Battery management system including wake-up function and battery management system wake-up method

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a battery management system (BMS) including a wake-up function and a BMS wake-up method. The BMS includes: a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to manage a battery; and a protection circuit configured to monitor the battery. When the protection circuit detects an abnormality in the battery when the BMS is in one of an off mode and a sleep mode, the protection circuit outputs a wake-up signal to the MCU.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery management system (BMS) for managing secondary batteries, and more specifically, to a BMS including a wake-up function and a BMS wake-up method. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders. High-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for power storage batteries. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly formed by positive and negative electrodes, a housing for the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Battery modules or battery packs may include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS uses sensors to measure and predict the voltage (V), current (I), and temperature (T) of the batteries installed in electric vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS), and controls the batteries to exhibit optimal performance. The BMS typically operates by receiving power from the batteries, which can lead to power consumption within the battery pack. Furthermore, even when there is no charging or discharging of the battery pack, the BMS may continuously monitor the voltage of individual battery cells for abnormalities, thus consuming power within the BMS itself. To address this, when there is no charging or discharging of the battery pack for a specific period of time, the BMS enters a low-power mode (sleep mode) or a power-off mode (shutdown mode). In sleep or shutdown mode, the BMS is periodically turned on and off to check for abnormal battery behavior. However, even when periodically woken up, there is still a problem of a certain level of power consumption (albeit a small one). Therefore, a separate circuit is needed to implement the periodic wake-up.

[0004] The information disclosed in this section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not constitute relevant or prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a method for effectively reducing power consumption and identifying abnormal battery behavior by performing a wake-up function within a battery management system (BMS) without adding separate components or circuitry.

[0006] According to this disclosure, a BMS is provided, comprising: a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to manage a battery; and a protection circuit configured to monitor the battery, wherein when the protection circuit detects an abnormality in the battery while the BMS is in a shutdown mode or a sleep mode, the protection circuit outputs a wake-up signal to the MCU.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a wake-up method for a battery management system (BMS) is provided, the BMS including an MCU and a protection circuit configured to monitor the battery, the method comprising: using the MCU to determine whether battery charging / discharging is completed or paused, and placing the BMS in a shutdown mode or a sleep mode; while the BMS is in a sleep mode or a shutdown mode, the protection circuit monitors the battery; and when the protection circuit detects an abnormality in the battery, the protection circuit outputs a wake-up signal to wake up the BMS.

[0008] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with the detailed description below. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a pouch-type secondary battery;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery;

[0012] Figure 3A It is a top-view perspective view of the prismatic secondary battery.

[0013] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view taken from line I-I';

[0014] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of a secondary battery module in which a secondary battery is installed;

[0015] Figure 5 It can include Figure 4 Example diagram of a secondary battery pack in a secondary battery module;

[0016] Figure 6 Showing includes Figure 5 The vehicle shown in the image has a secondary battery pack;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the wake-up-related structure of the battery management system (BMS);

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a BMS wake-up method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the BMS wake-up method in shutdown mode;

[0020] Figure 10 It is to achieve Figure 9 The circuit diagram of the BMS wake-up method;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the BMS wake-up method in sleep mode;

[0022] Figure 12 It is to achieve Figure 11 The circuit diagram of the BMS wake-up method; and

[0023] Figure 13 This is the internal circuit diagram of the S-8264A IC, which is one of the components in the second protection circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be interpreted narrowly according to their general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor may be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best illustrate his / her invention.

[0025] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein.

[0026] It will be understood that if an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, then that element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to that other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, if a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, then the first element may be directly coupled to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed herein. Furthermore, the use of "may" if describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of" modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that list when they follow a list of elements. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to refer to a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent biases of measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] It will be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0029] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element(s) as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and variations thereof and / or “including” and variations thereof, if used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0031] The disclosed and / or stated numerical ranges include all sub-intervals containing the same numerical precision within the stated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” includes all sub-intervals between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0 (inclusive), that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit stated herein includes all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit stated herein includes all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to clearly state any sub-intervals contained within the range clearly stated herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amendments to explicitly state any such sub-ranges will comply with the requirements of the patent rules.

[0032] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, if a parameter is stated to be consistent within a given region, this can mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0033] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0034] Arranging an element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can indicate that the element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and can also indicate that an intervening element can be located between the element and the other element.

[0035] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, then these components can be directly “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0036] Throughout this specification, if the statement "A and / or B" is made, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the enumerated items. When the statement "C to D" is made, it means C above and D below, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] Figure 1 A pouch-type secondary battery is schematically illustrated. The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 20 housing the electrode assembly 10. A first electrode tab 14 and a second electrode tab 15 extend from the electrode assembly 10. The first electrode tab 14 and the second electrode tab 15 can be electrically connected by soldering to corresponding external first terminal lead 16 and second terminal lead 17. Each of the first terminal lead 16 and the second terminal lead 17 may have a tab film 18 attached for insulation from the pouch 20.

[0038] The bag 20 can be sealed by bringing the sealing portions 21 located at the edges of the bag 20 into contact with each other, with the electrode assembly 10 housed within the bag 20. The connecting film 18 between the sealing portions 21 may affect the seal. The sealing portions 21 of the bag 20 can each be made of a thermoforming material with weak adhesion to metal. Therefore, the bag 20 can be fused together by inserting a thin connecting film 18 between the sealing portions 21.

[0039] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a cylindrical secondary battery. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 30, a housing 38 housing the electrode assembly 30, and an electrolyte located within the housing 38. A cover assembly 50 is coupled to an opening in the housing 38 to seal the housing 38, and an insulating plate 37 is located inside the housing 38, between the electrode assembly 30 and the cover assembly 50.

[0040] The electrode assembly 30 may include a first electrode 30c and a second electrode 30a, wherein the first electrode 30c and the second electrode 30a are positioned such that a diaphragm 30b is located between the electrodes 30c and 30a. The electrode assembly 30 may be wound into an electrode core shape.

[0041] The first electrode 30c includes a first substrate and a first active material layer on the first substrate. A first lead tab 35 extends outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not provided. The first lead tab 35 can be electrically connected to the cover assembly 50.

[0042] The second electrode 30a includes a second substrate and a second active material layer located on the second substrate. A second lead tab 34 extends outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not provided. The second lead tab 34 can be electrically connected to the housing 38. The first lead tab 35 and the second lead tab 34 can extend from the side of the electrode assembly 30 in opposite directions.

[0043] The first electrode 30c can serve as a positive electrode. In such an embodiment, the first substrate can be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 30a can serve as a negative electrode. In such an embodiment, the second substrate can be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer can include, for example, graphite. The separator 30b prevents a short circuit between the first electrode 30c and the second electrode 30a, while allowing lithium ions to move between electrodes 30a and 30c. The separator 30b can be made of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film.

[0044] The housing 38 houses the electrode assembly 30 and, together with the cover assembly 50, forms the appearance of a secondary battery. The housing 38 may have a generally cylindrical body portion 38b and a bottom portion 38a located on one side of the body portion 38b. An inwardly deformed rolled edge portion 31 (e.g., rolled edge) may be formed in the body portion 38b, and an inwardly bent curled portion 33 (e.g., curled) may be formed at the open end of the body portion 38b.

[0045] The rolled edge portion 31 can reduce or prevent movement of the electrode assembly 30 inside the housing 38 and facilitates the installation of the gasket 32 ​​and the cover assembly 50. The rolled portion 33 can securely fix the cover assembly 50 by pressing the edge of the housing 38 against the gasket 32. The housing 38 can be formed of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0046] The cover assembly 50 can be secured to the interior of the curled portion 33 by a gasket 32 ​​to seal the housing 38. The cover assembly 50 may include an upper cover 51, a safety vent 52, a lower cover 53, an insulating member, and a base plate 54, but the battery according to this disclosure is not limited to this configuration and can be modified in various ways.

[0047] A top cover 51 may be located at the uppermost part of the cover assembly 50. The top cover 51 may include an upwardly projecting terminal portion that connects to external circuitry. The top cover 51 may also include an outlet for venting gas disposed around the terminal portion. A safety vent 52 may be located below the top cover 51. The safety vent 52 may include a downwardly projecting portion that connects to the base plate 54. At least one recess may be formed in the safety vent 52 around the protrusion. When gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion may deform upwards due to gas pressure and separate from the base plate 54, while the safety vent 52 opens along the recess (e.g., bursts or tears). Therefore, the cut safety vent 52 can prevent the secondary battery from exploding by allowing gas to be vented to the outside of the secondary battery.

[0048] The lower cover 53 may be located below the safety vent 52. The lower cover 53 may have a first opening for exposing a protruding portion of the safety vent 52 and a second opening for gas venting. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent 52 and the lower cover 53 to insulate the safety vent 52 and the lower cover 53.

[0049] A base plate 54 can be located below the lower cover 53. Specifically, the base plate 54 can be fixed to the lower surface of the lower cover 53 to block the first opening of the lower cover 53, and the protruding portion of the safety vent 52 can be fixed to the base plate 54. A first lead tab 35 extending from the electrode assembly 30 can be fixed to the base plate 54. Accordingly, the upper cover 51, the safety vent 52, the lower cover 53, and the base plate 54 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 30c of the electrode assembly 30. An insulating plate 37 can be positioned in contact with the electrode assembly 30 below the rolled edge portion 31. The insulating plate 37 can have a tab opening through which the first lead tab 35 extends. The cover assembly 50, electrically connected to the first electrode 30c via the first lead tab 35, can face the electrode assembly 30, with the insulating plate 37 positioned between the cover assembly 50 and the electrode assembly 30. Therefore, the cover assembly 50 can be electrically insulated from the electrode assembly 30 via the insulating plate 37. It may include another insulating plate 36 for insulation between the electrode assembly 30 and the bottom portion 38a of the housing 38.

[0050] Figure 3A This is a top-down perspective view of the prismatic secondary battery.

[0051] The housing 59 defines the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery. The housing 59 can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 59 provides space for housing the electrode assembly therein.

[0052] The cover assembly 60 may include a cover plate 61 covering an opening in the housing 59. In some examples, the housing 59 and the cover plate 61 may be made of a conductive material. A first terminal 62 and a second terminal 63 may be electrically connected to corresponding positive and negative electrodes (or negative and positive electrodes) inside the housing 59. Terminals 62 and 63 may protrude outward through the cover plate 61. The cover plate 61 may include an electrolyte inlet 64 with a sealing plug (or sealing pin). Furthermore, the cover plate 61 may include a vent 66 with a notch 65 for discharging gases generated inside the secondary battery.

[0053] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view taken by line I-I', and an illustration of a prismatic secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] like Figure 3BAs shown, the prismatic secondary battery may include an electrode assembly 40, a first current collector 41, a first terminal 62, a second current collector 42, a second terminal 63, a housing 59, and a cover assembly 60.

[0055] Electrode assembly 40 can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate, which are formed as a sheet or film. When electrode assembly 40 is wound, the winding axis can be along the longitudinal direction of housing 59. In other embodiments, electrode assembly 40 is stacked, and the shape of electrode assembly 40 is not limited in this disclosure. For example, electrode assembly 40 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are provided to both sides of a diaphragm, and then the diaphragm is bent into a Z-stack. Alternatively, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing. In this respect, the number of electrode assemblies in the housing is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can act as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0056] A first electrode plate can be formed by applying a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, to a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil, such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab 43 (e.g., a first uncoated portion) that is not provided with the first electrode active material. The first electrode tab 43 can act as a current path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector 41. In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 43 is formed by cutting such that it protrudes from one side of the electrode assembly 40. In other examples, the first electrode tab 43 protrudes significantly from one side of the electrode assembly 40 beyond the diaphragm (e.g., far beyond or beyond the diaphragm) without requiring separate cutting.

[0057] A second electrode plate can be formed by applying a second electrode active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The second electrode plate may include a second electrode tab 44 (e.g., a second uncoated portion) that is a region where no second electrode active material is provided. The second electrode tab 44 can act as a current path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 42. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 44 may be cut to protrude from the other side (e.g., the opposite side) of the electrode assembly 40. In some examples, the second electrode plate may protrude significantly beyond the diaphragm from the other side of the electrode assembly 40 (e.g., far beyond or beyond the diaphragm) without requiring separate cutting.

[0058] The separator allows lithium ions to move between the first and second electrodes while preventing or significantly reducing short circuits between them. The separator can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 40 is housed together with the electrolyte in a housing 59.

[0060] In the electrode assembly 40, the first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 43 extending from the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 44 extending from the second electrode plate, respectively. In an embodiment where the first electrode terminal 43 and the second electrode terminal 44 are located on top of the electrode assembly 40, the first current collector and the second current collector are located on top of the electrode assembly 40.

[0061] like Figure 3B As shown, the first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 are respectively connected to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 via a connecting member 67. In some embodiments, the connecting member 67 may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface, and the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 may be fastened to the connecting member 67 by screwing on the threads. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the connecting member 67 may also be joined to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 by riveting or welding.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery module in which secondary batteries are arranged according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With the increasing demand for secondary battery capacity for driving electric vehicles and the like, secondary battery modules can be manufactured by arranging multiple secondary battery cells laterally and / or longitudinally and connecting them together. Multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in a space defined by a pair of facing end plates 68a and 68b and a pair of facing side plates 69a and 69b. The secondary batteries can be arranged in one direction and in one quantity to obtain desired voltage and current specifications.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery pack 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 5 The battery pack 70 may include an assembly in which the individual batteries are electrically connected and a battery pack housing that houses the assembly. Components including busbars, cooling units, external terminals for electrically connecting the batteries, etc., are not shown in the drawings.

[0064] The battery pack 70 can be installed on (or in) a vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle can be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited thereto. Figure 6 It is shown that it includes on its lower body Figure 5 The vehicle is shown with battery pack 70. The vehicle can operate by receiving power from battery pack 70 (e.g., power can be supplied by battery pack 70).

[0065] A secondary battery pack may include batteries and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the batteries. Using sensors, the BMS determines the voltage (V), current (I), and temperature (T) of the batteries installed in, for example, electric vehicles or ESS (Electric Power Supply). Therefore, the BMS can control the batteries to achieve optimal performance.

[0066] A battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. A battery module may include multiple battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. Battery modules may be connected in series and / or in parallel. The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the battery's state. For example, the detection device can detect the voltage of each battery cell constituting the battery or the voltage of each battery module. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each battery module or battery pack constituting the battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the battery cells and / or the module and / or the ambient temperature at at least one point in the battery. The balancing device can perform a balancing operation on the battery module and / or the battery cells constituting the battery module. The control device can receive state information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) about the battery module from the detection device. Based on the state information received from the detection device, the control device can monitor and calculate the state of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), lifespan (state of health (SOH)), etc.). Furthermore, based on the monitored status information, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balance control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, overcharge, overcurrent protection, short circuit, fire suppression, etc.). In addition, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., higher-level controllers, vehicles, chargers, power conversion systems, etc.).

[0067] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and protection operation of the battery. For this purpose, the control device may include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit, and / or a protection unit. In summary, the BMS monitors the battery status and performs diagnostic and control functions, communication functions, and protection functions. It can calculate the state of charge / discharge, calculate the battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off battery power as needed (e.g., relay control), control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlocking functions, and / or detect and / or calculate insulation and short-circuit conditions. In the battery system, the relay can be a mechanical contactor that is opened and closed by the magnetic force of a coil or a semiconductor switch such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The relay control has the function of cutting off the power supply from the battery if, for example, a problem occurs in a vehicle including the battery system. The battery system may include one or more relays located at the positive and negative terminals and a pre-charge relay. During pre-charge control in the battery system, there is a risk of inrush current in the high-voltage capacitor on the input side of the inverter when the battery load is connected. To prevent inrush current, such as when starting the vehicle, a pre-charge relay can be operated before the main relay, and a pre-charge resistor can be connected. A high-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage components of, for example, the entire vehicle system are connected. A high-voltage interlock can have the function of forcibly disconnecting a relay if a break occurs at a point in the circuit.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the wake-up-related structures of the BMS.

[0069] Typically, the BMS100 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) 110 and an analog front-end (AFE) 120. A second protection circuit 130 (or a second integrated circuit (IC)) can be added to prepare for MCU failure. The BMS100 can be powered from a power supply block 150. General purpose input / output (GPIO) circuitry can be integrated into the MCU 110.

[0070] The second protection circuit 130 can be connected to battery B and can output a signal 131 when an abnormal voltage or temperature condition is detected. This output signal can typically be applied to the self-controlled protector (SCP) 140, which is the fuse inside BMS 100, and can be associated with a fuse blown signal. AFE 120 can detect voltage and can be used for balancing functions. The power supply 151 of power block 150 can supply Vdd power at a specific voltage (e.g., ranging from 3V to 5V) to MCU 110 and related components.

[0071] When there is no charging or discharging of battery B within a specific time period, BMS100 can enter a low-power mode (sleep mode) or a power-off mode (shutdown mode). In this case, a wake-up function can be periodically executed to turn on BMS100 and check for abnormal behavior of battery B. For periodic wake-ups, power supply block 150 typically includes a real-time clock (RTC) 152. The power supply 151 can be controlled by performing an OR operation between the clock signal 154 of RTC 152 and the power-on signal 160 of an external enable port or the wake-up signal EN via OR circuit 153.

[0072] In the conventional BMS100, the wake-up function is executed periodically, which results in the periodic consumption of a certain amount of power. Furthermore, a separate circuit is provided for the periodic wake-up function.

[0073] According to this disclosure, the wake-up function is only executed when a battery malfunction is detected. Therefore, compared to a configuration that periodically executes the wake-up function, the power consumption of the BMS100 can be reduced.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a BMS wake-up method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In this disclosure, in addition to the fuse blow signal 131, the output signals of the second protection circuit 130 and the second protection circuit 130 are also used as BMS wake-up sources. In the first step S10 of the method according to this disclosure, the BMS 100 can perform charge / discharge control. Next, it is determined whether the charging / discharging of the battery B has been completed or paused (step S20). Then, the BMS 100 can enter a shutdown mode (step S30) or a sleep mode (step S40).

[0076] When BMS100 (or MCU 110 in BMS100) is in shutdown or sleep mode, the second protection circuit 130 can monitor abnormalities in battery B (e.g., abnormal voltage or temperature) (step S50). When the second protection circuit 130 detects an abnormality in a battery cell (step S60), the second protection circuit 130 can output a signal (wake-up signal) to wake up MCU 110 of BMS100 (step S70).

[0077] The second protection circuit 130 is a battery protection integrated circuit (IC) supplied as a commercial product, and representative products include the S-8264A / B from E-Plex Technology Co., Ltd. and the BQ77216 from Texas Instruments. Figure 13 The internal circuitry of the S-8264AIC is shown. The second protection circuit 130 has a configuration for monitoring the voltage or temperature of a single battery cell and outputting a signal to an output port when the measured value exceeds a reference value.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the BMS wake-up method in shutdown mode. Figure 10 It is to achieve Figure 9 The circuit diagram for the BMS wake-up method is shown. Please refer to it together. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The operation of BMS wake-up according to an embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0079] refer to Figure 9 When BMS100 is in shutdown mode (step S30), the second protection circuit 130 can monitor battery B (step S31) and output a wake-up signal 132 (step S33) when an abnormality occurs (step S32). That is, the wake-up signal 132 is output when an abnormality occurs, and it can be substantially the same as the fuse blowing signal 131 applied to fuse SCP 140 as described above.

[0080] At the same time, such as Figure 10 As shown, when a wake-up enable (wake-up EN) or power-on (P-ON) signal 160 is applied from an external component during the shutdown mode (step S30) (step S34), Figure 10 The OR circuit 153 can wake up the MCU 110 by performing an OR operation on the wake-up signal 132 of the second protection circuit 130 and the power-on signal 160 (step S35) (step S36). This can wake up the MCU 110, so that the OR operation signal 155 output from the OR circuit 153 activates the power supply 151, and the activated power supply 151 supplies power to the MCU 110.

[0081] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the BMS wake-up method in sleep mode. Figure 12 It is to achieve Figure 11 The circuit diagram for the BMS wake-up method is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The operation of BMS wake-up according to an embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0082] Sleep mode is a mode in which the power supply to the BMS is not turned off when there is no battery charging / discharging operation, and the MCU waits in sleep mode. In addition, the MCU periodically switches from sleep mode to active mode to monitor battery behavior.

[0083] Reference Figure 11When BMS100 is in sleep mode (step S40), the second protection circuit 130 can monitor battery B (step S41). When an anomaly occurs (step S42), the second protection circuit 130 can output a wake-up signal 133 (step S43). In this case, the wake-up signal 133 is output when an anomaly occurs in battery B, and can be substantially the same as the fuse blowing signal 131 applied to fuse SCP 140 as described above.

[0084] Therefore, the wake-up signal 133 output from the second protection circuit 130 can wake up the MCU 110 (step S43). In sleep mode, since the power supply 151 supplies the MCU 110 with the same amount of power as maintaining the sleep mode, waking up the MCU 110 can be achieved using various methods of activating the MCU 110 (e.g., using the MCU's interrupt function).

[0085] According to this disclosure, since the protection circuitry included in the BMS monitors abnormal battery behavior without the need for separate circuitry or components when the BMS is in shutdown or sleep mode, periodic wake-up as in the prior art is no longer necessary. Therefore, the power consumption of the BMS can be reduced. Furthermore, since additional components such as RTC circuitry for periodic wake-up are not required, the BMS according to this disclosure offers reduced costs, increased productivity, and reduced failure rates.

[0086] Although this disclosure has been described above with respect to embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to it within the spirit of this disclosure by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A battery management system comprising: a microcontroller unit configured to manage a battery; and a protection circuit configured to monitor the battery, wherein, when the protection circuit detects an abnormality in the battery while the battery management system is in an off mode or a sleep mode, the protection circuit outputs a wake-up signal to the microcontroller unit.

2. The battery management system according to claim 1, further comprising: an OR circuit configured to OR the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit with an external signal; and a power supply activated by an output of the OR circuit and configured to wake up the battery management system by supplying power to the microcontroller unit.

3. The battery management system of claim 2, wherein, the battery management system is configured to be woken up in the off mode.

4. The battery management system of claim 2, wherein, the external signal on which the OR operation is performed in the OR circuit is one of a wake-up enable signal and a power-on signal from outside.

5. The battery management system of claim 1, wherein, the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit triggers an interrupt function of the microcontroller unit to wake up the battery management system.

6. The battery management system of claim 5, wherein, the battery management system is configured to be woken up in the sleep mode.

7. The battery management system of claim 1, wherein, the abnormality of the battery detected by the protection circuit includes an abnormality of a voltage of the battery.

8. The battery management system of claim 1, wherein, the abnormality of the battery detected by the protection circuit includes an abnormality of a temperature of the battery.

9. The battery management system of claim 1, wherein, the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit includes a fuse blown signal.

10. A wake-up method of a battery management system including a microcontroller unit and a protection circuit configured to monitor a battery, the wake-up method comprising: determining, using the microcontroller unit, that charging / discharging of the battery is completed or suspended, and putting the battery management system in an off mode or a sleep mode; monitoring, by the protection circuit, the battery while the battery management system is in one of the off mode and the sleep mode; and waking up the battery management system by outputting, by the protection circuit, a wake-up signal when the protection circuit detects an abnormality of the battery.

11. The wake-up method according to claim 10, further comprising: ORing, when the battery management system is in the off mode, the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit with an external signal; and activating, by the ORed signal, a power supply configured to supply power to the microcontroller unit, and supplying power to the microcontroller unit by the activated power supply to wake up the battery management system. the external signal on which the OR operation is performed with the wake-up signal includes one of a wake-up enable signal and a power-on signal from an external component. waking up the battery management system from the sleep mode using an interrupt function of the microcontroller unit triggered by the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit.

12. The wake-up method of claim 11, wherein, the abnormality of the battery detected by the protection circuit includes an abnormality of a voltage of the battery.

13. The wake-up method of claim 10, further comprising: the abnormality of the battery detected by the protection circuit includes an abnormality of a temperature of the battery.

14. The wake-up method of claim 10, wherein, the wake-up signal output from the protection circuit includes a fuse blown signal.

15. The wake-up method of claim 10, wherein, ​ 16. The wake-up method of claim 10, wherein, ​

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