Battery charging device, battery charging method, and control unit

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a battery charging device comprises: a charging unit for applying a charging current to a battery according to a current profile; and a control unit configured to execute a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged, estimate a first expected time point at which the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time point at which the charging of the battery is expected to be completed, and compare the first expected time point and the second expected time point to adjust the current profile so as to prevent a management device of the battery from entering an inactive state.

Description

Battery charging device, battery charging method and control unit

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0022812 filed on February 21, 2025, and includes all contents disclosed in the document of said patent application as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery charging device, a battery charging method, and a control unit.

[0005] Recently, active research and development on secondary batteries has been underway. Here, secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries and can be interpreted to encompass conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries, as well as the more recent lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries can possess higher energy density compared to conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries, and because they can be manufactured in a compact and lightweight form factor, they offer high utility as power sources for mobile devices. Recently, their scope of application has expanded to include power sources for electric vehicles, drawing attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0006] Batteries of electric vehicles (EVs), electric motorcycles, etc., can be charged by a battery charger, and while charging is in progress, the battery charger may be configured to additionally manage or diagnose the state of the battery. In such cases where charging and additional functions are performed simultaneously, the battery BMS may enter an inactive state when the charging current becomes zero due to the completion of battery charging. In this case, a situation may occur where the additional functions cannot be completed due to the inactive state of the battery BMS.

[0007] One of the objectives of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery charging device, a battery charging method, and a control unit capable of adjusting a charging current profile to prevent the battery BMS from entering an inactive state before the management function of the battery charger for the battery is completed.

[0008] The technical objectives of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the battery charging device includes: a charging unit configured to apply a charging current to a battery according to a current profile; and a control unit configured to perform a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged, estimate a first expected time when the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time when the charging of the battery is expected to be completed, and adjust the current profile by comparing the first expected time and the second expected time to prevent the battery management device from entering an inactive state.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to adjust the current profile to prevent entry into the inactive state when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to adjust the current profile based on the lowest charging current of the charging unit.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to prevent the idle period during which the charging current is not applied due to the completion of the battery charging based on the lowest charging current from exceeding the reference period for entering the inactive state.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to adjust the target charge amount of the battery by adjusting the current profile to prevent full charging of the battery when full charging of the battery is expected before the first expected time point.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to calculate the remaining time additionally required to complete the execution of the management function based on the difference between the first estimated time and the second estimated time, and to determine the adjustment amount of the target charge amount based on the magnitude of the remaining time.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the management function includes a first diagnostic function regarding the safety of the battery and a second diagnostic function regarding the lifespan of the battery.

[0016] According to some embodiments, a battery charging method comprises: applying a charging current to a battery according to a current profile through a charging unit; executing a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged through a control unit; estimating a first expected time point at which the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time point at which the charging of the battery is expected to be completed through the control unit; and adjusting the current profile by comparing the first expected time point and the second expected time point to prevent the battery management device from entering an inactive state through the control unit.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the step of adjusting the current profile includes adjusting the current profile to prevent entry into the inactive state when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the step of adjusting the current profile includes adjusting the current profile based on the lowest charging current of the charging unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the step of adjusting the current profile includes preventing the idle period during which the charging current is not applied due to the completion of the battery charging based on the lowest charging current from exceeding a reference period for entering the inactive state.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the step of adjusting the current profile includes adjusting the current profile to adjust the target charge amount of the battery in order to prevent full charging of the battery when full charging of the battery is expected before the first expected time point.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the step of adjusting the target charge amount includes: calculating the remaining time additionally required to complete the execution of the management function based on the difference between the first expected time and the second expected time; and determining the amount of adjustment of the target charge amount based on the magnitude of the remaining time.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the management function includes a first diagnostic function regarding the safety of the battery and a second diagnostic function regarding the lifespan of the battery.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the control unit includes a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform: an operation of executing a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged by a charging current applied according to a current profile; an operation of estimating a first expected time when the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time when the charging of the battery is expected to be completed; and an operation of adjusting the current profile by comparing the first expected time and the second expected time to prevent the management device of the battery from entering an inactive state.

[0024] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, a battery charging device, a battery charging method, and a control unit capable of adjusting a charging current profile to prevent the battery BMS from entering an inactive state before the management function of the battery charger for the battery is completed may be provided.

[0025] The technical effects according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in accordance with the disclosure of this document.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a battery charging system according to some embodiments operates.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates elements constituting a battery charging device according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates elements constituting a control unit of a battery charging device according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a method for adjusting the current profile of a charging current according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates steps constituting a battery charging method according to some embodiments.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments described in this document are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure of this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments described in this document.

[0032] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and, unless specifically stated otherwise, do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] In this document, where it is stated that any (e.g., 1) component is "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another (e.g., 2) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," or where it is stated that the component is "coupled" or "connected," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., through a 3) component.

[0035] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory, CD-ROM) or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two driver devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0036] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the components of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding components among the multiple components prior to the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a battery charging system according to some embodiments operates.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, in a battery charging system (100), a battery charging device (120) can provide functions related to battery charging and battery management / diagnosis for a battery (110).

[0039] The battery (110) can be mounted on a mobility device such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or an electric bike. The battery (110) may include one or more battery packs, and each battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules and / or a plurality of battery cells. The battery (110) may be discharged by driving the mobility device and may be charged by a battery charging device (120).

[0040] The battery charging device (120) can manage or diagnose the state of the battery (110) while charging the battery (110). The battery charging device (120) can apply various charging patterns to the battery (110) and obtain various charging data therefrom. For example, the battery charging device (120) can set a current profile of the charging current based on the specifications of the battery (110) and / or the vehicle type, and can obtain charging data from the battery (110) while charging through the current profile. For example, the charging data may include the charging voltage of the battery (110), etc.

[0041] A management / diagnostic function for the battery (110) can be provided based on the charging data of the battery (110). For example, safety conditions such as lithium precipitation, internal short circuit, and fire risk of the battery (110) can be diagnosed based on the charging data, and lifespan conditions such as the state of health (SOH) and degradation of the battery (110) can be diagnosed based on the charging data.

[0042] When the battery charging device (120) provides functions related to battery management / diagnosis, the battery (110) management device may enter an inactive mode after a certain period of time has elapsed since the charging of the battery (110) is completed. The battery (110) management device may include a battery management system (BMS), for example, the BMS may enter a sleep state if no current is applied to the battery (110) for more than 10 minutes. If the battery BMS enters a sleep state before the execution of software for battery management / diagnosis is completed, the state of the battery (110) may not be diagnosed, or the firmware of the BMS may not be updated. To prevent this, the battery charging device (120) may adjust the current profile to prevent the battery BMS from entering a sleep state.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates elements constituting a battery charging device according to some embodiments.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery charging device (120) may include a charging unit (121) and a control unit (122). However, it is not limited thereto, and some components may be omitted from the battery charging device (120), or other components may be further included in the battery charging device (120).

[0045] The control unit (122) can determine whether the battery BMS enters a sleep state before the execution of the software for battery management / diagnosis is completed based on the current profile and the charging data of the battery (110), and can adjust the current profile based on this.

[0046] The charging unit (121) may include a charging / discharging device configured to apply a charging current and / or a charging voltage to the battery (110). The charging unit (121) may include conventional charging means such as an electric vehicle charging station or a home charger. The control unit (122) may include processing means that are integrated with the charging unit (121) or operate remotely from the charging unit (121).

[0047] The charging unit (121) may be configured to apply a charging current to the battery (110) according to a current profile. The current profile may be determined in advance based on the specifications of the battery (110) and / or the specifications of electrical equipment, such as an electric vehicle equipped with the battery (110). The current profile may be determined within the current application range of the charging unit (121). The current application range may be defined by the maximum and minimum values ​​of the charging current.

[0048] The control unit (122) may be configured to perform management functions for the battery (110) while the battery (110) is being charged. For example, the control unit (122) may acquire charging data, such as charging voltage, from the battery (110) while the battery (110) is being charged, and may perform management functions based on the charging data and / or current profile. For example, the management functions may include a function to diagnose the safety status, degradation status, life status, etc. of the battery (110). Alternatively, the management functions may include a firmware / software update function for the management device of the battery (110). The management functions for the battery (110) may proceed on the premise that seamless communication is possible with the management device of the battery (110), such as a BMS.

[0049] The control unit (122) may be configured to estimate a first estimated time when the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second estimated time when the charging of the battery (110) is expected to be completed. For example, the first estimated time may be estimated based on the execution status of a program, software, app, etc., that implements the management function, and the second estimated time may be estimated based on a current profile and charging data of the battery (110).

[0050] The control unit (122) may be configured to adjust the current profile by comparing a first expected time and a second expected time to prevent the management device of the battery (110) from entering an inactive state. For example, if, as a result of comparing the first expected time and the second expected time, charging is completed before the management function, it may be determined that there is a possibility of BMS sleep, and in this case, the current profile may be adjusted so that charging of the battery (110) is completed later.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the control unit (122) may be configured to adjust the current profile to prevent entry into an inactive state when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time. More specifically, when comparing the first expected time and the second expected time, the waiting time required for the battery (110) management device to enter an inactive state may be additionally considered. For example, if the waiting time for BMS sleep is 10 minutes, the time obtained by adding 10 minutes to the second expected time may be compared with the first expected time.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the control unit (122) may be configured to adjust the current profile based on the lowest charging current of the charging unit (121). The charging unit (121) may have a current application range and may apply a charging current to the battery (110) within that range. The lowest charging current may be utilized to adjust the current profile to the lowest level. For example, through the adjustment of the current profile, a resting period in which no current is applied after charging is complete may be changed to a period in which the lowest charging current is applied.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the control unit (122) may be configured to prevent the idle period during which the charging current is not applied due to the completion of battery charging based on the minimum charging current from exceeding a reference period for entering an inactive state. For example, the reference period for entering an inactive state may be 10 minutes or other appropriate period, during which time the charging current is not applied to the battery (110), and the management device may enter a sleep state. To prevent BMS sleep, the minimum charging current may be applied to the battery (110) before the idle period exceeds the reference period.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the control unit (122) may be configured to adjust the target charge amount of the battery (110) by adjusting the current profile to prevent full charging of the battery (110) when full charging of the battery (110) is expected before a first expected time point. When the battery (110) reaches a full charge state, applying the lowest charging current may cause overcharging. To prevent overcharging, the target charge amount may be reduced through the current profile. For example, to prevent overcharging caused by the lowest charging current, the target charge amount may be adjusted from SOC 100% to SOC 99%, SOC 95%, etc.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the control unit (122) may be configured to calculate the remaining time additionally required to complete the execution of the management function based on the difference between the first estimated time and the second estimated time, and to determine the amount of adjustment for the target charge amount based on the magnitude of the remaining time. If a large amount of remaining time is required to complete the management function, the time for applying the minimum charge current may be extended, and thus the amount of reduction in the target charge amount may be large. Conversely, if a small amount of remaining time is required, the amount of reduction in the target charge amount may be small.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the management function may include a first diagnostic function regarding the safety of the battery (110) and a second diagnostic function regarding the lifespan of the battery (110). For example, the first diagnostic function may include a lithium precipitation diagnosis, an internal short circuit diagnosis, a fire risk diagnosis, etc., and the second diagnostic function may include a SOH diagnosis, a remaining lifespan diagnosis, a degradation state diagnosis, etc. According to an embodiment, the management function may include a function to update the firmware or software of the battery (110) management device.

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates elements constituting a control unit of a battery charging device according to some embodiments.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit (122) of the battery charging device (120) may include a memory (1221) and a processor (1222). However, it is not limited thereto, and some components may be omitted from the control unit (122), or other components may be further included in the control unit (122).

[0059] The processor (1222) may have a structure for executing instructions that implement the operations of the control unit (122). The processor (1222) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or a general-purpose microprocessor for processing various operations, and may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. For example, the processor (1222) may be implemented in at least one form among a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, and an AP.

[0060] The memory (1221) may be configured to store various data, instructions, mobile applications, computer programs, etc. The memory (1221) may be configured separately from or integrally with the processor (1222). The processor (1222) may execute instructions stored in the memory (1221) to process various operations. For example, the memory (1221) may be implemented as a non-volatile device such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, etc., or as a volatile device such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, PRAM, etc., and may be implemented in the form of an HDD, SSD, SD, Micro-SD, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0061] The processor (1222) can perform the operation of executing a management function for the battery (110) while the battery (110) is being charged by a charging current applied according to a current profile by executing instructions stored in memory (1221), the operation of estimating a first expected time when the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time when the charging of the battery (110) is expected to be completed, and the operation of adjusting the current profile by comparing the first expected time and the second expected time to prevent the management device of the battery (110) from entering an inactive state.

[0062] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a method for adjusting the current profile of a charging current according to some embodiments.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, a graph (400) illustrating a method of adjusting the current profile of a charging current may be shown. In the graph (400), the horizontal axis may represent time, and the vertical axis may represent the charging current.

[0064] As shown in the graph (400), the charging unit (121) can apply a charging current to the battery (110) within a current application range, and the current application range may be a range between a maximum current and a minimum current. The charging current may start at a minimum current, rise to a maximum current, and then be maintained, and may drop to 0 when charging is complete. When the charging current becomes 0, a rest period may begin, and if the rest period exceeds a standard period such as 10 minutes, the BMS may enter sleep mode. In this case, the function of managing / diagnosing the state of the battery (110) or updating the BMS firmware / software may not be completed.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, a graph (500) illustrating a method of adjusting the current profile of a charging current may be shown. In the graph (500), the horizontal axis may represent time, and the vertical axis may represent the charging current.

[0066] As shown in graph (500), the control unit (122) can adjust the current profile to adjust the charging current from zero to a minimum current before the rest period exceeds a reference period. In this case, the minimum current is applied to the battery (110) to prevent BMS sleep. The BMS sleep prevention period can be maintained for an appropriate amount of time, and thereafter the BMS sleep prevention period and the rest period can be repeated alternately.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, a graph (600) illustrating a method of adjusting the current profile of a charging current may be shown. In the graph (600), the horizontal axis may represent time, and the vertical axis may represent the charging current.

[0068] As shown in graph (600), if it is expected that the battery (110) will be fully charged before the BMS sleep prevention section is applied by applying a minimum current, the target charge amount may be adjusted to prevent overcharging of the battery (110). In this case, the battery (110) may not be fully charged, and therefore, overcharging may not occur even if a minimum current is applied in the BMS sleep prevention section. According to an embodiment, to prevent overcharging, instead of reducing the target charge amount, the section where the maximum current is applied in the current profile may be shortened. In this case as well, full charging of the battery (110) may be prevented, and overcharging may be prevented in the BMS sleep prevention section.

[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates steps constituting a battery charging method according to some embodiments.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery charging method (700) may include steps (710) through (740). However, it is not limited thereto, some steps may be omitted or other general steps may be added, and the steps of the battery charging method (700) may be executed in a different order than the illustrated order.

[0071] The battery charging method (700) may consist of steps processed sequentially in the battery charging device (120). Therefore, even if details are omitted below, the description of the battery charging device (120) above may be equally applicable to the battery charging method (700).

[0072] Steps (710) to (740) of the battery charging method (700) can be performed by the charging unit (121) and the control unit (122) of the battery charging device (120).

[0073] In step (710), the battery charging device (120) may perform the step of applying a charging current to the battery according to a current profile through the charging unit.

[0074] In step (720), the battery charging device (120) can perform a step of executing a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged through a control unit.

[0075] In step (730), the battery charging device (120) may perform the step of estimating a first expected time when the execution of the management function is expected to be completed through the control unit and a second expected time when the charging of the battery is expected to be completed.

[0076] In step (740), the battery charging device (120) may perform the step of adjusting the current profile by comparing a first expected time and a second expected time to prevent the battery management device from entering an inactive state through the control unit.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the battery charging method (700) may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, the computer program may include instructions for implementing the battery charging method (700), and the instructions of the program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program may include a mobile application.

[0078] According to an embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium may include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical media such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, and a hardware device specifically configured to store and execute computer program instructions such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Computer program instructions may include machine code generated by a compiler and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0079] Terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as used above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; therefore, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in this document, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0080] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept disclosed in this document, and a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the embodiments disclosed in this document, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed in this document shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this document.

[0081] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0082] 100: Battery charging system 110: Battery

[0083] 120: Battery charging device 121: Charging unit

[0084] 122: Control Unit 1221: Memory

[0085] 1222: Processor

Claims

1. A charging unit configured to apply a charging current to a battery according to a current profile; and While the above battery is being charged, a management function for the above battery is executed, and Estimating a first expected time when the execution of the above management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time when the charging of the above battery is expected to be completed, and A battery charging device comprising a control unit configured to adjust the current profile by comparing the first expected time point and the second expected time point to prevent the battery management device from entering an inactive state.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery charging device, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the current profile to prevent entry into the inactive state when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery charging device, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the current profile based on the lowest charging current of the charging unit.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery charging device, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the idle period during which the charging current is not applied due to the completion of the battery charging based on the minimum charging current from exceeding the reference period for entering the inactive state.

5. In Paragraph 3, A battery charging device configured such that the control unit adjusts the current profile to adjust the target charge amount of the battery in order to prevent full charging of the battery when full charging of the battery is expected before the first expected time point.

6. In Paragraph 5, The control unit calculates the remaining time additionally required to complete the execution of the management function based on the difference between the first estimated time and the second estimated time, and A battery charging device configured to determine an adjustment amount of the target charge amount based on the size of the remaining time.

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery charging device comprising a first diagnostic function regarding the safety of the battery and a second diagnostic function regarding the lifespan of the battery, wherein the above management function includes 8. A step of applying a charging current to the battery according to a current profile through a charging unit; A step of executing a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged through a control unit; A step of estimating a first expected time point at which the execution of the management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time point at which the charging of the battery is expected to be completed through the control unit; and A battery charging method comprising the step of adjusting the current profile by comparing the first expected time point and the second expected time point to prevent the battery management device from entering an inactive state through the control unit.

9. In Paragraph 8, A battery charging method comprising the step of adjusting the current profile to prevent entry into the inactive state when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery charging method comprising the step of adjusting the current profile, wherein the step of adjusting the current profile is based on the lowest charging current of the charging unit.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery charging method comprising the step of adjusting the current profile, wherein the step of preventing the idle period during which the charging current is not applied due to the completion of the battery charging based on the lowest charging current from exceeding a reference period for entering the inactive state.

12. In Paragraph 10, A battery charging method comprising the step of adjusting the current profile, wherein if the battery is expected to be fully charged before the first expected time, the current profile is adjusted to adjust the target charge amount of the battery in order to prevent full charging of the battery.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of adjusting the target charging amount comprises: a step of calculating the remaining time additionally required to complete the execution of the management function based on the difference between the first estimated time and the second estimated time; and A battery charging method comprising the step of determining an adjustment amount of the target charge amount based on the size of the remaining time.

14. In Paragraph 8, A battery charging method comprising a first diagnostic function regarding the safety of the battery and a second diagnostic function regarding the lifespan of the battery, wherein the above management function includes 15. Processor; and When executed by the above processor, the above processor: An operation to execute a management function for the battery while the battery is being charged by a charging current applied according to a current profile; An operation to estimate a first expected time when the execution of the above management function is expected to be completed and a second expected time when the charging of the battery is expected to be completed; and A control unit of a battery charging device comprising a memory that stores instructions for performing an operation to adjust the current profile by comparing the first expected time point and the second expected time point to prevent the management device of the battery from entering an inactive state.

Images