Battery pack for generating synchronization signal and vehicle including same

By configuring a mechanism for generating and exchanging synchronization signals in the vehicle's battery management system, the problem of discontinuity of power supply between multiple battery packs is solved, and the synchronization of battery pack operation is achieved, time error is reduced, and the continuity and stability of power supply is ensured.

CN119789973APending Publication Date: 2025-04-08LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380064859.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-16
Filing Date
2023-07-31
Publication Date
2025-04-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In a vehicle, when a balanced power capacity is required between multiple battery packs, there may be a problem of discontinuity of power supply, especially when a time error occurs in the operation of the battery pack.

Method used

By configuring a mechanism for generating and exchanging synchronization signals in the battery management system, operations between multiple battery packs are ensured to be synchronized, thereby reducing time errors. The specific method includes transmitting a first synchronization signal to the other battery pack before performing a designated task, receiving a second synchronization signal from the other battery pack, determining a reference synchronization signal based on the two signals, and performing the task based on the reference synchronization signal.

Benefits of technology

Through the exchange and processing of synchronous signals, the time error of operation of multiple battery packs can be effectively reduced, thereby ensuring the continuity and stability of power supply.

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Abstract

According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal includes: one or more battery modules including a plurality of battery cells capable of supplying power to a motor of a vehicle; the battery management system is electrically connected with another battery management system of another battery pack, and the battery management system is configured to transmit a specified first synchronization signal to the other battery pack and receive a specified second synchronization signal from the other battery pack before a specified task is executed; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; and executing the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0117486 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal and a vehicle including the battery pack. Background Art

[0005] The battery may be charged with electricity and supply power to a driving motor of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0006] The battery may include one or more battery packs. Each of the one or more battery packs may include a plurality of battery modules, and each battery module may include a plurality of battery cells. One or more battery packs may be implemented with different materials (e.g., positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, separators, electrolytes). For example, the positive electrode material may be implemented with a combination of nickel, cobalt, aluminum, manganese, etc. (e.g., NCM, NCA, or LFP). In another example, the negative electrode material may be implemented with graphite, silicon, etc.

[0007] One or more battery packs may be managed by a battery management system (BMS).

[0008] The BMS may receive a control command from an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle and control the battery pack based on the received control command. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] When multiple battery packs are installed on a vehicle, there may be a situation where the battery pack that supplies power to the motor is changed. For example, balance may be required between multiple battery packs in the vehicle, and the battery pack used to supply power to the motor may be changed to balance the power capacity of the multiple battery packs. However, even when the battery pack that supplies power to the motor is changed, power must be continuously supplied.

[0011] In the case of changing the battery pack that supplies power to the motor, when a large time error occurs in the operation of the plurality of battery packs, power may not be supplied to the motor. Therefore, it is necessary to synchronize the plurality of battery packs with each other to reduce the time error in the operation of the plurality of battery packs.

[0012] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned technical problems according to the following description.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] A battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: one or more battery modules, which include a plurality of battery cells capable of supplying power to an electric motor of a vehicle; and a battery management system, which is electrically connected to another battery management system of another battery pack, wherein the battery management system is configured to: transmit a specified first synchronization signal to another battery pack and receive a specified second synchronization signal from another battery pack before performing a specified task; determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; and perform the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0015] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules of the battery pack and one or more battery modules of another battery pack may include at least one material different from each other.

[0016] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules may be implemented using Ni, Co, and Mn (NCM) or silicon.

[0017] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal generated first between a first synchronization signal and a second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization signal.

[0018] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal generated later between a first synchronization signal and a second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization signal.

[0019] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, one of the battery pack and another battery pack may selectively supply power to a motor.

[0020] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, a battery management system may be configured to transmit a first synchronization signal and receive a second synchronization signal through an electrical connection path between an input / output (IO) pin of the battery management system and an IO pin of another battery management system.

[0021] A vehicle including a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: an electric motor configured to receive electricity and generate motive force; a first battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a first battery management system; a second battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a second battery management system; a switch configured to form an electrical path between the electric motor and the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; and a controller configured to control the first battery pack and the second battery pack so that at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack selectively supplies power to the electric motor, wherein the first battery management system and the second battery management system are configured to: exchange synchronization signals with each other before performing designated tasks; respectively determine reference synchronization signals based on the synchronization signals; and respectively perform designated tasks based on the reference synchronization signals.

[0022] In a vehicle including a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules of a first battery pack and one or more battery modules of a second battery pack may include at least one material different from each other.

[0023] In a vehicle including a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal that is generated first among the synchronization signals.

[0024] In a vehicle including a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal generated later among the synchronization signals.

[0025] In a vehicle including a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the synchronization signal may be exchanged through an electrical connection path between an input / output (IO) pin of a first battery management system and an IO pin of a second battery management system.

[0026] An operating method for a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: before performing a specified task, transmitting a specified first synchronization signal to another battery pack, and receiving a specified second synchronization signal from another battery pack; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; and performing the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0027] In an operating method of a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules of a battery pack and one or more battery modules of another battery pack may include at least one material different from each other.

[0028] In the operating method of a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be the synchronization signal generated first between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified time period from the previous reference synchronization signal.

[0029] Beneficial Effects

[0030] In the battery pack and the vehicle including the battery pack according to various embodiments disclosed herein, the operations of the plurality of battery packs can be synchronized with each other, thereby reducing the operation error of each of the plurality of battery packs.

[0031] According to the disclosure of this document, the effects of the battery pack and the vehicle including the battery pack are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art according to the disclosure of this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2a is a timing diagram of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2b is a timing diagram of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to designate like or related components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to a specific embodiment, but should be interpreted as including various modifications, equivalents and / or substitutes according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] It should be understood that the embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features given herein to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents and / or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to represent similar or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] As used herein, each of 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 or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (such as importance or order) unless otherwise specified.

[0041] It should be understood herein that, regardless of the term “operably” or “communicably”, when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “linked to,” or “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), this means that the element can be directly connected to the other element (e.g., by wire or wirelessly) or indirectly connected to the other element (e.g., via a third element).

[0042] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store, or may be distributed directly between two user devices. If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

[0043] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the above-mentioned components (such as a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and a portion of the multiple entities may be separately set in different components. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (such as modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as when the corresponding components in the multiple components were performed before the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or tentatively, or one or more operations may be performed or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0044] Figure 1is a block diagram of a vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 101 may include a motor 110, a controller 120, a switch 130, and a plurality of battery packs 140 and 150. The components of the vehicle 101 (controller 120, switch 130, and a plurality of battery packs 140 and 150) may be electrically connected to each other using an in-vehicle network (IVN) technology. The IVN technology may include a controller area network (CAN), a media-oriented system transport (MOST) network, a local interconnect network (LIN), Ethernet, and / or flexray. According to an embodiment, the vehicle 101 may further include Figure 1 Components not shown. For example, the vehicle 101 may further include an inverter between the motor 110 and the switch 130. The inverter may include a DC-DC converter.

[0046] In embodiments, the vehicle 101 may include an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid EV (HEV), a plug-in HEV (PHEV), and / or a fuel cell EV (FCEV).

[0047] In an embodiment, the motor 110 may convert the power transmitted through the switch 130 into motive power (motor motive power), thereby transmitting the power to the driving wheels of the vehicle 101. The rotation direction, rotation force, and revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor 110 may be determined by the voltage of the power transmitted through the switch 130.

[0048] In an embodiment, the motor 110 may generate back EMF during regenerative braking of the vehicle 101. In an embodiment, the back EMF may be used to charge the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150.

[0049] In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150. In an embodiment, the controller 120 may further include a communication module, a processor, and a memory not shown in the drawings. The memory of the controller 120 may be a non-transitory storage medium in which instructions executed by the processor are stored. The memory of the controller 120 may be implemented by at least one of a storage medium such as a flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or a register. The processor of the controller 120 may be implemented by at least one of a processing device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, and the like.

[0050] In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to set a transmission path for power. In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically connect all of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 to the motor 110. For example, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 based on battery information of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150. In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically disconnect all of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 from the motor 110. In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically connect one of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 to the motor 110 and electrically disconnect another battery pack from the motor 110. In an embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to perform switch control on the battery pack electrically connected to the motor 110.

[0051] In an embodiment, the switch 130 may generate a transmission path for the electric power. For example, the switch 130 may be implemented as a relay.

[0052] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 may be implemented with different materials (e.g., positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, materials of separators or electrolytes). In an embodiment, the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 may have at least one material that is different from each other. For example, the battery pack 140 may include a battery cell using NCM, and the battery pack 150 may include a battery cell using silicon. When the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 are implemented with different materials, the characteristics of the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 (e.g., life, energy density, charging speed) may be different from each other. For example, a battery cell using Ni, Co, Mn (NCM) has a long life, but a low energy density and cannot be charged quickly, while a battery cell using Si has a short life, but a high energy density and can be charged quickly. In another embodiment, the plurality of battery packs 140 and 150 may be implemented with the same material.

[0053] In an embodiment, the battery pack 140 may include a BMS 141 and a plurality of battery modules 143 and 145. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may acquire battery information (e.g., state of charge (SoC) and battery status (overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, etc.)) of the plurality of battery modules 143 and 145 in real time. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may provide the battery information to the controller 120. In an embodiment, the battery information may include information about voltage, current, temperature, SoC, and state of health (SoH) of the plurality of battery modules 143 and 145.

[0054] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task from a reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the task may be performed at least within a specified time period. In an embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a first synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and / or a second synchronization signal of the BMS 151. In an embodiment, the specified time period may have a previously set time length (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In an embodiment, a task may represent a unit process performed by the BMS 141. In an embodiment, a task may include control of multiple battery modules 143 and 145, acquisition of battery information of multiple battery modules 143 and 145, or data transmission. For example, a task may include transmitting a battery cell voltage measurement command, requesting battery cell voltage transmission, calculating a voltage and / or current of a battery pack 140, transmitting a voltage and / or current of a battery pack 140, and controlling a battery disconnect unit (BDU). In an embodiment, a task may be performed at least across a specified time period.

[0055] In an embodiment, the battery pack 150 may include a BMS 151 and a plurality of battery modules 153 and 155. In an embodiment, the BMS 151 may acquire battery information (e.g., SoC and battery status (overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, etc.)) of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155 in real time. In an embodiment, the BMS 151 may provide the battery information to the controller 120. In an embodiment, the battery information may include information about voltage, current, temperature, SoC, and SoH of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155.

[0056] In an embodiment, the BMS 151 may initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 151 may initiate a task from a reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the task may be performed at least within a specified time period. In an embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a second synchronization signal of the BMS 151 and / or a first synchronization signal of the BMS 141. In an embodiment, the specified time period may have a previously set time length (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In an embodiment, a task may represent a unit process performed by the BMS 151. In an embodiment, a task may include controlling a plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, acquiring battery information of a plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, or data transmission. For example, a task may include transmitting a battery cell voltage measurement command, requesting a battery cell voltage transmission, calculating a voltage and / or current of a battery pack 150, transmitting a voltage and / or current of a battery pack 150, and controlling a BDU. In an embodiment, a task may be performed at least across a specified time period.

[0057] The following will describe operations of the BMSs 141 and 151 determining a reference synchronization signal and performing a task. Although the following description is based on the BMS 141 as an example, it may also be applicable to the BMS 151.

[0058] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may have an internal clock clk. A clock signal of the internal clock may be generated periodically. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal based on a specified number of clock signals. For example, when a clock signal is generated at intervals of 1 millisecond and the specified time period is 100 milliseconds, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal after generating 100 clock signals.

[0059] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal after a specified period of time (eg, 100 milliseconds) from a previous reference synchronization signal.

[0060] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may transmit the first synchronization signal to the BMS 151 through an electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151. In an embodiment, the electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be formed between an input / output (IO) pin of a microcontroller (MCU) included in the BMS 141 and an IO pin of the MCU of the BMS 151. In an embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, the generation of the first synchronization signal and the transmission of the first synchronization signal may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0061] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may receive a second synchronization signal of the BMS 151 from the BMS 151 through the electrical connection path 160. In an embodiment, the second synchronization signal may be generated based on a clock signal of an internal clock clk of the BMS 151. Here, the generation of the second synchronization signal and the reception of the second synchronization signal may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0062] In the embodiment, the operation of the BMS 141 generating the first synchronization signal and receiving the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151 may be understood as the operation of the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 exchanging synchronization signals with each other.

[0063] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated first of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In another embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated later of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0064] In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may perform a specified task based on the reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task from the reference synchronization signal. For example, the BMS 141 may perform control of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, obtain battery information of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, or data transmission within a specified time period from the reference synchronization signal.

[0065] Thereafter, the BMS 141 may generate a new first synchronization signal based on a designated number of clock signals generated from the reference synchronization signal.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. For example, when determining that the reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal generated first, the BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal when receiving the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151.

[0067] Figure 2ais a timing diagram of the battery packs 140 and 150 of the vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b is a timing diagram of the battery packs 140 and 150 of the vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] refer to Figure 2a , a plurality of tasks 221 , 223 , 225 , 227 , and 229 may be initiated from the reference synchronization signals 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 , and 219 . The plurality of tasks 221 , 223 , 225 , 227 , and 229 may be executed within a designated time period 230 .

[0069] refer to Figure 2b , the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal 241 at a first time point 261, and the BMS 151 may generate a second synchronization signal 251 after the first time point 261. In this case, the reference synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be determined as the first synchronization signal 241. Thereafter, the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may respectively perform tasks during a designated time period 231 starting from the first synchronization signal 241.

[0070] Each of the BMS 141 and 151 may generate a synchronization signal after a specified period 231 from a reference synchronization signal at a first time point 261. However, due to various reasons (eg, internal clock error), the time points of synchronization signal generation of the BMSs 141 and 151 may be different from each other.

[0071] refer to Figure 2b , the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal 243 after the second time point 263, and the BMS 151 may generate the second synchronization signal 253 at the second time point 263. In this case, the reference synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 253. Thereafter, the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may respectively perform tasks during the designated time period 233 starting from the second synchronization signal 253.

[0072] refer to Figure 2b , the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal 243 after the third time point 265, and the BMS 151 may generate the second synchronization signal 253 at the third time point 265. In this case, the reference synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 255. Thereafter, the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may respectively perform tasks during the designated time period 235 starting from the second synchronization signal 255.

[0073] Figure 3is a flowchart showing the operation of the battery packs 140 and 150 of the vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Describes the operations performed using the BMS 141. However, Figure 3 The operations may also be performed by the BMS 151 .

[0074] refer to Figure 3 , the BMS 141 may generate a synchronization signal in operation 310. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization time point.

[0075] In operation 320, the BMS 141 may determine a reference synchronization signal. The BMS 141 may determine the reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and / or the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated first between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In another embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated later between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0076] In operation 330, the BMS 141 may perform a task based on the reference synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task from the reference synchronization signal. For example, the BMS 141 may perform control of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, acquire battery information of the plurality of battery modules 153 and 155, or data transmission within a specified time period from the reference synchronization signal.

[0077] After this, the BMS 141 can again execute Figure 3 operation.

[0078] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the battery packs 140 and 150 of the vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Describes the operations performed using the BMS 141. However, Figure 3 The operations may also be performed by the BMS 151 .

[0079] refer to Figure 4 , the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal in operation 410. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization time point.

[0080] In operation 415, the BMS 141 may receive a second synchronization signal. In an embodiment, the BMS 141 may receive the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151 through an electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151. In an embodiment, the electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be formed between an IO pin of an MCU included in the BMS 141 and an IO pin of the MCU of the BMS 151. In an embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, the generation of the second synchronization signal and the reception of the second synchronization signal may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0081] In operation 420 , the BMS 141 may determine whether the first synchronization signal is generated before the second synchronization signal.

[0082] In an embodiment, when the first synchronization signal is generated before the second synchronization signal, the BMS 141 may perform operation 430. In an embodiment, when the first synchronization signal is generated after the second synchronization signal, the BMS 141 may perform operation 435.

[0083] In operation 430, the BMS 141 may determine the first synchronization signal as a reference synchronization signal. In operation 435, the BMS 141 may determine the second synchronization signal as a reference synchronization signal.

[0084] After this, the BMS 141 can again execute Figure 4 operation.

[0085] Although in Figure 4 410 and 415 are both performed, but this is only an example. According to an embodiment, only one of operations 410 and 415 may be performed. For example, when the first synchronization signal is generated before the second synchronization signal is generated, BMS151 may not generate the second synchronization signal. In this case, operation 415 may not be performed. In another example, when the second synchronization signal is received before the first synchronization signal is generated, BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. In this case, operation 410 may not be performed. In this case, BMS 141 and BMS 151 may determine one of the generated synchronization signals as a reference synchronization signal.

Claims

1. A battery pack for generating a synchronization signal, the battery pack comprising: one or more battery modules including a plurality of battery cells capable of supplying power to an electric motor of the vehicle; as well as a battery management system, the battery management system being electrically connected to another battery management system of another battery pack, Wherein, the battery management system is configured as follows: Before executing the designated task, transmitting a designated first synchronization signal to the other battery pack and receiving a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; as well as The designated task is performed based on the reference synchronization signal.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more battery modules and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack include at least one material different from each other.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more battery modules are implemented using silicon or NCM, namely Ni, Co and Mn.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated first of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is generated after a specified period of time from the previous reference synchronization signal.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated later of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal being generated after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization signal.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: One of the battery pack and the other battery pack selectively supplies electric power to the electric motor.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery management system is configured to transmit the first synchronization signal and receive the second synchronization signal through an electrical connection path between an input / output IO pin of the battery management system and an IO pin of the other battery management system.

8. A vehicle comprising a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal, the vehicle comprising: an electric motor configured to receive electrical power and generate motive force; a first battery pack, the first battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules and a first battery management system; a second battery pack, the second battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules and a second battery management system; a switch configured to form an electrical path between the electric motor and the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; as well as a controller configured to control the first battery pack and the second battery pack so that at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack selectively supplies power to the electric motor, Wherein, the first battery management system and the second battery management system are configured as follows: Exchange synchronization signals with each other before executing designated tasks; respectively determining reference synchronization signals based on the synchronization signals; and The designated tasks are respectively performed based on the reference synchronization signal.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more battery modules of the first battery pack and the one or more battery modules of the second battery pack include at least one material different from each other.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated first among the synchronization signals.

11. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated later among the synchronization signals.

12. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The synchronization signal is exchanged through an electrical connection path between an input / output IO pin of the first battery management system and an IO pin of the second battery management system.

13. An operating method of a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal, the operating method comprising: Before executing the designated task, transmitting a designated first synchronization signal to another battery pack, and receiving a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; as well as The designated task is performed based on the reference synchronization signal.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, wherein: The one or more battery modules of the battery pack and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack include at least one material different from each other.

15. The operating method according to claim 13, wherein: The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated first of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is generated after a specified period of time from a previous reference synchronization signal.

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