which the battery pack 1000 is attached includes a control unit 23, but does not include a communication unit 22 that enables the control unit 23 to communicate with the communication module 120. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the control unit 23 is not configured to be able to communicate with the communication module 120, and the vehicle 20 does not include another control unit 23 that can communicate with the communication module 120. For example, in the case of an electric kickboard or electric wheel, the vehicle 20 may not be equipped with a control unit 23 that can communicate with an external device.

[0109] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, first, as indicated by an arrow c1, the communication module 120 may receive utilization information of the battery pack 1000 from the mobile terminal 10. For example, a user may input information to the mobile terminal 10 that the battery pack 1000 is attached to an electric kickboard and used as utilization information of the battery pack 1000. The input information may then be transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the communication module 120 and then transferred to the processor 130 as indicated by an arrow c2. Then, the processor 130 may suitably set the maximum allowable current, voltage, and / or temperature of the battery pack 1000 in accordance with the specifications of the electric kickboard through settings of a protection circuit provided in the battery pack management device 100 or the battery pack 1000 based on the utilization information.

[0110] Then, as indicated by an arrow c3, the battery pack 1000 may be attached to the vehicle 20 (such as an electric kickboard). At this time, the vehicle 20 is provided with a control unit 23, but the control unit 23 is configured to be unable to communicate with the communication module 120. Therefore, the communication module 120 cannot communicate with the vehicle 20. In this case, the communication module 120 may be configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 10 again. For example, as indicated by an arrow c4 in FIG. 5, the communication module 120 may transmit and receive a signal for switching control with the mobile terminal 10. More specifically, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit a confirmation request signal for whether or not to supply driving power to the mobile terminal 10, and receive a driving power supply request signal from the mobile terminal 10 as a response signal.

[0111] If the mobile terminal 10 transmits a control signal, such as a power supply request signal, to the communication module 120, the processor 130 may be configured to control the switching module 110 based on the control signal of the mobile terminal 10.

[0112] For example, if the transportation means 20 is an electric kick scooter, the user may use the mobile terminal 10 to request operation of the electric kick scooter, as indicated by arrow c4. The communication module 120 may then receive the request signal and transmit information that the request signal has been received to the processor 130. In this case, the processor 130 may transmit a turn-on signal to the switching module 110, as indicated by arrow c5, to turn on the switching module 110. When the switching module 110 is turned on in this manner, operating power may be supplied from the battery pack 1000 to the electric kick scooter, as indicated by arrow c6.

[0113] According to this configuration of the present invention, when the vehicle 20 is not provided with a control unit 23, or when the vehicle 20 is provided with a control unit 23 but the control unit 23 is not a communicable control unit 23, the mobile terminal 10 controls the on / off of the switching module 110. Therefore, the user can easily control whether or not the battery pack 1000 supplies power by using the mobile terminal 10.

[0114] In particular, in such a configuration, the processor 130 may be configured to follow the control signal of the mobile terminal 10 in the process of turning on the switching module 110 for the first time when the vehicle 20 starts to travel. The processor 130 may also be configured to follow the control signal of the mobile terminal 10 in the process of turning off the switching module 110 for the last time when the vehicle 20 stops to travel.

[0115] 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration and operation of the battery pack management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the battery pack 1000 is not installed and used. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

[0116] 6, the battery pack 1000 may be configured to be used without being attached to the vehicle 20. In other words, the battery pack 1000 may be configured to be capable of supplying power when attached to the vehicle 20 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, or may be configured to be capable of supplying power when not attached to the vehicle 20 as shown in Fig. 6. For example, the battery pack 1000 may be configured to be attached to a vehicle to provide driving force for the vehicle and to be separated from the vehicle to supply operating power to electronic products such as a portable refrigerator (camping refrigerator).

[0117] In this manner, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source without being attached, the processor 130 may be configured to control the switching module 110 based on a signal from the mobile terminal 10, similar to the embodiment of FIG.

[0118] That is, as indicated by an arrow d1 in Fig. 6, the communication module 120 may receive utilization information of the battery pack 1000 from the mobile terminal 10. For example, the user may input information that the battery pack 1000 is not attached and used, i.e., that the battery pack is to be used as a mobile power source, to the mobile terminal 10. Furthermore, the user may input additional information regarding the specific form of the battery pack 1000 not attached and used, to the mobile terminal 10, as utilization information of the battery pack 1000. For example, the user may input information that the battery pack 1000 is to be used as a mobile power source, but is to be used as a power source for a portable refrigerator, to the mobile terminal 10.

[0119] Then, the communication module 120 may transmit the utilization information of the battery pack 1000 received from the mobile terminal 10 to the processor 130 as indicated by an arrow d2. Then, the processor 130 may set the maximum allowable current, voltage, and / or temperature of the battery pack 1000 through settings of a protection circuit provided in the battery pack management device 100 or the battery pack 1000 based on the received utilization information. For example, the processor 130 may change and set the maximum allowable current, etc. of the battery pack 1000 to specifications suitable for a portable refrigerator.

[0120] 6, when the battery pack 1000 is attached to a portable refrigerator, the communication module 120 may transmit and receive a signal for switching control to and from the mobile terminal 10, as indicated by an arrow d4. More specifically, the communication module 120 may be configured to transmit a confirmation request signal regarding whether or not a driving power supply is required to the mobile terminal 10, and receive a driving power supply request signal from the mobile terminal 10 as a response signal.

[0121] If the mobile terminal 10 transmits a control signal, such as a power supply request signal, to the communication module 120, the processor 130 may be configured to control the switching module 110 based on the control signal of the mobile terminal 10.

[0122] For example, a user may use the mobile terminal 10 to request power supply to the electronic product 30, as indicated by arrow d4. The communication module 120 may then receive the request signal and transmit information to the processor 130 that the request signal has been received. In this case, the processor 130 may transmit a turn-on signal to the switching module 110, as indicated by arrow d5, to turn on the switching module 110. When the switching module 110 is turned on in this manner, operating power is supplied from the battery pack 1000 to the electronic product 30, as indicated by arrow d6.

[0123] According to this configuration of the present invention, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source, the switching module 110 is controlled at least in part through the mobile terminal 10, thereby enabling efficient and stable operation of the battery pack 1000. In particular, according to the above embodiment, a user can control the on / off of the switching module 110 of the battery pack 1000 through the mobile terminal 10, thereby effectively preventing electric shock accidents of the user.

[0124] Meanwhile, the communication module 120 may be configured to detect the presence of a communicable control unit 23 when the battery pack 1000 is attached to the vehicle 20. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is attached to the vehicle 20, the communication module 120 detects whether a communicable control unit 23 (e.g., ECU) is provided in the vehicle 20. If the communicable control unit 23 is detected, the processor 130 may be configured to turn on or off the switching module 110 according to a signal from the control unit 23, as shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, if the communicable control unit 23 is not detected, the processor 130 may be configured to turn on or off the switching module 110 under the control of the mobile terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

[0125] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the method of controlling the switching module 110 by the processor 130 may vary depending on whether the vehicle 20 is equipped with a control unit 23 capable of communication. In particular, according to the above-described embodiment, the control of the switching module 110 by the processor 130 is more stably performed. In particular, electric vehicles and the like often include a control unit 23 capable of communication, in which case the control performance of the control unit 23 is high. Therefore, by controlling the switching module 110 under the control of such a high-performance control unit 23, the switching module 110 can be controlled more effectively.

[0126] Also, according to the above embodiment, the battery pack 1000 including the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention can be operated under appropriate control according to various usage forms, such as being attached to one or more vehicles 20 or being used as a mobile power source. Furthermore, the switching module 110 can be controlled under the control of the control unit 23 of the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10 for each usage form. In particular, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source or the control unit 23 of the vehicle 20 does not include a communication function, the switching module 110 can be controlled by the mobile terminal 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the battery pack 1000 can be used more stably and safely.

[0127] In addition, when the switching module 110 continues to be turned on, the communication module 120 may be configured to check with the mobile terminal 10 whether the switching module 110 should be maintained in the turned on state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switching module 110 was turned on. In this case, the communication module 120 may transmit a check signal to the mobile terminal 10 periodically or aperiodically.

[0128] At this time, the mobile terminal 10 may transmit a response signal to the communication module 120 regarding whether or not to maintain the turned-on state of the switching module 110, either by itself or based on a user input. Then, the communication module 120 may transmit related information to the processor 130 based on the response signal.

[0129] In particular, when the battery pack 1000 is attached to a vehicle 20 that does not have a control unit 23 capable of communicating with the communication module 120, or when the battery pack 1000 is used in an unattached state, if the power supply state continues for a certain period of time or more, the communication module 120 may transmit information to the mobile terminal 10 asking whether to maintain the turned-on state of the switching module 110. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source and the turned-on state of the switching module 110 continues for three hours or more, the communication module 120 may transmit information to the mobile terminal 10 asking whether to continue the power supply.

[0130] At this time, if the mobile terminal 10 transmits a response signal to the communication module 120 to maintain the turned-on state of the switching module 110, the communication module 120 may transmit power supply maintenance information to the processor 130. Then, the processor 130 maintains the turned-on state of the switching module 110. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 10 transmits a response signal to the communication module 120 to not maintain the turned-on state of the switching module 110 or does not transmit any response signal for a predetermined time, the communication module 120 may transmit information to that effect to the processor 130. Then, the processor 130 turns off the switching module 110.

[0131] According to this configuration of the present invention, in a situation where the battery pack 1000 may not be continuously used, it is possible to cancel an unnecessary power supply state of the battery pack 1000 by asking whether the battery pack 1000 is continuously used. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to more effectively prevent an electric shock accident caused by the battery pack 1000.

[0132] The processor 130 may also be configured to provide the usable time of the battery pack 1000 for each mode of use.

[0133] For example, the processor 130 may distinguish between the usable time of the battery pack 1000 when the battery pack 1000 is attached to the vehicle 20 (attached and used) and the usable time of the battery pack 1000 when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source (unattached and used), and transmit the corresponding information to the mobile terminal 10. For example, the processor 130 may provide the mobile terminal 10 with information that the current battery pack 1000 can be used for 3 hours when attached to the vehicle 20 and used, and can be used for 10 hours when unattached and used as a mobile power source.

[0134] Furthermore, even in an environment where the battery pack 1000 is attached to and used in a vehicle 20, the processor 130 may be configured to distinguish the usable time of the battery pack 1000 depending on the type of vehicle 20 to which the battery pack 1000 is attached and provide the information to the communication module 120. For example, the processor 130 may provide the mobile terminal 10 with information that the battery pack 1000 can be used for two hours when attached to and used in an electric car and can be used for five hours when attached to and used in an electric bike.

[0135] In this case, various available time estimation techniques of the battery pack 1000 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the present invention. For example, the available time of the battery pack 1000 may be estimated using various SOC (State of Charge) or SOH (State of Health) estimation configurations known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0136] According to this configuration of the present invention, when the battery pack 1000 is used in a specific usage form, the usable time of the battery pack 1000 is provided not only when the battery pack 1000 is used continuously in the specific usage form, but also when the battery pack 1000 is changed to another usage form. Therefore, the usage time of the battery pack 1000 is predicted in preparation for a future change in the usage form of the battery pack 1000, thereby enabling a user to effectively predict the continued use or the need for charging of the battery pack 1000. For example, when the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source and the user intends to use the battery pack 1000 to drive an electric vehicle in the future, the user can easily determine whether the current charge state of the battery pack 1000 is sufficient.

[0137] Meanwhile, the communication module 120 may be configured to communicate with the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10 in a short-distance wireless communication format such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) method or a Near Field Communication (NFC) method.

[0138] Here, the communication module 120 may be embodied as an RFID reader or an NFC reader. In this case, an RFID tag or an NFC tag may be provided in the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10. Such an RFID tag or NFC tag may be separately attached to the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10, or the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10 may be configured to perform a tag function. In particular, many recent mobile terminals 10 such as smartphones provide an NFC tag function. In addition, electronic components may be attached to recent vehicle 20 such as electric cars and electric scooters in a form that makes it easy to implement an RFID tag or an NFC tag function.

[0139] According to this configuration of the present invention, even if no separate power is supplied from the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10, communication between the communication module 120 and the vehicle 20 or between the communication module 120 and the mobile terminal 10 is possible using a power source on the battery pack management device 100 side, particularly the power source of the battery pack 1000. In particular, the communication module 120 is provided in the battery pack 1000 and can easily receive power from the secondary battery 200. Therefore, even if the vehicle 20 or the mobile terminal 10 has no power or has insufficient power, communication between the communication module 120 and the vehicle 20 and / or the mobile terminal 10 is possible using the power source of the battery pack 1000 itself.

[0140] In particular, the vehicle 20, for example an electric vehicle, may be provided with an auxiliary battery 25 for supplying power to the control unit 23 and the communication unit 22, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. However, if such an auxiliary battery 25 is discharged, the control unit 23 and the communication unit 22 may not operate normally. If the control unit 23 and the communication unit 22 do not operate normally, the drive control, such as the power supply control of the vehicle 20, may not be performed, and a problem may occur in which the vehicle 20 cannot be driven. However, according to the above embodiment, such a problem can be prevented.

[0141] 4, the vehicle 20 is provided with a control unit 23 and a communication unit 22 together with an auxiliary battery 25, and the communication unit 22 may be configured to store charging information of the auxiliary battery 25. In particular, when the auxiliary battery 25 is discharged, the communication unit 22 may be configured to store discharging information of the auxiliary battery 25. Furthermore, the communication unit 22 may be embodied in the form of a passive RFID tag or an NFC tag so that the information can be read without a separate power source.

[0142] In this state, even if the auxiliary battery 25 is discharged, the communication module 120 of the battery pack management device 100 can read information from the communication unit 22, particularly the discharge information of the auxiliary battery 25, using the power source of the secondary battery 200 provided on the battery pack 1000 side. In this case, the communication module 120 can transmit to the processor 130 that the auxiliary battery 25 is discharged. The processor 130 can then charge the auxiliary battery 25 by controlling the switching module 110 to supply power from the battery pack 1000 side to the vehicle 20 side, particularly the auxiliary battery 25. Then, the control unit 23 and the communication unit 22 can receive power from the auxiliary battery 25 and transmit and receive data to and from the processor 130, thereby controlling the driving of the vehicle 20.

[0143] According to this configuration of the present invention, even if the auxiliary battery 25 on the transportation means 20 side is discharged, communication between the communication module 120 and the communication unit 22 is possible using the power source of the battery pack 1000, thereby making it possible to supply power to the transportation means 20 using the battery pack 1000.

[0144] Also, the communication module 120 may be configured to receive usage information of the battery pack 1000 from the mobile terminal 10 by a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may be embodied to function as an RFID tag or an NFC tag, and may store information on whether the battery pack 1000 is used while attached to the vehicle 20 (attached use) or whether the battery pack 1000 is used as a mobile power source (unattached use) as usage information of the battery pack 1000. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10 may store information on the type of vehicle 20 to which the battery pack 1000 is attached as usage information of the battery pack 1000. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may provide information on which vehicle 20 the battery pack 1000 is attached to and used in, among an electric car, an electric motorcycle, an electric bicycle, an electric kickboard, and an electric wheel, to the communication module 120 as an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

[0145] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the utilization information of the battery pack 1000 can be easily transmitted to the communication module 120 simply by placing or tagging the mobile terminal 10 near the battery pack 1000 .

[0146] The battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may be provided inside a battery pack 1000. That is, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may include the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention described above. The battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may further include components that are typically included in a battery pack 1000, for example, one or more secondary batteries 200, a power supply terminal 400 (pack terminal), a power supply path 300 that is a path for supplying charge / discharge power between the secondary batteries 200 and the power supply terminal 400, a current sensor, a relay, etc. The battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may further include various control elements known at the time of filing of the present invention, for example, a battery management system (BMS), etc. In this case, the processor 130 of the battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may be embodied to operate at least partially as a battery management system.

[0147] In particular, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be configured to be detachable from the vehicle 20, for example, an automobile. That is, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be mounted on or detached from the automobile. Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be configured in the form of an exchangeable battery pack 1000 configured to be freely mounted on or detached from the same or different types of automobiles. Therefore, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be configured to be mechanically coupled to a part of the automobile to maintain an electrical coupled state as well as being electrically coupled to the automobile. However, the present invention is not limited by such a mechanical and / or electrical coupling form between the battery pack 1000 and the automobile, and various electrical and / or mechanical coupling forms known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the present invention. In addition, the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be configured to be interchangeably mounted on various devices other than automobiles, such as electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric kickboards, and electric wheels.

[0148] The battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention may be adopted in an automobile, particularly an electric automobile driven by electricity. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include the above-described battery pack management device 100 according to the present invention. Here, the battery pack management device 100 may be provided inside a battery pack 1000 mounted in the automobile, but at least a part of the configuration may be provided outside the battery pack 1000. The automobile according to the present invention may further include various other devices, for example, a control unit 23, an auxiliary battery 25, a motor 21, a connection terminal, a DC-DC converter 24, etc., in addition to the battery pack management device 100. The automobile according to the present invention may further adopt various components of an automobile known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0149] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10. Mobile devices 20: Means of transportation 21: Motor 22: Communication unit 23: Control unit 24: DC-DC converter 25: Auxiliary battery 30:Electronic products 100: Battery pack management device 110: Switching module 120: Communication module 130: Processor 140: Recording module 200: Secondary battery 300: Power supply path 400: Power supply terminal 1000: Battery pack

Claims

1. A device for managing a battery pack that has one or more secondary batteries and supplies power to the outside through a power supply path, a switching module provided in the power supply path and capable of selectively turning on or off the power supply path; a communication module capable of communicating with a mobile terminal and receiving utilization information of the battery pack from the mobile terminal, the utilization information being for each target for which the battery pack is utilized; a processor that changes at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature preset for the battery pack based on the utilization information received by the communication module, and controls the switching module according to the changed setting value; The processor sets at least one set value of voltage, current, and temperature to a different value when the battery pack is used while attached to a specific external device and when the battery pack is used without being attached to the specific external device.

2. A device for managing a battery pack that has one or more secondary batteries and supplies power to the outside through a power supply path, a switching module provided in the power supply path and capable of selectively turning on or off the power supply path; a communication module capable of communicating with a mobile terminal and receiving utilization information of the battery pack from the mobile terminal; a processor that changes at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature preset for the battery pack based on the utilization information received by the communication module, and controls the switching module according to the changed setting value; The communication module senses a change in the relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal.

3. The battery pack management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication module receives information on whether the battery pack is attached or used as the utilization information of the battery pack.

4. The battery pack management device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication module receives information about a type of a vehicle to which the battery pack is attached as utilization information of the battery pack.

5. 5. The battery pack management device according to claim 1, wherein when the utilization information of the battery pack received by the communication module indicates that the battery pack is not installed and in use, the processor sets at least one of the set values ​​of the voltage, the current, and the temperature to a lower value than when the battery pack is installed and in use.

6. The battery pack management device of claim 1 , wherein the processor changes a maximum allowable value for at least one of the voltage, the current, and the temperature based on the utilization information.

7. The battery pack management device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor changes the setting value with the switching module turned off, and turns on the switching module after the setting value is changed.

8. The battery pack management device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor turns off the switching module when a change in a relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference change amount.

9. 9. The battery pack management device according to claim 1, wherein the communication module transmits warning information to the mobile terminal when a change in the relative distance between the battery pack and the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference change amount.

10. When the battery pack is configured to be mountable to a vehicle, and the vehicle is equipped with a control unit capable of communicating with the communication module, The battery pack management device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor controls the switching module based on a signal from the control unit.

11. The battery pack management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the processor controls the switching module based on a signal from the mobile terminal when the vehicle to which the battery pack is attached is not equipped with a control unit capable of communicating with the communication module, or when the battery pack is used without being attached to a vehicle.

12. A battery pack comprising the battery pack management device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack management device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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