Battery systems and general methods for battery management systems.

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery system comprising a battery module; a cell monitoring controller (CMC) comprising a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) which monitors the cell voltage of each of many battery cells based on signals received from many input terminals; and a branch circuit board comprising many conductors which provide power lines connecting many battery terminals and many CMC input terminals, and many switches which have one end connected to one of two adjacent conductors included in the many conductors and the other end connected to the other end of each of two conductors.

Description

Battery system, method for commonizing battery management system, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037836, filed March 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery system, a method for commonizing a battery management system, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0004] A Battery Management System (BMS) is a system used in devices like Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs). It monitors and manages the battery's condition by measuring current, voltage, and temperature using sensors, ensuring optimal performance. For example, a BMS manages battery life, performance, and safety.

[0005] A battery is formed by connecting a battery cell, which is the smallest basic unit, and a battery module, which is formed by connecting a certain number of battery cells, and a battery pack, which is formed by connecting a certain number of these battery modules.

[0006] The battery management system can manage these batteries at the cell, module, and pack levels, and organically combines the management of these units to perform comprehensive battery management.

[0007] The present invention provides a battery system and a battery management system commonization method that can be commonly applied to modules having different numbers of serially connected battery cells included in a battery module.

[0008] A battery system according to one aspect of the invention comprises a battery module including a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a cell monitor controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals, a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, and a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) that monitors cell voltages of each of the plurality of battery cells based on signals received from the plurality of input terminals, and a branch board including a plurality of wires that provide power paths connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a plurality of switches that have one end connected to one of each of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of each of the two wires and perform a switching operation in a connection pattern determined under the control of the BMIC, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells is connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals.

[0009] Among the plurality of battery terminals, a reference battery terminal connected to the positive electrode of a kth battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is electrically connected to a reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and one end of each of k lower battery cells among the plurality of battery cells is connected to one of two adjacent wires included in a plurality of lower wires based on the reference wiring among the plurality of wires and the reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and the other end of each of k lower battery cells is connected to the other of the two wires, and each of the plurality of switches is connected to one of two adjacent wires among a plurality of upper wires based on the reference wiring among the plurality of wires and the reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and the other end is connected to the other of the adjacent two wires, and k is the number of battery cells connected to battery terminals among the plurality of battery terminals to which the plurality of switches are not connected, and may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0010] The maximum number of series connections of battery cells for which the BMIC can monitor cell voltages is N-1, and the BMIC determines the connection pattern based on a voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while controlling the switching operation of each of the plurality of switches, and the number of the plurality of switches is m, wherein m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, and N may be a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0011] The BMIC turns off all of the plurality of switches, and then sequentially turns on one by one starting from the uppermost switch among the plurality of switches, and when a first voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC with only x-1 upper switches among the plurality of switches turned on is within a previously stored reference module voltage range, and a second voltage value received with only x upper switches among the plurality of switches turned on is outside the reference module voltage range, the BMIC determines a state in which only the x upper switches are turned on as the connection pattern, and x may be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m.

[0012] The BMIC turns on all of the plurality of switches, and then sequentially turns them off one by one starting from the lowest switch among the plurality of switches, and if a fourth voltage value received in a state where only y+1 lower switches among the plurality of switches are turned off is smaller than a third voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state where only y lower switches from the lowest switch among the plurality of switches are turned off, the BMIC determines the state where only the y lower switches are turned off as the connection pattern, and y may be the largest integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m.

[0013] The method may further include a master battery management system (BMS) that receives a voltage value in the connection pattern from the BMIC that receives a voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in the connection pattern, determines the voltage value in the connection pattern as the module voltage of the battery module, and verifies the connection pattern based on the module voltage.

[0014] The master BMS derives the number n of the plurality of battery cells based on the module voltage, derives the number n1 of battery cells on the power path of the connection pattern, and determines whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage based on a result of comparing n and n1, wherein each of n and n1 may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0015] The master BMS may transmit a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells when the master BMS determines that the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage.

[0016] If the master BMS determines that the connection pattern does not correspond to the module voltage, it may command the BMIC to re-determine the connection pattern.

[0017] A battery management method according to one aspect of the invention is a method for sharing a battery management system of a battery system, comprising a battery module including a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a Cell Monitor Controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals and a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, a plurality of wires that provide power paths connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a branch board including a plurality of switches, each of which has one end connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of the two wires, the method comprising the steps of: controlling a switching operation of the plurality of switches; and determining a connection pattern of the plurality of switches based on a voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells can be connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals.

[0018] Among the plurality of battery terminals, a reference battery terminal connected to the positive electrode of a kth battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is electrically connected to a reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and one end of each of k lower battery cells among the plurality of battery cells is connected to one of two adjacent wires included in a plurality of lower wires based on the reference wiring among the plurality of wires and the reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and the other end of each of k lower battery cells is connected to the other of the two wires, and each of the plurality of switches is connected to one of two adjacent wires among a plurality of upper wires based on the reference wiring among the plurality of wires and the reference wiring among the plurality of wires, and the other end is connected to the other of the adjacent two wires, and k is the number of battery cells connected to battery terminals among the plurality of battery terminals to which the plurality of switches are not connected, and may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0019] The maximum number of series connections of battery cells for which the BMIC included in the above CMC can monitor cell voltages is N-1, the number of the plurality of switches is m, and m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, and N may be a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0020] The method further includes a step of turning off all of the plurality of switches, a step of receiving a first voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state where only x-1 upper switches among the plurality of switches are turned on, a step of receiving a second voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state where only x upper switches among the plurality of switches are turned on, and a step of determining a state where only the x upper switches are turned on as the connection pattern when the first voltage value is within a previously stored reference module voltage range and the second voltage value is outside the reference module voltage range, wherein x may be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m.

[0021] The method further includes a step of turning on all of the plurality of switches, a step of receiving a third voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state in which only y lower switches among the plurality of switches are turned off, a step of receiving a fourth voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state in which only y+1 lower switches from the lowest switch among the plurality of switches are turned off, and a step of determining a state in which only the y lower switches are turned off as the connection pattern when the fourth voltage value is less than the third voltage value, wherein y may be a maximum integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m.

[0022] The method may further include a step of receiving a voltage value in the connection pattern from the BMIC, which receives a voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in the connection pattern, a step of determining the voltage value in the connection pattern as a module voltage of the battery module, and a step of verifying the connection pattern based on the module voltage.

[0023] The method further includes a step of deriving the number n of the plurality of battery cells based on the module voltage, a step of deriving the number n1 of battery cells on the power path of the connection pattern, and a step of determining whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage based on a result of comparing n and n1, wherein each of n and n1 may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0024] If it is determined that the above connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage, the method may further include a step of transmitting a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] If it is determined that the above connection pattern does not correspond to the module voltage, a step of commanding the BMIC to re-determine the connection pattern may be further included.

[0026] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program according to one aspect of the invention, when executed by a processor, performs an operation including a battery management system commonization method of a battery system including a battery module including a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a cell monitor controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals and a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, a plurality of wires providing power paths connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a branch board including a plurality of switches each having one end connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of the two wires, the method comprising: controlling a switching operation of the plurality of switches; and determining a connection pattern of the plurality of switches based on a voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells is connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals.

[0027] According to the present invention, a CMC within a battery system can automatically short-circuit unused battery channels through a switching operation.

[0028] According to the present invention, at least one CMC connected to a battery module can encompass monitoring of battery cells of various serial connection numbers according to the configuration definition of the battery module.

[0029] According to the present invention, the connection pattern of switches included in a branch board can be determined so as to monitor the cell voltage of each of a plurality of battery cells included in a battery module, and the connection pattern can be verified using the module voltage.

[0030] According to the present invention, a common CMC can be utilized for battery modules having different numbers of serially connected battery cells, thereby preventing unnecessary development load due to management of multiple CMCs.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are circuit diagrams for explaining a first connection pattern determination operation for determining a connection pattern of a plurality of switches in an example of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are circuit diagrams for explaining a second connection pattern determination operation for determining a connection pattern of a plurality of switches in an example of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a battery module including battery cells connected in a minimum number of series connections to the CMC illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which all of the plurality of switches are turned on in the battery system illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a battery module including battery cells connected in a number of series connections exceeding the minimum number of series connections and less than the maximum number of series connections, in which the battery module is connected to the CMC illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which some of the plurality of switches in the battery system illustrated in FIG. 6 are turned on.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a battery module including battery cells connected in series with a maximum number of connections to the CMC illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which all of the plurality of switches are turned off in the battery system illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a battery system including multiple battery modules and multiple CMCs according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram specifically illustrating an example of a CMC and master BMS of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method for commonizing a battery management system according to one embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the first connection pattern determination operation among the S200 steps illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0045] Fig. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the second connection pattern determination operation among the S200 steps illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0046] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method in which an operation for verifying a connection pattern is added to the method illustrated in Figure 12.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration that implements a control device included in a secondary battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same or similar components will be given the same or similar drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0051] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0052] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0053] Among the configurations according to one embodiment, a configuration that controls another configuration under specific control conditions may be installed with a program implemented as a set of commands that embody the control algorithms necessary to control the other configuration. The control configuration may process input data and stored data according to the installed program to generate output data. The control configuration may include non-volatile memory for storing the program and memory for storing data.

[0054] The battery pack is equipped with a master BMS that measures and controls the status information of the battery pack, such as voltage, current, temperature, and insulation resistance, and communicates with the vehicle system, as well as a slave BMS, such as a cell monitor controller (CMC), which measures and manages the status information of each battery in the module or pack.

[0055] In order to efficiently perform the battery management function, for example, an ASIC chip such as a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) may be mounted on the Cell Monitor Control Unit (CMC), which is a type of slave BMS. Since these ASIC chips are designed with specific functions, the required number may vary depending on the configuration of the battery pack and battery module. Consequently, if the configuration of the battery module and battery pack changes, the design of the battery system including the CMC must change, and therefore the number of CMCs to be mounted on the battery pack also changes. Therefore, whenever the configuration of the battery module and battery pack changes, the number of CMCs to be managed increases, which can increase the load on development personnel. For example, the number of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and Bill of Materials (BOMs) to be managed also increases.

[0056] Taking these points into consideration, the present invention provides a battery system and a battery management system commonization method that can be commonly applied to modules having different numbers of serially connected battery cells included in the battery module.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery system (1) may include a battery module (100), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502). Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates that the master BMS (400) is connected to one battery module (100), the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the master BMS (400) may be commonly connected to one or more battery modules (100) to control and manage the operations of these battery modules (100).

[0059] One end of the relay (501, 502) is connected to the battery module (100), and the other end of the relay (501, 502) is connected to at least one component in an external device (2). Closing and opening of the relay (501, 502) can be controlled according to relay control signals (RCS1, RCS2) supplied from the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can measure voltage, current, insulation resistance, etc. of the battery module (100), control the operation of the CMC (300), and communicate with the vehicle system.

[0060] The battery system (1) can be connected to an external device (2). The external device (2) can include a load and a charging device such as an inverter or a converter. If the external device (2) is a charger, both ends (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) are connected to the charger so that power can be supplied from the charger and charged. If the external device (2) is a load, both ends (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) are connected to the load so that power supplied by the battery module (100) can be discharged through the load.

[0061] In Fig. 1, the battery system (1) is illustrated as including one battery module (100), one branch board (200), and one CMC (300), but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the battery system (1) may include one or more battery modules (100), and may include one or more branch boards (200) and one or more CMCs (300) corresponding to each of the one or more battery modules (100). In addition, the master BMS (400) may control the operation of each of the one or more CMCs (300).

[0062] The battery module (100) may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series and in parallel. For convenience of explanation, the battery module (100) is assumed to include a plurality of battery cells connected in series, and each of the plurality of battery cells connected in series may be a single battery cell or may include two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0063] The battery module (100) may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N), and a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). Each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) may be connected between corresponding two terminals among two adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N). Hereinafter, N may be a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The battery voltage terminal (P11_VB) may be connected to a node on a wiring to which the positive (+) of the battery module (100) and one end of the relay (501) are connected.

[0064] The CMC (300) may include a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N) and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). The CMC (300) may derive and monitor the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) based on signals received from the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N). The CMC (300) may measure status information such as voltage and temperature of the battery module (100). According to one embodiment, the CMC (300) may be implemented as a battery management system such as a CSC (Cell Supervisory Circuit), a CVTN (Cell Voltage Temperature Node), and a Slave BMS.

[0065] The branch board (200) may include a plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N), a battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB), a plurality of wirings (LN2_1-LN2_N), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), a plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_N), a battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB), and a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m).

[0066] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are illustrated as being plural, but the invention is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the branch board (200) may include one switch. Hereinafter, m may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than N. According to one embodiment, the branch board (200) may be implemented as one of an ICB (Inter-Connect Board), an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), and an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable). The battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB), the battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), and the battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB) may be connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB).

[0067] A plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N) of a branch board (200) can provide a power path connecting a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N) and a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N). The CMC (300) can include a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) (310). The maximum number of serially connected battery cells that the BMIC (310) can monitor can be N-1. Accordingly, the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N) can transmit signals received from N wires (LN2_1-LN2_N) connected from the battery module (100) through the branch board (200) to the BMIC (310). Here, the N wires (LN2_1-LN2_N) may include N-1 wires (LN2_2-LN2_N) corresponding to N-1 channels and a ground-side wire (LN2_1). The BMIC (310) may monitor the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) based on signals representing the voltages of each of the N-1 channels and the ground-side wires received from the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N).

[0068] A plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) can be connected to a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N). A plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_N) can be connected to a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N). A plurality of wiring lines (LN2_1-LN2_N) can provide a power path connecting the battery module (100) and the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N) through the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) and the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_N). Each of the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N) (e.g., LN2_1) can connect each of the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) (e.g., P21_1) to a corresponding board output terminal (e.g., P22_1) among the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_N). The plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) can be connected to both ends of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100).

[0069] In this specification, the maximum number of series connections among the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) for which the BMIC (310) can monitor cell voltages may be N-1. In addition, the description will assume that the minimum number of series connections among the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) for which the BMIC (310) can monitor cell voltages is k. Hereinafter, k may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than N. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, N-1 is assumed to be the "maximum number of series connections of battery cells" and k is assumed to be the "minimum number of series connections of battery cells."

[0070] Each of the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) (e.g., P21_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding battery terminal (e.g., P11_1) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N). Each of the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_N) (e.g., P22_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding CMC input terminal (e.g., P31_1) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N).

[0071] Each of the two ends of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), starting from the lowest wire (LN2_1). For example, the negative electrode of the lowest battery cell among the plurality of battery cells may be connected to the lowest wire (LN2_1) of the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), and the positive electrode of the lowest battery cell may be connected to the second lowest wire (LN2_2) of the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N).

[0072] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a battery terminal (P11_k+1) connected to the positive electrode of the kth battery cell from the bottom among a plurality of battery cells included in a battery module (100) among a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N) is referred to as a reference battery terminal. Among a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N), the lower battery terminals (P11_1-P11_k) based on the reference battery terminal (P11_k+1) are referred to as a plurality of lower battery terminals (P11_1-P11_k), and among a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N), the upper battery terminals (P11_k+1-P11_N) based on the reference battery terminal (P11_k+1) are referred to as a plurality of upper battery terminals (P11_k+1-P11_N).

[0073] Also, for the convenience of explanation, among the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), the wire (LN2+k+1) connected to the reference battery terminal (P11_k+1) through the corresponding board input terminal (e.g., P21_k+1) among the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_N) is referred to as a reference wire. Among the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), the wires located below the reference wire are referred to as a plurality of lower wires (LN2_1-LN2_k), and among the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), the wires located above the reference wire are referred to as a plurality of upper wires (LN2_k+2-LN2_N). In this specification, the lower end may indicate a direction toward the ground of the battery module (100), and the upper end may indicate a direction toward the positive electrode of the battery module (100).

[0074] One end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom among the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) may be connected to one (e.g., LN2_k) of each of the plurality of adjacent two wires (e.g., LN2_k, LN2_k+1) included in the plurality of lower wires (LN2_1-LN2_k) and the reference wire (LN2_k+1) among the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), and the other end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom may be connected to the other one (e.g., LN2_k+1) of each of the two wires (e.g., LN2_k, LN2_k+1).

[0075] The branch board (200) includes a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m). Each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) may have one end connected to one (e.g., LN2_N-1) of each of two adjacent wires (e.g., LN2_N-1, LN2_N) included in the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), and the other end connected to the other one (e.g., LN2_N) of each of the two wires (e.g., LN2_N-1, LN2_N). Each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) may perform a switching operation under the control of the BMIC (310). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) may have one end connected to one of two adjacent wires among the reference wire (LN2_k+1) and the plurality of upper wires (LN2_k+2-LN2_N), and the other end connected to the other of the two adjacent wires.

[0076] Each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) can short-circuit an unused channel among the plurality of channels implemented with a plurality of wires. Each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) can be, for example, one of a FET (Field Effect Transistor), a BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor), and an IPD (Intelligent Power Device).

[0077] For example, one end of the switch (SW_1) may be connected to a node on one (LN2_k+1) of two adjacent wires (LN2_k+1, LN2_k+2) among a plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), and the other end of the switch (SW_1) may be connected to a node on the other (LN2_k+2) of the two adjacent wires (LN2_k+1, LN2_k+2). One end of the switch (SW_m) may be connected to a node on one (LN2_N-1) of two adjacent wires (LN2_N-1, LN2_N) among a plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N), and may be connected to a node on the other (LN2_N) of the two adjacent wires (LN2_N-1, LN2_N).

[0078] In Fig. 1, a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are illustrated as being connected between each two adjacent wires included in the reference wire (LN2_k+1) and the plurality of upper wires (LN2_k+2-LN2_N), but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. For example, N-1 switches may be connected between each two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N).

[0079] Referring to Fig. 1, since the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are connected between the reference wire (LN2_k+1) among the plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_N) and each adjacent two wires among the plurality of upper wires (LN2_k+2-LN2_N), the number m of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) may be N-1-k hereinafter. In other words, k, which is the minimum number of series connections of battery cells, may be the number of battery cells connected to battery terminals (P11_1-P11_k+1) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N) to which the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are not connected.

[0080] The BMIC (310) can control the switching operations of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) to determine a connection pattern (hereinafter, “connection pattern”) representing the switching operations of each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m). The connection pattern can represent a state in which each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) is turned on (turned ON) or off (turned OFF) so that the BMIC (310) is connected to all of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100). For example, the connection pattern can be one of a form in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned on, a form in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, or a form in which some of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned on and the rest are turned off.

[0081] A plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) can perform a switching operation according to a connection pattern determined according to the control of the BMIC (310). The switching operation of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) can be controlled according to a plurality of switch control signals (SW_CTR_1-SW_CTR_m) supplied from the BMIC (310). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the BMIC (310) transmits a plurality of switch control signals (SW_CTR_1-SW_CTR_m) to the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) to control the switching operation of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m), and the BMIC (310) turns on or off each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m).

[0082] The BMIC (310) can turn on or off each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) based on a signal received from the master BMS (400) that controls the operation of the CMC (300).

[0083] BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern based on a voltage value received from a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) while controlling the switching operation of each of a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m).

[0084] In one embodiment, the BMIC (310) may determine a connection pattern based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning off all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) and then turning on one by one from the topmost switch (SW_m) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the operation of determining a connection pattern by the BMIC (310) by turning off all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) and then turning on one by one from the topmost switch (SW_m) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) is referred to as a "first connection pattern determination operation."

[0085] In another embodiment, the BMIC (310) may determine a connection pattern based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by sequentially turning on all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) and then sequentially turning off the switches one by one starting from the bottom-most switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m). An operation in which the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern by turning on all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) and then sequentially turning off the switches one by one starting from the bottom-most switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) is referred to as a "second connection pattern determination operation."

[0086] BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern according to a first connection pattern or second connection pattern determination operation.

[0087] For example, in the first connection pattern determination operation, if the voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) is within the pre-stored maximum module voltage range while all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, the state in which all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off can be determined as the connection pattern. Hereinafter, the pre-stored maximum module voltage range may be within a predetermined voltage range based on the voltage corresponding to the case where the battery module (100) includes N-1 battery cells. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the maximum module voltage is assumed to be 30 V.

[0088] In the first connection pattern determination operation, if the voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) is outside the pre-stored maximum module voltage range while all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, the BMIC (310) increases the x value by one using x=1 as initial information and turns on only the minimum x upper switches (SW_(mx)-SW_m) from the uppermost switch (SW_m) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) to determine the x value at which the first voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) is outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range for the first time.

[0089] Here, x can be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m. In addition, below, the previously stored reference module voltage range can be a voltage range within a predetermined range from 0 V. Below, for convenience of explanation, the reference module voltage range is assumed to be 0 V.

[0090] When the BMIC (310) receives a first voltage value from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) while turning on only at least x-1 upper switches (SW_(m-(x-1))-SW_m) from the uppermost switch (SW_m) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m), if the first voltage value is within the pre-stored reference module voltage range, and when the BMIC (310) receives a second voltage value while turning on only x upper switches (SW_(mx)-SW_m) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m), if the second voltage value is outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range, the BMIC (310) can determine a state in which only x upper switches (SW_(mx)-SW_m) are turned on as a connection pattern.

[0091] In the second connection pattern determination operation, when the y value is increased by one by one with y=0 as initial information, and the y value is increased by one by one from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), and when the 4th voltage value is received in a state where only the y+1 lower switches (SW_1-SW_(y+1)) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off is smaller than the 3rd voltage value received in a state where only the y lower switches (SW_1-SW_y) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, the state where only the y lower switches (SW_1-SW_y) are turned off can be determined as the connection pattern.

[0092] Here, y can be an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m.

[0093] In addition, in the second connection pattern determination operation, if the fourth voltage value received in a state where only y+1 lower switches (SW_1-SW_(y+1)) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off is greater than the third voltage value received in a state where only y lower switches (SW_1-SW_y) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, and y+1=m, the BMIC (310) can determine a state where all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off as the connection pattern.

[0094] In the case where y+1=m, the fourth voltage value is the voltage value of the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off, and when the number of multiple battery cells included in the battery module (100) is N-1, a power path is formed connecting the battery module (100) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) even when all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off.

[0095] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are circuit diagrams for explaining a first connection pattern determination operation for determining a connection pattern of a plurality of switches in an example of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0096] Hereinafter, the first connection pattern determination operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the battery system (1_1) may include a battery module (100_1), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502). In FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the battery module (100_1) may include a plurality of battery cells (101-108) connected in series, a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). Each of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) may be one battery cell, or may include two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0098] In FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, and FIG. 2c, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the maximum number of battery cells connected in series is 10, the minimum number of battery cells connected in series is 6, and the number of multiple switches is 4. In other words, in the following, N=11, k=6, and m=4.

[0099] Hereinafter, the node (ND_L) is connected to the negative pole of the lowest battery cell (101) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108), the node (ND_H) is connected to the uppermost battery terminal (P11_11) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and the node (ND_VB) is connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). The node (ND_H) and the node (ND_VB) may be electrically connected.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 2a, when the BMIC (310) turns off all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) for the first connection pattern determination operation, the connection between the node (ND_H) and the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) may be open. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2a, a power path may not be created between the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of FIG. 2a, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned off may be 0 V, which is within the reference module voltage range.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 2b, when the BMIC (310) turns on only one upper switch (SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) to determine the first connection pattern, the connection between the node (ND_H) and the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) may be opened. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2b, a power path may not be created between the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of FIG. 2b, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only one upper switch (SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned on may be 0 V, which is within the reference module voltage range.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 2c, when the BMIC (310) turns on only the two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) to determine the first connection pattern, a short circuit may be created between the node (ND_H) and the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) through the two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2c, a power path may be created between the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of FIG. 2c, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only the two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned on may be 24 V, which is outside the reference module voltage range. This may be a voltage value applied to an external device (2) by connecting eight battery cells (101-108) in series.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, a first voltage value (e.g., 0 V) ​​received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only one upper switch (SW_4) of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) turned on is within a pre-stored reference module voltage range, and a second voltage value (e.g., 24 V) received with only two upper switches (SW_2-SW_4) from the uppermost switch (SW_4) of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned on is outside a pre-stored reference module voltage range. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine a state in which only two upper switches (SW_2-SW_4) from the uppermost switch (SW_4) of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on as a connection pattern of the battery system (1_1).

[0104] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are circuit diagrams for explaining a second connection pattern determination operation for determining a connection pattern of a plurality of switches in an example of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0105] Hereinafter, the second connection pattern determination operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, the battery system (1_1) may include a battery module (100_1), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502). In the above description, the description of the battery system (1_1) illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c may be omitted as it overlaps with the description of the battery system (1_1) illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d.

[0107] In FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c, and FIG. 3d, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the maximum number of battery cells connected in series is 10, the minimum number of battery cells connected in series is 6, and the number of multiple switches is 4. In other words, in the following, N=11, k=6, and m=4.

[0108] Hereinafter, the node (ND_L) is connected to the negative pole of the lowest battery cell (101) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108), the node (ND_H) is connected to the uppermost battery terminal (P11_11) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and the node (ND_VB) is connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). The node (ND_H) and the node (ND_VB) may be electrically connected.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3a, when the BMIC (310) turns on all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) to determine the second connection pattern, the node (ND_H) and the six lower battery cells (101-106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) can be short-circuited through the switches (SW_1-SW_4). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3a, a power path can be created between the six lower battery cells (101-106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of Fig. 3a, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned on may be 18 V, which is applied to the external device (2) by the six lower battery cells (101-106).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3b, when the BMIC (310) turns off only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) to determine the second connection pattern, the node (ND_H) and the seven lower battery cells (101-107) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) can be short-circuited through the remaining switches (SW_2-SW_4) except for one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3b, a power path can be created between the seven lower battery cells (101-107) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of Fig. 3b, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only one lower switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned off may be 21 V, which is applied to the external device (2) by the seven lower battery cells (101-107).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 3c, when the BMIC (310) turns off only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) to determine the second connection pattern, the node (ND_H) and the plurality of battery cells (101-108) can be short-circuited through the remaining switches (SW_3, SW_4) except for the two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3c, a power path can be created between the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of Fig. 3c, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only one lower switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned off may be 24 V applied to the external device (2) by the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3d, when the BMIC (310) turns off only the three upper switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) to determine the second connection pattern, the connection between the node (ND_H) and the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) may be opened. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3d, a power path may not be created between the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). In the example of FIG. 3d, the voltage value received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) with only the three upper switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) turned off may be 0 V, which is within the reference module voltage range.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, a fourth voltage value (e.g., 0 V) ​​received by the BMIC (310) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a state where only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off is smaller than a third voltage value (e.g., 24 V) received by the BMIC in a state where only three upper switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine a state where only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off as the connection pattern of the battery system (1_1).

[0114] As described above, the BMIC (310) can determine the connection pattern of the battery system (1_1) according to the first connection pattern determination operation or the second connection pattern determination operation. The BMIC (310) can determine the connection pattern of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m), thereby enabling the CMC (300) to monitor the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) without a separate design change to the CMC (300) even if the number of serial connections of the battery module (100) is different. Therefore, the CMC (300) can be shared even when the configuration of the battery module (100) is changed.

[0115] When the BMIC (310) determines the connection pattern of the battery system (1_1), it can receive a voltage value (hereinafter, “voltage value in the connection pattern”) from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in the connection pattern and transmit it to the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can determine the voltage value in the connection pattern received from the BMIC (310) as the module voltage (hereinafter, “module voltage”) of the battery module (100) and verify the connection pattern based on the module voltage.

[0116] Hereinafter, the master BMS (400) may verify the connection pattern, which may include an operation of determining whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage or not. Hereinafter, the connection pattern corresponding to the module voltage may indicate that the connection pattern is in a form that connects all of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100) to the CMC (300).

[0117] The master BMS (400) can derive the number n of a plurality of battery cells connected in series in the battery module (100) based on the module voltage. In addition, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n1 of battery cells on the power path in the connection pattern. Here, each of n and n1 can be a natural number greater than or equal to 1. The master BMS (400) can compare n and n1 and, based on the comparison result, determine whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage.

[0118] For example, if n and n1 are the same, the master BMS (400) may determine that the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage. If it is determined that the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage, the master BMS (400) may transmit a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC (310) to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module (100). If it is determined that the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage, since the connection pattern is verified to be correct, the master BMS (400) may send the BMIC (310) a Short command for a line corresponding to a closed switch among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) in the connection pattern. Alternatively, the BMIC (310) may perform its own Short command for a line corresponding to a closed switch among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) in the connection pattern according to a predefined configuration. Accordingly, the BMIC (310) can perform a cell voltage monitoring command to derive the cell voltage of each of the actual plurality of battery cells from lines corresponding to open switches among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) in the connection pattern.

[0119] Additionally, if n and n1 are different, the master BMS (400) may determine that the connection pattern does not correspond to the module voltage. If it is determined that the connection pattern does not correspond to the module voltage, the master BMS (400) may command the BMIC (310) to re-determine the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100).

[0120] The master BMS (400) can derive the number n of a plurality of battery cells connected in series based on the result of comparing the module voltage with a predetermined reference cell voltage value or a predetermined reference cell voltage range that is stored in advance. For example, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n of battery cells by dividing the module voltage by the reference cell voltage range.

[0121] For example, the following description assumes a case where the reference cell voltage range is 3 to 4.5 V. When the module voltage is 24 V or more and less than 35 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes an 8S battery configuration, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=8. When the module voltage is 35 V or more and less than 52 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes a 12S battery configuration, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=12. When the module voltage is 52 V or more and less than 68 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes a 16S battery configuration, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=16.

[0122] And, for example, it is explained assuming that the reference cell voltage value is 3 V. When the module voltage is 24 V or more and less than 27 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes a battery configuration of 8S, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=8. When the module voltage is 36 V or more and less than 39 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes a battery configuration of 12S, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=12. When the module voltage is 48 V or more and less than 51 V, the master BMS (400) recognizes that the battery module (100) includes a battery configuration of 16S, and can derive the number of multiple battery cells connected in series as n=16.

[0123] In addition, the master BMS (400) can determine that n1=k+y when the connection pattern turns off only y lower switches (SW_1-SW_(y)) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m).

[0124] Here, y is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m, and k may be the number of battery cells connected to battery terminals (P11_1-P11_k+1) among multiple battery terminals (P11_1-P11_N) to which multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are not connected.

[0125] For example, in Fig. 3a where k=6 and m=4, since all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on and y=0, the master BMS (400) can determine that n1=k+y=6+0=6.

[0126] For example, in Fig. 3b where k=6 and m=4, since only one lower switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off and y=1, the master BMS (400) can determine that n1=k+y=6+1=7.

[0127] For example, in Fig. 3c where k=6, m=4, only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, so y=2, and therefore the master BMS (400) can determine that n1=k+y=6+2=8.

[0128] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the operation of determining the connection pattern is described as the operation of BMIC (310), but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0129] In another embodiment, the master BMS (400) may transmit a command to control the switch control signals (SW_CTR_1-SW_CTR_4) to the BMIC (310), and the BMIC (310) may generate the switch control signals (SW_CTR_1-SW_CTR_4) based on the command received from the master BMS (400).

[0130] Hereinafter, the operation of the battery system (1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. In FIGS. 4 to 10, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the maximum number of battery cells connected in series is 10, the minimum number of battery cells connected in series is 6, and the number of multiple switches is 4. In other words, in the following, N=11, k=6, and m=4.

[0131] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example in which a battery module (100_2) including battery cells connected in a minimum number of series connections is connected to the CMC (300) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery system (1_2) may include a battery module (100_2), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) (not shown).

[0133] Below, in the description of the branch board (200), CMC (300), master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) of the battery system (1_2), descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous descriptions may be omitted.

[0134] The battery module (100_1) may include a plurality of battery cells (101-106) connected in series, a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). Each of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) may be a single battery cell, or may include two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 4, the CMC (300) may include a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), and the branch board (200) may include a plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11), a battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB), a plurality of wirings (LN2_1-LN2_11), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), a plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11), a battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB), and a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0136] Hereinafter, the node (ND_L) is connected to the negative pole of the lowest battery cell (101) among the plurality of battery cells (101-106), the node (ND_H) is connected to the uppermost battery terminal (P11_11) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and the node (ND_VB) is connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). The node (ND_L), the node (ND_H), and the node (ND_VB) may be nodes connected to a high voltage line connected to one end of the relay (501) and one end of the relay (502).

[0137] The plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_11) can provide a power path connecting a plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11) connected to a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) to a plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11) connected to a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11). For example, the wire (LN2_1) can provide a power path connecting the board input terminal (P21_1) and the board output terminal (P22_1). The battery voltage wire (LN2_VB) can connect the battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB) connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB) to the battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB) connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB).

[0138] Each of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) can be connected between two adjacent wires among the reference wire (LN2_7) and the plurality of upper wires (LN2_8-LN2_11). One end of the switch (SW_1) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_7), and the other end of the switch (SW_1) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_8). One end of the switch (SW_2) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_8), and the other end of the switch (SW_2) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_9). One end of the switch (SW_3) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_9), and the other end of the switch (SW_3) can be connected to a node on the wire (LN2_10). One end of the switch (SW_4) can be connected to a node on the wiring (LN2_10), and the other end of the switch (SW_4) can be connected to a node on the wiring (LN2_11).

[0139] The switching operations of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) can be controlled according to the plurality of switch control signals (SW_CTR_1-SW_CTR_4) supplied from the CMC (300). The switch (SW_1) can be turned on or off according to the switch control signal (SW_CTR_1) received from the CMC (300). The switch (SW_2) can be turned on or off according to the switch control signal (SW_CTR_2) received from the CMC (300). The switch (SW_3) can be turned on or off according to the switch control signal (SW_CTR_3) received from the CMC (300). The switch (SW_4) can be turned on or off according to the switch control signal (SW_CTR_4) received from the CMC (300).

[0140] Since the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) is equal to k=6, which is the minimum number of series connections of the battery cells, each of the plurality of lower battery terminals (P11_1-P11_6) can be connected to the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode of at least one of the plurality of battery cells (101-106). The battery terminal (P11_1) can be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell (101). The battery terminal (P11_2) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (101) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (102). The battery terminal (P11_3) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (102) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (103). The battery terminal (P11_4) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (103) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (104). The battery terminal (P11_5) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (104) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (105). The battery terminal (P11_6) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (106). The battery terminal (P11_7) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (106).

[0141] Among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), the remaining battery terminals (P11_7-P11_11), excluding the battery terminals (P11_1-P11_6) corresponding to the number of battery cells (101-106), may be connected to open wiring. The node between the positive electrode of the uppermost battery cell (106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-106) and the battery terminal (P11_7) and the node (ND_H) may be open.

[0142] Each of the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) (e.g., P11_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding board input terminal (e.g., P21_1) among the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11). Each of the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11) (e.g., P22_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding CMC input terminal (e.g., P31_1) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11). The plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) can receive signals indicating positive voltages and / or negative voltages of corresponding battery cells among the plurality of battery cells (101-106) from the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) via the branch board (200).

[0143] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) in the battery system (1_2) illustrated in FIG. 4 are turned on.

[0144] BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) through a first or second connection pattern determination operation.

[0145] Hereinafter, the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) as a first connection pattern determination operation. The BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning off all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and then turning on the switches one by one starting from the top switch (SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0146] In a state where all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, in a state where only one upper switch (SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned on, in a state where only two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, and in a state where only three upper switches (SW_2-SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, a power path connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) may not be formed. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can receive a voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​within the reference module voltage range from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in each state where only 0 to 3 upper switches among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on. When all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path may be formed in which the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4), and the multiple battery cells (101-106) are connected. Therefore, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a state in which all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on may exceed the reference module voltage range (for example, 18 V applied from 6 batteries). Therefore, the BMIC (310) may determine the state in which all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_1).

[0147] Hereinafter, the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) as a second connection pattern determination operation. The BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_1) based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning on all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and sequentially turning off the switches one by one starting from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0148] When all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, a power path connected to the plurality of battery cells (101-106) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be formed. The voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on can be a voltage value (for example, 18 V) supplied from the plurality of battery cells (101-106).

[0149] When only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off, a power path connected from the plurality of battery cells (101-106) to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) may not be formed. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can receive a voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​within the reference module voltage range from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only one lower switch among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off.

[0150] In this case, the voltage value (e.g., 0 V) ​​that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off is smaller than the voltage value (e.g., 18 V) that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when 0 of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine the state in which 0 of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off (in other words, the state in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on) as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2).

[0151] When all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) are closed, the battery system (100_2) can provide a power path that sequentially includes a plurality of battery cells (101-106), a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4), a node (ND_H), a node (ND_VB), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) from a node (ND_L).

[0152] The BMIC (310) can transmit a voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) to the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can determine the voltage value received from the BMIC (310) as the module voltage of the battery module (100_2).

[0153] The master BMS (400) can derive the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) based on the module voltage of the battery module (100_2). For example, if the module voltage of the battery module (100_2) is 18 V and a predetermined reference cell voltage value is 3 V, the master BMS (400) can determine the number n of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) as 18 / 3=6.

[0154] Additionally, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n1 of battery cells on the power path in the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2). For example, since the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_2) has 0 bottom switches turned off, n1=k+y=6+0=6.

[0155] In this case, since n and n1 are the same, the master BMS (400) can determine the connection pattern to correspond to the module voltage. The master BMS (400) can transmit a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC (310) to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) included in the battery module (100_2).

[0156] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) based on signals received from the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11).

[0157] The CMC input terminal (P31_1) can receive a signal indicating a negative voltage of the battery cell (101). The CMC input terminal (P31_2) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (101) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (102). The CMC input terminal (P31_3) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (102) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (103). The CMC input terminal (P31_4) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (103) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (104). The CMC input terminal (P31_5) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (104) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (105). The CMC input terminal (P31_6) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (106).

[0158] Among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11), each of the remaining CMC input terminals (P31_7-P31_11) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), excluding the CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_6) corresponding to the number of battery cells (101-106), can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the uppermost battery cell (106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-106).

[0159] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) based on a signal received from the CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_6) corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-106) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and a signal received from each of the battery voltage CMC input terminals (P31_VB).

[0160] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example in which a battery module (100_3) including battery cells connected in a number of series connections exceeding the minimum number of series connections and less than the maximum number of series connections is connected to the CMC (300) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery system (1_3) may include a battery module (100_3), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) (not shown).

[0162] Below, in the description of the branch board (200), CMC (300), master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) of the battery system (1_3), descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous descriptions may be omitted.

[0163] The battery module (100_3) may include a plurality of battery cells (101-108) connected in series, a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). Each of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) may be a single battery cell or may include two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 6, the CMC (300) may include a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), and the branch board (200) may include a plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11), a battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB), a plurality of wirings (LN2_1-LN2_11), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), a plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11), a battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB), and a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0165] Hereinafter, the node (ND_L) is connected to the negative pole of the lowest battery cell (101) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108), the node (ND_H) is connected to the uppermost battery terminal (P11_11) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and the node (ND_VB) is connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). The node (ND_L), the node (ND_H), and the node (ND_VB) may be nodes connected to a high voltage line connected to one end of the relay (501) and one end of the relay (502).

[0166] A plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_11) can provide a power path connecting a plurality of board inputs (P21_1-P21_11) connected to a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) to a plurality of board outputs (P22_1-P22_11) connected to a plurality of CMC inputs (P31_1-P31_11). For example, a wire (LN2_1) can provide a power path connecting a board input (P21_1) and a board output (P22_1). A battery voltage wire (LN2_VB) can connect a battery voltage board input (P21_VB) connected to a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB) to a battery voltage board output (P22_VB) connected to a battery voltage CMC input (P31_VB).

[0167] Since the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) exceeds the minimum number of series connections of the battery cells, k=6, and is less than the maximum number of series connections of the battery cells, N-1=10, among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), the lower battery terminals (P11_1-P11_8) corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) may be connected to the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode of at least one of the plurality of battery cells (101-108). The battery terminal (P11_1) may be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell (101). The battery terminal (P11_2) may be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (101) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (102). The battery terminal (P11_3) may be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (102) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (103). The battery terminal (P11_4) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (103) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (104). The battery terminal (P11_5) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (104) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (105). The battery terminal (P11_6) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (106). The battery terminal (P11_7) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (106) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (107). The battery terminal (P11_8) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (107) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (108). The battery terminal (P11_9) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (108).

[0168] Among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), the remaining battery terminals (P11_9-P11_11) except for the battery terminals (P11_1-P11_8) corresponding to the number of battery cells (101-108) may be connected to open wiring. The node between the positive electrode of the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the battery terminal (P11_9) and the node (ND_H) may be open.

[0169] Each of the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) (e.g., P11_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding board input terminal (e.g., P21_1) among the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11). Each of the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11) (e.g., P22_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding CMC input terminal (e.g., P31_1) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11). The plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) can receive signals indicating positive voltages and / or negative voltages of corresponding battery cells among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) from the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) via the branch board (200).

[0170] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which some of a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) in the battery system illustrated in FIG. 6 are turned on.

[0171] BMIC (310) can derive the module voltage of the battery module (100_3) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation.

[0172] Hereinafter, the operation of the BMIC (310) performing the first connection pattern determination operation will be described to determine the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3). The BMIC (310) can determine the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3) based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning off all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and then turning on one by one from the top switch (SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0173] When all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off and only one upper switch (SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned on, a power path connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) may not be formed. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can receive a voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​within the reference module voltage range from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in each state where only 0 to 1 of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on. When only two of the multiple switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, a power path connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), the two turned-on upper switches (SW_3, SW_4), and the multiple battery cells (101-108) can be formed. Therefore, the voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by the BMIC (310) when only two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on may exceed the reference module voltage range (e.g., 24 V applied from eight battery cells). Therefore, the BMIC (310) may determine the state in which only two upper switches (SW_3, SW_4) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3).

[0174] Hereinafter, the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3) as a second connection pattern determination operation. The BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3) based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning on all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and sequentially turning off one by one starting from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0175] When all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, a power path can be formed in which six lower battery cells (101-106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). The voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a state in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on can be a voltage value (for example, 18 V) supplied from the six lower battery cells (101-106). When only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off, a power path can be formed in which seven lower battery cells (101-107) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the remaining switches (SW_2-SW_4) except one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). When only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be a voltage value (for example, 21 V) supplied from the seven lower battery cells (101-107). When only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path can be formed in which the plurality of battery cells (101-108) and the remaining switches (SW_3, SW_4) except for the two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). The voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off can be a voltage value (for example, 24 V) supplied from the plurality of battery cells (101-108).

[0176] When only three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path connected from the plurality of battery cells (101-108) to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) may not be formed. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can receive a voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​within the reference module voltage range from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off.

[0177] In this case, the voltage value (e.g., 0 V) ​​that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off is smaller than the voltage value (e.g., 24 V) that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off. Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine the state in which only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3).

[0178] When only two lower switches (SW1, SW2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are closed, the battery system (100_3) can provide a power path including, in order, a plurality of battery cells (101-1087) from a node (ND_L), the remaining switches (SW_3, SW_4) except for two lower switches (SW1, SW2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4), a node (ND_H), a node (ND_VB), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB).

[0179] The BMIC (310) can transmit a voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3) to the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can determine the voltage value received from the BMIC (310) as the module voltage of the battery module (100_3).

[0180] The master BMS (400) can derive the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) based on the module voltage of the battery module (100_3). For example, if the module voltage of the battery module (100_3) is 24 V and a predetermined reference cell voltage value is 3 V, the master BMS (400) can determine the number n of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) as 24 / 3=8.

[0181] Additionally, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n1 of battery cells on the power path in the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3). For example, the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_3) may be n1=k+y=6+2=8 since two lower switches are in an off state.

[0182] In this case, since n and n1 are the same, the master BMS (400) can determine the connection pattern to correspond to the module voltage. The master BMS (400) can transmit a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC (310) to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) included in the battery module (100_3).

[0183] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) based on signals received from the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11).

[0184] The CMC input terminal (P31_1) can receive a signal indicating a negative voltage of the battery cell (101). The CMC input terminal (P31_2) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (101) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (102). The CMC input terminal (P31_3) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (102) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (103). The CMC input terminal (P31_4) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (103) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (104). The CMC input terminal (P31_5) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (104) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (105). The CMC input terminal (P31_6) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (106). The CMC input terminal (P31_7) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (106) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (107). The CMC input terminal (P31_8) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (107) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (108).

[0185] Among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11), each of the remaining CMC input terminals (P31_9-P31_11) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), excluding the CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_8) corresponding to the number of battery cells (101-108), can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the uppermost battery cell (108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-108).

[0186] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) based on a signal received from the CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_8) corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and a signal received from each of the battery voltage CMC input terminals (P31_VB).

[0187] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example in which a battery module (100_4) including battery cells connected in series with the maximum number of connections is connected to the CMC illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery system (1_4) may include a battery module (100_4), a branch board (200), a CMC (300), a master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) (not shown).

[0189] Below, in the description of the branch board (200), CMC (300), master BMS (400), and relays (501, 502) of the battery system (1_4), descriptions of parts that overlap with the previous descriptions may be omitted.

[0190] The battery module (100_4) may include a plurality of battery cells (101-110) connected in series, a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). Each of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) may be a single battery cell or may include two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 8, the CMC (300) may include a plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB), and the branch board (200) may include a plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11), a battery voltage board input terminal (P21_VB), a plurality of wirings (LN2_1-LN2_11), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), a plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11), a battery voltage board output terminal (P22_VB), and a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0192] Hereinafter, the node (ND_L) is connected to the negative pole of the lowest battery cell (101) among the plurality of battery cells (101-112), the node (ND_H) is connected to the uppermost battery terminal (P11_11) among the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11), and the node (ND_VB) is connected to the battery voltage terminal (P11_VB). The node (ND_L), the node (ND_H), and the node (ND_VB) may be nodes connected to a high voltage line connected to one end of the relay (501) and one end of the relay (502).

[0193] A plurality of wires (LN2_1-LN2_11) can provide a power path connecting a plurality of board inputs (P21_1-P21_11) connected to a plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) to a plurality of board outputs (P22_1-P22_11) connected to a plurality of CMC inputs (P31_1-P31_11). For example, a wire (LN2_1) can provide a power path connecting a board input (P21_1) and a board output (P22_1). A battery voltage wire (LN2_VB) can connect a battery voltage board input (P21_VB) connected to a battery voltage terminal (P11_VB) to a battery voltage board output (P22_VB) connected to a battery voltage CMC input (P31_VB).

[0194] Since the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) is equal to the maximum number of series connection of the battery cells, N-1=10, each of the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) can be connected to the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode of at least one of the plurality of battery cells (101-110). The battery terminal (P11_1) can be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell (101). The battery terminal (P11_2) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (101) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (102). The battery terminal (P11_3) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (102) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (103). The battery terminal (P11_4) can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell (103) and / or the negative electrode of the battery cell (104). The battery terminal (P11_5) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (104) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (105). The battery terminal (P11_6) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (106). The battery terminal (P11_7) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (106) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (107). The battery terminal (P11_8) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (107) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (108). The battery terminal (P11_9) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (108) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (109). The battery terminal (P11_10) may be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (109) and / or the negative pole of the battery cell (110). The battery terminal (P11_11) can be connected to the positive pole of the battery cell (110).

[0195] Each of the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) (e.g., P11_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding board input terminal (e.g., P21_1) among the plurality of board input terminals (P21_1-P21_11). Each of the plurality of board output terminals (P22_1-P22_11) (e.g., P22_1) can be electrically connected to a corresponding CMC input terminal (e.g., P31_1) among the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11). The plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) can receive signals indicating positive voltages and / or negative voltages of corresponding battery cells among the plurality of battery cells (101-110) from the plurality of battery terminals (P11_1-P11_11) via the branch board (200).

[0196] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a power path connected to a plurality of battery cells in a connection pattern in which all of the plurality of switches are turned off in the battery system illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0197] BMIC (310) can derive the module voltage of the battery module (100_4) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation.

[0198] Hereinafter, the BMIC (310) will be described as an operation for performing a first connection pattern determination operation to determine a connection pattern corresponding to a battery module (100_4). The BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to a battery module (100_4) based on a signal received from a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning off all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and then turning on one by one from the topmost switch (SW_4) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0199] When all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path connected from the multiple battery cells (101-110) to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be formed. Therefore, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off can be within the maximum module voltage range (e.g., 30 V). Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine the state in which all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4).

[0200] Hereinafter, the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4) as a second connection pattern determination operation. The BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4) based on a signal received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning on all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4) and sequentially turning off one by one starting from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_4).

[0201] When all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on, a power path can be formed in which six lower battery cells (101-106) among the plurality of battery cells (101-110) and the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). The voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a state in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned on can be a voltage value (for example, 18 V) supplied from the six lower battery cells (101-106).

[0202] When only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off, a power path can be formed in which seven lower battery cells (101-107) among the plurality of battery cells (101-110) and the remaining switches (SW_2-SW_4) except one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). When only one lower switch (SW_1) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) is turned off, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be a voltage value (for example, 21 V) supplied from the seven lower battery cells (101-107).

[0203] When only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path can be formed in which eight lower battery cells (101-108) among the plurality of battery cells (101-110) and the remaining switches (SW_3, SW_4) except two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). When only two lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be a voltage value (for example, 24 V) supplied from the eight lower battery cells (101-108).

[0204] When only three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, a power path can be formed in which nine lower battery cells (101-109) among the plurality of battery cells (101-110) and the remaining switches (SW_4) except for three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are connected to the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB). When only three lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, the voltage value that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can be a voltage value (for example, 27 V) supplied from the nine lower battery cells (101-109).

[0205] In this case, the voltage value (e.g., 30 V) that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only the four lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off is greater than the voltage value (e.g., 27 V) that the BMIC (310) receives from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) when only the three lower switches (SW_1, SW_2) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off, but the four lower switches (SW_1-SW_3) are all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4). Therefore, the BMIC (310) can determine the state in which all of the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_4) are turned off as the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4).

[0206] When all of the switches (SW_1-SW_4) are opened to the off state, the battery system (100_4) can provide a power path that sequentially includes a plurality of battery cells (101-1110), a node (ND_H), a node (ND_VB), a battery voltage wiring (LN2_VB), and a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) from a node (ND_L).

[0207] The BMIC (310) can transmit a voltage value received from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in a connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4) to the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can determine the voltage value received from the BMIC (310) as the module voltage of the battery module (100_4).

[0208] The master BMS (400) can derive the number of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) based on the module voltage of the battery module (100_4). For example, if the module voltage of the battery module (100_4) is 30 V and a predetermined reference cell voltage value is 3 V, the master BMS (400) can determine the number n of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) as 30 / 3=10.

[0209] Additionally, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n1 of battery cells on the power path in the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4). For example, since the connection pattern corresponding to the battery module (100_4) has four lower switches turned off, n1=k+y=6+4=10.

[0210] In this case, since n and n1 are the same, the master BMS (400) can determine the connection pattern to correspond to the module voltage. The master BMS (400) can transmit a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC (310) to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-108) included in the battery module (100_4).

[0211] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) based on signals received from the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11).

[0212] The CMC input terminal (P31_1) can receive a signal indicating a negative voltage of the battery cell (101). The CMC input terminal (P31_2) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (101) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (102). The CMC input terminal (P31_3) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (102) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (103). The CMC input terminal (P31_4) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (103) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (104). The CMC input terminal (P31_5) can receive a signal indicating a positive voltage of the battery cell (104) and / or a negative voltage of the battery cell (105). The CMC input terminal (P31_6) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (105) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (106). The CMC input terminal (P31_7) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (106) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (107). The CMC input terminal (P31_8) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (107) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (108). The CMC input terminal (P31_9) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (108) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (109). The CMC input terminal (P31_10) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (109) and / or the negative voltage of the battery cell (110). Each of the CMC input terminal (P31_11) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) can receive a signal indicating the positive voltage of the battery cell (110).

[0213] The BMIC (310) can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (101-110) based on signals received from each of the plurality of CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_11) and the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB).

[0214] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a battery system including a plurality of battery modules (1001-1003) and a plurality of CMCs (3010, 3020, 3030) according to one embodiment.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery system (3) may include a plurality of battery modules (1001-1003), a plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033), a plurality of CMCs (3010, 3020, 3030), and a master BMS (400). Each of the plurality of CMCs (3010, 3020, 3030) (e.g., 3010) may include a corresponding plurality of BMICs (e.g., 3111-3113) among the plurality of BMICs (3111-3113, 3121-3123, 3131-3133).

[0216] Each of the plurality of battery modules (1001-1003) may be an example of the battery modules (100, 100_1, 100_2) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. Each of the plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033) may be an example of the branch board (200) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. Each of the plurality of BMICs (3111-3113, 3121-3123, 3131-3133) may be an example of the BMIC (310) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0217] Each of the plurality of CMCs (3010, 3020, 3030) may be a different example from the CMC (300) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. In the following description of each of the plurality of CMCs (3010, 3020, 3030), any description that overlaps with the description of the CMC (300) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10 may be omitted. In addition, any description that overlaps with the above description of the master BMS (400) may be omitted.

[0218] Each of the plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033) (e.g., 2011) may correspond to a corresponding BMIC (e.g., 3111) among the plurality of BMICs (3111-3113, 3121-3123, 3131-3133). The maximum number of series connections of battery cells of each of the plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033) and the plurality of BMICs (3111-3113, 3121-3123, 3131-3133) is 15 (15S). In other words, the battery system (3) illustrated in FIG. 10 may be an example of the case where N=15 as described above. Accordingly, each of the plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033) may include 16 wires including 15 wires corresponding to 15 channels and a ground-side wire. The 16 wires of each (e.g., 2011) of the plurality of branch boards (2011-2013, 2021-2023, 2031-2033) may provide a power path connecting a corresponding battery module (1001) among the plurality of battery modules (1001-1003) to a corresponding BMIC (e.g., 3111) among the plurality of BMICs (3111-3113, 3121-3123, 3131-3133).

[0219] In the example of FIG. 10, the battery module (1001) may include x*28 battery cells, each of which has x parallel connections and 28 serial connections (xP28S). Here, x is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1001), the battery cells (xP9S) included in the top 9 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3111) via the branch board (2011). Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1001), the battery cells (xP9S) included in the top 9 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3112) via the branch board (2012) among the remaining cells excluding the battery cells connected to the branch board (2011). Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1001), the battery cells (xP10S) included in the lowest 10 series connections can be connected to the BMIC (3112) through the branch board (2012).

[0220] The branch board (2011) can short-circuit the top 7 wires, excluding the bottom 9 wires connected to the 9S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1001) to the BMIC (3111) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2011) and transmit the switch control command to the BMIC (3111). The BMIC (3111) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the 6 switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the switch control command to 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2011).

[0221] The branch board (2012) can short-circuit the top 7 wires, excluding the bottom 9 wires connected to the 9S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1001) to the BMIC (3112) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2012) and transmit the command to the BMIC (3112). The BMIC (3112) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and transmit a signal to 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2012) to determine the state in which the 6 switches are turned on as the connection pattern.

[0222] The branch board (2013) can short-circuit the top 6 wires, excluding the bottom 10 wires connected to the 10S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1001) to the BMIC (3113) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 5 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 6 wires of the branch board (2013) and transmit the switch control command to the BMIC (3113). The BMIC (3113) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the 5 switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the switch control command to 5 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 6 wires of the branch board (2013).

[0223] In the example of FIG. 10, the battery module (1002) may include x*36 battery cells, each of which has x parallel connections and 36 serial connections (xP36S). Here, x is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Among the x*36 battery cells included in the battery module (1002), the battery cells (xP12S) included in the uppermost 12 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3121) via the branch board (2021). Among the x*36 battery cells included in the battery module (1002), the battery cells (xP12S) included in the uppermost 12 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3122) via the branch board (2022) among the remaining cells excluding the battery cells connected to the branch board (2021). Among the x*36 battery cells included in the battery module (1002), the battery cells (xP12S) included in the lowest 12 series connections can be connected to the BMIC (3122) through the branch board (2022).

[0224] The branch board (2021) can short-circuit the top four wires, excluding the bottom twelve wires connected to the 12S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1002) to the BMIC (3121) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2021) and transmit the command to the BMIC (3121). The BMIC (3121) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the three switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the command to three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2021).

[0225] The branch board (2022) can short-circuit the top four wires, excluding the bottom twelve wires connected to the 12S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1002) to the BMIC (3122), through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2022) and transmit the command to the BMIC (3122). The BMIC (3122) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the three switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the command to the three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2022).

[0226] The branch board (2023) can short-circuit the top four wires, excluding the bottom twelve wires connected to the 12S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1002) to the BMIC (3123) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2023) and transmit the command to the BMIC (3123). The BMIC (3123) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the three switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the command to the three switches connected between two adjacent wires among the four wires at the top of the branch board (2023).

[0227] In the example of FIG. 10, the battery module (1003) may include x*28 battery cells, each of which has x parallel connections and 28 serial connections (xP29S). Here, x is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1003), the battery cells (xP9S) included in the top 9 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3131) via the branch board (2031). Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1003), the battery cells (xP9S) included in the top 9 serial connections may be connected to the BMIC (3132) via the branch board (2032) among the remaining cells excluding the battery cells connected to the branch board (2031). Among the x*28 battery cells included in the battery module (1003), the battery cells (xP10S) included in the lowest 10 series connections can be connected to the BMIC (3132) through the branch board (2032).

[0228] The branch board (2031) can short-circuit the top 7 wires, excluding the bottom 9 wires connected to the 9S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1003) to the BMIC (3131) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2031) and transmit the command to the BMIC (3131). The BMIC (3131) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and transmit the command to 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2031) to determine a state in which the 6 switches are turned on as a connection pattern.

[0229] The branch board (2032) can short-circuit the top 7 wires, excluding the bottom 9 wires connected to the 9S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1003) to the BMIC (3132) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2032) and transmit the switch control command to the BMIC (3132). The BMIC (3132) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and determine the state in which the 6 switches are turned on as the connection pattern by transmitting the switch control command to 6 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 7 wires of the branch board (2032).

[0230] The branch board (2033) can short-circuit the top 6 wires, excluding the bottom 10 wires connected to the 10S battery cells, among the 16 wires representing the 15 channels connected from the battery module (1003) to the BMIC (3133) through the first or second connection pattern determination operation. For example, the master BMS (400) can generate a switch control command to turn on 5 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 6 wires of the branch board (2033) and transmit the switch control command to the BMIC (3133). The BMIC (3133) can perform the first or second connection pattern determination operation and transmit the switch control command to 5 switches connected between two adjacent wires among the top 6 wires of the branch board (2033) to determine the state in which the 5 switches are turned on as the connection pattern.

[0231] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a CMC (300) and a master BMS (400) of the battery system illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery system (5) may include a battery module (100_5), a branch board (200_5), a CMC (300_5), and a master BMS (400). The battery module (100_5) is an example of the battery module (100) illustrated in FIG. 1, the branch board (200_5) is an example of the branch board (200) illustrated in FIG. 1, and the CMC (300_5) may be an example of the CMC (300) illustrated in FIG. 1. In the following, descriptions of the components of the battery system (5) that overlap with the previous descriptions may be omitted.

[0233] The battery module (100_5) may include four battery cells connected in series. In the battery module (100_5) illustrated in FIG. 7, the maximum number of battery cells connected in series, N-1, is 4, k is 3, and m is 1.

[0234] The branch board (200_5) may include a switch (SW5_1). The branch board (200_5) may further include elements such as resistors and capacitors to suit the characteristics of the switch (SW5_1).

[0235] The CMC (300_5) may include a BMIC (310_5), a plurality of elements, and an isolation (330). Here, the plurality of elements may include a plurality of capacitors (C0_1-C0_5, C1_1-C1_4, C2_1-C2_5), a plurality of resistors (R), a plurality of balancing resistors (BR), a plurality of beads, a TVS element (TVS), and a CMC switch (SW_CMC).

[0236] A plurality of capacitors (C0_1-C0_5) can prevent ESD (Electro-static Discharge) damage to the battery module (100). A plurality of capacitors (C1_1-C1_4, C2_1-C2_5), a plurality of resistors (R), and a plurality of beads can filter noise from a signal received from the battery module (100_5). A plurality of balancing resistors (BR) can perform cell balancing operation for four battery cells included in the battery module (100_5).

[0237] The master BMS (400) may include a main control unit (MCU) (410), a bridge integrated circuit (Bridge IC) (420), and an isolation (430). The isolation (330) and the isolation (430) may be elements for isolating the CMC (300_5) and the master BMS (400). When the BMIC (310_5) is driven by receiving a signal from the master BMS (400), the BMIC (310_5) may receive a command from the master BMS (400) through an ISO-SPI (Isolated SPI) interface. However, this is just one example and the invention is not limited thereto. The communication method may vary depending on the battery system.

[0238] BMIC (310_5) may include multiple terminals. Each of the terminals (CV0-CV4) among the multiple terminals illustrated in FIG. 7 (e.g., CV0) may be a terminal connected to a corresponding CMC input terminal (e.g., P31_1) among the multiple CMC input terminals (P31_1-P31_N) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0239] The BMIC (310_5) can measure the module voltage of the battery module (100_5) through the terminal (VBAT) and transmit it to the master BMS (400). When the BMIC (310_5) wakes up or receives a module voltage check command from the master BMS (400), the BMIC (310_5) can trigger all of the switches (SW5_1, SW5_2) to the off state to measure the module voltage of the battery module (100_5). The MCU (410) can transmit a module voltage check command of the battery module (100_5) to the BMIC (310_5) if necessary.

[0240] The MCU (410) can generate a switch control command based on the module voltage received from the BMIC (310_5) and transmit it to the BMIC (310_5). The BMIC (310_5) can generate a plurality of switch control signals based on the switch control command received from the master BMS (400). The BMIC (310_5) can transmit the generated switch control signal to the switch (SW5_1) to control the switching operation of the switch (SW5_1).

[0241] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method for commonizing a battery management system according to one embodiment.

[0242] Hereinafter, in the description of the battery system (1, 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 3, 5), the description of the overlapping parts with the previous description may be omitted. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, each step of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 will be described based on the battery system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 12, the BMIC (310) can control the switching operation of each of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S100). According to one embodiment, the BMIC (310) can perform a first or second connection pattern determination operation.

[0244] BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern based on a voltage value received from a battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) while controlling the switching operation of each of a plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S200).

[0245] Fig. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the first connection pattern determination operation among the S200 steps illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0246] Below, in the description of the battery system (1, 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 3, 5), any part that overlaps with the previous description may be omitted.

[0247] Step S200 illustrated in FIG. 12 may include steps S211 to S216 illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0248] Referring to Fig. 13, the BMIC (310) can turn off all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S210). The BMIC (310) can perform the steps described below by incrementing the x value by one using x=1 as initial information.

[0249] BMIC (310) can receive a first voltage value from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) while turning on only x-1 upper switches (SW_(m-(x-1))-SW_m) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S212).

[0250] Following step S212, the BMIC (310) can receive a second voltage value from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) by turning on only x upper switches (SW_(mx)-SW_m) from the uppermost switch (SW_m) among the plurality of switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S213).

[0251] BMIC (310) can determine whether the first voltage value is within the pre-stored reference module voltage range and whether the second voltage value is outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range (S214).

[0252] At step S214, if it is determined that the first voltage value is outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range and the second voltage value is within the pre-stored reference module voltage range (yes at S214), the BMIC (310) can determine a state in which only x upper switches (SW_(mx)-SW_m) are turned on as a connection pattern (S215).

[0253] In step S214, if it is determined that the first voltage value does not fall outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range or that the second voltage value falls outside the pre-stored reference module voltage range (No in S214), the BMIC (310) may increase the x value by one (S216). After step S216, the BMIC (310) may perform step S211.

[0254] Fig. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the second connection pattern determination operation among the S200 steps illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0255] Below, in the description of the battery system (1, 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 3, 5), any part that overlaps with the previous description may be omitted.

[0256] Step S200 illustrated in FIG. 14 may include steps S221 to S226 illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0257] Referring to Fig. 14, the BMIC (310) can turn on all of the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S221). The BMIC (310) can perform the steps described below by incrementing the y value one by one with y=0 as the initial information.

[0258] BMIC (310) can receive a third voltage value from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) while turning off only y lower switches (SW_1-SW_y) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) (S222).

[0259] BMIC (310) can receive the fourth voltage value in a state where only y+1 lower switches (SW_1-SW_(y+1)) from the lowest switch (SW_1) among the multiple switches (SW_1-SW_m) are turned off (S223).

[0260] BMIC (310) can determine whether the fourth voltage value is lower than the third voltage value (S224).

[0261] At step S224, if it is determined that the fourth voltage value is lower than the third voltage value (yes in S224), the BMIC (310) can determine a connection pattern in which only the y lower switches (SW_1-SW_y) are turned off (S225).

[0262] In step S224, if it is determined that the fourth voltage value is greater than or equal to the third voltage value (NO in S224), the BMIC (310) may increase the y value by one (S226). After step S226, the BMIC (310) may perform step S221.

[0263] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method in which an operation for verifying a connection pattern is added to the method illustrated in Figure 12.

[0264] Below, in the description of the battery system (1, 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 3, 5), any part that overlaps with the previous description may be omitted.

[0265] Steps S100 and S200 illustrated in FIG. 15 may be identical to steps S100 and S200 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0266] Following step S200, when the BMIC (310) determines a connection pattern, it can receive a voltage value in the connection pattern from the battery voltage CMC input terminal (P31_VB) in the connection pattern and transmit it to the master BMS (400). The master BMS (400) can determine the module voltage of the battery module (100) based on the voltage value in the connection pattern received from the BMIC (310) (S300).

[0267] Following step S300, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n of multiple battery cells connected in series in the battery module (100) based on the module voltage (S400).

[0268] Following step S300, the master BMS (400) can derive the number n1 of battery cells on the power path in the connection pattern (S500).

[0269] Following steps S400 and S500, the master BMS (400) can compare n and n1 and, based on the comparison result, determine whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage (S600).

[0270] As described above, the battery system according to the present invention provides a battery system and a battery management system commonization method that can be commonly applied to modules having different numbers of serially connected battery cells included in the battery module, for example.

[0271] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration that implements a control device (320) included in a CMC (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0272] A control device (320) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU (322), a memory (324), a communication I / F (326), and an input / output I / F (328). The MCU (322) is a micro controller unit that executes various programs stored in the memory (324), processes various data used in these programs, and is a processor that performs the functions of the control device (320).

[0273] The memory (324) can store operation data of various programs related to the operation of the secondary battery system for the operation of the control device (320). A plurality of such memories (324) may be provided as needed. The memory (324) may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. As a volatile memory, the memory (324) may be a RAM, a DRAM, an SRAM, etc. As a non-volatile memory, the memory (324) may be a ROM, a PROM, an EAROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, etc. The examples of the memories (324) listed above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0274] The communication I / F (326) is a configuration capable of transmitting and receiving various data with the server, and may be various devices capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, a program or various data for the operation of the control device (320) may be transmitted and received from a separately provided external server via wired or wireless communication via the communication I / F (326). The input / output I / F (328) may provide an interface that connects an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, an output device such as a display (not shown), and an MCU (322) to transmit and receive data.

[0275] Fig. 17 is an electric vehicle (500) equipped with a battery system (1) including a battery system according to the present invention.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 17, an electric vehicle (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery system (1) may be a battery pack or a module. The electric vehicle (500) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle, and operates by receiving power from a battery system (1) including a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0277] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series; A cell monitor controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals, a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which the positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, and a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) that monitors the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells based on signals received from the plurality of input terminals; and A branch board including a plurality of wires that provide a power path connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a plurality of switches having one end connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of the two wires, and performing a switching operation in a connection pattern determined under the control of the BMIC, A battery system wherein each of the plurality of battery cells is connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals.

2. In paragraph 1, Among the plurality of battery terminals, a reference battery terminal connected to the positive electrode of the kth battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is electrically connected to a reference wire among the plurality of wires, One end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom among the plurality of battery cells is connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of lower wires based on the reference wire among the plurality of wires and the reference wire among the plurality of wires, and the other end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom is connected to the other of the two wires, Each of the plurality of switches has one end connected to one of the two adjacent wires among the plurality of upper wires based on the reference wire among the plurality of wires and the reference wire among the plurality of wires, and the other end connected to the other of the two adjacent wires. The above k is, The number of battery cells connected to the battery terminals to which the plurality of switches are not connected among the plurality of battery terminals is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Battery system.

3. In paragraph 2, The maximum number of battery cells in series for which the above BMIC can monitor cell voltage is N-1, The above BMIC is, The connection pattern is determined based on the voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while controlling the switching operation of each of the plurality of switches, The number of the above multiple switches is m, The above m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than the above N, The above N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, Battery system.

4. In paragraph 3, The above BMIC is, After all of the above switches are turned off, the switches are sequentially turned on one by one starting from the topmost switch among the above switches, and if the first voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in a state where only x-1 of the above switches are turned on is within the previously stored reference module voltage range, and the second voltage value received in a state where only x of the above switches are turned on is outside the reference module voltage range, the state where only the x of the above switches are turned on is determined as the connection pattern, The above x is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m, Battery system.

5. In paragraph 3, The above BMIC is, After turning on all of the above switches, sequentially turning them off one by one starting from the lowest switch among the above switches, if the fourth voltage value received in a state where only y+1 lower switches among the above switches are turned off is smaller than the third voltage value received in a state where only y lower switches from the lowest switch among the above switches are turned off from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC, the state where only the y lower switches are turned off is determined as the connection pattern, The above y is the largest integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m, Battery system.

6. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a master battery management system (BMS, Battery Management System) that receives a voltage value in the connection pattern from the BMIC that receives a voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in the connection pattern, determines the voltage value in the connection pattern as the module voltage of the battery module, and verifies the connection pattern based on the module voltage. Battery system.

7. In paragraph 6, The above master BMS is, Based on the module voltage, the number n of the plurality of battery cells is derived, the number n1 of battery cells on the power path of the connection pattern is derived, and based on the result of comparing n and n1, it is determined whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage. Each of the above n and n1 is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, Battery system.

8. In paragraph 7, The above master BMS is, If it is determined that the above connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage, a cell voltage monitoring command is transmitted to the BMIC to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells. Battery system.

9. In paragraph 7, The above master BMS is, If it is determined that the above connection pattern does not correspond to the above module voltage, commanding the BMIC to re-determine the connection pattern; Battery system.

10. A method for commonizing a battery management system of a battery system, comprising a battery module including a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a cell monitor controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals and a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, a plurality of wires providing a power path connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a branch board including a plurality of switches each having one end connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of the two wires, A step of controlling the switching operation of the plurality of switches; and A step of determining a connection pattern of the plurality of switches based on a voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC, Each of the plurality of battery cells is connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals, How to manage the battery system.

11. In paragraph 10, Among the plurality of battery terminals, a reference battery terminal connected to the positive electrode of the kth battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is electrically connected to a reference wire among the plurality of wires, One end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom among the plurality of battery cells is connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of lower wires based on the reference wire among the plurality of wires and the reference wire among the plurality of wires, and the other end of each of the k battery cells at the bottom is connected to the other of the two wires, Each of the plurality of switches has one end connected to one of the two adjacent wires among the plurality of upper wires based on the reference wire among the plurality of wires and the reference wire among the plurality of wires, and the other end connected to the other of the two adjacent wires. The above k is, The number of battery cells connected to the battery terminals to which the plurality of switches are not connected among the plurality of battery terminals is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. How to manage the battery system.

12. In paragraph 11, The maximum number of series connections of battery cells for which the BMIC included in the above CMC can monitor cell voltage is N-1, The number of the above multiple switches is m, The above m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 and less than the above N, The above N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, How to manage the battery system.

13. In paragraph 12, A step of turning off all of the above switches; A step of receiving a first voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while turning on only x-1 upper switches among the plurality of switches; A step of receiving a second voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while turning on only x upper switches among the plurality of switches; and If the first voltage value is within the previously stored reference module voltage range and the second voltage value is outside the reference module voltage range, the step of determining a state in which only the x upper switches are turned on is further included in the connection pattern. The above x is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m, How to manage the battery system.

14. In paragraph 12, A step of turning on all of the above multiple switches; A step of receiving a third voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while turning off only y lower switches among the plurality of switches; A step of receiving a fourth voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC while turning off only the y+1 lower switches from the lowest switches among the plurality of switches; and If the fourth voltage value is lower than the third voltage value, the step of determining a state in which only the y lower switches are turned off is further included in the connection pattern. The above y is the largest integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to m, How to manage the battery system 15. In paragraph 12, A step of receiving a voltage value in the connection pattern from the BMIC, which receives a voltage value from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC in the connection pattern; A step of determining a voltage value in the above connection pattern as the module voltage of the battery module; and Further comprising a step of verifying the connection pattern based on the module voltage. How to manage the battery system.

16. In paragraph 15, A step of deriving the number n of the plurality of battery cells based on the module voltage; A step of deriving the number n1 of battery cells on the power path of the above connection pattern; and Further comprising a step of determining whether the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage based on the result of comparing the above n and the above n1, Each of the above n and n1 is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, How to manage the battery system.

17. In paragraph 16, If it is determined that the connection pattern corresponds to the module voltage, further comprising the step of transmitting a cell voltage monitoring command to the BMIC to derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells. How to manage the battery system.

18. In paragraph 16, If it is determined that the connection pattern does not correspond to the module voltage, further comprising a step of commanding the BMIC to re-determine the connection pattern. How to manage the battery system.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, A method for commonizing a battery management system of a battery system, comprising a battery module including a plurality of battery terminals and a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a cell monitor controller (CMC) including a plurality of input terminals and a battery voltage input terminal connected to a node on a wiring to which positive electrodes of the battery module are connected, a plurality of wires providing a power path connecting between the plurality of battery terminals and the plurality of input terminals of the CMC, and a branch board including a plurality of switches each having one end connected to one of two adjacent wires included in the plurality of wires and the other end connected to the other of the two wires, A step of controlling the switching operation of the plurality of switches; and A step of determining a connection pattern of the plurality of switches based on a voltage value received from the battery voltage input terminal of the CMC, A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions for causing the processor to perform an operation including a method for managing a battery system, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells is connected between two corresponding adjacent terminals among the plurality of battery terminals.

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