Battery charging control apparatus and method, and battery system and charging apparatus including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery charging control apparatus and method, and a battery system and a charging apparatus including same, wherein the battery charging control apparatus includes the commands of: obtaining temperature information of a battery system; and during charging of a battery via a charging apparatus, controlling a charging current of the battery on the basis of the temperature information of the battery system, and the battery system may include a battery management apparatus that, during charging of the battery via the charging apparatus, receives temperature information from a second temperature sensor located in the charging apparatus, and controls a charging current of the battery on the basis of temperature information received from at least one of a first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

Description

Battery charging control device and method, and battery system and charging device including the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066385, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 22, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184332, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery charging control device and method, and a battery system and charging device including the same, and more particularly, to a battery charging control device and method for controlling a charging current based on the temperature of a battery system when charging a battery, and a battery system and charging device including the same.

[0003] As fossil fuels deplete and concerns about environmental pollution grow, the importance of environmentally friendly alternative energy sources is growing. Among the various alternative energy sources, demand for rechargeable batteries is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Batteries have emerged as a response to today's environmental regulations and high oil prices, and are being applied in various industries, from mobile applications to transportation, robots, and energy storage devices.

[0005] Typically, batteries used in transportation devices are provided with individual battery cells connected in series to achieve high output. Consequently, these batteries carry a significant amount of current, posing a high risk of fire due to overheating during charging. Furthermore, batteries used in transportation devices can experience thermal runaway, potentially resulting in fire, due to impacts from road surfaces or battery malfunctions caused by overcharging.

[0006] Accordingly, in the past, based on a temperature sensor provided inside the battery management device, the internal temperature change of the battery management device was measured in real time to determine whether a battery fire occurred.

[0007] However, conventional fire occurrence diagnosis devices have a disadvantage in that measurement reliability is reduced when the temperature sensor inside the battery management device breaks down or the temperature of the surrounding environment changes significantly in a short period of time.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery charging control device that prevents fire occurring during battery charging by determining an abnormality based on temperature changes of a battery and a device.

[0009] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery charging control method that prevents fire occurring during battery charging by determining an abnormality based on temperature changes of a battery and a device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery system that prevents fire occurring during battery charging by determining an abnormality based on temperature changes in the battery and device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem is to provide a charging device that prevents fire occurring during battery charging by determining an abnormality based on temperature changes of a battery and a device.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a battery charging control device includes a processor and a memory storing at least one command executed through the processor, wherein the at least one command includes a command for obtaining temperature information of a battery system, and a command for controlling a charging current of the battery based on the temperature information of the battery system when charging the battery by a charging device.

[0013] Here, the temperature information of the battery system can be obtained from at least one of a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery, and a second temperature sensor located in the charging device that measures the external temperature of a device to which the battery is applied.

[0014] At this time, the second temperature sensor may include a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

[0015] Meanwhile, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first battery temperature setting value or the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0016] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a command to adjust downward the size of the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred.

[0017] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to check the charging method of the battery when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a command to change the charging method of the battery from the constant current charging method to a constant voltage charging method (CV charging) when the charging method of the battery is constant current charging (CC charging) and charge the battery.

[0018] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery calculated for each predefined time period is greater than or equal to a first temperature change setting value, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0019] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the temperature change value of the battery is continuously maintained above a second temperature change setting value for a predetermined period of time, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery if an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0020] Meanwhile, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that there is a problem with the charging device if the temperature of the battery is lower than the second battery temperature setting value and the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value.

[0021] Here, the command to determine that there is a problem with the charging device may include a command to receive the internal temperature of the charging device measured from a third temperature sensor located inside the charging device, and a command to determine that there is a problem with the charging device when the internal temperature of the charging device is higher than the internal temperature set value.

[0022] Meanwhile, the at least one command may further include a command to transmit a diagnosis result of the battery generated based on temperature information of the battery system to at least one of a device to which the battery is applied and a user terminal using the device.

[0023]

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a charging control method of a battery charging control device includes a step of obtaining temperature information of a battery system, and a step of controlling a charging current of the battery based on the temperature information of the battery system when charging the battery by the charging device.

[0025] Here, the step of obtaining temperature information of the battery system may include a step of receiving the temperature of the battery from a first temperature sensor and receiving the external temperature of the device to which the battery is applied from a second temperature sensor installed on the exterior of the charging device.

[0026] At this time, the second temperature sensor may include a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

[0027] Meanwhile, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than a first battery temperature setting value or the external temperature of the device is higher than an external temperature setting value, and a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0028] In addition, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of determining that an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a step of downwardly adjusting the size of the charging current supplied to the battery when the abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred.

[0029] In addition, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of checking a charging method of the battery when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a step of changing the charging method of the battery from the constant current charging method to a constant voltage charging method (CV charging) when the charging method of the battery is constant current charging (CC charging), thereby charging the battery.

[0030] In addition, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when a temperature change value of the battery calculated for each predefined time period is greater than or equal to a first temperature change setting value, and a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0031] In addition, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery is continuously maintained above a second temperature change setting value for a predetermined period of time, and a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0032] Meanwhile, the step of controlling the charging current may include a step of determining that there is a problem with the charging device if the temperature of the battery is lower than the second battery temperature setting value and the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value.

[0033] Here, the step of determining that there is a problem with the charging device may include the step of receiving an internal temperature of the charging device measured from a third temperature sensor located inside the charging device, and the step of determining that there is a problem with the charging device when the internal temperature of the charging device is higher than an internal temperature setting value.

[0034] Meanwhile, the battery charging control method may further include a step of transmitting a diagnosis result of the battery generated based on temperature information of the battery system to at least one of a device to which the battery is applied and a user terminal using the device.

[0035]

[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a battery system includes a battery, a battery management device for managing the battery, and a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the battery, wherein the battery management device receives temperature information from a second temperature sensor located in the charging device when charging the battery by the charging device, and controls a charging current of the battery based on the temperature information received from at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0037] Here, the second temperature sensor can measure the external temperature of the device to which the battery is applied.

[0038]

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a charging device includes a battery charging control unit for charging a battery and a temperature sensor for measuring an external temperature of a device to which the battery is applied when charging the battery, wherein the battery charging control unit receives temperature information of the battery from a battery management device for managing the battery when charging the battery by the charging device, and controls a charging current of the battery based on the temperature information received from at least one of the battery management device and the temperature sensor.

[0040] Here, the temperature sensor may include a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

[0041] A battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a battery system or a charging device, acquires the temperature of the battery and the temperature of the device measured during the charging process of the battery, and based on this, determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery and controls the charging current supplied to the battery, thereby preventing the occurrence of a fire in the battery and enabling safe and reliable battery operation.

[0042] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating power charging of a device including a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a photographed image of a second temperature sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a step of determining whether a battery abnormality has occurred among the battery charging control methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in a charging device among the battery charging control methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a battery charging control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] S: Battery System C: Charging Device

[0053] D: Device

[0054] 310: Battery 320: Battery management device

[0055] 330: First temperature device 340, 600: Battery charge control device

[0056] 410: Connector 420: Second temperature device

[0057] 430: Third temperature device 440: Input device

[0058] 450: Output device 460: Battery charging control unit

[0059] 610: Processor 620: Memory

[0060] 630: Transmitter / receiver device 640: Input interface device

[0061] 650: Output interface device 660: Storage device

[0062] 670: Bus

[0063] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0064] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0065] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0066] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0068]

[0069] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0070] Referring to Figure 1, a battery may be configured to include multiple battery cells or modules connected in series. The battery cells or modules are connected to a load through positive and negative terminals and can perform charging and discharging operations. The most commonly used battery cells are lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery cells.

[0071] These battery cells or battery modules may be linked to a battery management system (BMS).

[0072] A battery management system (BMS) monitors the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery cell or module it manages, and based on the monitoring results, calculates the State of Charge (SOC) and controls charging and discharging. Here, SOC represents the battery's current state of charge expressed as a percentage (%), while SOH represents the battery's current state of deterioration expressed as a percentage (%).

[0073] In this way, a battery management system (BMS) can monitor battery cells, read cell voltages, and transmit them to other systems connected to the battery.

[0074] Additionally, the battery management system (BMS) can monitor at least one electrical component constituting the battery system and transmit its status data to other systems. To this end, the BMS may include a communication module for communicating with other systems within the device included in the battery system.

[0075] The communication module of a battery management system (BMS) can communicate with other systems within the device using the Controller Area Network (CAN). In this case, electrical components, modules, or systems within the BMS are interconnected via the CAN bus. Accordingly, the BMS can remotely transmit status data acquired through monitoring of a battery module or pack and at least one electrical component comprising the BMS to other systems using CAN communication.

[0076] Meanwhile, the battery management system (BMS) evenly balances the charge of the battery cells to extend the life of the battery system.

[0077] To perform such operations, a battery management system (BMS) may include various components such as fuses, current sensing elements, thermistors, switches, and balancers, and most of them additionally include an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or BMIC (Battery Monitoring Integrated Chip) to interface with and control these components.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating power charging of a device including a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery system (S) may be applied to a device (D) powered by a battery. In other words, the battery system (S) may be applied to a device (D) that uses a battery as a power source. According to an embodiment, the device (D) may include a means of transportation. For example, the device (D) may be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, or an electric bicycle.

[0081] The battery system (S) may be electrically connected to a charging device (C). Accordingly, the charging device (C) may charge a battery within the battery system (S). In an embodiment, the battery system (S) may be electrically connected via a connector included in the charging device (C).

[0082] Additionally, the battery system (S) may be connected to a charging device (C) for communication. According to an embodiment, the battery system (S) may transmit and receive at least one communication signal to and from the charging device (C) via wired or wireless communication. For example, the battery system (S) may be connected to a connector of the charging device (C) to perform wired communication with the charging device (C).

[0083]

[0084] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system (S) may include a battery (310), a battery management device (320), and a first temperature sensor (330). In addition, the battery system (S) may further include a battery charge control device (340).

[0086] The battery (310) may be provided in the form of at least one unit battery cell connected in series or parallel. For example, the battery (310) may be provided in the form of a battery cell or a battery assembly. Here, a battery assembly refers to an assembly that includes a plurality of electrically connected battery cells and functions as a power supply source when applied to a specific system or device. For example, a battery assembly may refer to a battery module, a battery pack, or a battery rack, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities. In addition, depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery module may also be referred to as a battery bank. According to an embodiment, the battery (310) may be a battery module or a battery pack.

[0087] The battery management device (320) can manage and control the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the battery management device (320) can receive at least one control signal from a battery charging control device (340) to be described later, and control charging of the battery (310) according to the control signal.

[0088] The first temperature sensor (330) is positioned around the battery (310) and can measure the temperature of the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the first temperature sensor (330) is positioned close to the battery (310) and can measure the real-time temperature of the battery (310).

[0089] The first temperature sensor (330) can transmit the measured temperature of at least one battery (310) to the battery charging control device (340) at the request of the battery charging control device (340). Accordingly, the battery charging control device, which will be described later, can determine whether the battery (310) is abnormal based on the temperature of the battery (310).

[0090] The battery charging control device (340) can control the charging current supplied to the battery (310) according to the temperature information of the battery system (S) when charging the battery (310). As shown in FIG. 3, the battery charging control device (340) is located inside the battery system (S) and can control the size of the charging current supplied from the charging device (C) or block the supply of the charging current.

[0091] However, without being limited to the disclosed one, the battery charge control device (340) may be provided inside the charging device (C) rather than the battery system (S), such as the battery charge control unit (460) configuration in FIG. 4, to control the size of the charging current supplied to the battery (310) or to stop the supply of the charging current.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a photographed image of a second temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, the charging device (C) may include a connector (410), a second temperature sensor (420), a third temperature sensor (430), an input unit (440), and an output unit (450). In addition, the charging device (C) may further include a battery charging control unit (460).

[0095] The connector (410) can be connected at one end to a charging device (C) and at the other end to a battery system (S) within the device (D). Accordingly, the connector (410) can transmit the charging current supplied from the charging device (C) to the battery (310) through the battery system (S). In other words, the charging device (C) can charge the battery (310) by supplying the charging current to the battery system (S) through the connector (410).

[0096] The second temperature sensor (420) may be located on the outer surface of the charging device (C). According to an embodiment, the second temperature sensor (420) may be activated when the battery (310) is charged and may measure the temperature of an external area of ​​the device (D) including the battery (310). At this time, the external area is an area including a point where the battery (310) is located inside the device (D), and may include the point where the battery (310) is located and the surrounding area of ​​the point. For example, the second temperature sensor (420) may be provided as a thermal imaging camera, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second temperature sensor (420) can transmit temperature information of at least one battery (310) measured to the battery charge control device (340) within the battery system (S) at the request of the battery charge control device (340).

[0098] According to another embodiment, the second temperature sensor (420) can transmit temperature information of at least one battery (310) measured to a battery charging control unit (460) to be described later. Accordingly, the battery charging control unit (460) can determine the amount of charging current to be supplied to the battery (310) based on the temperature information.

[0099] The third temperature sensor (430) may be located inside the charging device (C). Accordingly, the third temperature sensor (430) may measure the internal temperature of the charging device.

[0100] The input unit (440) is located on the outer surface of the charging device (C) and can receive at least one piece of user information from the user. For example, the input unit (440) may be provided as a keypad or a camera, and can receive user terminal information, vehicle information, payment information, etc. from the user.

[0101] The output unit (450) is positioned on the outer surface of the charging device (C) and can provide at least one status information of the charging device (C) to the supplier or user. For example, the output unit (450) can be provided as a display device and output and provide the supplier or user with information on the charging progress status of the charging device (C), diagnostic information depending on whether an abnormality has occurred, etc. However, without being limited to what has been disclosed, the charging device (C) can transmit at least one status information to a user terminal or a supplier terminal instead of the output unit (450).

[0102] The battery charge control unit (460) is provided inside the charging device (C) and can control the size of the charging current supplied to the battery (310) or stop the supply of the charging current when charging the battery (310).

[0103] However, it is not limited to what has been disclosed, and may be provided inside the battery system (S) rather than the charging device (C), such as the battery charging control device (350) of FIG. 3. In other words, the battery charging control device (350) and the battery charging control unit (460) may have the same configuration and be provided in at least one of the battery system (S) and the charging device (C).

[0104] Hereinafter, in FIG. 6, the configuration of the battery charging control device (350) and the battery charging control unit (460) will be collectively referred to as the battery charging control device (600) and will be described in more detail.

[0105]

[0106] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery charging control device (600) can obtain temperature information of the battery system (S) when charging the battery (310) included in the device (D). Thereafter, the battery charging control device (600) can control the charging current of the battery (310) based on the temperature information of the battery system (S).

[0108] According to an embodiment, the temperature information of the battery system (S) may include the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D).

[0109] To be more specific, the battery charging control device (600) can receive the temperature of the battery (310) transmitted from the first temperature sensor (330) within the battery system (S) when charging the battery (310).

[0110] Additionally, the battery charging control device (600) can receive the external temperature of the device (D) transmitted from the second temperature sensor (420) within the charging device (C) when charging the battery (310).

[0111] Thereafter, the battery charging control device (600) can control the size of the charging current supplied to the battery (310) based on the temperature of the battery (310) and the temperature of the device (D).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the battery charging control device (600) may be included in the battery system (S), as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the battery charging control device (600) may determine the magnitude of the charging current supplied from the charging device (C) by considering the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D). Thereafter, the battery charging control device (600) may transmit information on the magnitude of the determined charging current to the battery management device (320). Accordingly, the battery charging control device (600) may control the charging current to be supplied to the battery (310) in an amount determined by the battery management device (320).

[0113] According to another embodiment, the battery charging control device (600) may be included in the charging device (C), as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the battery charging control device (600) may determine the magnitude of the charging current supplied from the charging device (C) by considering the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D). Thereafter, the battery charging control device (600) may supply a charging current equal to the determined magnitude of the charging current to the battery (310). Accordingly, the battery (310) may be charged equal to the magnitude of the charging current determined by the battery charging control device (600). Accordingly, the battery charging control device (600) may diagnose the state of the battery (310) by considering the temperature of the battery (310) and the temperature of the device (D), and control the magnitude of the charging current based on the diagnosis, thereby preventing a fire occurring during the charging process of the battery in advance.

[0114] To describe the hardware configuration of the battery charging control device (600) in more detail, the battery management device (600) may include a memory (610), a processor (620), a transmission / reception device (630), an input interface device (640), an output interface device (650), and a storage device (660).

[0115] According to an embodiment, each of the components (610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660) included in the battery charging control device (600) is connected by a bus (bus, 670) and can communicate with each other.

[0116] Among the above configurations (610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660), the memory (610) and the storage device (660) may be configured with at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (610) and the storage device (660) may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0117] Among these, the memory (610) may include at least one command executed by the processor (620).

[0118] According to an embodiment, the at least one command includes a command to obtain temperature information of a battery system, and a command to control a charging current of the battery based on the temperature information of the battery system when charging the battery by a charging device.

[0119] Here, the temperature information of the battery system can be obtained from at least one of a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery, and a second temperature sensor located in the charging device that measures the external temperature of a device to which the battery is applied.

[0120] At this time, the second temperature sensor may include a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

[0121] Meanwhile, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first battery temperature setting value or the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0122] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a command to adjust downward the size of the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred.

[0123] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to check the charging method of the battery when the temperature of the battery is equal to or higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and a command to change the charging method of the battery from the constant current charging method to a constant voltage charging method (CV charging) when the charging method of the battery is constant current charging (CC charging) and charge the battery.

[0124] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery calculated for each predefined time period is greater than or equal to a first temperature change setting value, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0125] In addition, the command to control the charging current may include a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the temperature change value of the battery is continuously maintained above a second temperature change setting value for a predetermined period of time, and a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery if an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0126] Meanwhile, if the temperature of the battery is lower than the second battery temperature setting value and the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value, a command may be included to determine that there is a problem with the charging device.

[0127] Here, the command to determine that there is a problem with the charging device may include a command to receive the internal temperature of the charging device measured from a third temperature sensor located inside the charging device, and a command to determine that there is a problem with the charging device when the internal temperature of the charging device is higher than the internal temperature set value.

[0128] Meanwhile, the at least one command may further include a command to transmit a diagnosis result of the battery generated based on temperature information of the battery system to at least one of a device to which the battery is applied and a user terminal using the device.

[0129] The processor (620) may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed.

[0130] The processor (620) can execute at least one program command stored in the memory (610), as described above.

[0131]

[0132] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 7, the processor (620) in the battery charging control device (600) can obtain temperature information of the battery system (S) when charging the battery (310).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may receive the temperature of the battery (310) transmitted from the first temperature sensor (330) within the battery system (S) (S710). Thereafter, the processor (620) may store the temperature of the battery (310) received from the first temperature sensor (330) in a separate storage device (660).

[0135] In another embodiment, the processor (620) may receive the external temperature of the device (D) within the battery system (S), transmitted from the second temperature sensor (420) within the charging device (C) (S720). Thereafter, the processor (620) may store the external temperature of the device (D), received from the second temperature sensor (420), in a separate storage device (660).

[0136] Thereafter, the processor (620) can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310) based on the temperature information of the battery system (S) stored in the storage device (660). In other words, the processor (620) can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310) based on at least one of the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D).

[0137] Thereafter, the processor (620) can transmit a charging current control signal depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the battery (310) to either the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C) within the battery system (S) depending on the provision location of the battery charging control device (600) (S730). Thereafter, the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C) can control the charging current of the battery (310) depending on the charging control signal received from the processor (620) within the battery charging control device (600).

[0138] According to one embodiment, when a battery charge control device (600) is present in a battery system (S) (corresponding to configuration 340 of FIG. 3), if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), the processor (620) may transmit a signal to cut off the supply of charging current to the battery management device (320). Accordingly, the battery management device (320) may cut off the charging current supplied to the battery (310) by cutting off the inflow path of the charging current between the charging device (C) and the battery (310).

[0139] Meanwhile, when the battery charging control device (600) is present in the charging device (C) (corresponding to the configuration 460 of FIG. 4), if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), the processor (620) can transmit a signal to cut off the supply of charging current to the charging device (C). Accordingly, the charging device (C) can stop the supply of charging current to the battery (310).

[0140] In another embodiment, when the battery charge control device (600) is present in the battery system (S) (corresponding to the configuration 340 of FIG. 3), if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), the processor (620) may transmit a signal for changing the charging method or a signal for adjusting the size of the charging current to the battery management device (320). Accordingly, the battery management device (320) may change the charging method of the battery (310) or may adjust downward the size of the charging current supplied to the battery (310) from the charging device (C).

[0141] Meanwhile, when the battery charging control device (600) is present in the charging device (C) (corresponding to the configuration 460 of FIG. 4), if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), the processor (620) may transmit a charging method change signal to the battery management device (320) or a charging current size adjustment signal to the charging device (C). Accordingly, the charging method of the battery (310) may be changed by the battery management device (320), or the charging current size may be adjusted downward by the charging device (C) and supplied to the battery (310).

[0142] According to another embodiment, if it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), the processor (620) may continuously monitor the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D) without separate control of the charging current of the battery (310).

[0143] Meanwhile, the processor (620) can transmit the result of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310) to the user terminal or device (D).

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a step of determining whether a battery abnormality has occurred among the battery charging control methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor (620) sets the temperature of the battery (310) to a first battery temperature set value (B) defined th1 ) can be compared with (S810). Here, the first battery temperature setting value (B th1 ) may be a predefined set value based on the C-rate of the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the first battery temperature set value (B th1 ) may be provided in advance in the storage device (660).

[0147] In one embodiment, if the temperature of the battery is higher than the predetermined first battery temperature setting value (Yes in S810), the processor (620) may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (S811). Accordingly, the processor (620) may transmit a signal to cut off the supply of charging current to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C) (S812), thereby cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery (310).

[0148] According to another embodiment, if the temperature of the battery is lower than the predefined first battery temperature set value (No of S810), the processor (620) sets the temperature of the battery (310) to the predefined second battery temperature set value (B th2 ) can be compared with (S820).

[0149] Here, the second battery temperature setting value (B th2 ) may be a predefined set value based on the C-rate of the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the second battery temperature set value (B th2 ) may be provided in advance in the storage device (660). At this time, the second battery temperature setting value (B th2 ) is the first battery temperature setting value (B th1 ) may be at a lower temperature.

[0150] The processor (620) sets the temperature of the battery (310) to a second battery temperature set value (B) th2) or more (Yes in S820), the external temperature of the device (D) is set to the external temperature setting value (D th1 ) can be compared with (S830). For example, the external temperature set value (D th1 ) may be a predefined set value based on the C-rate of the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the external temperature set value (D th1 ) may be provided in advance in the storage device (660).

[0151] Here, the external temperature of the device (D) is the external temperature set value (D th1 ) above (Yes in S830), the processor (620) can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310), as in step S811. Accordingly, the processor (620) can transmit a signal to cut off the supply of charging current to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C), as in step S812, to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery (310).

[0152] Meanwhile, the processor (620) determines that the external temperature of the device (D) is an external temperature set value (D th1 ) is less than (No of S830), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310) (S831), and the charging method of the battery (310) can be checked.

[0153] According to one embodiment, if the charging method of the battery (310) is constant-current charging (CC charging) (Yes in S832), the processor (620) may transmit a signal to change the charging method of the battery (310) to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C) (S833). Accordingly, the charging method of the battery (310) may be changed from constant-current charging (CC charging) to constant-voltage charging (CV charging).

[0154] In another embodiment, if the battery charging method is a constant voltage charging (CV charging) method (No in S832), the processor (520) may transmit a signal to adjust the size of the charging current to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C) (S834). Accordingly, the size of the charging current supplied to the battery (310) may be adjusted downward to a preset size.

[0155] Meanwhile, the temperature of the battery (310) is set to a second battery temperature setting value (B th2 ) is less than (No of S820), the processor (620) sets the external temperature of the device (D) to the external temperature set value (D th1 ) can be compared with (S840).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the external temperature of the device (D) is set to an external temperature setpoint (D th1 ) above (Yes in S840), the processor (620) can diagnose whether an abnormality has occurred in the charging device (C) (S841). The method for diagnosing whether an abnormality has occurred in the charging device (C) will be described in more detail in FIG. 9 below.

[0157] Additionally, according to another embodiment, the external temperature of the device (D) is set to an external temperature set value (D th1 ) is less than (No of S840), the processor (620) can determine that the battery (310) is normal (S850). Accordingly, the processor (620) can continuously monitor the temperature of the battery (310) and the external temperature of the device (D) without a control signal of the charging current.

[0158]

[0159] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in a charging device among the battery charging control methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (620) can diagnose whether an abnormality has occurred in the charging device (C), as in step S841 of FIG. 8.

[0161] More specifically, the processor (620) can receive the internal temperature of the charging device (C) measured from the third temperature sensor (430) (S910). Here, the third temperature sensor (430) may be a device located inside the charging device (C) and measuring the real-time internal temperature of the charging device (C).

[0162] The processor (620) measures the internal temperature of the charging device (C) by the third temperature sensor (430), and the internal temperature set value (C th1 ) is abnormal (S920), it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the charging device (C) (S930). For example, the internal temperature setting value (C th1 ) may be a value preset by the supplier.

[0163] Meanwhile, the internal temperature of the charging device (C) is set to the internal temperature setting value (C th1 ) is less than (S920), the processor (620) may transmit an inspection signal of the first temperature sensor (330) in the battery system (S) to the user terminal or device (D) or transmit an inspection signal of the third temperature sensor (430) of the charging device (C) to the user terminal, supplier terminal, or output unit (450) (S940). Accordingly, the first temperature sensor (330) and the third temperature sensors (330) may be induced to be inspected by the user.

[0164]

[0165] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a battery charging control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 10, the processor (620) of the battery charging control device (600) can receive the temperature of the battery (310) measured by the first temperature sensor (330) at predetermined time intervals and calculate a temperature change value of the battery (310) (S1010). For example, the processor (620) can calculate a temperature change value of the battery (310) by subtracting the temperature of the battery (310) received in the previous cycle from the temperature of the battery (310) received in the corresponding cycle.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the processor (620) sets a first temperature change set value (T) for which the temperature change value of the battery (310) is predefined. th1 ) above (Yes in S1020), it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (S1030). Accordingly, the processor (620) can transmit a charging current supply blocking signal to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C), thereby blocking the charging current supplied to the battery (310). For example, the first temperature change setting value (T th1 ) may be a preset value based on the C-rate of the battery (310). According to an embodiment, the first temperature change setting value (T th1 ) may be provided in advance in the storage device (660).

[0168] According to another embodiment, the processor (620) sets a first temperature change set value (T) for which the temperature change value of the battery (310) is predefined. th1 ) is less than (No of S1020), it can be determined that the battery is normal (S1040). Accordingly, the processor (620) can continuously monitor the temperature change value of the battery (310) at a predetermined cycle.

[0169] Meanwhile, without being limited to the disclosed, the processor (620) determines that the temperature change value of the battery (310) is a second temperature change set value (T) defined for a predetermined time.th2 ) is maintained continuously, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery (310). For example, the predefined time may be 5 seconds, and the second temperature change set value (T th2 ) is a preset value based on the C-rate of the battery (310), and the first temperature change setting value (T th1 ) may be the same as or different from the second temperature change set value (T ). According to an embodiment, the second temperature change set value (T th2 ) may be provided in advance by being stored in the storage device (660). Accordingly, the processor (620) may transmit a charging current supply blocking signal to the battery management device (320) or the charging device (C), thereby blocking the charging current supplied to the battery (310).

[0170]

[0171] The battery charging control device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the battery system and charging device including the same have been examined.

[0172] A battery charging control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a battery system and charging device including the same, acquire the temperature of the battery and the temperature of the device measured during the charging process of the battery, and, based on the temperature of the battery, determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery and control the charging current supplied to the battery, thereby preventing the occurrence of a battery fire in advance.

[0173]

[0174] The operations of the methods according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as computer-readable programs or codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, such that computer-readable programs or codes can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0175] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0176] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0177] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Processor; and A memory that stores at least one instruction to be executed through the processor, At least one of the above commands, A command to obtain temperature information of the battery system, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command to control the charging current of the battery based on temperature information of the battery system when charging the battery by the charging device.

2. In claim 1, The temperature information of the above battery system is: a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery, and A battery charging control device, wherein the battery charging control device is located in the charging device and obtains the temperature from at least one of the second temperature sensors that measure the external temperature of the device to which the battery is applied.

3. In claim 2, A battery charging control device, wherein the second temperature sensor is a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

4. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A command to determine that a problem has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first battery temperature setting value or the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

5. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A command to determine that an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command to adjust the size of the charging current supplied to the battery downward when an abnormal symptom of the battery occurs.

6. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A command to check the charging method of the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value, and A battery charging control device including a command to change the charging method of the battery from the constant current charging method to the constant voltage charging method (CV charging) when the charging method of the battery is constant current charging (CC charging), thereby charging the battery.

7. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A command to determine that a problem has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery calculated for each predefined time period is greater than or equal to the first temperature change setting value, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

8. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A command to determine that a problem has occurred in the battery if the temperature change value of the battery is continuously maintained above the second temperature change setting value for a predetermined period of time, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command to cut off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

9. In claim 2, The command to control the above charging current is: A battery charging control device comprising a command that determines that there is a problem with the charging device when the temperature of the battery is lower than the second battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature set value.

10. In claim 9, The command to determine that there is a problem with the above charging device is: A command to receive an internal temperature of the charging device, measured from a third temperature sensor located inside the charging device, and A battery charging control device, comprising a command that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the charging device when the internal temperature of the charging device is higher than an internal temperature setting value.

11. In claim 1, A battery charging control device further comprising a command to transmit a diagnosis result of the battery generated based on temperature information of the battery system to at least one of a device to which the battery is applied and a user terminal using the device.

12. A charging control method of a battery charging control device, A step of obtaining temperature information of a battery system; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of controlling the charging current of the battery based on temperature information of the battery system when charging the battery by a charging device.

13. In claim 12, The step of obtaining temperature information of the above battery system is: A step of receiving the temperature of the battery from a first temperature sensor; and A battery charging control method, which receives the external temperature of a device to which the battery is applied from a second temperature sensor installed on the exterior of the charging device.

14. In claim 13, A battery charging control method, wherein the second temperature sensor is a thermal imaging camera installed on the outer surface of the charging device.

15. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first battery temperature setting value or the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

16. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A step of determining that an abnormality symptom of the battery has occurred when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of lowering the size of the charging current supplied to the battery when an abnormal symptom of the battery occurs.

17. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A step of checking the charging method of the battery when the temperature of the battery is higher than a second battery temperature set value that is lower than a first battery temperature set value and the external temperature of the device is lower than the external temperature set value; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of charging the battery by changing the charging method of the battery from the constant current charging method to the constant voltage charging method (CV charging) when the charging method of the battery is constant current charging (CC charging).

18. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery calculated for each predetermined time period is greater than or equal to a first temperature change setting value; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

19. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature change value of the battery is continuously maintained above the second temperature change setting value for a predetermined period of time; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of cutting off the charging current supplied to the battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

20. In claim 13, The step of controlling the above charging current is: A battery charging control method comprising a step of determining that there is a problem with the charging device if the temperature of the battery is lower than the second battery temperature setting value and the external temperature of the device is higher than the external temperature setting value.

21. In claim 20, The steps for determining that there is a problem with the above charging device are: A step of receiving an internal temperature of the charging device, measured from a third temperature sensor located inside the charging device; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the charging device when the internal temperature of the charging device is higher than an internal temperature setting value.

22. In claim 12, A battery charging control method further comprising a step of transmitting a diagnosis result of the battery generated based on temperature information of the battery system to at least one of a device to which the battery is applied and a user terminal using the device.

23. Battery; A battery management device for managing the above battery; and including a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery; The above battery management device, A battery system, wherein, when charging the battery by a charging device, temperature information is received from a second temperature sensor located in the charging device, and the charging current of the battery is controlled based on the temperature information received from at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

24. In claim 23, The second temperature sensor, A battery system that measures the external temperature of a device to which the above battery is applied.

25. Battery charging control unit for charging the battery; and When charging the battery, it includes a temperature sensor that measures the external temperature of the device to which the battery is applied, The above battery charging control unit, A charging device that receives temperature information of the battery from a battery management device that manages the battery when charging the battery by the charging device, and controls the charging current of the battery based on the temperature information received from at least one of the battery management device and the temperature sensor.

26. In claim 25, The above temperature sensor, A charging device comprising a thermal imaging camera installed on the exterior of the charging device.

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