Integrated LFP smart power supply system applicable to autonomous mobile robots

Abstract

An integrated smart power supply system applicable to an autonomous mobile robot of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a battery management system (BMS) that controls and monitors the charging and discharging of each battery cell of the battery module; a battery disconnect unit (BDU) that connects or disconnects power between the battery module and a load; and a power distribution unit connected to the battery disconnect unit (BDU) that supplies a plurality of preset voltages and currents to the load.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device, and more specifically, to an integrated LFP (lithium iron phosphate) smart power supply system applicable to autonomous mobile robots. Background Technology

[0003] A BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) is a power control component of eco-friendly vehicles and is a general term for a part that connects or disconnects power between the battery and the load.

[0004] It typically plays an important role along with the DC / DC converter, high-voltage converter, OBC, BMS, etc., that constitute an eco-friendly vehicle battery system. In this invention, the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) will be referred to as the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU).

[0005] Generally, a battery disconnect unit (BDU) utilizes a special gas-filled relay to prevent arcs that may occur at the contacts and a pre-charge resistor for current limiting. The primary function of the battery disconnect unit (BDU), which is intended to protect the system from overvoltage and short circuits, is to stably charge the capacitor through pre-charging and to switch the power supply on and off to ensure stable supply and interruption of battery power.

[0006] Currently, battery packs applied to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are modularized, but the battery disconnect unit (BDU) and power distribution unit are configured separately. In addition, since AMRs require battery power of various voltages to be supplied to various sensors, the existing structure has the disadvantage that the wiring harness must be configured in a complex manner. Prior art literature

[0008] KR10-2023-0111655 A The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve the technical problem described above and provides an integrated smart power supply system applicable to an autonomous mobile robot, comprising an integrated battery pack including a battery disconnect unit (BDU) and a power distribution unit. means of solving the problem

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, an integrated smart power supply system applicable to an autonomous mobile robot is provided, comprising: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a battery management system (BMS) that controls and monitors the charging and discharging of each battery cell of the battery module; a battery disconnect unit (BDU) that connects or disconnects power between the battery module and a load; and a power distribution unit connected to the battery disconnect unit (BDU) that supplies a plurality of preset voltages and currents to the load.

[0012] In addition, the plurality of battery cells in the present invention are characterized by being composed of lithium iron phosphate.

[0013] In addition, the battery module, the battery management system (BMS), the battery disconnect unit (BDU), and the power distribution unit in the present invention are characterized by being composed of a single integrated module.

[0014] In addition, the one integrated module in the present invention is characterized by being housed in a protective case. Effects of the invention

[0016] The integrated smart power supply system applicable to the autonomous mobile robot of the present invention can increase efficiency and stability during the production process by integrating the BDU (Battery Disconnect unit), power distribution device, and battery pack into a single modular unit.

[0017] In other words, by using an integrated battery pack that includes a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) and a power distribution unit, the stability of power management can be enhanced, and the production efficiency and power stability of autonomous mobile robot assembly can be increased through modular supply. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of an integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, in order to explain in detail enough for a person skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of an integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot according to the present embodiment includes only a brief configuration to clearly explain the technical concept to be proposed.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to an autonomous mobile robot is configured to include a battery module (100), a battery management system (BMS; 200), a battery disconnect unit (BDU; 300), and a power distribution unit (400).

[0027] The main operations of the integrated smart power supply system (1) applicable to the autonomous mobile robot configured as above are as follows.

[0029] The battery module (100) is configured to include a plurality of battery cells. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of battery cells are composed of lithium iron phosphate and may be equipped with a capacity of 500Wh to 1kWh.

[0030] In particular, autonomous mobile robots used in logistics utilize lithium iron phosphate battery packs, which pose a low risk of thermal runaway in the event of a fire. In other words, iron phosphate batteries possess higher fire safety compared to lithium-ion batteries; they are safe from fire due to their excellent thermal stability and superior stability at high temperatures. This offers the advantage of significantly reducing the risk of fire that may occur in logistics warehouse environments.

[0032] The battery management system (BMS; 200) controls and monitors the charging and discharging of each battery cell of the battery module (100). The battery management system (BMS; 200) performs the role of battery life management, battery performance management, and battery safety management.

[0033] That is, it performs a monitoring operation to predict SoC (state of charge) and SoH (life) by sensing voltage, current, temperature, etc. measured through sensors in the battery system, a cell management (balancing) operation to reduce deviations between battery cells, and a control operation to prevent the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, or overcurrent.

[0035] The battery disconnect unit (Battery Disconnect unit, BDU; 300) connects or disconnects power between the battery module (100) and the load.

[0036] That is, the Battery Disconnect unit (BDU; 300) is a device responsible for the power distribution and management of the battery in electric vehicles or devices, and may consist of an EV relay, a fuse, and a busbar. The operating modes are broadly divided into pre-charging mode and discharge and charging modes.

[0038] The power distribution unit (400) is connected to a battery disconnect unit (BDU) and outputs multiple preset voltages and currents to the load. The power distribution unit (400) appropriately distributes the power generated from the battery pack to necessary components and motors, and ensures a stable power supply even when the power supply is inconsistent. That is, it appropriately separates high-power consumption devices, such as motors with large currents, from low-power devices to maximize the usage time and performance of the battery pack.

[0039] The power distribution device (400) is designed to ensure safety and reliability by taking into account factors such as voltage drop, current fluctuation, and temperature, and including appropriate circuit protection devices.

[0041] In the present invention, the battery module (100), battery management system (BMS; 200), battery disconnect unit (BDU; 300), and power distribution unit (400) are configured as a single integrated module, and the single integrated module is configured to be housed in a protective case for protection.

[0043] Generally, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) require battery power of various voltages to be supplied to various sensors. In this invention, by providing a modularized integrated battery pack, existing separate modules and harnesses can be combined into a single integrated module, thereby improving efficiency during the assembly process and providing convenience in terms of maintenance.

[0045] As described above, the integrated smart power supply system applicable to the autonomous mobile robot of the present invention can increase efficiency and stability during the production process by integrating the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), power distribution device, and battery pack into a single modular unit.

[0046] In other words, by using an integrated battery pack that includes a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) and a power distribution unit, the stability of power management can be enhanced, and the production efficiency and power stability of autonomous mobile robot assembly can be increased through modular supply.

[0048] As such, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] This invention is the result of the following support project.

[0050] Project Name: Gyeongsangbuk-do 4th Industrial Revolution Core Technology Development Project

[0051] Project Title: Development of a Smart Power Supply Module Equipped with 1kWh and 500Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Packs Applicable to AMRs and AGVs Explanation of the symbols

[0053] 100 : Battery module 200 : Battery Management System (BMS) 300 : Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) 400 : Power distribution unit

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a battery management system (BMS) that controls and monitors the charging and discharging of each battery cell of the battery module; and a battery disconnect unit (BDU) that connects or disconnects power between the battery module and the load. An integrated smart power supply system applicable to an autonomous mobile robot, comprising: a power distribution unit connected to the battery disconnect unit (BDU) and supplying a plurality of preset voltages and currents to the load; wherein the plurality of battery cells are composed of lithium iron phosphate; the battery module, the battery management system (BMS), the disconnect unit (BDU), and the power distribution unit are composed of a single integrated module; the battery management system (BMS) senses the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery cells to perform battery life management, battery performance management, and battery safety management; and the power distribution unit considers voltage drop, current fluctuation, and temperature factors and includes a circuit protection device to ensure safety and reliability. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 An integrated smart power supply system applicable to an autonomous mobile robot, characterized in that, in claim 1, the one integrated module is housed in a protective case.

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