Charging module and charging device comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a charging module comprising: a plurality of charging cells; a plurality of first control devices each comprising a plurality of first communication units for communicating with the plurality of charging cells, respectively; and a second control device comprising a second communication unit communicating with the plurality of first communication units.

Description

Charging module and charging device including same

[0001] The embodiment relates to a charging module and a charging device including the same.

[0002] As research and development in electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites intensifies, research into high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is also actively underway. Currently, commercialized battery packs incorporate rechargeable storage elements such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. As battery systems are used in a variety of fields, their capacities are also diversifying. Large-capacity battery systems can be configured by connecting battery modules in parallel.

[0003] At this time, wireless communication is performed between the master BMS (Battery Management System) and the slave BMS within the battery module. However, connectors and cables still exist between the battery cells within the battery module and the slave BMS. Because the battery module contains a large number of battery cells, a large number of connectors and cables are used within the module. Consequently, there are potential problems with the cables within the battery module, such as potential failures and poor workability during production.

[0004] The embodiment provides a charging module and a charging device including the same that can simplify the configuration required for charging.

[0005] In addition, a charging module and a charging device including the same are provided, which can increase management efficiency and reduce management costs.

[0006] In addition, a charging module capable of minimizing the number of connectors and cables inside a battery module and a charging device including the same are provided.

[0007] In addition, a charging module capable of simplifying the process and a charging device including the same are provided.

[0008] The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it can be said that the purpose or effect that can be understood from the solution or embodiment of the problem described below is also included.

[0009] A charging module according to an embodiment may include a plurality of charging cells; a plurality of first control devices each including a plurality of first communication units that perform communication with the plurality of charging cells; and a second control device including a second communication unit that performs communication with the plurality of first communication units.

[0010] The plurality of first communication units may each be connected to both ends of the plurality of charging cells.

[0011] The above plurality of charging cells can be connected in series with each other.

[0012] Each of the plurality of first communication units may include a first antenna that communicates with the second communication unit.

[0013] The second communication unit may include a second-1 antenna and a second-2 antenna.

[0014] The above first communication unit can perform NFC (Near Field Communication) communication.

[0015] The above second communication unit can perform RF (Radio Frequency) communication.

[0016] The above 2-1 antenna can perform communication with each first antenna of the plurality of first communication units.

[0017] The length of the above-mentioned 2-1 antenna may be longer than the length of the above-mentioned first antenna.

[0018] The communication range of the first antenna may be narrower than the communication range of the second-second antenna.

[0019] The above first control device may include a voltage measuring unit and a temperature measuring unit.

[0020] It may include a first connector and a second connector that respectively connect both ends of the plurality of charging cells connected in series with the second control device.

[0021] A charging device according to an embodiment may include a plurality of charging modules; and a third control device including a third communication unit that performs communication with the plurality of charging modules.

[0022] The second control device may be a slave battery management system (BMS), and the third control device may be a master battery management system (BMS).

[0023] The plurality of first communication units can transmit information about the plurality of battery cells to the second communication unit, and the second communication unit can transmit information about the plurality of battery cells to the third communication unit.

[0024] The first antenna may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the first control device, and the second-1 antenna may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the second control device.

[0025] The above 2-1 antenna includes a first portion extending toward the first control device and a second portion extending in a vertical direction from an end of the first portion, and the second portion can be arranged adjacent to the first antenna.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a charging module capable of simplifying a configuration required for charging and a charging device including the same can be provided.

[0027] In addition, a charging module and a charging device including the same can be provided, which can increase management efficiency and reduce management costs.

[0028] In addition, a charging module capable of minimizing the number of connectors and cables inside a battery module and a charging device including the same can be provided.

[0029] In addition, a charging module capable of simplifying the process and a charging device including the same can be provided.

[0030] The various advantageous and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and will be more easily understood in the course of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a charging module according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a charging module of a charging device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0038] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0039] Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0041] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used.

[0042] These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component.

[0043] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0044] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a charging module according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a charging device (1000) according to an embodiment may include a charging module (100) and a master control device (200).

[0047] The charging device (1000) may refer to a battery system. The charging device (1000) may be implemented in a device that uses a battery. For example, the charging device (1000) may be implemented in an electronic device, an energy storage system, a means of transportation, etc. The means of transportation may include an electric vehicle, etc.

[0048] The charging device (1000) may include a charging module (100). The charging module (100) may include a plurality of charging modules (100-1 to 100-n). The charging module (100) may refer to a battery pack. The plurality of charging modules (100-1 to 100-n) may be connected to each other in series. Each of the plurality of charging modules (100-1 to 100-n) may include a plurality of charging cells. The charging device (1000) may include a master control device (200). The master control device (200) may include a master BMS (Master Battery Management System). The master control device (200) may communicate with each of the plurality of charging modules (100) to obtain information about each of the plurality of charging modules (100). The master control device (200) may obtain information such as voltage, current, and temperature of battery cells constituting the plurality of charging modules (100). In addition, the master control device (200) can determine whether the status of the plurality of charging modules (100) is abnormal. Accordingly, the master control device (200) can transmit a signal for controlling the plurality of charging modules (100). The master control device (200) can include an antenna for communicating with the plurality of charging modules (100).

[0049] The charging module (100) may refer to a battery module. The charging module (100) may include a plurality of charging cells (110), a first control device (120), and a second control device (130).

[0050] The charging cell (110) may refer to a battery cell. The charging cell (110) may include a secondary battery. A plurality of charging cells (110) may be connected to each other in series. Each of the plurality of charging cells (110) may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The first control device (120) may communicate with the charging cells (110). The plurality of first control devices (120) may communicate with each of the plurality of charging cells (110) and obtain information about the plurality of charging cells (110). The first control device (120) may include a first communication unit (121) that performs communication. The first control device (120) may transmit the obtained information to a second control device (130). The second control device (130) may include a slave battery management system (BMS). The second control device (130) can communicate with a plurality of first control devices (120) and a master control device (200). The second control device (130) can receive information on a plurality of charging cells (110) from the plurality of first control devices (120) and transmit information on the plurality of charging cells (110) to the master control device (200). In addition, the second control device (130) can transmit a signal for controlling the plurality of first control devices (120). The second control device (130) can include a second communication unit (131) that performs communication.

[0051] Fig. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a charging module of a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, the charging module (100) may include a plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n). For example, the charging module (100) may include 14 charging cells. The plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n) may be connected in series with each other. The charging module (100) may include a plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n). The plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) may each control the plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n). In addition, the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) can collect information of the plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n), respectively. For example, the first-first control device (120-1) can control the first-first charging cell (110-1) and collect information of the first-first charging cell (110-1). The plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) can correspond to the plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n), respectively. The plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) can measure voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the charging cells. A plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) may include a monitoring unit (not shown) that measures voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the charging cell. Information about the charging cell collected by the monitoring unit may be transmitted to the second control device (130) via the first communication unit (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n).

[0053] The plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) may each include a first communication unit (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n). The plurality of first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may each communicate with the plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n) and the second control device (130). The plurality of first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may each be connected to both ends of the plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n). For example, the first-first communication unit (121-1) may be connected to both ends of the first charging cell (110-1). The first communication units may each include an antenna. Each of the first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may include a first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). Each of the first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may perform NFC (Near Field Communication) communication. Each of the first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may include an NFC SoC. Each of the first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) may include a first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The first communication unit (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) can communicate with the second communication unit (131) via the first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) can be arranged adjacent to the second communication unit (131). The first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) can be arranged to protrude outside the first control device (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n). The first antenna (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) may protrude from the outside of the first control device (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) toward the second control device (130).

[0054] The charging module (100) may include a second control device (130). The second control device (130) may communicate with a plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n). The second control device (130) may include a second communication unit (131). The second communication unit (131) may perform RF (Radio Frequency) communication. The second communication unit (131) may include a second-first antenna (131a) and a second-second antenna (131b). The second communication unit (131) may communicate with the first communication units (121-1, 121-2 to 121-n) of the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) through the second-first antenna (131a). The second-1 antenna (131a) can communicate with a plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The second communication unit (131) can communicate with the master control device through the second-2 antenna (131a). In addition, the charging module (100) can include a first connector (132) and a second connector (133) that connect the second control device (130) to a power source. The first connector (132) can be arranged between the second control device (130) and the negative terminal of the first charging cell (110-1). The second connector (133) can be arranged between the second control device (130) and the positive terminal of the n-th charging cell (110-n). The second control device (130) can control a plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n), and can receive information about a plurality of charging cells (110-1, 110-2 to 110-n) from the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n).

[0055] The 2-1 antenna (131a) and the 2-2 antenna (131b) may be arranged to protrude outside the second control device (130). The 2-1 antenna (131a) may protrude from the second communication unit (131) in a direction toward the first control device (120). The 2-1 antenna (131a) may protrude in a direction toward the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) of the first control device (120) and may be arranged adjacent to the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). Accordingly, the 2-1 antenna (131a) may perform communication at a position close to the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The second-first antenna (131a) can communicate with each of the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The second-first antenna (131a) can include a first portion protruding toward the first control device (120) and a second portion extending in a vertical direction from an end of the first portion. The second portion can be arranged adjacent to the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) to communicate with them. The second-second antenna (131b) can protrude in an opposite direction to the second-first antenna (131a). Accordingly, the second-second antenna (131b) can communicate with the master control device (200) arranged outside the charging module (100).

[0056] The length of the second-first antenna (131a) may be longer than the length of the first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). Accordingly, the second-first antenna (131a) may perform communication at a close distance with each of the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n). The second part of the second-first antenna (131a) may extend along the direction in which the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) are arranged, and may be arranged adjacent to each of the plurality of first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) of the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n). Accordingly, the 2-1 antenna (131a) can be arranged to extend approximately to the width in which the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) are arranged in a row. The shape of the 2-1 antenna (131a) can vary depending on the arrangement of the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n). When the plurality of first control devices (120-1, 120-2 to 120-n) are arranged in a plurality of rows or columns, the 2-1 antenna (131a) can be arranged in a zigzag shape adjacent to each control device.

[0057] The first control device (120) and the second control device (130) can perform NFC communication with each other. The communication range of the first antennas (121a-1, 121a-2 to 121a-n) may be narrower than the communication range of the second-second antenna (131b). Accordingly, the occurrence of noise during the communication process can be reduced, the accuracy of short-range communication can be improved, and operation with low power can be achieved. In the case of the second-second antenna (131b), the length of the second-second antenna (131b) can be reduced because the communication range is wide.

[0058] A charging module according to an embodiment can increase the management efficiency of the charging cells and enable precise control by including a first control device that controls each of a plurality of charging cells. In addition, since the plurality of first control devices each perform NFC communication with a second control device, the charging cells can be free from direct connection with the second control device, which is a slave control module, and the number of connectors and cables connecting the charging cells to the control device can be minimized. Accordingly, the configuration of the charging module can be simplified.

[0059] Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, a charging device (1000) according to an embodiment may include a third control device (200) including a plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m) and a third communication unit (210) that performs communication with the plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m).

[0061] The charging device (1000) may include a plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m). For example, the charging device (1000) may include 10 to 16 charging modules. The plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m) may communicate with a third control device (200). In addition, the plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m) may communicate with each other. The third control device (200) may refer to a master control module. The third control device (200) may include a third communication unit (210), and the third communication unit (210) may include a third antenna (211) that performs communication. The second-second antennas (131a-1, 131a-2 to 131a-n) of the plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m) can communicate with the third antenna (211) of the third control device (200). The third control device (200) can obtain information such as voltage, current, and temperature of the battery cells from the plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m), and the third control device (200) can transmit a signal for controlling the battery cells to the plurality of charging modules (100-1, 100-2 to 100-m).

[0062] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Multiple charging cells; A plurality of first control devices, each of which includes a plurality of first communication units for performing communication with the plurality of charging cells; and A charging module comprising a second control device including a second communication unit that performs communication with the plurality of first communication units.

2. In paragraph 1, A charging module in which the plurality of first communication units are each connected to both ends of the plurality of charging cells.

3. In paragraph 2, A charging module in which the above plurality of charging cells are connected in series with each other.

4. In paragraph 1, A charging module wherein each of the plurality of first communication units includes a first antenna communicating with the second communication unit.

5. In paragraph 4, The second communication unit is a charging module including a second-1 antenna and a second-2 antenna.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first communication unit is a charging module that performs NFC (Near Field Communication) communication.

7. In paragraph 1, The above second communication unit is a charging module that performs RF (Radio Frequency) communication.

8. In paragraph 5, The above 2-1 antenna is a charging module that performs communication with each first antenna of the plurality of first communication units.

9. In paragraph 8, A charging module wherein the length of the above-mentioned 2-1 antenna is longer than the length of the above-mentioned first antenna.

10. In paragraph 9, A charging module in which the communication range of the first antenna is narrower than that of the second-second antenna.

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