Multi-battery system, motor control module and battery module

Abstract

A multi-battery system for powering a motor includes a motor control module; a first battery module and a second battery module, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module each include: a first connector coupled to the motor control module; and a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOSFET) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and wherein the first battery module and the second battery module communicate with the motor control module through the first battery module or the second battery module having the MOSFET switch turned on.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-battery system, a motor control module, and a battery module, and more particularly to a multi-battery system, a motor control module, and a battery module capable of adjusting the configuration of the terminal resistance. [Previous Technology]

[0002] The battery module communicates with the motor control module via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. A terminating resistor with a typical value of 120 ohms is configured on the connectors of the battery module and the motor control module. Therefore, when the connectors of the battery module and the motor control module are connected, the terminating resistors at both ends are matched to reduce signal reflections on the signal lines. In electric vehicle applications, multiple battery modules are typically configured. However, if each battery module is equipped with a terminating resistor, it will lead to matching failure and communication errors.

[0003] Therefore, how to adjust the configuration of the terminating resistors on the connectors of multiple battery modules has become one of the goals that the industry is striving for. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One of the main objectives of this invention is to provide a multi-battery system, a motor control module, and a battery module to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The present invention provides a multi-battery system for powering a motor, comprising: a motor control module; and a first battery module and a second battery module, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module each comprise: a first connector coupled to the motor control module, comprising: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and wherein the first battery module and the second battery module communicate with the motor control module through the first battery module or the second battery module having the MOS switch turned on.

[0006] The present invention provides a motor control module for managing a first battery module and a second battery module to supply power to a motor, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module each include: a first connector coupled to the motor control module, including: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and wherein the first battery module and the second battery module communicate with the motor control module through the first battery module or the second battery module having the MOS switch turned on.

[0007] The present invention provides a battery module for supplying power to a motor through a motor control module, comprising: a first connector, including: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; wherein when the MOS switch is turned on, the battery module communicates with the motor control module.

Implementation Method

[0009] Certain terms are used in the specification and subsequent claims to refer to specific components. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and subsequent claims do not distinguish components by differences in name, but by differences in function. The term "comprising" as used throughout this specification and subsequent claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to". Furthermore, the term "coupled" here includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device through other devices or connection means.

[0010] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a multi-battery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-battery system 1 includes a plurality of battery modules and a motor control module 20. The motor control module 20 is coupled to the plurality of battery modules and is used to control the plurality of battery modules to supply power to a motor 30. It should be noted that the multi-battery system 1 of the present invention can be applied to an electric vehicle, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for ease of explanation, in the following embodiments, the plurality of battery modules are all exemplified by a first battery module 10 and a second battery module 12. Those skilled in the art can derive more than two battery modules accordingly.

[0011] For details, please refer to Figure 2, which is a detailed schematic diagram of the multi-battery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 can be the same battery module, and each includes microcontrollers 102 and 122 and first connectors 104 and 124 respectively. The first connectors 104 and 124 each include a pair of first signal line pins CANH1 and CANL1, a first judgment pin SYS1, and a first ground pin GND1, wherein a first terminating resistor RT1 and a switch SW are coupled in series between the first signal line pins CANH1 and CANL1. It should be noted that the switch SW of the present invention can be formed by a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which can achieve power saving compared to optocoupler switches and avoids the communication frequency matching problem of optocoupler switches. In addition, the MOSFET switch can withstand a voltage of 100V, which is better than the optocoupler switch which can withstand a voltage of 5V. The motor control module 20 includes a main connector 204 and a second connector 224, wherein the main connector 204 and the second connector 224 each include a pair of second signal line pins CANH2 and CANL2, a second decision pin SYS2, and a second ground pin GND2. Furthermore, the second signal line pins CANH2 and CANL2 in the main connector 204 and the second connector 224 are coupled to the same second terminating resistor RT2. It should be noted that the difference between the main connector 204 and the second connector 224 is that the second decision pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 in the main connector 204 are coupled to each other and serve as the main decision pin and the main ground pin. On the other hand, the second decision pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 in the second connector 224 are not coupled to each other. Additionally, the first connectors 104 and 124, the main connector 204, and the second connector 224 can be a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, but are not limited thereto.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the first connector 104 is connected to the main connector 204 and the first connector 124 is connected to the second connector 224, the microcontrollers 102 and 122 can respectively detect the connection status of the first judgment pin SYS1 of the first connector 104 and the first connector 124. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second judgment pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 of the main connector 204 are coupled to each other. In other words, the first judgment pin SYS1 of the first connector 104, the second judgment pin SYS2 of the main connector 204, and the second ground pin GND2 are all in a logic low state. Therefore, when the microcontroller 102 receives a logic low signal from the first judgment pin SYS1, it can determine that the first connector 104 is connected to the main connector 204 and output a judgment result DET to turn on the switch SW of the first battery module 10. On the other hand, the second decision pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 in the second connector 224 are not coupled to each other. In other words, the first decision pin SYS1 of the first connector 124, the second decision pin SYS2 of the second connector 224, and the second ground pin GND2 are all in a logic high state. Therefore, when the microcontroller unit 122 receives a logic high signal from the first decision pin SYS1, it can determine that the first connector 124 is connected to the second connector 224 and output a decision result DET to disconnect the switch SW of the second battery module 12. In this way, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 share a first terminating resistor RT1, which is matched with the second terminating resistor RT2 of the motor control module 20 to reduce signal reflection on the signal line. In other words, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 communicate with the motor control module 20 through the first battery module 10 with the switch SW turned on.

[0013] In another embodiment, when the first connector 104 is connected to the second connector 224 and the first connector 124 is connected to the main connector 204, the microcontrollers 102 and 122 can respectively detect the connection status of the first judgment pin SYS1 of the first connector 104 and the first connector 124. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the second judgment pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 of the main connector 204 are coupled to each other. In other words, the first judgment pin SYS1 of the first connector 124, the second judgment pin SYS2 of the main connector 204, and the second ground pin GND2 are all in a logic low state. Therefore, when the microcontroller 122 receives the logic low state signal from the first judgment pin SYS1, it can determine that the first connector 124 is connected to the main connector 204 and output a judgment result DET to turn on the switch SW of the second battery module 12. On the other hand, the second decision pin SYS2 and the second ground pin GND2 in the second connector 224 are not coupled to each other. In other words, the first decision pin SYS1 of the first connector 104, the second decision pin SYS2 of the second connector 224, and the second ground pin GND2 are all in a logic high state. Therefore, when the microcontroller unit 102 receives a logic high signal from the first decision pin SYS1, it can determine that the first connector 104 is connected to the second connector 224 and output a decision result DET to disconnect the switch SW of the first battery module 10. In this way, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 share a first terminating resistor RT1, which is matched with the second terminating resistor RT2 of the motor control module 20 to reduce signal reflection on the signal line. In other words, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 communicate with the motor control module 20 through the second battery module 12 with the switch SW turned on.

[0014] Finally, the operation of the microcontrollers 102 and 122 of the multi-battery system 1 can be summarized as a process 4, as shown in Figure 4. Process 4 includes the following steps:

[0015] Step S400: Start.

[0016] Step S402: Determine whether the first judgment pin is connected to the main judgment pin or the second judgment pin.

[0017] Step S404: When the first judgment pin is connected to the main judgment pin, the switch is turned on.

[0018] Step S406: When the first judgment pin is connected to the second judgment pin, disconnect the switch.

[0019] Step S408: End.

[0020] For a detailed explanation of process 4 and its derivative variations, please refer to the foregoing explanation, which will not be repeated here.

[0021] In summary, the multi-battery system of the present invention, through coupling the second decision pin and the second ground pin in the main connector of the motor control module, makes the second decision pin a main decision pin with a logic low state. Therefore, the microcontroller of the battery module connected to the main connector can turn on the switch to couple the terminating resistor between the signal pins. The microcontrollers of other battery modules not connected to the main connector can turn off the switch. In this way, when the connectors of the multi-battery module and the motor control module are connected, the terminating resistors at both ends will be matched to reduce signal reflection on the signal lines. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and all equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should be considered within the scope of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a connection schematic diagram of a multi-battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a connection schematic diagram of a multi-battery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the execution steps of the microcontroller unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-battery system for powering a motor, comprising: a motor control module; and a first battery module and a second battery module, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module each comprise: a first connector coupled to the motor control module, comprising: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and a microcontroller, wherein when the first connectors of the first battery module and the second battery module are respectively connected to the motor control module, the microcontroller of the first battery module determines a first connection mode of the first connector of the first battery module to connect to the motor control module to turn on or off the MOS switch of the first battery module, and the microcontroller of the second battery module determines a second connection mode of the first connector of the second battery module to connect to the motor control module to turn on or off the MOS switch of the second battery module; The first battery module and the second battery module communicate with the motor control module through the first battery module or the second battery module having the MOS switch turned on.

2. The multi-battery system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor control module comprises: a main connector, including: a main ground pin; and a main decision pin, wherein the main decision pin is coupled to the main ground pin; and a second connector, including: a second ground pin; and a second decision pin; and wherein the first connector further includes: a first ground pin; and a first decision pin; wherein the microcontroller of the first battery module determines that the first connector of the first battery module is connected to the motor control module in a first connection manner to turn on or off the MOS switch of the first battery module, and the microcontroller of the second battery module determines that the first connector of the second battery module is connected to the motor control module in a second connection manner to turn on or off the MOS switch of the second battery module, comprising: determining that the first decision pin is connected to the main decision pin or the second decision pin; When the first judgment pin is connected to the main judgment pin, the MOS switch is turned on; and when the first judgment pin is connected to the second judgment pin, the MOS switch is turned off.

3. The multi-battery system as described in claim 2, wherein the first connector, the second connector, and the main connector are a controller area network (CAN) bus.

4. A motor control module for managing the supply of power to a motor by a first battery module and a second battery module, wherein the first battery module and the second battery module each include: a first connector coupled to the motor control module, comprising: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and a microcontroller, wherein when the first connectors of the first battery module and the second battery module are respectively connected to the motor control module, the microcontroller of the first battery module determines a first connection mode of the first connector of the first battery module to the motor control module to turn on or off the MOS switch of the first battery module, and the microcontroller of the second battery module determines a second connection mode of the first connector of the second battery module to the motor control module to turn on or off the MOS switch of the second battery module; The first battery module and the second battery module communicate with the motor control module through the first battery module or the second battery module having the MOS switch turned on.

5. The motor control module as described in claim 4, comprising: a main connector, including: a main ground pin; and a main decision pin, wherein the main decision pin is coupled to the main ground pin; and a second connector, including: a second ground pin; and a second decision pin; and wherein the first connector further includes: a first ground pin; and a first decision pin; wherein the steps of the microcontroller of the first battery module determining that the first connector of the first battery module is connected to the motor control module in a first connection mode to turn on or off the MOS switch of the first battery module, and the microcontroller of the second battery module determining that the first connector of the second battery module is connected to the motor control module in a second connection mode to turn on or off the MOS switch of the second battery module, include: determining that the first decision pin is connected to the main decision pin or the second decision pin; turning on the MOS switch when the first decision pin is connected to the main decision pin; and turning off the MOS switch when the first decision pin is connected to the second decision pin.

6. The motor control module as described in claim 5, wherein the first connector, the second connector and the main connector are a controller area network (CAN) bus.

7. A battery module for supplying power to a motor through a motor control module, comprising: a first connector including: a pair of first signal pins, wherein a terminating resistor and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS) switch are coupled in series between the pair of first signal pins; and a microcontroller, wherein when the first connector is connected to the motor control module, the microcontroller determines a connection mode of the first connector to the motor control module to turn the MOS switch on or off; wherein when the MOS switch is on, the battery module communicates with the motor control module.

8. The battery module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first connector further includes: a first ground pin; and a first determination pin; and wherein the motor control module includes: a main connector including: a main ground pin; and a main determination pin, wherein the main determination pin is coupled to the main ground pin; and a second connector including: a second ground pin; and a second determination pin; and wherein when the first connector is connected to the motor control module, the step of the microcontroller determining the connection mode of the first connector to the motor control module to turn the MOS switch on or off includes: determining whether the first determination pin is connected to the main determination pin or the second determination pin; turning on the MOS switch when the first determination pin is connected to the main determination pin; and turning off the MOS switch when the first determination pin is connected to the second determination pin.

9. The battery module as described in claim 8, wherein the first connector, the second connector and the main connector are a controller area network (CAN) bus.

Images