Battery pack that generates synchronization signals and automobiles including the same

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-Reference to Related Application] The embodiments disclosed herein claim the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0117486 filed on September 16, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal and a vehicle including the same. [Background Art]

[0003] A battery can be charged with electric power therein and supply power to a drive motor of a vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)).

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

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

[0006] The BMS can receive a control command from an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, and control the battery pack based on the received control command. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When a vehicle is equipped with multiple battery packs, situations may arise where the battery pack supplying power to the motor needs to be changed. For example, balancing is necessary among the multiple battery packs in a vehicle, and the battery pack supplying power to the motor may be changed to balance the power capacity among the multiple battery packs. However, even when the battery pack supplying power to the motor is changed, power must be continuously supplied.

[0008] If the battery pack supplying power to the motor is changed, and there are significant time differences in the operation of each of the multiple battery packs, the motor may not receive any power. Therefore, the multiple battery packs must be synchronized with each other, and the time differences in their operation must be reduced.

[0009] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery pack generating a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes one or more battery modules comprising a plurality of battery cells capable of supplying power to a motor of an automobile; a battery management system electrically connected to other battery management systems of other battery packs, wherein the battery management system can transmit a specified first synchronization signal to the other battery packs before performing a specified task, receive a specified second synchronization signal from the other battery packs, determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first and second synchronization signals, and perform the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal.

[0011] In a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more battery modules and the one or more battery modules of the other battery pack may be made of at least one different material.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0018] In an automobile including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, one or more battery modules of the first battery pack and one or more battery modules of the second battery pack may be made of at least one different material.

[0019] In an automobile including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be the synchronization signal that was generated first among the synchronization signals.

[0020] In an automobile including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to one embodiment disclosed herein, the reference synchronization signal may be a synchronization signal generated later from among the synchronization signals.

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

[0022] A method of operating a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may comprise: transmitting a specified first synchronization signal to another battery pack before executing a specified task, and receiving a specified second synchronization signal from the other battery pack; determining a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal; and executing the specified task based on the reference synchronization signal.

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

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

[0025] In a battery pack and a vehicle including the same according to various embodiments disclosed in this document, operations of each of a plurality of battery packs may be synchronized with each other. Thereby, operation errors of each of the plurality of battery packs can be reduced.

[0026] The effects of the battery pack according to the disclosure of the present document and the vehicle including the same are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned herein should be clearly understandable to those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] It is a timing diagram of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] It is a timing diagram of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a battery pack of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Regarding the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference signs may be used for the same or similar components. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

[0029] The embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but should be understood to include a variety of modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments. In relation to the description of 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 such items unless otherwise indicated to be clearly different in the context.

[0030] In this document, each phrase such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together with the phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used merely to distinguish one component from other components and, unless otherwise stated, do not limit the component in any other way (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] In this document, when a component (e.g., component 1) is referred to as being "coupled," "joined," or "connected" to another component (e.g., component 2), with or without such terms, it means that the component can be directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., via component 3) connected to the other component.

[0032] 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 sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or online (e.g., by download or upload) via an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a device-readable recording medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0033] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more individuals, some of which may be separated and arranged in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a 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 components of the multiple components prior to the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, operations performed by modules, programs or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more different operations may be added.

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] In one embodiment, the controller 120 can control the charging and / or discharging of multiple battery packs 140, 150 of the automobile 101. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may further include a communication module, a processor, and memory, although these are not shown in the drawings. The memory of the controller 120 may be a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions executed by the processor. The memory of the controller 120 may be at least one of the following storage media: flash memory, hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or register. The processor of the controller 120 may be implemented by at least one of the following processing methods: ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), PLD (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), CPU (central processing unit), microcontrollers, and / or microprocessors.

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

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

[0042] In one embodiment, multiple battery packs 140, 150 may be embodied in different materials (e.g., positive electrode material, negative electrode material, separator membrane, or electrolyte material). In one embodiment, multiple battery packs 140, 150 may be embodied in at least one different material. For example, battery pack 140 may include battery cells using NCM, and battery pack 150 may include battery cells using silicon. When multiple battery packs 140, 150 are embodied in different materials, the characteristics of the multiple battery packs 140, 150 (e.g., lifespan, energy density, charging speed) may differ from one another. For example, battery cells using NCM (Ni, Co, and Mn) may have a long lifespan but low energy density and cannot be rapidly charged, while battery cells using Si may have a short lifespan but high energy density and can be rapidly charged. In another embodiment, multiple battery packs 140, 150 may be embodied in the same material.

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

[0044] In one embodiment, the BMS141 can initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS141 can initiate a task from a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the task may be performed for at least a specified time interval. In one embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a first synchronization signal of the BMS141 and / or a second synchronization signal of the BMS151. In one embodiment, the specified time interval may have a preset time length (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In one embodiment, the task may mean a unit process performed by the BMS141. In one embodiment, the task may include controlling a plurality of battery modules 143, 145, acquiring battery information from a plurality of battery modules 143, 145, or transmitting data. For example, the task may include sending a battery cell voltage measurement command, requesting the transmission of battery cell voltage, calculating the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 140, transmitting the voltage and / or current of the battery pack 140, and BDU (battery disconnect unit) control. In one embodiment, the task may be performed over at least one time interval.

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

[0046] In one embodiment, the BMS151 can initiate a task based on a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS151 can initiate a task from a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the task may be performed for at least a specified time interval. In one embodiment, the reference synchronization signal may be determined based on a second synchronization signal of the BMS151 and / or a first synchronization signal of the BMS141. In one embodiment, the specified time interval may have a preset time length (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In one embodiment, a task may mean a unit process performed by the BMS151. In one embodiment, a task may include controlling a plurality of battery modules 153, 155, acquiring battery information of a plurality of battery modules 153, 155, or transmitting data. For example, a task may include sending a battery cell voltage measurement command, requesting the transmission of battery cell voltage, calculating the voltage and / or current of a battery pack 150, transmitting the voltage and / or current of a battery pack 150, and BDU control. In one embodiment, a task may be performed over at least one time interval.

[0047] The following describes how BMS141 and 151 determine the reference synchronization signal and perform their tasks. The following explanation uses BMS141 as an example, but it may also apply to BMS151.

[0048] In one embodiment, the BMS141 may have an internal clock (clock, clk). The clock signal of the internal clock may be generated periodically. In one embodiment, the BMS141 may generate a first synchronization signal based on a specified number of clock signals. For example, if the clock signal is generated with a period of 1 millisecond and the specified time interval is 100 milliseconds, the BMS141 may generate a first synchronization signal when 100 clock signals have been generated.

[0049] In one embodiment, the BMS141 can generate a first synchronization signal after a specified time interval (e.g., 100 milliseconds) from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal.

[0050] In one embodiment, BMS141 can transmit a first synchronization signal to BMS151 via an electrical connection path 160 between BMS141 and BMS151. In one embodiment, the electrical connection path 160 between BMS141 and BMS151 may be formed between the I / O (input output) pins of the MCU (microcontroller) included in BMS141 and the I / O pins of the MCU in BMS151. In one embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, the generation of the first synchronization signal and the transmission of the first synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0051] In one embodiment, BMS141 can receive a second synchronization signal from BMS151 via an electrical connection path 160. In one embodiment, the second synchronization signal may be generated based on the clock signal of the internal clock (clk) of BMS151. Here, the generation of the second synchronization signal and the reception of the second synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0052] In one embodiment, the operation in which BMS141 generates a first synchronization signal and BMS151 receives a second synchronization signal can be understood as BMS141 and BMS151 exchanging synchronization signals with each other.

[0053] In one embodiment, the BMS141 can determine a reference synchronization signal based on a first synchronization signal and a second synchronization signal. In another embodiment, the BMS141 can determine the synchronization signal that is generated earlier than the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In yet another embodiment, the BMS141 can determine the synchronization signal that is generated later than the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

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

[0055] Subsequently, the BMS141 can generate a new first synchronization signal based on a specified number of clock signals generated from the reference synchronization signal.

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, BMS141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. For example, if the reference synchronization signal is determined to be the synchronization signal that is generated first, BMS141 may not generate the first synchronization signal when it receives the second synchronization signal from BMS151.

[0057] Figure 2a is a timing diagram of battery packs 140 and 150 of an automobile 101 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b is a timing diagram of battery packs 140 and 150 of an automobile 101 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0060] BMS141 and BMS151 can each generate a synchronization signal after a specified time interval 231 from the reference synchronization signal at the first time point 261. However, due to various reasons (e.g., errors in the internal clock), the timing of the synchronization signal generation for BMS141 and BMS151 may differ from each other.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2b, BMS 141 can generate the first synchronization signal 243 later than the second time point 263, and BMS 151 can generate the second synchronization signal 253 at the second time point 263. In this case, the reference synchronization signal for BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 253. Subsequently, BMS 141 and BMS 151 can each perform their tasks for a specified time interval 233 from the second synchronization signal 253.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2b, BMS 141 can generate the first synchronization signal 243 later than the third time point 265, and BMS 151 can generate the second synchronization signal 253 at the third time point 265. In this case, the reference synchronization signal for BMS 141 and BMS 151 may be determined as the second synchronization signal 255. Subsequently, BMS 141 and BMS 151 can each perform their tasks for a specified time interval 235 from the second synchronization signal 255.

[0063] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of battery packs 140 and 150 of an automobile 101 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, Figure 3 will be described as being performed using BMS 141. However, the operation in Figure 3 can also be performed using BMS 151.

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

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

[0066] In operation 330, the BMS 141 can perform tasks based on a reference synchronization signal. In one embodiment, the BMS 141 can initiate a task from a reference synchronization signal. For example, the BMS 141 can perform tasks such as controlling multiple battery modules 153, 155, acquiring battery information from multiple battery modules 153, 155, or transmitting data within a specified time interval from the reference synchronization signal.

[0067] Subsequently, the BMS141 can perform the operation shown in Figure 3 again.

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

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

[0070] In operation 415, BMS141 can receive a second synchronization signal. In one embodiment, BMS141 can receive the second synchronization signal of BMS151 via an electrical connection path 160 between BMS141 and BMS151. In one embodiment, the electrical connection path 160 between BMS141 and BMS151 may be formed between the I / O pins of the MCU included in BMS141 and the I / O pins of the MCU of BMS151. In one embodiment, one or more electrical connection paths 160 may be formed. Here, the generation of the second synchronization signal and the reception of the second synchronization signal may occur at substantially the same time.

[0071] In operation 420, the BMS141 can determine whether the first synchronization signal was generated before the second synchronization signal.

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

[0073] In operation 430, the BMS141 can determine the first synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal. In operation 435, the BMS141 can determine the second synchronization signal as the reference synchronization signal.

[0074] Subsequently, the BMS141 can perform the operation shown in Figure 4 again.

[0075] In Figure 4, operations 410 and 415 are shown to be performed in their entirety, but this is merely an example. Depending on the embodiment, only one of operations 410 and 415 may be performed. For example, if the first synchronization signal is generated before the second synchronization signal is generated, BMS 151 may not generate the second synchronization signal. In this case, operation 415 may not be performed. To give another example, if the second synchronization signal is received before the first synchronization signal is generated, BMS 141 may not generate the first synchronization signal. In this case, operation 410 may not be performed. In such cases, BMS 141 and BMS 151 can determine the single synchronization signal that has been generated as the reference synchronization signal.

Claims

1. A battery pack that generates a synchronization signal, One or more battery modules containing multiple battery cells capable of supplying power to an automobile motor, A battery management system that is electrically connected to other battery management systems of other battery packs, the battery management system includes, Before performing the specified task, transmit a specified first synchronization signal to the other battery pack and receive a specified second synchronization signal from the other battery pack. Based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, a reference synchronization signal is determined. Based on the aforementioned reference synchronization signal, the specified task is performed. Battery pack.

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

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

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

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

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

7. The aforementioned battery management system The first synchronization signal is transmitted and the second synchronization signal is received via an electrical connection path between the I / O pins of the battery management system and the I / O pins of the other battery management system. The battery pack according to claim 1.

8. An automobile including a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal, A motor that can generate power by receiving an electricity supply. A first battery pack including multiple battery modules and a first battery management system, A second battery pack including multiple battery modules and a second battery management system, A switch that forms an electrical path between the motor and the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack, and The system includes a controller that controls the first battery pack and the second battery pack so that at least one of the first battery pack and the second battery pack selectively supplies power to the motor, The first battery management system and the second battery management system are, Before performing the designated task, they exchange synchronization signals with each other. Based on the aforementioned synchronization signals, a reference synchronization signal is determined, Based on the aforementioned reference synchronization signal, the specified tasks are performed accordingly. car.

9. One or more battery modules of the first battery pack and one or more battery modules of the second battery pack are made of at least one material that is different from each other. The automobile according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal that was generated first among the aforementioned synchronization signals. The automobile according to claim 8.

11. The aforementioned reference synchronization signal is a synchronization signal that was generated later from among the aforementioned synchronization signals. The automobile according to claim 8.

12. The synchronization signal is exchanged via an electrical connection path between the I / O pins of the first battery management system and the I / O pins of the second battery management system. The automobile according to claim 8.

13. A method for operating a battery pack that generates a synchronization signal, An operation to transmit a specified first synchronization signal to another battery pack before performing a specified task, and to receive a specified second synchronization signal from the other battery pack. An operation to determine a reference synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, and Based on the aforementioned reference synchronization signal, the operation includes performing the specified task, How the battery pack works.

14. One or more battery modules of the aforementioned battery pack and one or more battery modules of the aforementioned other battery pack are made of at least one different material from each other. The method for operating the battery pack according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned reference synchronization signal is the synchronization signal that was generated first among the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. The first synchronization signal is generated after a specified time interval from the immediately preceding reference synchronization signal. The method for operating the battery pack according to claim 13.

16. Includes the operation of selectively supplying power to the motor of the vehicle by one of the battery packs, the battery pack and the other battery pack. The method for operating the battery pack according to claim 15.

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