Battery charging system and battery charging method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery charging system and a battery charging method. The battery charging system includes a charger that supplies power, a bypass device that rotates about a central axis and provides a power path for connecting at least one of a first battery and a second battery to both ends of the charger in a battery charging system connected to both ends of each of a plurality of batteries, and a processor that monitors the voltage across each of the first battery and the second battery and controls the rotation direction and rotation angle of the bypass device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-Citation of Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051447 dated April 19, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery charging system and a battery charging method. [Background technology]

[0003] For battery chargers, rated current is an important factor, so when providing large power for fast charging, it is more efficient to increase voltage rather than current. Therefore, when charging multiple batteries, it is more efficient to charge them in series rather than in parallel.

[0004] However, when multiple batteries are connected in series and charged, the charging speed of each battery is different, so there is a need for a method to bypass the battery that is fully charged first among the multiple batteries and continue charging the remaining batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To provide a battery charging system and a battery charging method that, when charging a plurality of batteries in series, can bypass the electrical connection of a fully charged battery to a charger first and continue charging the remaining batteries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a battery charging system is connected to both ends of each of a plurality of batteries, and includes a charger that supplies power, a bypass device that rotates about a central axis to provide a power path connecting at least one of a first battery and a second battery to both ends of the charger, and a processor that monitors the voltages across each of the first battery and the second battery to control the direction and angle of rotation of the bypass device.

[0007] The bypass device may include a first plate including a plurality of bypass nodes electrically connected to the positive terminal of the charger, the negative terminal of the charger, the negative terminal of the first battery, and the positive terminal of the second battery, respectively, and a second plate including a node connection module that rotates according to a control signal from the processor to electrically connect two nodes indicated by the control signal among the plurality of bypass nodes.

[0008] The positive terminal of the charger may be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery, and the negative terminal of the charger may be connected to the negative terminal of the second battery.

[0009] When the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery, the charger can supply power to the first battery and the second battery.

[0010] When the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery with a node connected to the negative terminal of the charger, the charger can supply power to the first battery.

[0011] When the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery with a node connected to the positive terminal of the charger, the charger can supply power to the second battery.

[0012] The processor can compare the voltages across each of the first battery and the second battery with a predetermined reference voltage, and control the bypass device so that the first battery or the second battery whose voltage is equal to or greater than the reference voltage is electrically isolated from the positive and negative terminals of the charger.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a battery charging method includes receiving a plurality of voltage measurement signals from both ends of a first battery and a second battery, respectively; deriving voltages across the first battery and the second battery based on the voltage measurement signals; comparing the voltages across the first battery and the second battery with a predetermined reference voltage to generate a control signal; a bypass device that receives the control signal rotates about a central axis to provide a power path connecting at least one of the first battery and the second battery to both ends of a charger; and supplying power to the at least one battery through the charger.

[0014] If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery, the step of supplying power may include supplying power to the first battery and the second battery.

[0015] If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the negative terminal of the charger, the step of supplying power may include supplying power to the first battery.

[0016] If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the charger, the supplying of power may include supplying power to the second battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when charging multiple batteries in series, the battery that is to be fully charged first is electrically isolated from the charger, and the remaining batteries are charged, thereby enabling efficient battery charging.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in electrically isolating a fully charged battery from a charger and electrically connecting the remaining batteries to the charger, the same operation can be performed using a rotating body structure instead of providing multiple switch structures.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, unlike the case where multiple control signals are required when multiple switch structures are provided for two battery packs, it is possible to simply control the bypass structure with one control signal corresponding to one rotating body structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a battery charging system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram showing the detailed configuration of the bypass device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting two batteries in series to a charger according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a circuit diagram showing a power path in which the bypass device shown in FIG. 3 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to connect one of two batteries to a charger according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a circuit diagram showing a power path in which the bypass device shown in FIG. 3 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise to connect one of two batteries to a charger according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a comparison circuit including a plurality of mechanical relays. [Figure 7]1 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting two batteries in series to a charger in a battery charging system in which a plurality of bypass devices are connected according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 8 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting three of four batteries to a charger according to one embodiment, with one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 7 rotated 90 degrees clockwise. [Figure 9] 9 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting two of the four batteries to a charger according to one embodiment, with one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 8 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. [Figure 10] 10 is a circuit diagram showing a power path in which one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 9 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to connect one of four batteries to a charger according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of a battery charging method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be designated by the same or similar drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "section" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have any distinct meanings or functions. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such a detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical concept disclosed herein, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0022] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0023] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of any feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a component that controls another component under a specific control condition may be installed with a program implemented by a set of commands that embody a control algorithm required to control the other component. The control component may process input data and stored data according to the installed program to generate output data. The control component may include a non-volatile memory that stores the program and a memory that stores data.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a battery charging system according to one embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery charging system 1 may include a processor 100 , a charger 120 , and a bypass device 200 .

[0027] The battery charging system 1 may include a plurality of terminals P1-P4, which may be connected to both ends of each of the plurality of batteries 3001, 3002. Terminal P1 is connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3001, terminal P2 is connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3001, terminal P3 is connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3002, and terminal P4 is connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3002.

[0028] In the drawings, the number of batteries 3001, 3002 is shown as two, and the number of terminals P1-P4 is shown as four, but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. The battery charging system 1 may include three or more terminals to be connected to both ends of two or more batteries.

[0029] The charger 120 is connected to a power source and can use the power source to charge the capacitor 121 with energy.

[0030] During a charging cycle in which two batteries 3001 and 3002 are charged, the bypass device 200 can electrically connect a battery whose end voltage is less than a predetermined reference voltage to the charger 120, and electrically isolate a battery whose end voltage is equal to or greater than the reference voltage from the charger 120.

[0031] The processor 100 can monitor the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 and control the direction and angle of rotation of the bypass device 200 so that each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 is electrically connected to or disconnected from the charger 120. For example, depending on whether each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference voltage, the processor 100 can determine one of a power path that connects the two batteries 3001 and 3002 in series, a power path that electrically connects the negative terminal (−) of the battery 3001 to the negative terminal (−) of the capacitor 121, and a power path that electrically connects the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 to the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121. The processor 100 can generate a control signal CS that controls the direction and angle of rotation of the bypass device 200 corresponding to the determined power path.

[0032] The processor 100 can receive signals VP1, VN1, VP2, and VN2 indicating voltages from both ends of the two batteries 3001 and 3002, respectively. The processor 100 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP1 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001. The processor 100 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN1 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001. The processor 100 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP2 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002. The processor 100 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN2 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002.

[0033] The processor 100 can derive the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 based on the multiple voltage measurement signals VP1, VN1, VP2, and VN2. For example, the processor 100 can derive the voltage across the battery 3001 based on the two voltage measurement signals VP1 and VN1.

[0034] The processor 100 can generate a control signal CS based on the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002. The processor 100 can check the state of charge by monitoring the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002. By comparing the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 with a predetermined reference voltage, if the voltages across each of the two batteries 3001 and 3002 are equal to or greater than the predetermined reference voltage, the processor 100 can determine that the battery corresponding to the voltage that exceeds the predetermined reference voltage is fully charged.

[0035] When two batteries 3001, 3002 are charged in series, the charging speeds of the batteries may differ. The processor 100 can generate a control signal CS to instruct the bypass device 200 to rotate so that the battery (e.g., 3001) determined to be fully charged first among the two batteries 3001, 3002 does not receive power supply from the charger 120, and transmits the generated control signal to the bypass device 200. The processor 100 can control the bypass device 200 via the control signal CS to electrically isolate the battery corresponding to the voltage across both ends of the two batteries 3001, 3002 that is equal to or higher than a reference voltage from the positive terminal (+) and negative terminal (-) of the charger 120. The control signal CS may include a signal indicating the direction and angle of rotation of the bypass device 200 to form one of a power path connecting two batteries 3001, 3002 in series, a power path connecting the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 and the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121, and a power path connecting the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 and the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121.

[0036] The charger 120 can supply power to at least one of the two batteries 3001, 3002. The positive terminal (+) and negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 can be connected to corresponding terminals (e.g., P1 and P4) of the plurality of terminals P1-P4.

[0037] The bypass device 200 can rotate about a central axis 210 at an angle indicated by the control signal CS to provide a power path connecting at least one battery determined by the processor 100 to be charged by the charger 120 to the charger 120. The bypass device 200 can connect the positive terminal (+) and / or negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 to corresponding terminals among the plurality of terminals P1-P4. In addition, if the number of at least one battery determined by the processor 100 to be charged is two or more, the bypass device 200 can connect two or more batteries in series.

[0038] The battery charging system 1 may include a plurality of wires LN1-LN4 indicating a plurality of power paths. The bypass device 200 may include a plurality of terminals P200_1-P200_4 coupled to the plurality of wires LN1-LN4. The wire LN1 may be arranged along the power path between the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 and the terminal P200_4. The wire LN2 may be arranged along the power path between the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 and the terminal P200_1. The wire LN3 may be arranged along the power path between the terminal P2 and the terminal P200_2. The wire LN4 may be arranged along the power path between the terminal P3 and the terminal P200_3.

[0039] 1, the number of each of the plurality of wires LN1-LN4 and the plurality of terminals P200_1-P200_4 is four, but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited thereto. The bypass device 200 can be connected to four or more wires if the battery charging system 1 includes four or more terminals.

[0040] The bypass device 200 can provide a power path connecting two adjacent terminals (eg, P200_2 and P200_3) of the plurality of terminals P200_1-P200_4 through rotation.

[0041] In a first embodiment, the bypass device 200 may provide a power path connecting two adjacent terminals P200_2 and P200_3. In a second embodiment, the bypass device 200 may provide a power path connecting two adjacent terminals P200_3 and P200_4 by rotating 90 degrees clockwise relative to the first embodiment. In a third embodiment, the bypass device 200 may provide a power path connecting two adjacent terminals P200_1 and P200_2 by rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the first embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the bypass device 200 may provide a power path connecting two adjacent terminals P200_4 and P200_1 by rotating 90 degrees clockwise relative to the second embodiment.

[0042] In a first embodiment, the bypass device 200 can connect two batteries 3001 and 3002 in series to the charger 120. Here, the charger 120 can supply power to the two batteries 3001 and 3002. In a second embodiment, the bypass device 200 can connect the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 to the positive terminal of the battery 3002. Here, the charger 120 can supply power to the battery 3002. In a third embodiment, the bypass device 200 can connect the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 to the negative terminal of the battery 3001. Here, the charger 120 can supply power to the battery 3001. In a fourth embodiment, the bypass device 200 can connect the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121. Here, the charger 120 does not supply power to the two batteries 3001 and 3002.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram showing the detailed configuration of the bypass device of FIG.

[0044] 2, the bypass device 200 may include a central shaft 210, an upper plate 220, and a lower plate 230. Although the names upper plate 220 and lower plate 230 are used in the specification for the convenience of explanation, this is for the convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. In the bypass device 200, the upper plate 220 may be disposed below the lower plate 230.

[0045] The upper plate 220 may include a central portion 221 and a node connection module 223. The node connection module 223 may include a connection portion 2231, a first contact portion 2232a, and a second contact portion 2232b. The first contact portion 2232a and the second contact portion 2232b may be connected to each other through the connection portion 2231. The connection portion 2231 may be implemented using a bus bar or the like. The separation distance between the first contact portion 2232a and the second contact portion 2232b may be a predetermined distance d1.

[0046] The lower plate 230 can include a central portion 231 and a plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324.

[0047] The lower plate 230 includes a plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324 electrically connected to the positive terminal (+) and negative terminal (-) of the charger 120, the negative terminal of the battery 3001, and the positive terminal of the battery 3002, respectively, and the upper plate 220 can be rotated by a control signal CS through the node connection module 223 to electrically connect or disconnect two adjacent nodes among the plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324.

[0048] Any two adjacent nodes among the plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324 may be arranged to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 with respect to the center 231. The separation distance between the bypass node 2321 and the bypass node 2322, the separation distance between the bypass node 2322 and the bypass node 2323, the separation distance between the bypass node 2323 and the bypass node 2324, and the separation distance between the bypass node 2324 and the bypass node 2321 may each be the predetermined distance d2.

[0049] A bypass node 2322 can be formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the bypass node 2321 with the center 231 as the reference. A bypass node 2323 can be formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the bypass node 2322 with the center 231 as the reference. A bypass node 2324 can be formed at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the bypass node 2323 with the center 231 as the reference.

[0050] The predetermined distance d2 may be a distance that falls within a predetermined range based on the predetermined distance d1.

[0051] The distance between the center 221 and the first contact portion 2232a, the distance between the center 221 and the second contact portion 2232b, the distance between the center 231 and the bypass node 2321, the distance between the center 231 and the bypass node 2322, the distance between the center 231 and the bypass node 2323, and the distance between the center 231 and the bypass node 2324 may be within a predetermined range based on a predetermined length.

[0052] The multiple bypass nodes 2321-2324 shown in Fig. 2 may be examples of the multiple terminals P200_1-P200_4 shown in Fig. 1. The bypass node 2321 may be an example of the terminal P200_1, the bypass node 2322 may be an example of the terminal P200_2, the bypass node 2323 may be an example of the terminal P200_3, and the bypass node 2324 may be an example of the terminal P200_4.

[0053] The bypass node 2321 may be connected to a line LN2 having one end connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 shown in Fig. 1. The bypass node 2322 may be connected to a line LN3 having one end connected to the terminal P2 shown in Fig. 1. The bypass node 2322 may be connected to a line LN4 having one end connected to the terminal P3 shown in Fig. 1. The bypass node 2324 may be connected to a line LN1 having one end connected to the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 shown in Fig. 1.

[0054] The node coupling module 223 and each of the plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324 can electrically couple the coupled power paths.

[0055] The center portion 231 may be a region corresponding to the center portion 221. The lower plate 230 is connected to the plurality of wires LN1-LN4 and does not rotate, while the upper plate 220 can rotate about the central axis 210. If the upper plate 220 rotates about the central axis 210, the node connection module 223 can electrically connect two adjacent bypass nodes (e.g., 2322 and 2323) among the plurality of bypass nodes 2321-2324 via a bus bar or the like.

[0056] The bypass device 200 may include a rotation driver 211 that rotates the upper plate 220 about the central axis 210 in response to a control signal CS.

[0057] For example, if the upper plate 220 rotates and stops at an angle where the lower part of the first contact portion 2232a abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2322 and the lower part of the second contact portion 2232b abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2323, the bypass device 200 can provide a bypass power path from the wiring LN3 through the bypass node 2322, the first contact portion 2232a, the connecting portion 2231, the second contact portion 2232b, and the bypass node 2323 to the wiring LN4.

[0058] When the upper plate 220 rotates and stops at an angle where the lower part of the first contact portion 2232a abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2323 and the lower part of the second contact portion 2232b abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2324, the bypass device 200 can provide a bypass power path from the wiring LN1 through the bypass node 2324, the second contact portion 2232b, the connecting portion 2231, the first contact portion 2232a, and the bypass node 2323 to the wiring LN4.

[0059] When the upper plate 220 rotates and stops at an angle where the lower part of the first contact portion 2232a abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2321 and the lower part of the second contact portion 2232b abuts against the upper part of the bypass node 2322, the bypass device 200 can provide a bypass power path from the wiring LN2 through the bypass node 2321, the first contact portion 2232a, the connecting portion 2231, the second contact portion 2232b, and the bypass node 2322 to the wiring LN3.

[0060] In the specification, for convenience of explanation, the rotation of the upper plate 220 in response to the control signal CS will be described as the rotation of the bypass device 200.

[0061] Hereinafter, the power path caused by the rotation of the bypass device 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting two batteries in series to a charger according to an embodiment.

[0063] The battery charging system 1_1 shown in Fig. 3 may be an example of the battery charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, the battery charging system 1_1 may include a processor 100, a charger 120, and a bypass device 200_1. In the following description of the processor 100, the charger 120, the bypass device 200_1, and the two batteries 3001 and 3002, descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous description will be omitted.

[0064] The bypass device 200_1 includes a node connection module 223, and the node connection module 223 may include a first contact portion 2232a, a connection portion 2231, and a second contact portion 2232b.

[0065] The bypass device 200_1 can rotate to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a can come into contact with the terminal P200_2 and the second contact portion 2232b can come into contact with the terminal P200_3.

[0066] In the battery charging system 1_1, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 through a power path passing through terminal P2, wiring LN3, the node connection module 223, wiring LN4, and terminal P3. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 through a power path passing through terminal P4.

[0067] In the battery charging system 1_1, the charger 120 can supply power to two batteries 3001 and 3002 through the bypass device 200_1.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the power path of the bypass device shown in FIG. 3 rotated 90 degrees clockwise to connect one of two batteries to a charger according to one embodiment.

[0069] The battery charging system 1_2 shown in Fig. 4 may be an example of the battery charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1. The battery charging system 1_2 shown in Fig. 4 may show a state in which the bypass device 200 shown in the battery charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or 270 degrees counterclockwise.

[0070] 4, the battery charging system 1_2 may include a processor 100, a charger 120, and a bypass device 200_2. In the following, among the descriptions of the processor 100, the charger 120, the bypass device 200_2, and the two batteries 3001 and 3002, descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous descriptions will be omitted.

[0071] The bypass device 200_2 includes a node connection module 223, and the node connection module 223 may include a first contact portion 2232a, a connection portion 2231, and a second contact portion 2232b.

[0072] The bypass device 200_2 can be rotated to an angle where the first contact portion 2232a can abut against the terminal P200_3 and the second contact portion 2232b can abut against the terminal P200_4. The processor 100 can rotate the bypass device 200_1 shown in Fig. 3 by 90 degrees clockwise via the control signal CS to realize the bypass device 200_2 shown in Fig. 4.

[0073] In the battery charging system 1_2, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 through a power path passing through the wiring LN1, the node connection module 223, the wiring LN4, and the terminal P3. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 through a power path passing through the terminal P4.

[0074] In the battery charging system 1_2, the charger 120 can supply power to the battery 3002 through the bypass device 200_2.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a power path in which the bypass device shown in FIG. 3 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise to connect one of two batteries to a charger according to one embodiment.

[0076] The battery charging system 1_3 shown in Fig. 5 may be an example of the battery charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1. The battery charging system 1_3 shown in Fig. 5 may show a state in which the bypass device 200 shown in the battery charging system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is rotated 270 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0077] 5, the battery charging system 1_3 may include a processor 100, a charger 120, and a bypass device 200_3. In the following, among the descriptions of the processor 100, the charger 120, the bypass device 200_3, and the two batteries 3001 and 3002, descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous descriptions will be omitted.

[0078] The bypass device 200_3 includes a node connection module 223, and the node connection module 223 may include a first contact portion 2232a, a connection portion 2231, and a second contact portion 2232b.

[0079] The bypass device 200_3 can be rotated to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a can abut against the terminal P200_3 and the second contact portion 2232b can abut against the terminal P200_4. The processor 100 can rotate the bypass device 200_1 shown in FIG. 3 by 90 degrees counterclockwise through the control signal CS to realize the bypass device 200_3 shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the processor 100 can rotate the bypass device 200_2 shown in FIG. 4 by 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise through the control signal CS to realize the bypass device 200_3 shown in FIG. 5.

[0080] In the battery charging system 1_3, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 121 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through the terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 121 through a power path passing through the terminal P2, the wiring LN3, the node connection module 223, and the wiring LN2.

[0081] In the battery charging system 1_3, the charger 120 can supply power to the battery 3001 through the bypass device 200_3.

[0082] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a comparison circuit including a plurality of mechanical relays.

[0083] 6 is an example of a battery charging system that does not include a bypass device. The comparison circuit 4 can include a processor 400, a charger 420, and three mechanical relays 441-443.

[0084] The comparison circuit 4 may include a plurality of terminals C_P1-C_P4, which may be connected to both ends of the two batteries 5001 and 5002. The terminal C_P1 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 5001, the terminal C_P2 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the battery 5001, the terminal C_P3 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 5002, and the terminal C_P4 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the battery 5002.

[0085] Charger 420 is connected to a power source and can use the power source to charge energy into capacitor 421. One end of relay 441 is connected to the positive terminal (+) of capacitor C0, and the other end of relay 441 is connected to terminal C_P3. One end of relay 442 is connected to the negative terminal (-) of capacitor C0, and the other end of relay 442 is connected to terminal C_P2. One end of relay 443 is connected to terminal C_P2, and the other end of relay 443 is connected to terminal C_P3.

[0086] The processor 400 can monitor the voltage across each of the two batteries 5001, 5002 and determine at least one of the two batteries 5001, 5002 that is being charged by receiving power from the charger 420.

[0087] The processor 400 can receive signals C_VP1, C_VN1, C_VP2, and C_VN2 indicating voltages from both ends of the two batteries 3001 and 3002, respectively. The processor 400 can receive a voltage measurement signal C_VP1 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 5001. The processor 400 can receive a voltage measurement signal C_VN1 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 5001. The processor 400 can receive a voltage measurement signal C_VP2 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 5002. The processor 400 can receive a voltage measurement signal C_VN2 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 5002.

[0088] The processor 400 can derive the voltages across each of the two batteries 5001 and 5002 based on the multiple voltage measurement signals C_VP1, C_VN1, C_VP2, and C_VN2. For example, the processor 400 can derive the voltage across the battery 5001 based on the two voltage measurement signals C_VP1 and C_VN1.

[0089] The processor 400 can connect two batteries 5001 and 5002 in series across the charger 420 by turning off the two relays 441 and 442 and turning on the relay 443 through two relay control signals RCS1 and RCS2 at an off level and a relay control signal RCS3 at an on level.

[0090] Alternatively, the processor 400 can turn off the two relays 441 and 443 and turn on the relay 442 via two relay control signals RCS1 and RCS3 at an off level and a relay control signal RCS2 at an on level, thereby connecting the battery 5001 to both ends of the charger 420.

[0091] Alternatively, the processor 400 can turn off the two relays 442 and 443 and turn on the relay 441 through two relay control signals RCS2 and RCS3 at an off level and a relay control signal RCS1 at an on level, thereby connecting the battery 5002 to both ends of the charger 420.

[0092] In one embodiment, unlike the comparison circuit 4 which realizes the bypass function through multiple mechanical relays 441-443, the battery charging system 1 can simply realize the bypass connection through a single bypass device 200.

[0093] Hereinafter, a circuit according to an embodiment in which a plurality of bypass devices 200 shown in FIG. 1 are connected will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a power path connecting two batteries in series to a charger in a battery charging system in which a plurality of bypass devices are connected according to an embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery charging system 1_4 may include a processor 101, a charger 620, and a plurality of bypass devices 2001_1, 2001_2.

[0096] Each of the plurality of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_2 shown in FIG. 7 can be realized with the same structure as the bypass device 200 shown in FIG.

[0097] The battery charging system 1_4 may include a plurality of terminals P1-P8. The plurality of terminals P1-P8 may be connected to both ends of each of the plurality of batteries 3001-3004. Terminal P1 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3001, and terminal P2 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3001. Terminal P3 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3002, and terminal P4 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3002. Terminal P5 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3003, and terminal P6 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3003. Terminal P7 may be connected to the positive terminal (+) of battery 3004, and terminal P8 may be connected to the negative terminal (-) of battery 3004.

[0098] The charger 620 is connected to a power source and can use the power source to charge the capacitor 621 with energy.

[0099] In the following description of the processor 101, the charger 620, the plurality of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_2, and the plurality of batteries 3001-3004, the description of parts that overlap with the previous description will be omitted.

[0100] The processor 101 can monitor the voltage across each of the plurality of batteries 3001-3004 and determine at least one battery among the plurality of batteries 3001-3004 that is to be charged by receiving power from the charger 620.

[0101] The processor 101 can receive signals VP1-VP4, VN1-VN4 indicating the voltage across each of the plurality of batteries 3001-3004.

[0102] The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP1 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN1 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP2 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN2 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002.

[0103] The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP3 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3003. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN3 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3003. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VP4 indicating the positive terminal voltage from the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3004. The processor 101 can receive a voltage measurement signal VN4 indicating the negative terminal voltage from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 3004.

[0104] The processor 101 can derive the voltages across each of the batteries 3001-3004 based on the voltage measurement signals VP1-VP4, VN1-VN4. For example, the processor 101 can derive the voltage across the battery 3001 based on the two voltage measurement signals VP1 and VN1.

[0105] The processor 101 can generate two control signals CS1 and CS2 based on the voltages across each of the batteries 3001-3004. The processor 101 can monitor the voltages across each of the batteries 3001-3004 to determine the state of charge. By comparing the voltages across each of the batteries 3001-3004 with a predetermined reference voltage and determining that the battery with the voltage exceeding the predetermined reference voltage is fully charged, the processor 101 can determine that the battery with the voltage exceeding the predetermined reference voltage is fully charged.

[0106] When multiple batteries 3001-3004 are charged in series, the charging speeds of the batteries may differ. The processor 101 can generate a control signal CS1 that instructs the bypass device 2001_1 to rotate so that the battery (e.g., 3001) determined to be fully charged first among the multiple batteries 3001-3004 is not supplied with power from the charger 620.

[0107] The charger 620 can supply power to at least one of the plurality of batteries 3001-3004.

[0108] The bypass device 2001_1 includes a node-connecting module 2230_1, and the node-connecting module 2230_1 may include a first contact portion 2232a_1, a connecting portion 2231_1, and a second contact portion 2232b_1.

[0109] The bypass device 2001_2 includes a node-connecting module 2230_2, which may include a first contact portion 2232a_2, a connecting portion 2231_2, and a second contact portion 2232b_2.

[0110] The battery charging system 1_4 may include a plurality of wirings LN1-LN8 indicating a plurality of power paths. The bypass device 2001_1 may include a plurality of terminals P201_1-P201_4, and the bypass device 2001_2 may include a plurality of terminals P202_1-P202_4.

[0111] The line LN1 may be arranged along the power path between the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 621 and the terminal P201_4. The line LN2 may be arranged along the power path between the terminal P201_1 and the first node N1. The first node N1 may be a node connected to the terminal P4 and the terminal P5. The line LN3 may be arranged along the power path between the terminal P2 and the terminal P201_2. The line LN4 may be arranged along the power path between the terminal P3 and the terminal P201_3.

[0112] The wiring LN5 can be arranged along the power path between the first node N1 and the terminal P202_4. The wiring LN6 can be arranged along the power path between the terminal P202_1 and the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 621. The wiring LN7 can be arranged along the power path between the terminal P6 and the terminal P202_2. The wiring LN8 can be arranged along the power path between the terminal P7 and the terminal P202_3.

[0113] 7, the number of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_2 is shown as two for the sake of convenience of explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this. Two or more bypass devices may be included corresponding to four or more batteries constituting the battery charging system 1.

[0114] The bypass device 2001_1 can rotate to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_1 can abut against the terminal P201_2 and the second contact portion 2232b_1 can abut against the terminal P201_3. The processor 101 can realize the bypass device 2001_1 shown in FIG. 7 through the control signal CS1.

[0115] The bypass device 2001_2 can rotate to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_2 can abut against the terminal P202_2 and the second contact portion 2232b_2 can abut against the terminal P202_3. The processor 101 can realize the bypass device 2001_2 shown in FIG. 7 through the control signal CS2.

[0116] In the battery charging system 1_4, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 621 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 through a power path passing through terminal P2, line LN3, bypass device 2001_1, line LN4, and terminal P3. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3003 through a power path passing through terminal P4, the first node N1, and terminal P5. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3003 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3004 through a power path passing through terminal P6, line LN7, bypass device 2001_2, line LN8, and terminal P7. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3004 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 621 through a power path passing through terminal P8.

[0117] In the battery charging system 1_4, the charger 620 can supply power to four batteries 3001-3004 through two bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_2.

[0118] When the processor 101 determines that the battery 3003 among the plurality of batteries 3001-3004 is fully charged first, it can rotate the bypass device 2001_2 through the control signal CS2.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the power paths connecting three of the four batteries to a charger according to one embodiment, with one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 7 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[0120] 8, a battery charging system 1_5 may include a processor 101, a charger 620, and a plurality of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_3. The bypass device 2001_3 may be the bypass device 2001_2 shown in FIG. 7 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[0121] Each of the plurality of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_3 shown in FIG. 8 can be realized with the same structure as the bypass device 200 shown in FIG.

[0122] The battery charging system 1_5 shown in FIG. 8 can show a state in which the bypass device 2001_2, one of the multiple bypass devices 2001_1, 2001_2 shown in the battery charging system 1_4 shown in FIG. 7, is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or 270 degrees counterclockwise.

[0123] In the following description of the processor 101, the charger 620, the plurality of bypass devices 2001_1 and 2001_3, and the plurality of batteries 3001-3004, the description of the portions that overlap with the previous description will be omitted.

[0124] The bypass device 2001_3 includes a node-connecting module 2230_2, which may include a first contact portion 2232a_2, a connecting portion 2231_2, and a second contact portion 2232b_2.

[0125] The bypass device 2001_1 can rotate to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_1 can abut against the terminal P201_2 and the second contact portion 2232b_1 can abut against the terminal P201_3. The processor 101 can realize the bypass device 2001_1 shown in FIG. 8 through the control signal CS1. The rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_1 shown in FIG. 8 may be the same as the rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_1 shown in FIG. 7.

[0126] The bypass device 2001_3 can be rotated to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_2 can abut against the terminal P202_3 and the second contact portion 2232b_2 can abut against the terminal P202_4. The processor 101 can rotate the bypass device 2001_2 shown in Fig. 7 by 90 degrees clockwise via the control signal CS2 to realize the bypass device 2001_3 shown in Fig. 8.

[0127] In the battery charging system 1_5, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 621 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3002 through a power path passing through terminal P2, line LN3, bypass device 2001_1, line LN4, and terminal P3. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3002 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3004 through a power path passing through terminal P4, the first node N1, line LN5, bypass device 2001_3, line LN8, and terminal P7. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3004 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 621 through a power path passing through terminal P8.

[0128] In the battery charging system 1_5, the charger 620 can supply power to three batteries 3001, 3002, 3004 through two bypass devices 2001_1, 2001_3.

[0129] When the processor 101 determines that the battery 3002 among the three batteries 3001, 3002, and 3004 is fully charged first, it can rotate the bypass device 2001_1 through the control signal CS1.

[0130] FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the power paths connecting two of the four batteries to a charger according to one embodiment, with one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 8 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0131] 9, the battery charging system 1_6 may include a processor 101, a charger 620, and a plurality of bypass devices 2001_3 and 2001_4. The bypass device 2001_4 may be the bypass device 2001_1 shown in FIG. 8 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0132] Each of the plurality of bypass devices 2001_3 and 2001_4 shown in FIG. 9 can be realized with the same structure as the bypass device 200 shown in FIG.

[0133] The battery charging system 1_6 shown in FIG. 9 can show a state in which the bypass device 2001_1 of the multiple bypass devices 2001_1, 2001_3 shown in the battery charging system 1_5 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated 270 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0134] In the following description of the processor 101, the charger 620, the plurality of bypass devices 2001_3 and 2001_4, and the plurality of batteries 3001-3004, the description of the portions that overlap with the previous description will be omitted.

[0135] The bypass device 2001_4 includes a node-connecting module 2230_1, which may include a first contact portion 2232a_1, a connecting portion 2231_1, and a second contact portion 2232b_1.

[0136] The bypass device 2001_4 can be rotated to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_1 can abut against the terminal P201_1 and the second contact portion 2232b_1 can abut against the terminal P201_2. The processor 101 can rotate the bypass device 2001_1 shown in Fig. 8 by 90 degrees counterclockwise via the control signal CS1 to realize the bypass device 2001_4 shown in Fig. 9.

[0137] The bypass device 2001_3 can rotate to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_2 can abut against the terminal P202_3 and the second contact portion 2232b_2 can abut against the terminal P202_4. The processor 101 can realize the bypass device 2001_3 shown in FIG. 9 through the control signal CS2. The rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_3 shown in FIG. 9 may be the same as the rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_3 shown in FIG. 8.

[0138] In the battery charging system 1_6, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 621 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3004 through a power path passing through terminal P2, wiring LN3, bypass device 2001_4, wiring LN2, first node N1, wiring LN5, bypass device 2001_3, wiring LN8, and terminal P7. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3004 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 621 through a power path passing through terminal P8.

[0139] In the battery charging system 1_6, the charger 620 can supply power to two batteries 3001, 3004 through two bypass devices 2001_3, 2001_4.

[0140] When the processor 101 determines that the battery 3004 of the two batteries 3001, 3004 is fully charged first, it can rotate the bypass device 2001_3 through the control signal CS2.

[0141] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a power path in which one of the two bypass devices shown in FIG. 9 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to connect one of the four batteries to a charger according to one embodiment.

[0142] 10, the battery charging system 1_7 may include a processor 101, a charger 620, and a plurality of bypass devices 2001_4 and 2001_5. The bypass device 2001_5 may be the bypass device 2001_3 shown in FIG. 9 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[0143] Each of the plurality of bypass devices 2001_4 and 2001_5 shown in FIG. 10 can be realized with the same structure as the bypass device 200 shown in FIG.

[0144] The battery charging system 1_7 shown in Figure 10 can show a state in which the bypass device 2001_3, of the multiple bypass devices 2001_3 and 2001_4 shown in the battery charging system 1_9 shown in Figure 9, is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or 270 degrees counterclockwise.

[0145] In the following description of the processor 101, the charger 620, the plurality of bypass devices 2001_4 and 2001_5, and the plurality of batteries 3001-3004, the description of the portions that overlap with the previous description will be omitted.

[0146] The bypass device 2001_5 includes a node-connecting module 2230_2, which may include a first contact portion 2232a_2, a connecting portion 2231_2, and a second contact portion 2232b_2.

[0147] The bypass device 2001_4 can be rotated to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_1 can abut against the terminal P201_1 and the second contact portion 2232b_1 can abut against the terminal P201_2. The processor 101 can realize the bypass device 2001_4 shown in FIG. 10 through the control signal CS1. The rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_4 shown in FIG. 10 may be the same as the rotation angle of the bypass device 2001_4 shown in FIG. 9.

[0148] The bypass device 2001_5 can be rotated to an angle at which the first contact portion 2232a_2 can abut against the terminal P202_4 and the second contact portion 2232b_2 can abut against the terminal P202_1. The processor 101 can rotate the bypass device 2001_3 shown in Fig. 9 by 90 degrees clockwise via the control signal CS2 to realize the bypass device 2001_5 shown in Fig. 10.

[0149] In the battery charging system 1_7, the positive terminal (+) of the capacitor 621 can be connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 3001 through a power path passing through the terminal P1. The negative terminal (-) of the battery 3001 can be connected to the negative terminal (-) of the capacitor 621 through a power path passing through the terminal P2, the wiring LN3, the bypass device 2001_4, the wiring LN2, the first node N1, the wiring LN5, the bypass device 2001_3, and the wiring LN6.

[0150] In the battery charging system 1_7, the charger 620 can supply power to one battery 3001 through two bypass devices 2001_4 and 2001_5.

[0151] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a battery charging method according to one embodiment.

[0152] The flowchart of Figure 11 will be described below with reference to the battery charging system 1 shown in Figure 1, and any explanation of the processor 100, charger 120, bypass device 200, and multiple batteries 3001, 3002 that overlaps with the previous explanation will be omitted.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 11, the processor 100 may receive a plurality of voltage measurement signals VP1, VN1, VP2, and VN2 from both ends of a plurality of batteries 3001 and 3002, respectively (S100).

[0154] The processor 100 can derive the voltages across each of the plurality of batteries 3001, 3002 based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals VP1, VN1, VP2, VN2 (S200).

[0155] The processor 100 can generate a control signal CS for electrically isolating a battery having a voltage across it equal to or greater than a predetermined reference voltage from the charger among the plurality of batteries 3001, 3002, and transmit the signal to the bypass device 200 (S300).

[0156] Upon receiving the control signal CS, the bypass device 200 can rotate in the direction and at the angle indicated by the control signal CS (S400).

[0157] 3 and 4, in the state shown in Fig. 3, two batteries 3001 and 3002 are charged through charger 120, and if it is determined that the voltage across battery 3001 is equal to or greater than a reference voltage, processor 100 may generate a control signal CS to electrically isolate battery 3001 from charger 120 and transmit the control signal to bypass device 200. The control signal CS to electrically isolate battery 3001 from charger 120 may include a signal instructing bypass device 200 to rotate 90 degrees clockwise.

[0158] Upon receiving the control signal CS instructing the bypass device 200 to rotate 90 degrees clockwise, the bypass device 200 can rotate 90 degrees clockwise in the same manner as shown in FIG.

[0159] Referring again to FIG. 11, the charger 120 can charge at least one battery connected to both ends thereof (S500).

[0160] In the example of FIG. 3, the charger 120 can charge two batteries 3001 and 3002 connected to both ends, and in the example of FIG. 4, the charger 120 can charge a battery 3002 connected to both ends.

[0161] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery charging system connected to both ends of each of a plurality of batteries, a charger that provides power; a bypass device that rotates about a central axis to provide a power path that connects at least one of the first battery and the second battery to both ends of the charger, or a power path that bypasses the first battery and the second battery and connects both ends of the charger; and a processor that monitors the voltages across the first battery and the second battery and controls the direction and angle of rotation of the bypass device; the bypass device includes four bypass nodes and a node connecting module that electrically connects two of the four bypass nodes; Two of the four bypass nodes are electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery, respectively.

2. 2. The battery charging system of claim 1, wherein the positive terminal of the charger is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery, and the negative terminal of the charger is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery.

3. If the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery, The charger includes:

3. The battery charging system of claim 2, wherein the battery charging system supplies power to the first battery and the second battery.

4. If the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the negative terminal of the charger, The charger includes:

3. The battery charging system of claim 2, wherein the battery charging system supplies power to the first battery.

5. If the node connection module electrically connects a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the charger, The charger includes:

3. The battery charging system of claim 2, further comprising: a power supply for powering the second battery.

6. The processor:

6. The battery charging system according to claim 1, wherein the voltages across each of the first battery and the second battery are compared with a predetermined reference voltage, and the bypass device is controlled so that one of the first battery and the second battery whose voltage is equal to or greater than the reference voltage is electrically isolated from the positive and negative terminals of the charger.

7. A battery charging system as described in claim 1, wherein a plurality of the bypass devices are connected together, and two of the four bypass nodes of each bypass device are electrically connected to different batteries among the plurality of batteries.

8. receiving a plurality of voltage measurement signals from across each of the first battery and the second battery; deriving voltages across the first battery and the second battery based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals; comparing the voltages across each of the first battery and the second battery with a predetermined reference voltage to generate a control signal; a bypass device that receives the control signal and rotates about a central axis to provide a power path that connects at least one of the first battery and the second battery to both ends of a charger, or a power path that bypasses the first battery and the second battery and connects both ends of the charger; and supplying power to the at least one battery through the charger or terminating the supply of power to the first battery and the second battery; the bypass device includes four bypass nodes and a node connecting module that electrically connects two of the four bypass nodes; Two of the four bypass nodes are electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery, respectively.

9. If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery, The step of supplying power includes:

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of supplying power to the first battery and the second battery.

10. If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the negative terminal of the first battery and a node connected to the negative terminal of the charger, The step of supplying power includes:

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of supplying power to the first battery.

11. If the bypass device electrically connects a node connected to the positive terminal of the second battery and a node connected to the positive terminal of the charger, The step of supplying power includes:

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of supplying power to the second battery.

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