Battery system and flexible printed circuit board

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery system and a flexible printed circuit board. The battery system includes a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) located on the upper surface of the plurality of packs and including a first wiring connected to the terminals of the battery pack and a second wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, and a battery management system (BMS) including a logic gate driven by a first voltage provided from the battery pack through the first wiring and generating an output by a second voltage provided through the second wiring. The BMS can determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack based on the output of the logic gate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0183599 filed on Dec. 23, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0176480 filed on Dec. 7, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery system and a flexible printed circuit board.

Background Art

[0003] With the spread of electric vehicles, electric vehicle fires sometimes occur. The fires that occur in electric vehicles are mainly due to the characteristics of lithium - ion batteries used in electric vehicle batteries. When a fire occurs, the spread speed of the fire is fast, and it may require a very long time and labor to suppress the fire.

[0004] When a fire occurs in an electric vehicle battery, a technology for detecting the fire at an early stage is necessary because if the fire can be detected at an early stage, it is possible to guide the evacuation of the passengers in the electric vehicle and ensure safety. However, since the battery system needs to operate constantly or periodically for fire detection, this has the problem of causing battery discharge under normal usage environments.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery system and a flexible printed circuit board that can detect a fire occurring in a battery at an early stage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery system according to one aspect of the invention includes a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) located on the upper surface of the plurality of packs, including a first wiring connected to the terminals of the battery pack and a second wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, and a battery management system (BMS) including a logic gate driven by a first voltage provided from the battery pack through the first wiring and generating an output by a second voltage provided through the second wiring, wherein the BMS can determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack based on the output of the logic gate.

[0007] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a pouch-type battery, the second wiring may be arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery, a wire may be connected to the upper end of the cylindrical battery, and the second wiring may bypass the wire and be arranged in a round pattern passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a square-type battery, the square-type battery includes a pressure ejection port, and the second wiring may be arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through a region corresponding to the pressure ejection port among the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] The logic gate may be a NAND gate taking the first voltage and the second voltage as inputs.

[0011] The logic gate may be a NOT gate taking the second voltage as an input.

[0012] The second wiring includes a third wiring and a fourth wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, and the logic gate may be a NAND gate that takes as inputs a third voltage sensed through the third wiring and a fourth voltage sensed through the fourth wiring.

[0013] When the logic gate outputs a high-level signal, the BMS can perform a protection operation.

[0014] The BMS further includes a NOT gate that takes the output of the logic gate as an input and inverts the output of the logic gate, and when the NOT gate outputs a low-level signal, the BMS can perform a protection operation.

[0015] A flexible printed circuit board according to another feature of the invention is a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) that electrically connects a battery management system (BMS, Battery Management System) and a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, and includes a connector including a first terminal connected to a first input terminal of the BMS and a second terminal connected to a second input terminal of the BMS, a first wiring connected between a positive electrode of the battery pack and the first terminal of the connector, and one end connected to the first wiring at a first node and the other end connected to the second terminal of the connector, and includes a second wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells between the one end and the other end, and the BMS determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack by using the voltages of the first input terminal and the second input terminal respectively.

[0016] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a pouch-type battery, the second wiring may be arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery, a wire can be connected to the upper end of the cylindrical battery, and the second wiring can be arranged in a round pattern that bypasses the wire and passes through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] When each of the plurality of battery cells is a square battery, the square battery includes a pressure jet outlet, and the second wiring can be arranged in a rectangular pattern that passes through a region corresponding to the pressure jet outlet among the plurality of battery cells.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, through a wiring pattern corresponding to the shape of the battery cell, it is possible to quickly grasp whether a thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack even in a low-power state.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, since the BMS uses logic gates without a separate configuration such as a memory device, the BMS can detect thermal runaway while maintaining low standby power or without additional operations even in a vehicle with the ignition off.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly and easily detect thermal runaway in the battery pack and ensure the safety of passengers in an electric vehicle using the battery.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, since it is not necessary to constantly operate an electronic control device (e.g., ECU, BMS, etc.) required for fire detection, unnecessary discharge in a normal state can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "section" for the components used in the following description are given or mixed only for ease of specification writing, and do not have meanings or roles that distinguish them from each other by themselves. Also, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the attached drawings are only for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention should be understood to be included.

[0025] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0026] In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude in advance the presence or addition possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Among the configurations according to an embodiment, in the configuration that controls other configurations under specific control conditions, a program embodied as a set of instruction words that embody the control algorithm necessary to control other configurations may be installed. The control configuration can process input data and stored data by the installed program to generate output data. The control configuration can include a non-volatile memory that stores the program and a memory that stores data.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a battery system according to an embodiment.

[0029] The battery system 1 can include a battery pack 100, a battery management system (BMS) 200, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 300.

[0030] The battery pack 100 can include a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 100 can be embodied as two or more battery cells connected in series, a plurality of battery cells in which two or more battery cells connected in parallel are connected in series, or two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0031] The FPCB 300 can include a first wiring LN1 and a second wiring LN2. The BMS 200 can determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack 100 based on signals input through the first wiring LN1 and the second wiring LN2 input through the FPCB 300. For example, the abnormal state of the battery pack 100 can include thermal runaway of the battery pack 100. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, the abnormal state of the battery pack will be described as a state in which thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the second wiring LN2 can be opened. The BMS 200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the output signal of the logic gate.

[0032] The battery pack 100 can include a terminal P1_1, and the BMS 200 can include terminals P2_1 and P2_2.

[0033] The FPCB 300 can be located on the upper surface of the battery pack 100. Hereinafter, the upper part of the battery pack 100 can indicate the y-axis direction of the battery pack 100. The first wiring LN1 can be connected between the battery pack 100 and the BMS 200. The terminal P1_1 can be connected to the terminal P2_1 through the first wiring LN1. The second wiring LN2 is located on the upper part of the battery pack 100 and can be arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100. One end of the second wiring LN2 can be connected to a first node N1 on the first wiring LN1. The other end of the second wiring LN2 can be connected to the terminal P2_2. The second wiring LN2 can include one or more wirings. The terminal P1_1 of the battery pack 100 can be a terminal that measures the highest cell voltage among the cell voltages of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0034] The pack voltage signal PVS can indicate the voltage sensed through the first wiring LN1, and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS can indicate the voltage sensed through the second wiring LN2.

[0035] The BMS200 can receive a pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. The pack voltage signal PVS can include a signal indicating the voltage of the terminal P1_1. The BMS200 can derive the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 from the pack voltage signal PVS. However, even when the power is turned off (OFF), the BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through at least one logic gate while maintaining standby power at a low level. At least one logic gate can include at least one of the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS as an input. The level of the output of at least one logic gate can vary according to the variation in the level (e.g., high or low level) of each of the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS.

[0036] The BMS200 can receive a thermal runaway sensing signal TRS through the second wiring LN2. The thermal runaway sensing signal TRS can indicate the voltage that has passed through the top of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 from the voltage of the first node N1. The BMS200 can derive the voltage that has passed through the top of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 (hereinafter, "cell top voltage") from the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS.

[0037] The BMS200 can determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the logic gate. Here, the logic gate is driven by the pack voltage signal PVS and can generate an output based on the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS. For example, when the logic gate outputs a high-level signal, the BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100.

[0038] The battery system 1 can be connected to an external device 2. The external device 2 can include loads such as an inverter and a converter, and a charging device. When the external device 2 is a charger, both ends of the battery system 1 can be connected to the charger to receive power supply from the charger and be charged. When the external device 2 is a load, both ends of the battery system 1 can be connected to the load so that the power supplied by the battery pack 10 can be discharged through the load.

[0039] Figure 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the FPCB in Figure 1.

[0040] The FPCB 300 can be located on the upper surface of the battery pack 100 in Figure 1. The first wiring LN11 in Figure 2 is an illustration of the first wiring LN1 in Figure 1, and the second wiring LN21 is an illustration of the second wiring LN2.

[0041] The FPCB 300 can include a first connection part 310, a connector 320, a plate 330, and a second connection part 340. The first connection part 310 can include the first wiring LN11.

[0042] The first connection part 310 can be connected to one of both ends of the battery pack 100. The plate 330 can include the second wiring LN21 arranged along a path passing through the upper parts of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 in Figure 1. The pattern of the second wiring LN21 can be determined according to the shape of the battery cells included in the battery pack 100.

[0043] The connector 320 can connect the first wiring LN11 and the second wiring LN21 to the BMS 200. The connector 320 can include a terminal connected to the terminal P2_1 of the BMS 200 in FIG. 1 and a terminal connected to the terminal P2_2 of the BMS 200 in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the node connected to the terminal connected to the terminal P2_1 of the BMS 200 in FIG. 1 is referred to as the first node N1, and the node connected to the terminal connected to the terminal P2_2 of the BMS 200 in FIG. 1 is referred to as the second node N2. The first connection portion 310 may include a third node N3. The third node N3 may be a node connected to the terminal P1_1 of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 1.

[0044] The first wiring LN11 can be connected between the first node N1 and the third node N3. One end of the first wiring LN11 is connected to the first node and connected to the terminal P2_1 of the BMS 200 through the connector 320, and the other end of the first wiring LN11 is connected to the third node N3 and can be connected to the terminal P1_1 of the battery pack 100 through the connector 320.

[0045] The second wiring LN21 can be arranged along a path passing through the upper portions of the respective plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 between the first node N1 and the second node N2 in FIG. 1. One end of the second wiring LN21 is connected to the first node N1, and the other end of the second wiring LN21 is connected to the second node N2 and can be connected to the terminal P2_2 of the BMS 200 through the connector 320.

[0046] The second connection portion 340 can be connected to the other end of both ends of the battery pack 100.

[0047] Each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 can be a pouch-type battery, a cylindrical battery, or a prismatic battery. Hereinafter, a case where each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 is a pouch-type battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Also, a case where each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 is a cylindrical battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Also, a case where each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 is a prismatic battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

[0048] FIG. 3 is an exemplary view of a pouch-type battery.

[0049] The battery pack 100_1 in FIG. 3 is an example of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 1. The battery pack 100_1 may include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (for example, 101_1). Hereinafter, the upper part of the pouch-type battery cell 101_1 indicates the y-axis direction of the pouch-type battery cell 101_1.

[0050] The pouch-type battery cell 101_1 can be sealed around the battery. When a thermal runaway occurs in the pouch-type battery cell 101_1, it is difficult to predict at which point a flame will erupt. Therefore, the wiring pattern of the FPCB 300 located at the upper part of the battery pack 100_1 can pass through all of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells.

[0051] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view for explaining a wiring pattern when the FPCB in FIG. 2 is located on the upper surface of the pouch-type battery.

[0052] The plate 331 in Fig. 4 is an example of the plate 330 in Fig. 2. The FPCB 300 including the plate 331 can be positioned on the upper surface of the battery pack 100_1 in Fig. 3. The plate 331 can include the second wiring LN21_1. The second wiring LN21_1 in Fig. 4 is an example of the second wiring LN21 in Fig. 2. The second wiring LN21_1 can be embodied in a pattern that passes through the upper part of each of a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (hereinafter, "pouch-type cells") included in the battery pack 100_1.

[0053] In Fig. 4, the upper part of the pouch-type cell is indicated by a dotted line. The upper part of the pouch-type cell can be rectangular. The second wiring LN21_1 can be arranged in a rectangular pattern so as to pass through the entire upper part of the pouch-type cell. That is, the FPCB substrate positioned on the upper surface of the battery pack including the pouch-type battery can include a rectangular wiring pattern.

[0054] Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a cylindrical battery.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical battery.

[0056] The battery pack 100_2 in Fig. 5 is an example of the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1. The battery pack 100_2 can include a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (for example, 101_2). Hereinafter, the upper part of the cylindrical battery cell 101_2 indicates the y-axis direction of the cylindrical battery cell 101_2.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the cylindrical battery cell 101_2 may include a Gas Release Vent, a Current Interruption Device (CID), a Separator, a Positive electrode, a Negative electrode, a Center pin, etc. The gas release vent is located in the upper middle part of the cylindrical battery cell 101_2 and can eject the gas inside the cylindrical battery cell 101_2. When thermal runaway occurs in the cylindrical battery cell 101_2, a flame can be ejected from the gas release vent.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the wiring pattern when the FPCB of FIG. 2 is located on the upper surface of the cylindrical battery.

[0059] The plate 332 in FIG. 7 is an example of the plate 330 in FIG. 2. The FPCB 300 including the plate 332 can be located on the upper surface of the battery pack 100_2 in FIG. 5. The plate 332 can include a second wiring LN21_2. The second wiring LN21_2 in FIG. 7 is an example of the second wiring LN21 in FIG. 2. The second wiring LN21_2 can be embodied in a pattern that passes through the upper parts of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells (hereinafter, "cylindrical cells") included in the battery pack 100_2. Since there is a gas release vent at the upper end of the battery cell 101_2, the second wiring LN21_2 can pass through positions corresponding to the gas release vents of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0060] In FIG. 7, the upper part of the cylindrical cell is shown by a dotted line. The upper part of the cylindrical cell can be circular. A WIRE can be connected to the upper part of the cylindrical cell. The second wiring LN21_2 can be arranged in a round pattern so as to bypass the WIRE while passing through the entire upper part of the cylindrical cell. That is, the FPCB substrate located on the upper surface of the battery pack including the cylindrical battery can include a round wiring pattern.

[0061] FIG. 8 is an exemplary view of a rectangular battery.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rectangular battery.

[0063] The battery pack 100_3 in FIG. 8 is an example of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 1. The battery pack 100_3 may include a plurality of rectangular battery cells (e.g., 101_3). Hereinafter, the upper part of the rectangular battery cell 101_3 indicates the y-axis direction of the rectangular battery cell 101_3.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, the rectangular battery cell 101_3 may include a Pressure Vent, a Positive Terminal, a Top Plate, an Anode, a Cathode, a Separator, an Anode tab, a Can case, etc. The pressure vent is located on the upper surface of the rectangular battery cell 101_3 and can eject the pressure inside the rectangular battery cell 101_3. When thermal runaway occurs in the rectangular battery cell 101_3, a flame can be ejected from the pressure vent.

[0065] FIG. 10 is an exemplary view for explaining a wiring pattern when the FPCB of FIG. 2 is located on the upper surface of a rectangular battery.

[0066] The plate 333 in FIG. 10 is an example of the plate 330 in FIG. 2. The FPCB 300 including the plate 333 can be located on the upper surface of the battery pack 100_3 in FIGS. 8 and 9. The plate 333 can include a second wiring LN21_3. The second wiring LN21_3 in FIG. 10 is an example of the second wiring LN21 in FIG. 2. The second wiring LN21_3 can be embodied in a pattern that passes over each of the plurality of rectangular battery cells (hereinafter, "rectangular cells") included in the battery pack 100_3.

[0067] Since there is a pressure ejection port at the upper end of the battery cell 101_3, the second wiring LN21_3 can pass through positions corresponding to the pressure ejection ports of a plurality of rectangular battery cells. In FIG. 10, the upper part of the rectangular cell and the X region (Area X) corresponding to the position of the pressure ejection port of the rectangular cell are indicated by a dotted line. The upper part of the rectangular cell can be rectangular. The upper part of the rectangular cell can include the X region (Area X) corresponding to the position of the pressure ejection port of the rectangular cell. The second wiring LN21_3 can be arranged in a rectangular pattern so as to pass through the X region (Area X). That is, the FPCB substrate located on the upper surface of the battery pack including the rectangular battery can include a rectangular wiring pattern.

[0068] The BMS200 can include a logic gate to determine the presence or absence of thermal runaway of the battery pack 100. The logic gate can take at least one of the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway detection signal TRS as an input. The logic gate can be the NAND gate of FIGS. 11 and 13 or the NOT gate of FIG. 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the BMS200 to determine the presence or absence of thermal runaway will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a BMS including a NAND gate.

[0070] The terminal P2_1 can receive the pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. The terminal P2_2 can receive the thermal runaway detection signal TRS that has passed through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the second wiring LN2. The BMS200 can include a NAND gate GATE1. The NAND gate GATE1 can take the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway detection signal TRS as inputs. The pack voltage signal PVS can also be input as a power supply signal to the NAND gate GATE1. Therefore, the NAND gate GATE1 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0071] When the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS are at a high level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a low-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS is at a high level and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS is at a low level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a high-level signal.

[0072] The BMS200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, even when the power is off, the BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through the NAND gate GATE1 while maintaining low standby power.

[0073] The BMS200 can sense the presence or absence of thermal runaway in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NAND gate GATE1. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the second wiring LN2 may be opened, and when the second wiring LN2 is opened, the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS may be at a low level. When the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS becomes low level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a high-level signal. The BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the output signal of the high-level NAND gate GATE1.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a BMS including a NOT gate.

[0075] The terminal P2_1 can receive the pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. The terminal P2_2 can receive the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS that has passed through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the second wiring LN2. The BMS200 can include a NOT gate GATE2. The NOT gate GATE2 can take the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS as an input. The pack voltage signal PVS can be input as the power supply signal of the NOT gate GATE2. Therefore, the NOT gate GATE2 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0076] When the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS are at a high level, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a low-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS is at a high level and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS is at a low level, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a high-level signal.

[0077] The BMS200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, even when the power is turned off, the BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through the NOT gate GATE2 while maintaining low standby power.

[0078] The BMS200 can sense the presence or absence of thermal runaway in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NOT gate GATE2. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the second wiring LN2 can be opened, and when the second wiring LN2 is opened, the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS can be at a low level. When the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS becomes low level, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a high-level signal. The BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the high-level output signal of the NOT gate GATE2.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a BMS including a NAND gate.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 13, the FPCB 300 in FIG. 1 can include wiring LN22 and wiring LN23. The wiring LN22 and the wiring LN23 can be arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100. The wiring LN22 and the wiring LN23 can be included in the second wiring LN2 in FIG. 1. The BMS 200 can include terminals P2_1 to P2_3. For example, the wiring LN22 can be arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of m (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than n) battery cells among the n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) battery cells included in the battery pack 100. The wiring LN23 can be arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the remaining n - m battery cells excluding m out of the n battery cells. One end of each of the wiring LN22 and the wiring LN23 can be connected to the first node N1 on the first wiring LN1. The other end of the wiring LN22 can be connected to the terminal P2_2. The other end of the wiring LN23 can be connected to the terminal P2_3.

[0081] The terminal P2_1 can receive the pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. The terminal P2_2 can receive the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 that has passed through the upper part of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the wiring LN22. The terminal P2_3 can receive the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 that has passed through the upper part of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the wiring LN23. In other words, the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 can be signals that have passed through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0082] The BMS 200 can include a NAND gate GATE3. The NAND gate GATE3 can take the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 as inputs. The pack voltage signal PVS can be input as the power supply signal of the NAND gate GATE3. Therefore, the NAND gate GATE3 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0083] When the pack voltage signal PVS, the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1, and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 are at high levels, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a low-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS and the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 are at high levels and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 is at a low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 are at high levels and the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 is at a low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal.

[0084] The BMS200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, the BMS200 can detect thermal runaway through the NAND gate GATE3 while maintaining standby power at low power even when the power is turned off.

[0085] The BMS200 can detect the presence or absence of thermal runaway in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NAND gate GATE3. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the wiring LN22 and / or the wiring LN23 may be opened. When the wiring LN22 and / or the wiring LN23 is opened, the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and / or the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 may be at a low level. When at least one of the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 becomes a low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal. The BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the high-level output signal of the NAND gate GATE3.

[0086] When the output signal of logic gate GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3 is a high-level signal, the BMS200 can diagnose that a thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100. The BMS200 can perform a protection operation based on the output signal of logic gate GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3. The protection operation can include a diagnosis operation, a warning operation, and the like.

[0087] The diagnosis operation can be an operation for confirming the occurrence of a fire. The diagnosis operation can include an operation of calculating the temperature of the battery pack 100 based on the signal received by the BMS200 from the temperature sensor, and an operation of determining the presence or absence of gas generation based on the signal received from the gas sensor. Here, the temperature sensor and the gas sensor can be provided in the battery system 1. The signal received from the temperature sensor is determined according to the sensed temperature, and the signal received from the gas sensor can be determined according to the type, concentration, etc. of the sensed gas. When the vehicle (hereinafter, "vehicle") to which the battery system 1 is connected is turned off, the gas sensor may also be turned off. When the BMS200 performs a diagnosis operation, it can operate the turned-off gas sensor to sense a specific gas. When the BMS200 starts a protection operation, it can confirm the occurrence of a fire through the diagnosis operation.

[0088] The warning operation can include an operation of transmitting a signal notifying the possibility of a fire to the upper controller, and an operation of notifying the passengers boarding the vehicle of the possibility of a fire through the upper controller. Here, the upper controller can be an ECU (Electric Control Unit), a BSC (Battery System Controller), etc. that controls the operation of the BMS200. The BMS200 can provide a screen notifying the passengers of the possibility of a fire through an output device provided in the vehicle or a user terminal connected to the vehicle through the upper controller. Here, the output device can be a user interface module.

[0089] The output terminals of logic gates GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3 in FIGS. 11 to 13 can be connected to at least one component of BMS200. Here, each of at least one component connected to the output terminals of logic gates GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3 can be a component that sets the high level to the on level and performs a protection operation. For example, one of at least one component connected to the output terminals of logic gates GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3 can sense the high level and operate BMS200, or can warn a passenger on board the vehicle through a host controller.

[0090] When the vehicle is turned off, BMS200 can refrain from performing constant or periodic operations. In one embodiment, BMS200 can sense thermal runaway or the like through a logic gate without performing constant or periodic operations.

[0091] According to one embodiment, BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through a logic gate. Therefore, BMS200 can sense the output signals of logic gates GATE1, GATE2, or GATE3 even in a low power state (for example, power off or standby mode of BMS200) and immediately perform a protection operation. Therefore, the standby power of BMS200 is minimized, and immediate thermal runaway diagnosis is possible.

[0092] In a certain embodiment, when the output signal of the logic gate is a low level signal, BMS200 can diagnose that thermal runaway has occurred in battery pack 100.

[0093] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a configuration of BMS200 that can diagnose that thermal runaway has occurred in battery pack 100 when the output signal of the logic gate is a low level signal will be described.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a BMS that further includes a NOT gate at the output of the NAND gate in FIG. 11.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 14, terminal P2_1 can receive the pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. Terminal P2_2 can receive the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS that has passed through the top of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the second wiring LN2. The BMS 200 can include a NAND gate GATE1 and a NOT gate GATE11.

[0096] The NAND gate GATE1 can take the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS as inputs. The pack voltage signal PVS can also be input as the power supply signal of the NAND gate GATE1. Therefore, the NAND gate GATE1 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0097] The NOT gate GATE11 can take the output signal of the NAND gate GATE1 as an input. The NOT gate GATE11 can invert the output signal of the NAND gate GATE1.

[0098] When the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS are at a high level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a low-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE11 outputs a high-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS is at a high level and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS is at a low level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE11 outputs a low-level signal.

[0099] The BMS 200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, the BMS 200 can sense thermal runaway through the NAND gate GATE1 and the NOT gate GATE11 while maintaining the standby power at a low power even when the power is turned off.

[0100] The BMS 200 can detect the presence or absence of thermal runaway in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NOT gate GATE11. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the second wiring LN2 can be opened, and when the second wiring LN2 is opened, the thermal runaway detection signal TRS can be at a low level. When the thermal runaway detection signal TRS becomes low level, the NAND gate GATE1 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE11 outputs a low-level signal. The BMS 200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the output signal of the low-level NOT gate GATE11.

[0101] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a BMS further including a NOT gate in the output section of the NOT gate in FIG. 12.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 15, the terminal P2_1 can receive the pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. The terminal P2_2 can receive the thermal runaway detection signal TRS that has passed through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the second wiring LN2. The BMS 200 can include two NOT gates GATE2 and GATE21.

[0103] The NOT gate GATE2 can take the thermal runaway detection signal TRS as an input. The pack voltage signal PVS can be input as the power supply signal of the NOT gate GATE2. Therefore, the NOT gate GATE2 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0104] The NOT gate GATE21 can take the output signal of the NOT gate GATE2 as an input. The NOT gate GATE21 can invert the output signal of the NOT gate GATE2.

[0105] When the pack voltage signal PVS and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS are at high levels, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a low-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE21 outputs a high-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS is at a high level and the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS is at a low level, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE21 outputs a low-level signal.

[0106] The BMS200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, the BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through the NOT gate GATE2 and the NOT gate GATE21 while maintaining standby power at a low level even when the power is turned off.

[0107] The BMS200 can sense the presence or absence of thermal runaway in the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NOT gate GATE21. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the second wiring LN2 may be opened, and when the second wiring LN2 is opened, the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS may be at a low level. When the thermal runaway sensing signal TRS becomes low level, the NOT gate GATE2 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE21 outputs a low-level signal. The BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the output signal of the low-level NOT gate GATE21.

[0108] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a BMS that further includes a NOT gate in the output section of the NAND gate in FIG. 13.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 16, terminal P2_1 can receive a pack voltage signal PVS from the battery pack 100 through the first wiring LN1. Terminal P2_2 can receive a first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 that has passed through the upper parts of a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the wiring LN22. Terminal P2_3 can receive a second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 that has passed through the upper parts of a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 100 through the wiring LN23. In other words, the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 can be signals that have passed through the upper parts of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0110] The BMS 200 can include a NAND gate GATE3 and a NOT gate GATE31. The NAND gate GATE3 can take the first thermal runaway detection signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway detection signal TRS2 as inputs. The pack voltage signal PVS can be input as a power supply signal to the NAND gate GATE3. Therefore, the NAND gate GATE3 can operate when the pack voltage signal PVS is a high-level signal.

[0111] The NOT gate GATE31 can take the output signal of the NAND gate GATE3 as an input. The NOT gate GATE31 can invert the output signal of the NAND gate GATE3.

[0112] When the pack voltage signal PVS, the first thermal runaway sensing signal TRS1, and the second thermal runaway sensing signal TRS2 are at high level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a low-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE31 outputs a high-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS and the first thermal runaway sensing signal TRS1 are at high level and the second thermal runaway sensing signal TRS2 is at low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE31 outputs a low-level signal. When the pack voltage signal PVS and the second thermal runaway sensing signal TRS2 are at high level and the first thermal runaway sensing signal TRS1 is at low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE31 outputs a low-level signal.

[0113] BMS200 can measure the pack voltage of the battery pack 100 through the high-level pack voltage signal PVS. However, BMS200 can sense thermal runaway through the NAND gate GATE3 and the NOT gate GATE31 while maintaining standby power at low power even when the power is turned off.

[0114] BMS200 can sense the presence or absence of thermal runaway of the battery pack 100 based on the output of the NOT gate GATE31. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 100, the wiring LN22 and / or the wiring LN23 may be opened. When the wiring LN22 and / or the wiring LN23 are opened, the first thermal runaway sensing signal TRS1 and / or the second thermal runaway sensing signal TRS2 may be at low level. When at least one of the first thermal runaway sensing signal TRS1 and the second thermal runaway sensing signal TRS2 becomes low level, the NAND gate GATE3 outputs a high-level signal, and the NOT gate GATE31 outputs a low-level signal. BMS200 can determine that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100 based on the output signal of the low-level NOT gate GATE31.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, when the output signals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31 are low-level signals, the BMS 200 can diagnose that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack 100. The BMS 200 can perform a protection operation based on the output signals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31.

[0116] The output terminals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31 in FIGS. 14 to 16 can be connected to at least one component of the BMS 200. Here, each of at least one component connected to the output terminals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31 can be a component that turns a low level into an on level to perform a protection operation. For example, one of at least one component connected to the output terminals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31 can sense a low level to operate the BMS 200 or can warn a passenger in the vehicle through an upper controller.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the BMS 200 can sense thermal runaway through a logic gate. Therefore, the BMS 200 can sense the output signals of NOT gates GATE11, GATE21, or GATE31 even in a low-power state and immediately perform a protection operation. Therefore, the standby power of the BMS 200 is minimized, and immediate thermal runaway diagnosis is possible.

[0118] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modified and improved forms by those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains also belong to the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1 Battery System 2 External Device 10 Battery Pack 100 Battery Pack 100_1 Battery Pack 100_2 Battery Pack 100_3 Battery Pack 101_1 Pouch-Type Battery Cell 101_2 Cylindrical Battery Cell 101_2 Battery Cell 101_3 Prismatic Battery Cell 101_3 Battery Cell 310 First Connection Part 320 Connector 330 Plate 331 Plate 332 Plate 333 Plate 340 Second Connection Part

Claims

1. A battery pack including a plurality of battery cells; A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) located on the upper surface of the plurality of battery packs, including a first wiring connected to the terminals of the battery pack and a second wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells; and A battery management system (BMS) including a logic gate driven by a first voltage provided from the battery pack through the first wiring and generating an output by a second voltage provided through the second wiring A battery system comprising: The BMS is To determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack based on the output of the logic gate Battery system.

2. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a pouch-type battery, The second wiring is arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, The battery system according to claim 1.

3. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery, A wire is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical battery, The second wiring bypasses the wire and is arranged in a round pattern passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, The battery system according to claim 1.

4. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a prismatic battery, The prismatic battery includes a pressure ejection port, The second wiring is arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through a region corresponding to the pressure ejection port among the plurality of battery cells, The battery system according to claim 1.

5. The logic gate is A NAND gate taking the first voltage and the second voltage as inputs, The battery system according to claim 1.

6. The logic gate is A NOT gate taking the second voltage as an input, The battery system according to claim 1.

7. The second wiring includes a third wiring and a fourth wiring arranged along a path passing through the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells, The logic gate is A NAND gate taking as inputs a third voltage sensed through the third wiring and a fourth voltage sensed through the fourth wiring, The battery system according to claim 1.

8. The BMS is To perform a protection operation when the logic gate outputs a high-level signal The battery system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The BMS further includes a NOT gate that inverts the output of the logic gate with the output of the logic gate as an input, The BMS performs a protection operation when the NOT gate outputs a low-level signal, The battery system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

10. A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that electrically connects a battery management system (BMS) and a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a connector including a first terminal connected to a first input terminal of the BMS and a second terminal connected to a second input terminal of the BMS; a first wiring connected between the positive electrode of the battery pack and the first terminal of the connector; and a second wiring including one end connected to the first wiring at a first node and the other end connected to the second terminal of the connector, and being arranged along a path passing through the upper portions of each of the plurality of battery cells between the one end and the other end, The BMS determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the battery pack using the voltages of the first input terminal and the second input terminal respectively, Flexible printed circuit board.

11. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a pouch-type battery, the second wiring is arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through the upper portions of each of the plurality of battery cells, The flexible printed circuit board according to claim 10.

12. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery, a wire is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical battery, the second wiring bypasses the wire and is arranged in a circular pattern passing through the upper portions of each of the plurality of battery cells, The flexible printed circuit board according to claim 10.

13. When each of the plurality of battery cells is a prismatic battery, the prismatic battery includes a pressure jet outlet, the second wiring is arranged in a rectangular pattern passing through a region corresponding to the pressure jet outlet among the plurality of battery cells, The flexible printed circuit board according to claim 10.

Images