Battery pack for generating synchronization signal and automobile including the same

Abstract

A battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes one or more battery modules including a plurality of battery cells that can supply power to a motor of a vehicle; a battery management system electrically connected to another battery management system of another battery pack, and can transmit a designated first synchronization signal to the other battery pack and receive a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack before performing a designated task, determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and perform the designated task based on the reference synchronization signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] The embodiments disclosed in this document claim the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0117486 filed on September 16, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal and a vehicle that includes the same. [Background technology]

[0003] The battery can store electricity and supply power to the drive motor of a vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)).

[0004] A battery may be composed of one or more battery packs. Each of the one or more battery packs may include a plurality of battery modules, and each of the plurality of battery modules may include a plurality of battery cells. The one or more battery packs may be implemented using different materials (e.g., cathode material, anode material, separator, electrolyte). For example, the cathode material may be implemented using a combination of nickel, cobalt, aluminum, or manganese (e.g., NCM, NCA, or LFP). As another example, the anode material may be implemented using graphite or silicon.

[0005] The one or more battery packs may be managed by a battery management system (BMS).

[0006] The BMS can receive control commands from the vehicle's ECU (electronic control unit) and control the battery pack based on the received control commands. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When a vehicle is equipped with multiple battery packs, a situation may arise in which the battery pack supplying power to the motor needs to be changed. For example, balancing is required between the multiple battery packs in the vehicle, and the battery pack supplying power to the motor may be changed to balance the power capacities of the multiple battery packs. However, even in a situation in which the battery pack supplying power to the motor is changed, power must be continuously supplied.

[0008] When the battery pack that supplies power to the motor is changed, if there is a large difference in the operation time of each of the battery packs, a situation may occur in which power is not supplied to the motor. Therefore, it is necessary to synchronize the battery packs with each other to reduce the difference in the operation time of the battery packs.

[0009] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes one or more battery modules including a plurality of battery cells that can supply power to a motor of a vehicle; and a battery management system electrically connected to another battery management system of another battery pack, wherein the battery management system transmits a designated first synchronization signal to the other battery pack and receives a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack before performing a designated task, determines a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and performs the designated task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0011] In a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more battery modules and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack may differ from each other in at least one material.

[0012] In a battery pack for generating a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more battery modules may be embodied using NCM (Ni, Co, and Mn) or silicon.

[0013] In a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be the synchronization signal that is generated first among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal.

[0014] In a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be the synchronization signal that is generated later among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal.

[0015] In a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, one of the battery pack and the other battery pack may selectively supply power to the motor.

[0016] The battery management system of the battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein can transmit the first synchronization signal and receive the second synchronization signal via an electrical connection path between an IO (input output) pin of the battery management system and an IO pin of the other battery management system.

[0017] A vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a motor that can generate power by receiving a supply of electric power, a first battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a first battery management system, a second battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a second battery management system, a switch that forms an electrical path between the motor and the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack, and a controller that controls the first battery pack and the second battery pack so that at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack selectively supplies power to the motor, and the first battery management system and the second battery management system can exchange synchronization signals with each other before performing a designated task, each determine a reference synchronization signal based on the synchronization signal, and each perform the designated task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0018] In a vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more battery modules of the first battery pack and the one or more battery modules of the second battery pack may differ from each other in at least one material.

[0019] In a vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be an earlier-generated synchronization signal among the synchronization signals.

[0020] In a vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal that is generated later than the synchronization signal.

[0021] In a vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the synchronization signal may be exchanged via an electrical connection path between an IO (input output) pin of the first battery management system and an IO pin of the second battery management system.

[0022] An operating method of a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include an operation of transmitting a designated first synchronization signal to another battery pack and receiving a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack before performing a designated task, an operation of determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and an operation of performing the designated task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0023] In the method of operating a battery pack to generate a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules of the battery pack and one or more battery modules of the other battery pack may differ from each other in at least one material.

[0024] In an operating method of a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be the synchronization signal that is generated first among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal may be generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] In the battery packs and automobiles including the same according to various embodiments disclosed herein, the operations of the battery packs may be synchronized with each other, thereby reducing operational errors between the battery packs.

[0026] The effects of the battery pack and the vehicle including the same disclosed in this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of this document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of an automotive battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of an automotive battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a battery pack of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a battery pack for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] The embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] In this document, each phrase such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed in the phrase or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "primary," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," or "(b)" may be used merely to distinguish one element from another element and do not limit the element in other respects (e.g., importance or order) unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0031] In this document, when a (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," or when a reference is made to "coupled" or "connected," it means that the component can be coupled to the other component directly (e.g., by wire or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., via a third component).

[0032] Methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0033] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be located separately in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively, or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such cases, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by that component of the multiple components prior to the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more different operations may be added.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 , the automobile 101 may include a motor 110, a controller 120, a switch 130, and multiple battery packs 140 and 150. The components within the automobile 101 (the controller 120, the switch 130, and the multiple battery packs 140 and 150) may be electrically coupled to each other using in-vehicle network (IVN) technology. The in-vehicle communication technology may include a controller area network (CAN), a media oriented systems transport (MOST) network, a local interconnect network (LIN), Ethernet, and / or X-by-Wire (FlexRay). Depending on the embodiment, the automobile 101 may include additional components not shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the automobile 101 may further include an inverter between the motor 110 and the switch 130. The inverter may include a DC-DC converter.

[0036] In one embodiment, the vehicle 101 may include an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and / or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0037] In one embodiment, the motor 110 can convert the power transmitted via the switch 130 into power (motor power) and transmit it to the drive tires of the vehicle 101. The rotation direction, rotation force, and rotation speed (revolutions per minute, RPM) of the motor 110 can be determined by the voltage of the power transmitted via the switch 130.

[0038] In one embodiment, the motor 110 can generate back EMF during regenerative braking of the vehicle 101. In one embodiment, the back EMF can be used to charge multiple battery packs 140, 150.

[0039] In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control charging and / or discharging of the multiple battery packs 140, 150 of the vehicle 101. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may further include a communication module, a processor, and a memory, which are not shown in the drawings. The memory of the controller 120 may be a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions executed by the processor. The memory of the controller 120 may be embodied as at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or a register. The processor of the controller 120 may be embodied in at least one of processing devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), microcontrollers, and / or microprocessors.

[0040] In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to set a power transmission path. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically connect all of the battery packs 140, 150 to the motor 110. For example, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 based on battery information of the battery packs 140, 150. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically disconnect all of the battery packs 140, 150 from the motor 110. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to electrically connect one of the battery packs 140, 150 to the motor 110 and electrically disconnect the other battery pack from the motor 110. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may control the switch 130 to switch the battery pack electrically connected to the motor 110.

[0041] In one embodiment, the switch 130 can generate a power transmission path. For example, the switch 130 can be embodied as a relay.

[0042] In one embodiment, the battery packs 140, 150 may be implemented using different materials (e.g., cathode material, anode material, separator, or electrolyte material). In one embodiment, the battery packs 140, 150 may differ from each other in at least one material. For example, the battery pack 140 may include battery cells using NCM, and the battery pack 150 may include battery cells using silicon. When the battery packs 140, 150 are implemented using different materials, the characteristics (e.g., lifespan, energy density, charge rate) of the battery packs 140, 150 may differ from each other. For example, battery cells using NCM (Ni, Co, and Mn) may have a long lifespan but a low energy density and may not be fast-chargeable, whereas battery cells using Si may have a short lifespan but a high energy density and may be fast-chargeable. In another embodiment, the battery packs 140, 150 may be implemented using the same material.

[0043] In one embodiment, the battery pack 140 includes a BMS 141 and multiple battery modules 143, 145. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 can acquire battery information (e.g., state of charge (SOC) and battery status (overvoltage, overcurrent, overheat, etc.)) of the multiple battery modules 143, 145 in real time. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 can provide the battery information to the controller 120. In one embodiment, the battery information can include information on the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and state of health (SOH) of the multiple battery modules 143, 145.

[0044] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task from the reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, a task may be performed for at least a specified time interval. In one embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a first synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and / or a second synchronization signal of the BMS 151. In one embodiment, the specified time interval may have a preset length of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In one embodiment, a task may refer to a unit process performed by the BMS 141. In one embodiment, a task may include controlling the multiple battery modules 143, 145, acquiring battery information from the multiple battery modules 143, 145, or transmitting data. For example, a task may include transmitting a command to measure battery cell voltages, requesting transmission of battery cell voltages, calculating the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 140, transmitting the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 140, and controlling a battery disconnect unit (BDU). In one embodiment, a task may be performed for at least one time interval.

[0045] In one embodiment, the battery pack 150 includes a BMS 151 and multiple battery modules 153, 155. In one embodiment, the BMS 151 can acquire battery information (e.g., state of charge (SOC) and battery status (overvoltage, overcurrent, overheat, etc.)) of the multiple battery modules 153, 155 in real time. In one embodiment, the BMS 151 can provide the battery information to the controller 120. In one embodiment, the battery information can include information on the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and SOH of the multiple battery modules 153, 155.

[0046] In one embodiment, the BMS 151 may initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 151 may initiate a task from the reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, a task may be performed for at least a specified time interval. In one embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a second synchronization signal of the BMS 151 and / or a first synchronization signal of the BMS 141. In one embodiment, the specified time interval may have a preset length of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In one embodiment, a task may refer to a unit process performed by the BMS 151. In one embodiment, a task may include controlling the multiple battery modules 153, 155, obtaining battery information from the multiple battery modules 153, 155, or transmitting data. For example, a task may include transmitting a command to measure battery cell voltages, requesting transmission of battery cell voltages, calculating the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 150, transmitting the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 150, and BDU control. In one embodiment, a task may be performed for at least one time interval.

[0047] The following describes the operations of the BMSs 141 and 151 to determine a reference synchronization signal and perform tasks. The following description will be given using the BMS 141 as an example, but may also be applied to the BMS 151.

[0048] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may have an internal clock (clock, clk). The clock signal of the internal clock may be generated periodically. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal based on a specified number of clock signals. For example, if the clock signal is generated at a period of 1 millisecond and the specified time interval is 100 milliseconds, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal when 100 clock signals are generated.

[0049] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal a specified time interval (eg, 100 milliseconds) after the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal.

[0050] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may transmit the first synchronization signal to the BMS 151 via an electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151. In one embodiment, the electrical connection path 160 between the BMS 141 and the BMS 151 may be formed between an input / output (IO) pin of an MCU (microcontroller) included in the BMS 141 and an IO pin of the MCU of the BMS 151. In one embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, the generation of the first synchronization signal and the transmission of the first synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0051] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may receive a second synchronization signal from the BMS 151 via the electrical connection path 160. In one embodiment, the second synchronization signal may be generated based on a clock signal of the internal clock (clk) of the BMS 151. Here, the generation of the second synchronization signal and the reception of the second synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0052] In one embodiment, the operation of BMS141 generating a first synchronization signal and BMS151 receiving a second synchronization signal may be understood as BMS141 and BMS151 exchanging synchronization signals with each other.

[0053] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated earlier among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In another embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal generated later among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0054] In one embodiment, the BMS 141 can perform a designated task based on the reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 can start a task from the reference synchronization signal. For example, the BMS 141 can control the multiple battery modules 153, 155, obtain battery information from the multiple battery modules 153, 155, or transmit data within a designated time interval from the reference synchronization signal.

[0055] The BMS 141 can then generate a new primary synchronization signal based on a specified number of clock signals derived from the reference synchronization signal.

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, the BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. For example, if the reference synchronization signal is determined to be the synchronization signal to be generated first, the BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal upon receiving the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151.

[0057] Figure 2a is a timing diagram of the battery packs 140, 150 of the vehicle 101 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 2b is a timing diagram of the battery packs 140, 150 of the vehicle 101 according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] 2a, multiple tasks 221, 223, 225, 227, 229 may be initiated from reference synchronization signals 211, 213, 215, 217, 219. Multiple tasks 221, 223, 225, 227, 229 may be performed within a specified time interval 230.

[0059] 2b, BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal 241 at a first time point 261, and BMS 151 may generate a second synchronization signal 251 later than the first time point 261. In this case, the reference synchronization signal for BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be determined as the first synchronization signal 241. Then, during a specified time interval 231 from the first synchronization signal 241, BMS 141 and BMS 151 may perform their respective tasks.

[0060] Each of the BMSs 141 and 151 can generate a synchronization signal after a designated time interval 231 from the reference synchronization signal at the first time point 261. However, the time points at which the synchronization signals are generated by the BMSs 141 and 151 may differ from each other due to various reasons (e.g., internal clock errors).

[0061] 2b, BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal 243 later than a second time point 263, and BMS 151 may generate a second synchronization signal 253 at the second time point 263. In this case, the reference synchronization signal of BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 253. Then, during a specified time interval 233 from the second synchronization signal 253, BMS 141 and BMS 151 may perform their respective tasks.

[0062] 2b, BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal 243 later than a third time point 265, and BMS 151 may generate a second synchronization signal 253 at the third time point 265. In this case, the reference synchronization signal of BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 255. Then, during a specified time interval 235 from the second synchronization signal 255, BMS 141 and BMS 151 may perform their respective tasks.

[0063] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the battery packs 140, 150 of the vehicle 101 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 will be described as being performed using the BMS 141. However, the operations of FIG. 3 may also be performed by the BMS 151.

[0064] 3, the BMS 141 may generate a synchronization signal in operation 310. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal a specified time interval after a previous reference synchronization point.

[0065] In operation 320, the BMS 141 may determine a reference synchronization signal. The BMS 141 may determine the reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal of the BMS 141 and / or the second synchronization signal of the BMS 151. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal that is generated earlier among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In another embodiment, the BMS 141 may determine the synchronization signal that is generated later among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0066] In operation 330, the BMS 141 may perform a task based on the reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may initiate a task from the reference synchronization signal. For example, the BMS 141 may control the multiple battery modules 153, 155, obtain battery information from the multiple battery modules 153, 155, or transmit data within a specified time interval from the reference synchronization signal.

[0067] BMS 141 can then perform the operations of FIG. 3 again.

[0068] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the battery packs 140, 150 of the vehicle 101 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 will be described as being performed using the BMS 141. However, the operations of FIG. 3 may also be performed by the BMS 151.

[0069] 4, the BMS 141 may generate a first synchronization signal in operation 410. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 may generate the first synchronization signal after a specified time interval from a previous reference synchronization point.

[0070] In operation 415, BMS 141 may receive the second synchronization signal. In one embodiment, BMS 141 may receive the second synchronization signal from BMS 151 via an electrical connection path 160 between BMS 141 and BMS 151. In one embodiment, electrical connection path 160 between BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be formed between an IO pin of an MCU included in BMS 141 and an IO pin of an MCU included in BMS 151. In one embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, generation of the second synchronization signal and reception of the second synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0071] In operation 420, the BMS 141 may determine whether the first synchronization signal was generated before the second synchronization signal.

[0072] In one embodiment, if the first synchronization signal is generated before the second synchronization signal, the BMS 141 may perform operation 430. In one embodiment, if the first synchronization signal is generated later than the second synchronization signal, the BMS 141 may perform operation 435.

[0073] In operation 430, the BMS 141 may determine the first synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In operation 435, the BMS 141 may determine the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0074] BMS 141 can then perform the operations of FIG. 4 again.

[0075] 4 illustrates that both operations 410 and 415 are performed, but this is merely an example. Depending on the embodiment, only one of operations 410 and 415 may be performed. For example, if a first synchronization signal is generated before a second synchronization signal is generated, BMS151 may not generate the second synchronization signal. In this case, operation 415 may not be performed. As another example, if a second synchronization signal is received before the first synchronization signal is generated, BMS141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. In this case, operation 410 may not be performed. In such a case, BMS141 and BMS151 may determine one of the generated synchronization signals as the reference synchronization signal.

Claims

1. A battery pack for generating a synchronization signal, one or more battery modules including a plurality of battery cells capable of powering a motor of the vehicle; a battery management system electrically connected to another battery management system of another battery pack, the battery management system comprising: transmitting a designated first synchronization signal to the other battery pack before performing a designated task, and receiving a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; Performing the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal; Battery pack.

2. The one or more battery modules and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack are different from each other in at least one material; The battery pack according to claim 1 .

3. The one or more battery modules are implemented using NCM or silicon. The battery pack according to claim 2 .

4. the reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal that is generated first among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, The first synchronization signal is generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

5. the reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal generated later among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, The first synchronization signal is generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

6. one of the battery pack and the other battery pack selectively supplies power to the motor; The battery pack according to claim 1 .

7. The battery management system includes: transmitting the first synchronization signal and receiving the second synchronization signal through an electrical connection path between an IO pin of the battery management system and an IO pin of the other battery management system; The battery pack according to claim 1 .

8. 1. A vehicle including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal, a motor that can generate power by receiving a supply of electric power; a first battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a first battery management system; a second battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a second battery management system; a switch that forms an electrical path between the motor and the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; and a controller that controls the first battery pack and the second battery pack so that at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack selectively supplies power to the motor; The first battery management system and the second battery management system They exchange synchronization signals with each other before carrying out their designated tasks, determining a reference synchronization signal based on the synchronization signal; Performing each of the designated tasks based on the reference synchronization signal; car.

9. The one or more battery modules of the first battery pack and the one or more battery modules of the second battery pack are different from each other in at least one material; 9. The vehicle of claim 8.

10. The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal that is generated first among the synchronization signals.

9. The vehicle of claim 8.

11. The reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal generated later among the synchronization signals.

9. The vehicle of claim 8.

12. The synchronization signal is exchanged through an electrical connection path between an IO pin of the first battery management system and an IO pin of the second battery management system; 9. The vehicle of claim 8.

13. 1. A method of operating a battery pack to generate a synchronization signal, comprising: an operation of transmitting a designated first synchronization signal to another battery pack and receiving a designated second synchronization signal from the other battery pack before performing a designated task; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; and performing the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal; How the battery pack works.

14. The one or more battery modules of the battery pack and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack are different from each other in at least one material; 14. A method for operating the battery pack of claim 13.

15. the reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal that is generated first among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, The first synchronization signal is generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal.

14. A method for operating the battery pack of claim 13.

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