Battery module including cell controller connected to 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] This disclosure relates to a battery module including a cell controller connected to a battery cell. [Background technology]

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

[0003] A battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the status of multiple battery cells. The battery management system can monitor the multiple battery cells that make up the battery module and can send and receive data signals to and from multiple battery cells in order to control the operation of the battery cells. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] For a Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor and control each of the battery cells, the BMS and the battery cells must 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 the battery module increases, the number and length of the wire harness may also increase. Therefore, the design of the battery module may become more complex and heavier.

[0005] Multiple battery cells that make up a battery module may be housed within a housing. To connect additional components to the multiple battery cells, it is necessary to dismantle the housing and separate the multiple battery cells.

[0006] The technical problems to be addressed herein are not limited to those described herein, and other technical problems not described herein will be clearly understood by a person with 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 busbar, 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 busbar can connect the plurality of battery cells. The busbar can be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be configured to transmit signals including a numeric value for indicating the status of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the busbar. 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 for indicating the status of the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the master BMS via the busbar. 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 for indicating the state of the second battery cell and the state of the third battery cell, to the master BMS via the busbar. The master BMS may be configured to monitor the state of the plurality of battery cells based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one embodiment, the battery module allows the master BMS and each of the multiple battery cells to communicate via a busbar, thus eliminating the need for a separate wire harness. According to one embodiment, omitting the wire harness simplifies the design and reduces weight. According to one embodiment, multiple cell controllers can be connected to multiple battery cells that have been manufactured and assembled without separating the battery module.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] An example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] An example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] This shows an example of the transmission and reception operation of data signals from multiple battery cells in a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the operation between a battery module's master BMS and multiple cell controllers according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a simplified block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] [Figure 10A] This figure shows the battery module before multiple cell controllers are connected. [Figure 10B] This figure schematically shows the battery module in Figure 10A with multiple cell controllers connected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0012] Referring to Figure 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 operationally coupled to the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 can be connected in series with each other to constitute a battery module 100. Although not shown in Figure 1, the plurality of battery cells 120 can be connected to a load via an inverter or pulse generator to operate as a driving source for a load. The circuits described below may mean circuits that include interconnected circuit elements 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 nth battery cell 120-n can be sequentially connected in series in the first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 and the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically connected. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 and the positive terminal of the third battery cell 120-3 can be electrically connected. When the plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system can be set as the sum of each of the battery cells 120 constituting the plurality of battery cells 120. In FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 120 are shown arranged in the first direction D1, but this is for explaining the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 120 and is not limited thereto. For example, the battery module 100 can be formed by stacking and assembling the plurality of battery cells 120 with each other.

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

[0015] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can include a plurality of cell controllers 200 disposed in each battery cell 120 to collect information regarding the states of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the first battery cell 120-1 can include the first cell controller 200-1 disposed within the first battery cell 120-1. The second battery cell 120-2 can include the second cell controller 200-2 disposed within the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be disposed on the power lines within the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of 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 plurality of battery cells 120 can transmit signals including information regarding each state to the master BMS 110 using the plurality of cell controllers 200. The master BMS 110 can transmit signals for requesting the operations of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and / or signals for requesting information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 to each of the plurality of battery cells 120 using the plurality of cell controllers 200.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, the master BMS 110 can 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 circuit 210 can transmit and / or receive signals via a bus bar with the cell communication modules 125 of the plurality of battery cells 120. The communication circuit 210 may be connected to the power line for data signal transmission and power supply to the battery cell 120.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can control the charging and / or discharging of a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can perform functions to monitor the voltage and remaining capacity (state of charge, SOC) of the secondary batteries (e.g., secondary battery 121 in Figure 3) within the plurality of battery cells 120, functions to control the charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120, and functions to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 230 may be configured to monitor the status of multiple battery cells 120. When an abnormal condition occurs, the monitoring circuit 230 can notify the system of 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 LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a speaker that emits an auditory signal. However, it is not limited to these.

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

[0021] According to one embodiment, an ID can be assigned to each of the multiple battery cells 120. Signals transmitted from the master BMS 110 and signals transmitted from the battery cells 120 can include information about the ID assigned to each of the multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, when a signal is received by multiple cell controllers 200 from the master BMS 110, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. Based on the identified information about the ID, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the battery cell to which the signal received from the master BMS 110 is to be received.

[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 that includes information about the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. A first cell controller 200-1 located within the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify that the information about the ID contained in the signal does not match the information about the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and based on that identification, may send the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. A second cell controller 200-2 located within the second battery cell 120-2 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. The second cell controller 200-2 may identify that the ID information contained in the signal does not match the ID information assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and based on that identification, transmit the signal to the third battery cell 120-3. The third cell controller 200-3, located within the third battery cell 120-3, may be configured to receive the signal and identify the ID information contained in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may identify that the ID information contained in the signal matches the ID information assigned to the third battery cell 120-3, and based on that identification, can identify the specified operation contained in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to the specified operation in order to perform the specified operation.

[0023] For example, if a signal containing 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 relates to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID contained in the signal. For example, if multiple battery cells 120 receive a signal containing information about the charging and / or discharging signals of the first battery cell 120-1, the multiple battery cells 120 can identify that the signal relates to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID contained in the signal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can communicate via a busbar connecting multiple battery cells 120, so the design for transmitting and / or receiving communication between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 can be simplified.

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

[0026] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 requesting information about the status of the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 will send a signal S to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110. 01 The signal S can be transmitted. 01 The signal S may be transmitted in the first direction D1. 01After being transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110, it can be changed to signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2. Signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 12 can be changed to. Signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 12 After being transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, it can be changed to signal S 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. Signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. Signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 After being transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, it can be changed to signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1. 21 can be changed to. Signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1 21 After being transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1, it can be changed to signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. 10 [[ID=二十]]に変更することができる。マスタBMS110は、前記信号S 10 を受信し、信号S 10 に含まれる第3のバッテリセルの状態に関する情報を取得することができる。

[0028] As a signal passes through the battery cells 120 sequentially, the internal impedance of each battery cell (e.g., the internal resistance of the battery cell) can reduce the signal strength. Since the signal strength decreases each time the signal passes through a battery cell 120, it is necessary to maintain signal strength when transmitting a signal through multiple battery cells 120. Also, since signal collisions can occur if signals are transmitted in different directions, it is necessary to set the direction of signal transmission.

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

[0030] Referring to Figure 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 can be charged with electrical energy and discharge the charged electrical energy and may include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator membrane, and an electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may 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 overcurrent of the secondary battery 121. Overcharging of the secondary battery 121 can cause internal overheating and swelling, potentially damaging the secondary battery 121. Over-discharging of the secondary battery 121 can damage the electrodes, potentially causing 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 its detection of the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaching the charging limit voltage, and can shut off the discharge circuit based on its detection of the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaching the discharge limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit 123 can acquire information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 and provide the acquired 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 or transmit signals from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may, but is not limited to, be connected to the power lines 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 may 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 may 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 can receive a signal from the master BMS 110 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6). When the first cell controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the signal is transmitted through a plurality of interconnected battery cells (e.g., a plurality of first battery cells 120-1 in Figure 1), so that the signal strength can be reduced. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the master BMS 110 to a third battery cell 120-3, the signal can be transmitted to the third battery cell 120-3 by passing through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. When the signal is transmitted, the internal impedance of the first battery cell 120-1 and the internal impedance of the second battery cell 120-2 can reduce the signal strength.

[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 the signal reception. The first cell controller 200-1 can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS 110 with an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Based on identifying that the target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can perform an operation corresponding to the signal. Based on identifying that the target ID does not correspond to an 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 a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell 120-1 (for example, the second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 1).

[0037] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 requesting information about the state 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 with the master BMS 110, can receive the signal. The signal may 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 it 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 generate a signal containing information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and be configured to send the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0038] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends 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 with the master BMS 110 can receive the signal. 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 it 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 with the first battery cell 120-1. A second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (for example, the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 1) can generate a signal containing information about the state of the second battery cell 120-2, based on the identification 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 amplification circuit 202 for amplifying the signals transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor 201, and a switch SW for controlling the signal transmission path.

[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 amplification circuit 202. When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller 200-1, a switch SW can be closed to allow the signal to be received by the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a signal receiving path. When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1, a switch SW can be closed to allow the signal to be transmitted from the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a signal transmission path.

[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 Figure 3, the first cell controller 200-1 may 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. Signals to be 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 signals received from the master BMS 110 based on the 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 a signal by 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 may apply an amplified signal to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 in order 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, it is amplified by the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, so the signal can maintain a constant strength while passing through a plurality of interconnected battery cells 120.

[0043] In one embodiment, the battery module 100, with its multiple interconnected battery cells 120, simplifies the transmission and / or reception structure of communication signals between battery cells, ensuring stable power supply while maintaining signal strength using multiple cell controllers 200.

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

[0045] Signals transmitted and received via multiple cell controllers 200 of a battery module according to one embodiment (for example, the battery module 100 in Figure 1) may include information for setting the direction. Referring to Figure 4, the data packet 300 of the signal may include information regarding the start of header (SOH) 301, the direction of signal transmission (DIR) 302, the target ID (TAR_ID) 303, the transmit ID (TX_ID) 304, the string length (LEN) 305, the command (CMD) 306 indicating the instruction for the actual operation, the payload 307 which is the data to be transmitted, and the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 308 for checking for errors. For example, if DIR 302 is 0, the direction of signal transmission may be the first direction in Figure 1 (for example, the first direction D1 in Figure 1), and if DIR 302 is 1, the direction of signal transmission may be the second direction in Figure 1 (for example, the second direction D2 in Figure 1). However, it is not limited thereto. TX_ID304 indicates the ID assigned to the battery management system that transmitted the signal (e.g., the master BMS110 in Figure 1) or to the multiple battery cells (e.g., the multiple battery cells 120 in Figure 1). TAR_ID303 may indicate the ID assigned to the master BMS110 or the multiple battery cells 120 that received the signal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the CMD306 included in the data packet 300 may include information related to a specific operation. Referring to Figure 4, the CMD306 may include packet 306a containing information for requesting the assignment of an ID to each of the multiple battery cells 120, and packet 306b containing information for requesting the reset of preassigned IDs to the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the multiple battery cells 120 may send a data signal to the master BMS 110 in which packet 306a is input as 1 in order to request the assignment of an ID. In addition to packets 306a and 306b, the CMD306 may include packet 306c containing various information. For example, the master BMS 110 may send a data signal to the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 1) containing information requesting information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1. Based on receiving the data signal, the first battery cell 120-1 can transmit information regarding its status to the master BMS 110.

[0047] According to one embodiment, when a signal is transmitted to any of the multiple battery cells 120, a cell controller located in one of the multiple cell controllers (for example, the multiple cell controllers 200 in Figure 1) can compare the DIR 302 with the ID assigned to any of the battery cells.

[0048] For example, if DIR302 is 0, and 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 more than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal. In the above example, the signal is mistakenly transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, so the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal.

[0049] For example, if DIR302 is 1, and 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 more than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the signal in the second direction D2. As mentioned above, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the signal after amplifying it. In the above example, since the signal is transmitted in the transmission direction of the signal, 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 signals are transmitted sequentially until the battery cell whose ID matches TAR_ID303 is reached, and the corresponding operation 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 operation 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 the master BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120. Through signals including information on the direction of signal transmission and target ID, the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can prevent signal collisions due to series connection.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the data signal transmission and reception operation of multiple battery cells in a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0053] The operation shown in Figure 5 assumes that IDs are assigned sequentially to multiple battery cells 120 connected in series to the master BMS 110. In the operation shown in Figure 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] Referring to Figure 5, the master BMS 110 can generate a data signal 401a to transmit a data signal 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 about the target ID, information about the transmission ID, and information about the transmission direction. Referring to Figure 5, the data signal 401a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 can receive a data signal 401b from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller of the first battery cell 120-1 (for example, the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 1) can identify the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 401b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 401b is 3, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and can transmit a data signal 402a to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 402a may include information 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 can receive a data signal 402b from the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (for example, the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 1) can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 402b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 402b is 3, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and can transmit a data signal 403a to the third battery cell 120-3. The data signal 403a may include information 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 can receive a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2. The third cell controller of the third battery cell 120-3 (for example, the third cell controller 200-3 in Figure 1) can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 403b and compare it with the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 403b is 3, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 and can 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 contained in the data signal 403b. Since the transmission ID contained 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 can perform an operation corresponding to the information contained in the data signal 403b. If the information contained in the data signal 403b includes a request for information regarding the state of the third battery cell 120-3, the third battery cell 120-3 can transmit a data signal 404a containing information regarding the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 404a may include information regarding the target ID, information regarding the transmission ID, and information regarding the transmission direction. Referring to Figure 5, the data signal 404a may include information 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 can 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 can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 404b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 404b is 0, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and can transmit a data signal 405a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 405a may include information 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 can 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 can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 405b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 405b is 0, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and can transmit a data signal 406a to the master BMS 110. The data signal 406a may include information 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 contained in the data signal 405b. Since the transmission ID contained 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 regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. Since the information regarding the target ID contained 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 a 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 contained in the data signal 406b. Since the transmission ID contained 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, the signal transmission structure of multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other via multiple cell controllers (for example, multiple cell controllers 200 in Figure 1) can be easily implemented. According to one embodiment, the information contained in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

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

[0067] Referring to Figure 6, a battery module according to one embodiment can include multiple battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS), a busbar, and multiple cell controllers. The contents described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 can be similarly applied to the battery module 100 described below, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0068] In one embodiment, the busbar 500 can connect multiple battery cells 120. For example, if multiple battery cells 120 are connected in series, the busbar 500 can connect the positive terminal of one battery cell to the negative terminal of another battery cell. The busbar 500 shown in Figure 6 is shown as part of the connection line between multiple battery cells 120, but it may be placed over the entire connection line between multiple battery cells 120. The busbar 500 can be electrically connected to a 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 busbar 500. However, it is not limited to this.

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

[0070] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of cell controllers 200 via the busbar 500. The master BMS 110 can transmit signals to the plurality of cell controllers 200 via the busbar 500, and the plurality of cell controllers 200 can transmit signals to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to transmit a signal containing a numerical value indicating the status of the multiple battery cells 120 to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500. The signal containing the numerical value may mean a signal containing data related to the State of Health (SOH) of the multiple battery cells 120, as will be described later.

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

[0073] According to one embodiment, multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to communicate with a master BMS 110 via a busbar 500. For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to a second cell controller 200-2, the signal may be transmitted to the second cell controller 200-2 via the busbar 500. A signal generated by the master BMS 110 can be transmitted to a first battery cell 120-1 via the busbar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second cell controller 200-2 via the busbar 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 busbar 500. The signal generated by the second cell controller 200-2 may be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 via the busbar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 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 busbar 500. The first cell controller 200-1 can identify information about the target ID included in the signal (e.g., TAR_ID303 in Figure 4). The first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the signal to the third cell controller 200-3 via the busbar 500. However, it is not limited to this. To give another example, the signal may be transmitted to the third cell controller 200-3 via the busbar 500. The signal generated by the master BMS 110 may be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 via the busbar 500. The signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the busbar 500. The signal may also pass through the second battery cell 120-2 and be transmitted to the third cell controller 200-3 via the busbar 500.

[0076] According to one embodiment, multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to the outside of multiple battery cells 120. For example, multiple battery cells 120 of a battery module 100 may be packed inside a housing (e.g., housing 600 in Figure 10A). Multiple battery cells 120 may be fastened to the structure of the housing 600 so that they can be fixed in designated positions inside the housing 600. Multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to the outside of multiple battery cells when the multiple battery cells 120 are packed inside the housing 600. In the case of a battery module 100 consisting of multiple battery cells 120 that do not have cell controllers located inside, each of the multiple battery cells 120 can be managed by subsequently connecting multiple cell controllers 200 to the multiple battery cells 120.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire 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 acquire 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 acquire data about the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 and data about the degradation of the second battery cell 120-2.

[0078] The aforementioned degradation data can refer to a variety of data that quantitatively indicates the degree of the battery cell's SOH (state of health). In one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data on at least one of the following: voltage, current, temperature, and SOC (state of charge) 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 can identify changes in the SOC (state of charge) of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when they are being charged. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data that includes information on the change in the battery cell's SOC over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify changes in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 when the first battery cell 120-1 is being discharged. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data containing information about the change in the state of charge (SOC) of the battery cells over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify the temperatures of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 during their operation. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data containing information about the temperature changes of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 over time.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit a first signal, which includes 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 busbar 500. For example, the first signal may represent data about the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2, as illustrated above. The first numerical value included in the first signal may be a sum 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 State of Health (SOH) of multiple battery cells 120 may be expressed as a%, where a% is a percentage that numerically represents the current state of each of the multiple battery cells 120 relative to their ideal state. For example, if the State of Health (SOH) of the first battery cell 120-1 is 90%, this indicates that the current SOH of the first battery cell 120-1 is 90% of what can be expected of a new 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 value could be (a1+a2)%. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to generate a first signal containing (a1+a2)% and transmit the generated first signal to the master BMS 110.

[0080] In 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 busbar 500. The description of the first cell controller 200-1 can be similarly applied to the second cell controller 200-2, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0081] In 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 state of a plurality of battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of 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 to obtain information about each of the plurality of battery cells 120 through a calculation process described later. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the state of a first battery cell 120-1, a second battery cell 120-2, and a third battery cell 120-3 based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value.

[0082] According to one embodiment, even a battery module 100 consisting of multiple battery cells 120 without a cell controller can be retroactively connected to multiple cell controllers 200. Therefore, each of the multiple battery cells 120 can be managed by the multiple cell controllers 200 and the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, cell controllers can be connected to two or more battery cells without the need to disassemble each of the multiple battery cells 120 to connect the cell controllers. The multiple battery cells 120 can be managed using busbar 500 communication between the master BMS 110 and the multiple cell controllers 200. According to one embodiment, the multiple cell controllers 200 can be retroactively applied to a battery module 100 that has already been manufactured.

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

[0084] The operation of the first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 6) and the second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 6), as described with reference to Figure 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 to indicate the state of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6) and the state of the second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 6). For example, 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. 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 or not. 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 they are activated, and to 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 they are deactivated (e.g., in a slip state or turn-off state), and to acquire data on the measured open-circuit voltage. The data described above are illustrative and not limited to them.

[0086] In operation 702, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to acquire a second signal containing 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 can be similarly applied 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 the second signal. For example, in operation 703, the master BMS 110 can transmit the acquired first signal and a signal to request the transmission of the signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2. The signal can be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6). For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit the signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-3 at intervals specified by the user. For example, the master BMS 110 can 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 can be omitted. If operation 703 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 can perform operations 704 and 705 without any separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 703 can be performed based on the state 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 busbar 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, it may mean that the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are supplying power to a load.

[0089] In one embodiment, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in a turn-off state, low-power operation state, or slip state where they are not supplying power to the load, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send signals to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 requesting them to transmit the first signal and the second signal. In the above case, since it may be necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1, 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 signals. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 continuously perform the operation of transmitting signals to the master BMS 110 in a situation where there is insufficient power to drive the load, a situation may arise where 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 can transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110 by receiving a signal from the master BMS 110 requesting the transmission of the data. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by the user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can 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 can be similarly applied to operation 705.

[0092] In operation 706, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the state of multiple battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of 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 to acquire information about each of the multiple battery cells 120 through a calculation process described later.

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

[0094] The battery module 100 shown in Figure 8 exhibits a first state in which the master BMS 110 can identify the state of multiple battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first and second signals.

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

[0096] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, the signal, and the fourth signal by operations 701 to 706 in Figure 7. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the state 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, respectively, based on the received signals.

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

[0098] In one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to acquire a numerical value to indicate the state of each of the multiple battery cells 120 in a first state, which is capable of identifying the state of the multiple battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first, second, third, and fourth signals. The master BMS 110 can identify the state of each of the multiple battery cells 120 by the numerical value indicating the state of each of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to determine that the third battery cell 120-3 is in an abnormal state when the operating voltage of the third battery cell 120-3 differs from the operating voltage of the remaining battery cells by a specified range or more. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to determine that the multiple battery cells 120 are in a normal state when the difference in operating voltage of the multiple battery cells 120 is within a specified range. The above description is illustrative and not limited thereto. 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 status of each of the multiple battery cells 120 via multiple cell controllers 200 connected to the multiple battery cells 120. In the case of a battery module 100 consisting of multiple battery cells 120 without cell controllers, each of the multiple battery cells 120 constituting the battery module 100 can be managed by subsequently connecting multiple cell controllers 200.

[0100] The battery module 100 shown in Figure 9 exhibits a second state in which the master BMS 110 cannot identify the state of the multiple battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first and second signals.

[0101] Referring to Figure 9, the multiple cell controllers 200 may further include cell controllers located inside any one of the battery cells. For example, the multiple cell controllers may further include a fourth cell controller 200-4 configured to transmit a signal containing a numerical value indicating the state of the terminally connected first battery cell 120-1 or the fourth battery cell 120-4 to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500. In Figure 9, the fourth cell controller 200-4 is shown as being located inside the fourth battery cell 120-4, but the fourth cell controller 200-4 may be located 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 numerical value (a1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the state of the second battery cell 120-2. The first numerical value (a1) may be the sum of a numerical value (x1) indicating the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and a numerical 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 numerical value (a2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and the state of the third battery cell 120-3. The second numerical value (a2) may be the sum of a numerical value (x2) indicating the state of the second battery cell 120-2 and a numerical 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 numerical value (a3) ​​indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and the state of the fourth battery cell 120-4. The third numerical value (a3) ​​may be the sum of a numerical value (x3) indicating the state of the third battery cell 120-3 and a numerical 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 signal including a fourth numerical 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 the first signal, second signal, third signal, and fourth signal by operations 701 to 706 in Figure 7. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify the state of the first battery, second battery cell 120-2, third battery cell 120-3, and fourth battery cell 120-4 based on the received signals.

[0104] For example, the master BMS 110 can perform calculations to identify the state of each battery cell. For example, the numerical value may represent the temperature of each of the multiple battery cells 120. The third numerical value (a3) ​​can represent the sum of the temperature of the third battery cell 120-3 (x3) and the temperature of the fourth battery cell 120-4 (x4) (a3 = x3 + x4). The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature of the fourth battery cell 120-4 (x4) via the fourth numerical value (a4) in the fourth signal (a4 = x4). The master BMS 110 can identify the temperature of the third battery cell 120-3 (x3) via a calculation that subtracts 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 calculation process, the master BMS 110 can identify the 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, respectively.

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

[0106] As described above, if necessary, at least one of the multiple cell controllers 200 may be placed inside one of the battery cells. In the case of a battery module 100 consisting of multiple battery cells 120 that do not include a cell controller, each of the multiple battery cells 120 constituting the battery module 100 can be managed 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] Referring to Figure 7, in operation 707, the master BMS 110 may be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the state information of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to estimate the State of Health (SOH) of each of the multiple battery cells 120 based on at least a portion of the first and second signals, and then estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the estimated SOH of each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0108] Figure 10A shows the battery module before multiple cell controllers are connected. Figure 10B schematically shows the battery module in Figure 10A with multiple cell controllers connected.

[0109] Referring to Figure 10A, the battery module 100 may include a housing 600 that houses a plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be fastened to the structure of the housing 600 so that they can be secured in designated positions within the housing 600. The plurality of battery cells 120 can be electrically connected to each other via busbars 500. With the plurality of battery cells 120 packaged within the housing 600, the connection structure of the housing 600 can be dismantled and the plurality of battery cells 120 separated from the housing 600 in order to place a plurality of cell controllers 200 for managing the plurality of battery cells 120 inside the plurality of battery cells 120. During 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, the battery cells may be subjected to physical shock during the process of separating the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, due to the physical shock applied to the battery cells, the electrolyte inside the battery cells may leak.

[0110] Referring to Figure 10B, multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to multiple battery cells 120. Multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected externally to multiple battery cells 120. By connecting multiple cell controllers 200, a master BMS (e.g., master BMS 110 in Figure 6) can manage multiple battery cells 120 as described above. According to one embodiment, multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to multiple battery cells 120 retrospectively without dismantling the connection structure of the housing 600 and separating each of the multiple battery cells 120 in order to connect multiple cell controllers 200. 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. Multiple cell controllers 200 can be connected to a busbar 500. Multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire information about the status of one or more connected battery cells. If necessary, one of the battery cells 120 can be isolated and replaced with a battery cell that contains a cell controller. According to one embodiment, even a battery module 100 composed of multiple battery cells 120 without cell controllers can be managed and monitored by subsequently connecting multiple cell controllers 200.

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

[0112] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to acquire a numerical value indicating the state of each of the plurality of battery cells based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value, in a state in which the state of the plurality of battery cells can be identified based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers may further include a third cell controller (for example, a fourth cell controller 200-4 in Figure 9). The third cell controller may be configured to transmit a third signal, including a third numerical value for indicating the state of the first battery cell or the state of the third battery cell, to the master BMS via the busbar. The master BMS may be configured to monitor the state 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 the following: 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 the performance of the battery module, which is composed of the plurality of battery cells, based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

[0116] The various embodiments and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of those embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar or related components may be given similar reference numbers. A singular noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. In this specification, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “A and B at least one,” “A or B at least one,” “A, B or C,” “A, B and C at least one,” and “A, B or C at least one” may include any of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first,” or “second” may be used merely to distinguish a component from other corresponding components and not to limit that component to other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When one component (for example, the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (for example, the second), either in combination with or without such terms, it means that one component may be connected to another component directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or via the third component.

[0117] Various embodiments of this specification can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) containing one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (internal or external memory). For example, the machine's processor can call and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This allows the machine to operate to perform at least one function in accordance with the one or more instructions called. 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 contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the 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 device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or from an application store (Play Store). TM The computer program product may be distributed online (e.g., by download or upload) via a server 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 temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a storage medium readable by equipment such as the memory 130 of the manufacturer's server, the application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0119] According to various embodiments, each component of the aforementioned components (e.g., a module or program) may include one or more individuals, and some of the individuals may be separated and arranged 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., a module or program) 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 they were performed by the respective components before integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or empirically, 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, Multiple 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 aforementioned multiple battery cells, A busbar is connected to the aforementioned multiple battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS, The system includes a plurality of cell controllers configured to transmit signals containing numerical values ​​indicating the status of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the busbar, The aforementioned multiple cell controllers are A first cell controller connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell, configured to transmit a first signal including a first numerical value for indicating the state of the first battery cell and the state of the second battery cell to the master BMS via the busbar, The system includes a second cell controller connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell, configured to transmit a second signal including a second numerical value for indicating the state of the second battery cell and the state of the third battery cell to the master BMS via the busbar, A battery module configured to monitor the state of a plurality of battery cells by obtaining a numerical value indicating the state of each of the plurality of battery cells based on the first numerical value and the second numerical value, in a state in which the state of the plurality of battery cells can be identified based on at least a portion of the first signal and the second signal.

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

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the signal for indicating the state of the plurality of battery cells includes at least one of the following: 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.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the master BMS is configured to estimate the performance of the battery module, which is 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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