Junction box

Abstract

A junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal connected to both ends of a first battery; a third input / output terminal and a fourth input / output terminal connected to both ends of a second battery; fifth to eighth input / output terminals connected to the outside; a first switching unit connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals to change a connection state of the first to fourth input / output terminals; and a second switching unit connected to some of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals to change a connection state of each connected input / output terminal.

Description

junction box

[0001] The present invention relates to a junction box.

[0002] Electric vehicles are equipped with large-capacity battery packs and run on electricity stored in the batteries. To enhance electric vehicle performance, high-capacity batteries, typically 400 V or higher, are being installed, often with voltages exceeding 800 V. Accordingly, systems need to be configured to support both 400 V and 800 V rapid charging.

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a junction box capable of serial and parallel conversion of batteries.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problem, a junction box according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal connected to both ends of a first battery; a third input / output terminal and a fourth input / output terminal connected to both ends of a second battery; fifth to eighth input / output terminals connected to the outside; a first switching unit connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals to change a connection state of the first to fourth input / output terminals; and a second switching unit connected to some of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals to change a connection state of each connected input / output terminal.

[0005] Additionally, at least one of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals may not be connected to the second switching unit.

[0006] Additionally, the first switching unit can change the connection state of the first to fourth input / output terminals to connect the first battery and the second battery in series or parallel.

[0007] In addition, the first switching unit may include a first switching element connected between the second input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery and the third input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery; a second switching element connected between the first input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the first battery and the third input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery; and a third switching element connected between the second input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery and the fourth input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the second battery.

[0008] Additionally, the capacities of the first battery and the second battery may be the same.

[0009] In addition, the fifth input / output terminal and the seventh input / output terminal may be connected to the first input / output terminal, the sixth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal may be connected to the fourth input / output terminal, the fifth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal may be connected to a load, and the seventh input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal may be connected to a charging device.

[0010] In addition, the second switching unit may include a fourth switching element connected between the first input / output terminal and the seventh input / output terminal; a fifth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal; and a sixth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal.

[0011] Additionally, a switching element may not be connected between the first input / output terminal and the fifth input / output terminal.

[0012] In addition, it includes a control unit that controls the first switching unit and the second switching unit, and the control unit controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the sixth switching element to supply power to the load, controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel, turns on the fourth switching element and the fifth switching element to receive a first voltage from the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the fourth switching element and the fifth switching element to receive a second voltage from the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage.

[0013] In addition, the second switching unit may include a fifth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal; and a sixth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal.

[0014] Additionally, a switching element may not be connected between the first input / output terminal and the fifth input / output terminal and between the first input / output terminal and the seventh input / output terminal.

[0015] In addition, it includes a control unit that controls the first switching unit and the second switching unit, and the control unit controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the sixth switching element to supply power to the load, controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel, turns on the fifth switching element to supply a first voltage to the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the fifth switching element to supply a second voltage to the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage.

[0016] In addition, the second switching unit may include a seventh switching element connected between the first input / output terminal and the fifth input / output terminal; a fifth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal; and a sixth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal.

[0017] Additionally, a switching element may not be connected between the first input / output terminal and the seventh input / output terminal.

[0018] In addition, it includes a control unit that controls the first switching unit and the second switching unit, and the control unit controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the seventh switching element and the sixth switching element to supply power to the load, controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel, turns on the fifth switching element to receive a first voltage from the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and controls the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turns on the fifth switching element to receive a second voltage from the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present invention, the number of relays is reduced, simplifying the structure of the relay junction box. Furthermore, direct and indirect peripheral devices, such as bus bars or wire harnesses, can be eliminated along with the relay, resulting in weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a junction box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first switching unit of a junction box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 4 to 6C are drawings for explaining a first embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 7 to 9C are drawings for explaining a second embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 10 to 12C are drawings for explaining a third embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 13 to 15C are drawings for explaining a first embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0033] 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 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly 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.

[0034] 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," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a junction box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first switching unit of a junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings for explaining a first embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings for explaining a second embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings for explaining a third embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings for explaining a fourth embodiment of a second switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] A junction box (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of input / output terminals (111 to 118) and a switching unit (120, 130), and may include a control unit (140), a communication unit (not shown), or a storage unit (not shown).

[0038] The plurality of input / output terminals (111 to 118) may be terminals electrically connected to the outside, and each input / output terminal may be formed as a separate terminal, or two or more input / output terminals may be formed as a module. In addition, the terminals may be formed as terminals connected to the outside in various forms.

[0039] The plurality of input / output terminals (111 to 118) include first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114) connected to the battery, fifth and sixth input / output terminals (115, 116) connected to the load (330), and seventh and eighth input / output terminals (117, 118) connected to the charging device (240). The battery (210, 220) may be a battery installed in the vehicle, and the load (330) may be a motor installed in the vehicle or various loads that operate with the vehicle's battery. The charging device (240) may be a charging device capable of charging the vehicle's battery, such as a vehicle charging station or a home or building. The charging device (240) may receive power from a grid or a power source, convert it into a voltage capable of charging the battery, and charge the battery.

[0040] The first input / output terminal (111) and the second input / output terminal (112) are connected to both ends of the first battery (210). The first input / output terminal (111) can be connected to the (+) terminal of the first battery (210), and the second input / output terminal (112) can be connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery (210).

[0041] The third input / output terminal (113) and the fourth input / output terminal (114) are connected to both ends of the second battery (220). The third input / output terminal (113) can be connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery (220), and the fourth input / output terminal (114) can be connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery (210).

[0042] The first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are two batteries installed in the vehicle, and the capacity of the first battery (210) and the voltage of the second battery (220) may be the same. For example, the voltage of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) may be 400 V. Alternatively, it is obvious that the voltages of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) may be different.

[0043] The fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116) can be connected to a load, and the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) can be connected to a charging device.

[0044] The fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116) can be connected to both ends of the load (330). The fifth input / output terminal (115) can be connected to the (+) terminal of the load (330), and the sixth input / output terminal (116) can be connected to the (-) terminal of the load (330). The load (330) can include a DC motor using DC voltage, etc.

[0045] The seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240). The seventh input / output terminal (117) can be connected to the (+) terminal of the charging device (240), and the eighth input / output terminal (118) can be connected to the (-) terminal of the charging device (240). The charging device (240) can include a DC charger or the like that supplies DC voltage.

[0046] The fifth input / output terminal (115) and the seventh input / output terminal (117) can be connected to the first input / output terminal (111), and the sixth input / output terminal (116) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) can be connected to the fourth input / output terminal (114).

[0047] When the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, the first input / output terminal (111) can become the (+) terminal of the entire battery, and the fourth input / output terminal (114) can become the (-) terminal of the entire battery. In addition, when the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, the first input / output terminal (111) and the third input / output terminal can be connected to each other to become the (+) terminal of each battery, and the second input / output terminal (112) and the fourth input / output terminal (114) can be connected to each other to become the (-) terminal of each battery. That is, when connected in series or in parallel, the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal (114) can become the (+) terminal and the (-) terminal of the battery.

[0048] At this time, the (+) terminal of the load (330) and the (+) terminal of the charger (240) should be connected to the (+) terminal of the battery, and the (-) terminal of the load (330) and the (-) terminal of the charger (240) should be connected to the (-) terminal of the battery. The fifth input / output terminal (115) and the seventh input / output terminal (117) can be connected to the first input / output terminal (111), and the sixth input / output terminal (116) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) can be connected to the fourth input / output terminal (114).

[0049] The first switching unit (120) is connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114) and can change the connection status of the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114). The first switching unit (120) may include a plurality of switching elements connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114), and the control unit (140) can control the on / off of the switching elements of the first switching unit (120) to change the connection status of the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114). By changing the connection status of the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114), the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals (111 to 114) can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0050] The first switching unit (120) may include a plurality of switching elements so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in series or parallel. The first switching element (121) may include first to third switching elements (121 to 123). It goes without saying that more switching elements may be included in addition to the first to third switching elements (123).

[0051] The first switching element (121) can be connected between the second input / output terminal (112) connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery (210) and the third input / output terminal (113) connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery (220). The connection state between the second input / output terminal (112) and the third input / output terminal (113) is changed by turning the first switching element (121) on and off, and through this, the connection state between the (-) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (+) terminal of the second battery (220) can be set.

[0052] The second switching element (122) can be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) connected to the (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the third input / output terminal (113) connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery (220). The connection state between the first input / output terminal (111) and the third input / output terminal (113) is changed by turning the second switching element (122) on and off, and through this, the connection state between the (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (+) terminal of the second battery (220) can be set.

[0053] The third switching element (123) can be connected between the second input / output terminal (112) connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery (210) and the fourth input / output terminal (114) connected to the (-) terminal of the second battery (220). The connection state between the second input / output terminal (112) and the fourth input / output terminal (114) is changed by turning the third switching element (123) on and off, and through this, the connection state between the (-) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (-) terminal of the second battery (220) can be set.

[0054] When the first switching element (121) is on and the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) are off, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in series. The first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in series by connecting the (-) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (+) terminal of the second battery (220). The control unit (140) can connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series by turning on the first switching element (121) and turning off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123). For example, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are each 400 V, and the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in series to operate one 800 V battery.

[0055] When the first switching element (121) is off and the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) are on, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in parallel. The first battery (210) and the second battery (220) can be connected in parallel with each other's (+) terminals and each other's (-) terminals. The control unit (140) can turn off the first switching element (121) and turn on the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) to connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in parallel. For example, if the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are each 400 V, and the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, two 400 V batteries can be operated.

[0056] The second switching unit (130) is connected to at least some of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118) and can change the connection status of each connected input / output terminal. The second switching unit (130) may include a plurality of switching elements so as to be connected to at least some of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118) and change the connection status of each connected input / output terminal, and the control unit (140) can control the on / off of the switching elements of the second switching unit (130) to change the connection status of the input / output terminal connected to the second switching unit (130). By changing the connection status of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118), the load (330) or the charging device (240) connected to the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118) can be disconnected or connected.

[0057] At least one of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118) may not be connected to the second switching unit (130). Not all of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals (115 to 118) may be connected to the second switching unit (130), and some may not be connected.

[0058] The second switching unit (130) may include a fourth switching element (131), a fifth switching element (132), and a sixth switching element (133). The fourth switching element (131) may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the seventh input / output terminal (117), the fifth switching element (132) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), and the sixth switching element (133) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the sixth input / output terminal (116). No switching element may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the fifth input / output terminal (115).

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4, switching elements may be connected to the sixth input / output terminal (116), the seventh input / output terminal (117), and the eighth input / output terminal (118), but no switching element may be connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115). Connection or release of the fifth input / output terminal (115) may be replaced with a switching operation of the first switching unit (120) rather than a separate switching element.

[0060] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the sixth switching element (133) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) can be turned off. Alternatively, even if the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) are turned on, power is not transmitted to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) when the charging device is not connected, so that power can be supplied to the load (330).

[0061] The control unit (140) can first turn off the first switching unit (120) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220), and control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) and then turn on the first switching element (121) to supply power to the load (330). Alternatively, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) after turning on the first switching element (121), or can turn on the first switching element (121) and the sixth switching element (133) simultaneously.

[0062] In the case where power needs to be supplied to a load such as a motor for driving a car, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 5, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 6(A), connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the sixth switching element (133) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the load, and through this, power of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be supplied to the load (330).

[0063] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) so that the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) can be turned off. Here, the first voltage may be the charging voltage of each of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220), and therefore, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in parallel, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and the first voltage may be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0064] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132), the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) may be turned on, or the second switching element (122), the third switching element (123), the fourth switching element (131), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0065] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the first voltage, the control unit (140) turns off the first switching device (121) and turns on the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 5, thereby connecting the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in parallel, and turns on the fourth switching device (131) and the fifth switching device (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in parallel.

[0066] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) so that the second voltage can be supplied to the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) can be turned off. Here, the second voltage may be a charging voltage when the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be 400 V, and the second voltage may be 800 V. Accordingly, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in series, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage is supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0067] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the first switching element (121), and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132), the first switching element (121) may be turned on, or the first switching element (121), the fourth switching element (131), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0068] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the second voltage, the control unit (140) turns on the first switching device (121) and turns off the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 5, thereby connecting the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turns on the fourth switching device (131) and the fifth switching device (132) to receive the second voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) may be turned off. The (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (-) terminal of the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be charged by receiving the second voltage from the charging device (240).

[0069] The second switching unit (130) may include a fourth switching element (131), a fifth switching element (132), a sixth switching element (133), and a seventh switching element (134). The fourth switching element (131) may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the seventh input / output terminal (117), the fifth switching element (132) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), and the sixth switching element (133) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the sixth input / output terminal (116). The seventh switching element (134) may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the fifth input / output terminal (115).

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7, switching elements are connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115), the sixth input / output terminal (116), the seventh input / output terminal (117), and the eighth input / output terminal (118), so that connection or release of each input / output terminal can be operated by each switching element.

[0071] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series or parallel, and turns on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) can be turned off. Alternatively, even if the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) are turned on, power is not transmitted to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118) when the charging device is not connected, so that power can be supplied to the load (330).

[0072] The control unit (140) can first turn off the first switching unit (120) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220), and control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134), and then turn on the first switching element (121) to supply power to the load (330). Alternatively, after turning on the first switching element (121), the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned on, or the first switching element (121), the sixth switching element (133), and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned on simultaneously.

[0073] In a case where power needs to be supplied to a load such as a motor for driving a car, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 8, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 9(A), to connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the load, and through this, power of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be supplied to the load (330).

[0074] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) so that the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned off. Here, the first voltage may be the charging voltage of each of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220), and therefore, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in parallel, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and the first voltage may be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0075] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132), the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) may be turned on, or the second switching element (122), the third switching element (123), the fourth switching element (131), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0076] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the first voltage, the control unit (140) turns off the first switching device (121) and turns on the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 8, thereby connecting the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in parallel, and turns on the fourth switching device (131) and the fifth switching device (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) and the seventh switching device (134) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in parallel.

[0077] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) so that the second voltage can be supplied to the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned off. Here, the second voltage may be a charging voltage when the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be 400 V, and the second voltage may be 800 V. Accordingly, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in series, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage is supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0078] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the first switching element (121), and turns on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132), the first switching element (121) may be turned on, or the first switching element (121), the fourth switching element (131), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0079] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the second voltage, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 8, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 9(C), to connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the fourth switching element (131) and the fifth switching element (132) to receive the second voltage from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) may be turned off. The (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (-) terminal of the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be charged by receiving the second voltage from the charging device (240).

[0080] The second switching unit (130) may include a fifth switching element (132) and a sixth switching element (133). The fifth switching element (132) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), and the sixth switching element (133) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the sixth input / output terminal (116). No switching elements may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the seventh input / output terminal (117) and between the first input / output terminal (111) and the fifth input / output terminal (115).

[0081] As shown in Fig. 10, switching elements may be connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), but switching elements may not be connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116). Connection or release of the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116) may be replaced with a switching operation of the first switching unit (120) rather than a separate switching element.

[0082] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the sixth switching element (133) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fifth switching element (132) can be turned off. Alternatively, even if the fifth switching element (132) is turned on, if the charging device is not connected, power is not transmitted to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), so that power can be supplied to the load (330).

[0083] The control unit (140) can first turn off the first switching unit (120) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220), and control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) and then turn on the first switching element (121) to supply power to the load (330). Alternatively, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) after turning on the first switching element (121), or can turn on the first switching element (121) and the sixth switching element (133) simultaneously.

[0084] In the case where power needs to be supplied to a load such as a motor for driving a car, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 11, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 12(A), connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the sixth switching element (133) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fifth switching element (132) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the load, and through this, power of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be supplied to the load (330).

[0085] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and turns on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) can be turned off. Here, the first voltage may be the charging voltage of each of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220), and therefore, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in parallel, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and the first voltage may be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0086] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), and turns on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fifth switching element (132), the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) may be turned on, or the second switching element (122), the third switching element (123), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0087] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the first voltage, the control unit (140) turns off the first switching device (121) and turns on the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 11, thereby connecting the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in parallel, and turns on the fifth switching device (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) can be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in parallel.

[0088] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the fifth switching element (132) so that the second voltage can be supplied to the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) can be turned off. Here, the second voltage may be a charging voltage when the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be 400 V, and the second voltage may be 800 V. Accordingly, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in series, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage is supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0089] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state.

[0090] The control unit (140) can turn on the first switching element (121) and turn on the fifth switching element (132) while the first switching element (120) and the second switching element (130) are turned off, thereby supplying the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charging the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fifth switching element (132), the first switching element (121) can be turned on, or the first switching element (121) and the fifth switching element (132) can be turned on simultaneously.

[0091] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the second voltage, the control unit (140) turns on the first switching device (121) and turns off the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 12(C), so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the fifth switching device (132) is turned on so that the second voltage is supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) can be turned off. The (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (-) terminal of the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be charged by receiving the second voltage from the charging device (240).

[0092] The second switching unit (130) may include a fifth switching element (132), a sixth switching element (133), and a seventh switching element (134). The fifth switching element (132) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), the sixth switching element (133) may be connected between the fourth input / output terminal (114) and the sixth input / output terminal (116), and the seventh switching element (134) may be connected between the first input / output terminal and the fifth input / output terminal. No switching element may be connected between the first input / output terminal (111) and the seventh input / output terminal (117).

[0093] As shown in Fig. 13, switching elements may be connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115), the sixth input / output terminal (116), and the eighth input / output terminal (118), but no switching element may be connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117). Connection or release of the seventh input / output terminal (117) may be replaced with a switching operation of the first switching unit (120) rather than a separate switching element.

[0094] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fifth switching element (132) can be turned off. Alternatively, even if the fifth switching element (132) is turned on, if the charging device is not connected, power is not transmitted to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), so that power can be supplied to the load (330).

[0095] The control unit (140) can first turn off the first switching unit (120) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220), and control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) can turn on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134), and then turn on the first switching element (121) to supply power to the load (330). Alternatively, after turning on the first switching element (121), the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned on, or the first switching element (121), the sixth switching element (133), and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned on simultaneously.

[0096] In the case where power needs to be supplied to a load such as a motor for driving a car, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 14, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 15(A), connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) to supply power to the load (330). At this time, the fifth switching element (132) may be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the fifth input / output terminal (115) and the sixth input / output terminal (116), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the load, and through this, power of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be supplied to the load (330).

[0097] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and turns on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned off. Here, the first voltage may be the charging voltage of each of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220), and therefore, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in parallel, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in parallel, and the first voltage may be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0098] The control unit (140) first turns off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and can control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) turns on the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), and turns on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fifth switching element (132), the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123) may be turned on, or the second switching element (122), the third switching element (123), and the fifth switching element (132) may be turned on simultaneously.

[0099] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the first voltage, the control unit (140) turns off the first switching device (121) and turns on the second switching device (122) and the third switching device (123) as shown in FIG. 14, thereby connecting the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in parallel, and turns on the fifth switching device (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching device (133) and the seventh switching device (134) can be turned off. Both ends of the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first voltage can be supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in parallel.

[0100] The control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and turns on the fifth switching element (132) so that the second voltage can be supplied to the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) can be turned off. Here, the second voltage may be a charging voltage when the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage may be higher than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be 400 V, and the second voltage may be 800 V. Accordingly, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) must be connected in series, and the control unit (140) controls the first switching unit (120) so that the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) are connected in series, and the second voltage is supplied from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220).

[0101] The control unit (140) can first turn off the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) to prevent power from being supplied from the first battery (210) or the second battery (220) or from the charging device (240), and control each switching element in a stable state. With the first switching unit (120) and the second switching unit (130) turned off, the control unit (140) can turn on the first switching element (121) and turn on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the first voltage from the charging device (240) and charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). Alternatively, after turning on the fifth switching element (132), the first switching element (121) can be turned on, or the first switching element (121) and the fifth switching element (132) can be turned on simultaneously.

[0102] When charging a car battery, charging must be performed according to the charging voltage of the charging device (240). When the charging voltage of the charging device (240) is the second voltage, the control unit (140) may, in an embodiment in which the second switching element (122) is configured as in FIG. 14, turn on the first switching element (121), turn off the second switching element (122) and the third switching element (123), as in FIG. 15(C), to connect the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) in series, and turn on the fifth switching element (132) to receive the second voltage from the charging device (240) to charge the first battery (210) and the second battery (220). At this time, the sixth switching element (133) and the seventh switching element (134) may be turned off. The (+) terminal of the first battery (210) and the (-) terminal of the second battery (220) are connected to the first input / output terminal (111) and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively, and are connected to the seventh input / output terminal (117) and the eighth input / output terminal (118), respectively, so that they can be connected to both ends of the charging device (240), and through this, the first battery (210) and the second battery (220) connected in series can be charged by receiving the second voltage from the charging device (240).

[0103] The switching element described above may be a relay or a switch such as a MOSFET. It goes without saying that it may include various physical and electrical switches that electrically connect or disconnect two terminals.

[0104] As described above, by including a switching unit that changes the series / parallel of multiple batteries, the batteries can be converted into series or parallel depending on the situation, and the number of switching elements that perform connection or disconnection of input / output terminals can be reduced by utilizing the operation of the series / parallel change switch. This can simplify the junction box structure by reducing the number of switching elements such as relays. In addition, direct and indirect peripheral devices such as bus bars or wire harnesses for connecting or operating switching elements such as relays can be eliminated, thereby enabling weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal connected to both ends of the first battery; Third input / output terminal and fourth input / output terminal connected to both ends of the second battery; The 5th to 8th input / output terminals connected to the outside; A first switching unit connected to the first to fourth input / output terminals and changing the connection status of the first to fourth input / output terminals; and A junction box including a second switching unit that is connected to some of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals and changes the connection status of each connected input / output terminal.

2. In paragraph 1, A junction box in which at least one of the fifth to eighth input / output terminals is not connected to the second switching unit.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first switching unit, A junction box that changes the connection status of the first to fourth input / output terminals to connect the first battery and the second battery in series or parallel.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first switching unit, A first switching element connected between the second input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery and the third input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery; A second switching element connected between the first input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the first battery and the third input / output terminal connected to the (+) terminal of the second battery; and A junction box including a third switching element connected between the second input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the first battery and the fourth input / output terminal connected to the (-) terminal of the second battery.

5. In paragraph 1, The capacity of the above first battery and the above second battery is the same junction box.

6. In paragraph 1, The above fifth input / output terminal and the above seventh input / output terminal are connected to the first input / output terminal, The above 6th input / output terminal and the 8th input / output terminal are connected to the 4th input / output terminal, The above fifth input / output terminal and the above sixth input / output terminal are connected to a load, The above 7th input / output terminal and the above 8th input / output terminal are junction boxes connected to a charging device.

7. In paragraph 6, The above second switching unit, A fourth switching element connected between the first input / output terminal and the seventh input / output terminal; A fifth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal; and A junction box including a sixth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal.

8. In paragraph 7, A junction box in which no switching element is connected between the first input / output terminal and the fifth input / output terminal.

9. In paragraph 7, It includes a control unit that controls the first switching unit and the second switching unit, The above control unit, Control the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, and turn on the sixth switching element to supply power to the load, Controlling the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel, turning on the fourth switching element and the fifth switching element to receive a first voltage from the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, Control the first switching unit so that the first battery and the second battery are connected in series, turn on the fourth switching element and the fifth switching element to supply a second voltage to the charging device and charge the first battery and the second battery, The above second voltage is a junction box higher than the above first voltage.

10. In paragraph 6, The above second switching unit, A fifth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the eighth input / output terminal; and A junction box including a sixth switching element connected between the fourth input / output terminal and the sixth input / output terminal.

Images