A battery module including a cell controller connected to the battery cells

Abstract

The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells, bus bars connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS, and a plurality of cell controllers. The plurality of cell controllers include a first cell controller connected to a first battery cell and a second battery cell and configured to send a first signal to the master BMS indicating a state of the first battery cell and a state of the second battery cell, and a second cell controller connected to a second battery cell and a third battery cell and configured to send a second signal to the master BMS indicating a state of the second battery cell and a state of the third battery cell. The master BMS is configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a cell controller connected to a battery cell. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery module may be comprised of multiple electrically connected battery cells. The multiple battery cells may be connected in series and / or parallel to one another. Each of the multiple battery cells may age at a different rate. The multiple battery cells may be contained within a housing.

[0003] The battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the states of the battery cells. The battery management system may monitor the battery cells constituting the battery module and transmit and receive data signals to and from the battery cells to control the operation of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order for the BMS to monitor and control each of the battery cells, the BMS and the battery cells need to be electrically connected to each other. For example, a battery module may include a wire harness that electrically connects the BMS to each of the battery cells. As the number of battery cells constituting a battery module increases, the number and length of the wire harnesses may increase. Therefore, the design of the battery module may become complicated and heavy.

[0005] The battery cells that make up the battery module may be housed in a housing, and in order to connect additional components to the battery cells, the housing must be disassembled and the battery cells separated.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in this specification are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not described will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS), a bus bar, and a plurality of cell controllers. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a third battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be configured to transmit a signal including a numeric value indicating a state of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the bus bar. The plurality of cell controllers may include a first cell controller and a second cell controller. The first cell controller may be connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit a first signal including a first numeric value indicating a state of the first battery cell and a state of the second battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar. The second cell controller may be connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit a second signal including a second value indicating a state of the second battery cell and a state of a third battery cell via the bus bar to the master BMS, and the master BMS may be configured to monitor the states of the battery cells based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one embodiment, a battery module can communicate between a master BMS and each of the battery cells via a bus bar, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness. Eliminating the wire harness can simplify design and reduce weight. According to one example, the cell controllers can be connected to the battery cells after they have been manufactured and assembled, without separating the battery module.

[0009] The effects obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of a first battery cell that constitutes a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates an example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 illustrates an example of a data signal transmission / reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation between a master BMS and multiple cell controllers of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A is a diagram showing a battery module before a plurality of cell controllers are connected, and FIG 10B is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of cell controllers are connected to the battery module of FIG 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0012] 1 , a battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series with each other and a master battery management system (BMS) 110 operatively coupled to the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other to form the battery module 100. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator to operate as a driving source for the load. The circuit described below may refer to a circuit including circuit elements interconnected to provide a specific function.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other. Referring to FIG. 1 , the first battery cell 120-1 may be connected to the master BMS 110. The second battery cell 120-2 may be connected to the first battery cell 120-2. The third battery cell 120-3 may be connected to the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 to the n-th battery cell 120-n may be sequentially connected in series in a first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the third battery cell 120-3. When the plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system may be set as the sum of the voltages of the battery cells 120 constituting the plurality of battery cells 120. 1, the plurality of battery cells 120 are shown aligned in the first direction D1, but this is not intended to be limiting and is for the purpose of explaining the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the battery module 100 can be formed by assembling the plurality of battery cells 120 by stacking them on top of each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with the plurality of cell controllers 200 of the plurality of battery cells 120 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6 ) for connecting the plurality of battery cells 120 without a separate wire harness. The master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the voltage and / or current of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the state of each of the plurality of battery cells 120, such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and temperature of each of the plurality of battery cells 120, via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 can be configured to transmit signals via a bus bar to multiple cell controllers 200 disposed within the multiple battery cells 120 to request charging and / or discharging of each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may include multiple cell controllers 200 disposed in each battery cell 120 to collect information regarding the status of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, a first battery cell 120-1 may include a first cell controller 200-1 disposed therein. A second battery cell 120-2 may include a second cell controller 200-2 disposed therein. For example, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be disposed on power lines within the multiple battery cells 120. The multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data using the power lines as a transmission medium. According to one embodiment, the multiple battery cells 120 may transmit signals including information regarding their respective statuses to the master BMS 110 using the multiple cell controllers 200. The master BMS 110 can use the multiple cell controllers 200 to transmit signals to each of the multiple battery cells 120 to request operation of each of the multiple battery cells 120 and / or signals to request information regarding the SOH of each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, the master BMS 110 may include a communication circuit 210, a charge / discharge control circuit 220, a monitoring circuit 230, a notification circuit 240, and a memory 119.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the communication circuitry 210 can transmit and / or receive signals via bus bars to and from the cell communication modules 125 of the plurality of battery cells 120. The communication circuitry 210 may be connected to a power supply line for data signal transmission and power supply to and from the battery cells 120.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can control charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can perform a function of monitoring the voltage and remaining capacity (state of charge, SOC) of a secondary battery (e.g., secondary battery 121 in FIG. 3 ) in the plurality of battery cells 120, a function of controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120, and a function of preventing overcharging and overdischarging.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 230 may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells 120. When an abnormal state occurs, the monitoring circuit 230 can notify the abnormality of the battery cells 120 via the notification circuit 240. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a display or a light emitting diode (LED) that sends a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a speaker that sends an audible signal. However, the notification circuit 240 is not limited to this.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the memory 119 may be configured to store various information regarding the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store an ID table of the battery cells 120, which will be described later. For example, the memory 119 may store information regarding the charge / discharge history, charge capacity, and remaining life of the battery cells 120.

[0021] According to one embodiment, an ID may be assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The signal transmitted from the master BMS 110 and the signal transmitted from the battery cells 120 may include information regarding the ID assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, when the plurality of cell controllers 200 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify information regarding the ID included in the signal. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the battery cell that is to receive the signal received from the master BMS 110 based on the information regarding the identified ID.

[0022] For example, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 to request a specified operation, the master BMS 110 may send a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 including information about the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. The first cell controller 200-1 disposed in the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID included in the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify that the information about the ID included in the signal does not match the information about the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and based on the identification, transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 disposed in the second battery cell 120-2 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID included in the signal. The second cell controller 200-2 may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal does not match the information regarding the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and based on this identification, transmit the signal to the third battery cell 120-3. The third cell controller 200-3 disposed in the third battery cell 120-3 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information regarding the ID included in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal matches the information regarding the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3, and based on this identification, identify a specified action included in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to perform at least one action corresponding to the specified action to perform the specified action.

[0023] For example, when a signal including information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted to the master BMS 110, the master BMS 110 can identify that the signal is related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID included in the signal. For example, when the plurality of battery cells 120 receive a signal including information about the charge and / or discharge signal of the first battery cell 120-1, the plurality of battery cells 120 can identify that the signal is related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID included in the signal.

[0024] Because the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can communicate via a bus bar connecting the multiple battery cells 120, the design for transmitting and / or receiving communications between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 can be simple.

[0025] According to one embodiment, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2), the signal may be transmitted through other battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1) other than the battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) that is intended to receive the signal. Furthermore, when a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) transmits a signal to the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 through at least one other battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1).

[0026] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 requesting information about the state of the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 transmits a signal S 01 The signal S 01 may be transmitted in a first direction D1. 01is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110, and then transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2. 12 The signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 can be changed to 12 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the third battery cell 120-3. 23 can be changed to.

[0027] For example, when the third battery cell 120-3 transmits a signal including information about the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the master BMS 110, the signal can be transmitted in the second direction D2. 32 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. The signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1. 21 The signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1 can be changed to 21 is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1, and then transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. 10 The master BMS 110 can change the signal S 10 receives the signal S 10 information about the state of the third battery cell included in the

[0028] When a signal passes through the battery cells 120 sequentially, the signal strength may be reduced due to the internal impedance of the battery cells 120 (e.g., the internal resistance of the battery cells). Since the signal strength is reduced each time the signal passes through a battery cell 120, it is necessary to maintain the signal strength when transmitting signals through multiple battery cells 120. Furthermore, since signal collision may occur when signals are transmitted in different directions, it is necessary to set the signal transmission directionality.

[0029] 3 shows an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to an embodiment. The components described below for the first battery cell 120-1 can be similarly applied to the other battery cells.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the first battery cell 120-1 may include a secondary battery 121, a protection circuit 123, and a first cell controller 200-1.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery 121 can store electrical energy. The secondary battery 121 is a secondary battery that can charge electrical energy and discharge the charged electrical energy, and can include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator, and an electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 can include at least one secondary battery 121.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit module (PCM) 123 is a protection circuit for the secondary battery 121 that can prevent over-discharge, over-charge, and over-current of the secondary battery 121. Over-charging of the secondary battery 121 can cause internal overheating and swelling, which can damage the secondary battery 121. Over-discharging of the secondary battery 121 can damage the electrodes and cause failure of the secondary battery 121. To prevent damage and / or failure of the secondary battery 121, the protection circuit 123 can shut off the charging circuit based on determining that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 has reached a charging limit voltage, and can shut off the discharging circuit based on determining that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 has reached a discharging limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit 123 can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 and provide the obtained information to the first cell controller 200-1.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 is connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121, and can be configured to receive signals from the master BMS 110 or transmit signals from the master BMS 110. For example, but not limited to, the first cell controller 200-1 may be connected to a power line in the first battery cell 120-1.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. For example, the information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 can include, but is not limited to, information regarding the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery 121. The first cell controller 200-1 is electrically coupled to the protection circuit 123 and can receive information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. The first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit the received information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 to the master BMS 110.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may receive a signal from the master BMS 110 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6). When the first cell controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted through multiple battery cells connected to each other (e.g., the multiple first battery cells 120-1 in FIG. 1), thereby reducing the signal strength. For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the third battery cell 120-3, the signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 and then be transmitted to the third battery cell 120-3. When the signal is transmitted, the signal strength may be reduced due to the internal impedance of the first battery cell 120-1 and the internal impedance of the second battery cell 120-2.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify whether the target of a signal received from the master BMS 110 is the first battery cell 120-1. The signal may include information about a target ID, which is information about the ID of the first battery cell 120-1 that is the target of receiving the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS 110 with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can perform an action corresponding to the signal based on identifying that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in FIG. 1 ) connected to the first battery cell 120-1 based on identifying that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1.

[0037] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 requesting information about the status of the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1, which is connected in series to the master BMS 110, can receive the signal. The signal can include information about a target ID set to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify the target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to generate a signal including information about the status of the first battery cell 120-1 and transmit the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0038] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the second battery cell 120-2 requesting information about the status of the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 connected in series to the master BMS 110 can receive the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify a target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the identified target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2 connected in series to the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 in FIG. 1) can generate a signal including information about the status of the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, the first cell controller 200-1 may include a microprocessor 201 that controls the transmission and / or reception of signals, an amplifier circuit 202 for amplifying signals transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor 201, and a switch SW for controlling the transmission path of the signals.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted to and / or received by the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted and / or received after being amplified via the amplifier circuit 202. When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller 200-1, the switch SW can provide a receiving path for the signal by being closed so that the signal is received by the microprocessor 201. When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1, the switch SW can provide a transmitting path for the signal by being closed so that the signal is transmitted from the microprocessor 201.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121. Referring to FIG. 3, the first cell controller 200-1 can include a first stage 125a connected to the positive electrode tab 121a of the secondary battery 121 and the first stage 123a of the protection circuit 123, and a second stage 125b connected to the negative electrode tab 121b of the secondary battery 121 and the second stage 123b of the protection circuit 123. A signal transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 can be transmitted to the first cell controller 200-1 via the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can identify a signal received from the master BMS 110 based on a potential difference V2-V1 between the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can detect the potential V2 of the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the potential V1 of the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, identify the signal based on the potential difference V2-V1, and receive and / or transmit the signal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, if the target ID included in the received signal does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can apply an amplified signal to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The amplified signal applied to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the secondary battery 121. Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell 120-1, because it is amplified by the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, the signal can maintain a constant strength while passing through the multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other.

[0043] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 has a simplified structure for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals between the battery cells by connecting multiple battery cells 120 together, and can maintain signal strength using multiple cell controllers 200 while ensuring stability of the power supply.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows an example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via the cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0045] According to an embodiment, signals transmitted and received through a plurality of cell controllers 200 of a battery module (e.g., the battery module 100 of FIG. 1) may include information for setting directionality. Referring to FIG. 4, a data packet 300 of the signal may include information such as a start of header (SOH) 301, a signal transmission direction (DIR) 302, a target ID (TAR_ID) 303, a transmit ID (TX_ID) 304, a string length (LEN) 305, a command (CMD) 306 indicating an actual operation instruction, a payload 307 which is data to be transmitted, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 308 for checking errors. For example, when the DIR 302 is 0, the signal transmission direction may be the first direction (e.g., the first direction D1 of FIG. 1) of FIG. 1, and when the DIR 302 is 1, the signal transmission direction may be the second direction (e.g., the second direction D2 of FIG. 1) of FIG. 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. TX_ID 304 indicates an ID assigned to the battery management system (e.g., the master BMS 110 in FIG. 1) or the plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells 120 in FIG. 1) that transmitted the signal. TAR_ID 303 may indicate an ID assigned to the master BMS 110 or the plurality of battery cells 120 that receive the signal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the CMD 306 included in the data packet 300 can include information related to a specific operation. Referring to FIG. 4 , the CMD 306 can include a packet 306a including information for requesting assignment of an ID to each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and a packet 306b including information for requesting a reset of IDs preassigned to the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 can transmit a data signal with a value of 1 input to the packet 306a to the master BMS 110 to request assignment of an ID. In addition to the packets 306a and 306b, the CMD 306 can also include a packet 306c including various information. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a data signal to a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in FIG. 1 ) including information requesting information regarding the status of the first battery cell. The first battery cell 120-1 can transmit information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110 based on receiving the data signal.

[0047] According to one embodiment, when a signal is sent to any one of the plurality of battery cells 120, a cell controller located at the one of the plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers 200 of FIG. 1 ) can compare DIR302 with the ID assigned to the one of the battery cells.

[0048] For example, if DIR302 is 0, the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the first direction D1 further than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal. Since the above example is a case where a signal is erroneously transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal.

[0049] For example, if DIR302 is 1, the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the second direction D2 relative to the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit a signal in the second direction D2. As described above, the second cell controller 200-2 can amplify the signal before transmitting it. Since the above example is a case where a signal is transmitted in the signal transmission direction, the second cell controller 200-2 can amplify the received signal and then transmit it in the second direction D2 so that it can be transmitted to the battery cell having the ID matching TAR_ID303. The signal is transmitted sequentially until it is transmitted to the battery cell whose ID matches TAR_ID303, and an operation corresponding to the signal can be performed in the corresponding battery cell.

[0050] For example, if the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 matches TAR_ID303, the second cell controller 200-2 can perform the specified action based on the CMD306 included in the data packet 300 of the signal.

[0051] According to one embodiment, in a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 120 connected to each other, signals can be smoothly transmitted and received between a master BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120. Through a signal including information on a signal transmission direction and a target ID, the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can prevent signal collisions due to series connection.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an example of a data signal transmission / reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0053] The operation shown in Fig. 5 is performed assuming that IDs are assigned in order to multiple battery cells 120 connected in series to the master BMS 110. In the operation shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that the ID assigned to the master BMS 110 is 0 (ID=0), the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 is 1 (ID=1), the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 is 2 (ID=2), and the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 is 3 (ID=3).

[0054] 5, the master BMS 110 may generate a data signal 401a to transmit to the third battery cell 120-3, and transmit the generated data signal 401a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 401a may include information on a target ID, a transmission ID, and a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal 401a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is a first direction D1.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may receive a data signal 401b from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 of FIG. 1) of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 401b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 401b is 3, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and may transmit a data signal 402a to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 402a may include information indicating that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 may receive a data signal 402b from the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 of FIG. 1) of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 402b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 402b is 3, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and may transmit a data signal 403a to the third battery cell 120-3. The data signal 403a may include information indicating that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 may receive a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2. The third cell controller (e.g., the third cell controller 200-3 of FIG. 1) of the third battery cell 120-3 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 403b and compare it with the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 403b is 3, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 may identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 and perform an operation corresponding to the data signal 403b.

[0058] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell 120-1 receives a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 can check the information included in the data signal 403b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 403b is 2 and the transmission direction is the first direction D1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may ignore the data signal 403b.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 may perform an operation corresponding to the information included in the data signal 403b. If the information included in the data signal 403b includes a request for information regarding the status of the third battery cell 120-3, the third battery cell 120-3 may transmit a data signal 404a including information regarding the status of the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 404a may include information regarding a target ID, a transmission ID, and a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal 404a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 3, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 may receive a data signal 404b from the third battery cell 120-3. The second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 404b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 404b is 0, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and may transmit a data signal 405a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 405a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may receive a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 405b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 405b is 0, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and may transmit a data signal 406a to the master BMS 110. The data signal 406a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when the third battery cell 120-3 receives a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 can check the information included in the data signal 405b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 405b is 2 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 may ignore the data signal 405b.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can receive a data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can identify information about the target ID included in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. Because the information about the target ID included in the data signal 406b is 0, the master BMS 110 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can receive the data signal 406b.

[0064] According to one embodiment, when the second battery cell 120-2 receives the data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can check the information included in the data signal 406b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 406b is 1 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may ignore the data signal 406b.

[0065] As described above, a signal transmission structure between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other can be easily implemented via multiple cell controllers (e.g., multiple cell controllers 200 in FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, information included in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0067] 6, a battery module according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS), bus bars, and a plurality of cell controllers. The contents described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be similarly applied to the battery module 100 described below, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the bus bar 500 can connect multiple battery cells 120. For example, when multiple battery cells 120 are connected in series, the bus bar 500 can connect the positive terminal of one battery cell to the negative terminal of another battery cell. Although the bus bar 500 shown in FIG. 6 is shown on a portion of the connection line between the multiple battery cells 120, it may be disposed on the entire connection line between the multiple battery cells 120. The bus bar 500 can be electrically connected to the master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 and at least some of the multiple battery cells 120 can be connected to each other via the bus bar 500. However, this is not limiting.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to manage multiple battery cells 120. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information about each of the multiple battery cells 120 and, based on the information, estimate a state for each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with multiple cell controllers 200 via the bus bar 500. The master BMS 110 may transmit signals to the multiple cell controllers 200 via the bus bar 500, and the multiple cell controllers 200 may transmit signals to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cell controllers 200 may be configured to transmit signals including numeric values ​​to indicate the states of the battery cells 120 to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. The signals including numeric values ​​may refer to signals including data related to the SOH of the battery cells 120, as described below.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a plurality of cell controllers 200 may be connected to a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, a first cell controller 200-1 may be connected to a first battery cell 120-1 and a second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may receive power for operation from the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 may be connected to a second battery cell 120-2 and a third battery cell 120-3. The second cell controller 200-2 may receive power for operation from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to communicate with the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. For example, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the second cell controller 200-2, the signal may be transmitted to the second cell controller 200-2 via the bus bar 500. A signal generated by the master BMS 110 may be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 via the bus bar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second cell controller 200-2 via the bus bar 500.

[0074] For example, when the second cell controller 200-2 transmits a signal to the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. The signal generated by the second cell controller 200-2 may be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 via the bus bar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500.

[0075] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the third cell controller 200-3, the signal may be transmitted via the first cell controller 200-1. The signal generated by the master BMS 110 may be transmitted to the first cell controller 200-1 via the bus bar 500. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify information about the target ID included in the signal (e.g., TAR_ID 303 in FIG. 4). The first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the signal to the third cell controller 200-3 via the bus bar 500. However, this is not limiting. For another example, the signal may be transmitted to the third cell controller 200-3 via the bus bar 500. The signal generated by the master BMS 110 may be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 via the bus bar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500. The signal may pass through the second battery cell 120-2 and be transmitted to the third cell controller 200-3 via the bus bar 500.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers 200 can be connected to the outside of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 of the battery module 100 may be packed in a housing (e.g., the housing 600 of FIG. 10A ). The plurality of battery cells 120 may be fastened to a structure of the housing 600 so that they can be fixed at designated positions within the housing 600. The plurality of cell controllers 200 can be connected to the outside of the plurality of battery cells 120 when the plurality of battery cells 120 are packed in the housing 600. In the case of a battery module 100 configured with a plurality of battery cells 120 without cell controllers disposed therein, the plurality of cell controllers 200 can be connected to the plurality of battery cells 120 afterward to manage each of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the state of the second battery cell 120-2 connected to the first cell controller 200-1. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain information about the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell 120-3 connected to the second cell controller 200-2. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data about the deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 and data about the deterioration of the second battery cell 120-2.

[0078] The data on deterioration may refer to various data quantitatively indicating the state of health (SOH) of the battery cells. According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data on at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) changes due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify changes in the state of charge (SOC) of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when charging the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information on changes in the SOC of the battery cells over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify changes in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when discharging the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information about changes in the SOC of the battery cells over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify the temperatures of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 during operation of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information about changes in the temperatures of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 over operation time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit a first signal including a first numerical value indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the state of the second battery cell 120-2 to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. For example, the first signal may represent data regarding the deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2, as in the example described above. The first numerical value included in the first signal may be a combined value of a numerical value indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and a numerical value indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2. For example, a numerical value indicating the SOH of the plurality of battery cells 120 may be expressed as a %. Here, a % may be a numerical value indicating the current state of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 relative to an ideal state. For example, if the SOH of the first battery cell 120-1 is 90%, this may indicate that the SOH of the first battery cell 120-1 is currently 90% of the state that can be expected for a new first battery cell 120-1. Assuming that the SOH of the first battery cell 120-1 is a1% and the SOH of the second battery cell 120-2 is a2%, the first numerical value may be (a1+a2)%. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to generate a first signal including (a1+a2)% and transmit the generated first signal to the master BMS 110.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit a second signal including a second numerical value for indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. The description of the first cell controller 200-1 can be similarly applied to the second cell controller 200-2, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to receive a first signal and a second signal. The master BMS 110 may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells 120 based at least in part on the received first signal and second signal. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify a first numerical value in the first signal and a second numerical value in the second signal, and acquire information about each of the plurality of battery cells 120 through a calculation process described below. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the status of the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3 based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value.

[0082] According to one embodiment, even if a battery module 100 is configured with multiple battery cells 120 that does not include a cell controller, the battery module 100 can be connected to multiple cell controllers 200 after the fact. Therefore, the multiple cell controllers 200 and the master BMS 110 can manage each of the multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, a cell controller can be connected to two or more battery cells without the need to disassemble each of the multiple battery cells 120 and connect the cell controller to connect the cell controller. The multiple battery cells 120 can be managed using bus bar 500 communication between the master BMS 110 and the multiple cell controllers 200. According to one embodiment, the multiple cell controllers 200 can be applied after the fact to an already manufactured battery module 100.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the operation between a master BMS and multiple cell controllers of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0084] The operation of the first cell controller (e.g., first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) and the second cell controller (e.g., second cell controller 200-2 in FIG. 6) described with reference to FIG. 7 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0085] In operation 701, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire a first signal including a first numerical value indicating the state of a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in FIG. 6) and the state of a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in FIG. 6). For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data regarding at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in an activated state, and acquire data on the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in an inactivated state (e.g., a slip state, a turn-off state), and acquire data on the measured open-circuit voltage. The above-mentioned data is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto.

[0086] In operation 702, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain a second signal including a second numerical value to indicate the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell. The description of operation 701 is equally applicable to operation 702.

[0087] In operation 703, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to transmit the acquired first signal and second signal. For example, in operation 703, the master BMS 110 may transmit the acquired first signal and a signal to request the second cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to transmit the signal. The signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6 ). For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 at a period specified by a user. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 when a specified event occurs.

[0088] According to one embodiment, operation 703 may be omitted. If operation 703 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may perform operations 704 and 705 without a separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 703 may be performed based on the states of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, while the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are operating, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired first and second signals to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS 110. When the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are operating, this may indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are supplying power to a load.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in a turn-off state, a low-power operating state, or a slip state in which they are not supplying power to the load, the master BMS 110 may be configured to transmit a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to request them to transmit a first signal and a second signal. In the above case, it may be necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1, so the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the first signal and the second signal to the master BMS 110 based on the reception of the signal. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 continue to transmit signals to the master BMS 110 in a situation in which there is insufficient power to drive the load, a situation may occur in which the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power. The first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 due to the data transmission.

[0090] In operation 704, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110 by receiving a signal requesting transmission of the data from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by a user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110 when a specified event occurs.

[0091] In operation 705, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired second signal to the master BMS 110. The description of operation 704 is equally applicable to operation 705.

[0092] At operation 706, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify a state of the plurality of battery cells 120 based at least in part on the acquired first and second signals. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify a first numerical value in the first signal and a second numerical value in the second signal and acquire information about each of the plurality of battery cells 120 through a computational process described below.

[0093] 8 and 9 are simplified block diagrams of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0094] The battery module 100 shown in FIG. 8 illustrates a first state in which the master BMS 110 can identify the state of the plurality of battery cells 120 based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal.

[0095] 8, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire a first signal including a first value (a1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the state of the second battery cell 120-2. The first value (a1) may be a value obtained by adding a value (x1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and a value (x2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 (a1 = x1 + x2). The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to acquire a second signal including a second value (a2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell 120-3 (a2 = x2 + x3). The second value (a2) may be a value obtained by adding a value (x2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and a value (x3) indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 (a2 = x2 + x3). The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to acquire a signal including a third value (a3) ​​indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4. The third value (a3) ​​may be a value obtained by adding a value (x3) indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and a value (x4) indicating the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4 (a3=x3+x4). The fourth cell controller 200-4 may be configured to acquire a second signal including a fourth value (a4) indicating the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4 and the state of the fifth battery cell 120-5. The fourth value (a4) may be a value obtained by adding a value (x4) indicating the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4 and a value (x5) indicating the state of the fifth battery cell 120-5 (a4=x4+x5).

[0096] 7, the master BMS 110 may be configured to receive a first signal, a second signal, a signal, and a fourth signal. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the respective states of the first battery, the second battery cell 120-2, the third battery cell 120-3, the fourth battery cell 120-4, and the fifth battery cell 120-5 based on the received signals.

[0097] For example, the master BMS 110 may perform an operation to identify the state of each battery cell. The master BMS 110 may identify the sum of the voltages of the multiple battery cells 120 supplied to the load (i.e., the load operating voltage). The sum of the voltages may be a value (A=x1+x2+x3+x4+x5) obtained by adding together the operating voltage (x1) of the first battery cell 120-1, the operating voltage (x2) of the second battery cell 120-2, the operating voltage (x3) of the third battery cell 120-3, the operating voltage (x4) of the fourth battery cell 120-4, and the operating voltage (x5) of the fifth battery cell 120-5. The master BMS 110 may obtain a value (B=x1) by subtracting a second numerical value (a2=x2+x3) and a fourth numerical value (a4=x4+x5) from the value (A). Because the value (B) may be substantially the same as the operating voltage (x1) of the first battery cell 120-1, the master BMS 110 can identify the operating voltage (x1) of the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can obtain a value (C=x2) by subtracting the value (B=x1) from the first numerical value (a1=x1+x2). Because the value (C) may be substantially the same as the operating voltage (x2) of the second battery cell 120-2, the master BMS 110 can identify the operating voltage (x2) of the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, through the above-described calculation process, the master BMS 110 can identify the operating voltages of the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, the third battery cell 120-3, the fourth battery cell 120-4, and the fifth battery cell 120-5.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to acquire a numerical value indicating the state of each of the battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal, in a first state that can identify the state of the battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 may identify the state of each of the battery cells 120 using the numerical value indicating the state of each of the battery cells 120. For example, when the operating voltage of the third battery cell 120-3 differs from the operating voltages of the remaining battery cells by a specified range or more, the master BMS 110 may be configured to determine that the third battery cell 120-3 is in an abnormal state. For example, when the difference in operating voltage of the battery cells 120 is within a specified range, the master BMS 110 may be configured to determine that the battery cells 120 are in a normal state. The above description is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the numerical value may indicate parameters other than operating voltage.

[0099] As described above, the master BMS 110 may be configured to monitor the state of each of the multiple cells via multiple cell controllers 200 connected to the multiple battery cells 120. In the case of a battery module 100 made up of multiple battery cells 120 that do not include cell controllers, the multiple battery cells 120 that make up the battery module 100 can be managed by connecting multiple cell controllers 200 afterward.

[0100] The battery module 100 shown in FIG. 9 illustrates a second state in which the master BMS 110 cannot identify the state of the plurality of battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

[0101] 9, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may further include a cell controller disposed inside one of the battery cells. For example, the plurality of cell controllers may further include a fourth cell controller 200-4 configured to transmit a signal including a numerical value indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 or the fourth battery cell 120-4 connected to the end thereof to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. Although the fourth cell controller 200-4 is shown in FIG. 9 as being disposed inside the fourth battery cell 120-4, the fourth cell controller 200-4 may also be disposed inside the first battery cell 120-1.

[0102] The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire a first signal including a first value (a1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the state of the second battery cell 120-2. The first value (a1) may be a value obtained by adding a value (x1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and a value (x2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 (a1=x1+x2). The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to acquire a second signal including a second value (a2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell 120-3. The second value (a2) may be a value obtained by adding a value (x2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and a value (x3) indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 (a2=x2+x3). The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to acquire a signal including a third value (a3) ​​indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4. The third value (a3) ​​may be a sum (a3=x3+x4) of a value (x3) indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and a value (x4) indicating the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4. The fourth cell controller 200-4 may be configured to acquire a signal including a fourth value (a4) indicating the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to receive a first signal, a second signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal, according to operations 701 to 706 of Figure 7. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the respective states of the first battery, the second battery cell 120-2, the third battery cell 120-3, and the fourth battery cell 120-4 based on the received signals.

[0104] For example, the master BMS 110 can perform an operation to identify the state of each battery cell. For example, the numerical value may represent the temperature of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The third numerical value (a3) ​​may represent the sum of the temperature (x3) of the third battery cell 120-3 and the temperature (x4) of the fourth battery cell 120-4 (a3 = x3 + x4). The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature (x4) of the fourth battery cell 120-4 through the fourth numerical value (a4) in the fourth signal (a4 = x4). The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature (x3) of the third battery cell 120-3 through an operation of subtracting the fourth numerical value (a4 = x4) from the third numerical value (a3 = x3 + x4) in the third signal. The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature (x2) of the second battery cell 120-2 by subtracting the temperature (x3) of the third battery cell 120-3 from the second numerical value (a2=x2+x3) in the second signal. The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature (x1) of the first battery cell 120-1 by subtracting the temperature (x2) of the second battery cell 120-2 from the first numerical value (a1=x1+x2) in the first signal. According to one embodiment, through the above-mentioned calculation process, the master BMS 110 can identify the respective temperatures of the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, the third battery cell 120-3, and the fourth battery cell 120-4.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells 120 based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal. For example, when the temperature of the third battery cell 120-3 differs from the temperatures of the remaining battery cells by a specified range or more, the master BMS 110 may determine that the third battery cell 120-3 is in an abnormal state. For example, when the difference in temperature of the plurality of battery cells 120 is within a specified range, the master BMS 110 may determine that the plurality of battery cells 120 is in a normal state. The above description is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the numerical values ​​may indicate parameters other than temperature.

[0106] As described above, at least one of the multiple cell controllers 200 may be placed inside one of the battery cells, if necessary. In the case of a battery module 100 made up of multiple battery cells 120 that do not include a cell controller, it is possible to manage each of the multiple battery cells 120 that make up the battery module 100 by replacing one of the multiple battery cells 120 with a battery cell that includes a cell controller and subsequently connecting the multiple cell controllers 200.

[0107] 7 , in operation 707, the master BMS 110 may be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the status information of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to estimate the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal, and to estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the estimated SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0108] Fig. 10A shows a battery module before a plurality of cell controllers are connected, and Fig. 10B shows a schematic diagram of the battery module of Fig. 10A in a state where a plurality of cell controllers are connected.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10A , the battery module 100 may include a housing 600 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be fastened to a structure of the housing 600 so as to be fixed at a specified position within the housing 600. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be electrically connected to each other via bus bars 500. With the plurality of battery cells 120 packaged within the housing 600, the connection structure of the housing 600 may be disassembled and the plurality of battery cells 120 may be separated from the housing 600 in order to arrange a plurality of cell controllers 200 for managing the plurality of battery cells 120 inside the plurality of battery cells 120. In the process of separating the plurality of battery cells 120, the plurality of battery cells 120 or the housing 600 may be damaged. For example, in the process of separating the plurality of battery cells 120, the battery cells may be subjected to a physical impact. For example, the physical impact on the battery cells may cause electrolyte leakage inside the battery cells.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10B , multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to multiple battery cells 120. The multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to the outside of the multiple battery cells 120. By connecting the multiple cell controllers 200, a master BMS (e.g., the master BMS 110 in FIG. 6 ) can manage the multiple battery cells 120 as described above. According to one embodiment, in order to connect the multiple cell controllers 200, the connection structure of the housing 600 can be dismantled and the multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to the multiple battery cells 120 after the fact without having to separate each of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can be connected to the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 can be connected to the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. The multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to a bus bar 500. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire information about the status of one or more battery cells connected thereto. If necessary, any one of the plurality of battery cells 120 may be isolated and replaced with a battery cell including an internal cell controller. According to one embodiment, even in a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 120 that do not include a cell controller, by subsequently connecting the plurality of cell controllers 200, each of the plurality of battery cells 120 that constitute the battery module 100 can be managed and monitored.

[0111] A battery module (e.g., battery module 100 of FIG. 6 ) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells 120 of FIG. 6 ), a master battery management system (BMS) (e.g., master BMS 110 of FIG. 6 ), a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 of FIG. 6 ), and a plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers 200 of FIG. 6 ). The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (e.g., first battery cell 120-1 of FIG. 6 ), a second battery cell (e.g., second battery cell 120-2 of FIG. 6 ), and a third battery cell (e.g., third battery cell 120-3 of FIG. 6 ). The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be configured to transmit signals including a numeric value indicating a state of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the bus bar. The plurality of cell controllers may include a first cell controller (e.g., first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) and a second cell controller (e.g., second cell controller 200-2 in FIG. 6). The first cell controller may be connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit a first signal, including a first numerical value indicating a state of the first battery cell and a state of the second battery cell, to the master BMS via the bus bar. The second cell controller may be connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit a second signal, including a second numerical value indicating a state of the second battery cell and a state of the third battery cell, to the master BMS via the bus bar. The master BMS may be configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to obtain a numerical value indicating a state of each of the plurality of battery cells based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value, while being able to identify a state of the plurality of battery cells based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers may further include a third cell controller (e.g., the fourth cell controller 200-4 in FIG. 9). The third cell controller may be configured to transmit a third signal including a third numerical value for indicating a state of the first battery cell or a state of the third battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar. The master BMS may be configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the signal for indicating the state of the plurality of battery cells may include at least one of information about the state of health (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells, the voltage of the plurality of battery cells, and the current of the plurality of battery cells.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to estimate performance of the battery module composed of the plurality of battery cells based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

[0116] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments. In describing the drawings, similar or related components may be referred to by similar reference numerals. 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. In this specification, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from other corresponding components and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, either in combination with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0117] Various embodiments of the present specification may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (internal or external memory). For example, a processor of the device may retrieve and execute at least one of the one or more stored instructions from the storage medium. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the retrieved at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently and data being stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the 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 storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be available on an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). 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 storage medium, such as the memory 130 of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0119] According to various embodiments, 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 different components. According to various embodiments, 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 this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a third battery cell; a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS; a plurality of cell controllers configured to transmit signals, including a numeric value, to the master BMS via the bus bar to indicate a state of the plurality of battery cells; The plurality of cell controllers include: a first cell controller connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and configured to transmit a first signal, including a first value indicating a state of the first battery cell and a state of the second battery cell, to the master BMS via the bus bar; a second cell controller connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell, and configured to transmit a second signal including a second value indicating a state of the second battery cell and a state of the third battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar; The battery module, wherein the master BMS is configured to monitor a state of the plurality of battery cells based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal.

2. 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the master BMS is configured to obtain a numerical value indicating a state of each of the plurality of battery cells based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value, while being able to identify a state of the plurality of battery cells based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

3. 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cell controllers further include a third cell controller configured to transmit a third signal including a third numerical value for indicating a state of the first battery cell or a state of the third battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar, and the master BMS is configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.

4. 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the signal for indicating the state of the plurality of battery cells includes at least one of information about a state of health (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells, a voltage of the plurality of battery cells, and a current of the plurality of battery cells.

5. 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the master BMS is configured to estimate performance of the battery module composed of the plurality of battery cells based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

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