Battery diagnostic system comprising battery management system

Abstract

This battery module may comprise: a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller and a second cell controller; a master battery management system (BMS); and a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS. The first cell controller may include a first switch circuit and a first resistor. The second cell controller may include a second switch circuit and a second resistor. The master BMS may be configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit to the first cell controller or the second cell controller via the bus bar on the basis of a first voltage of the first battery cell and a second voltage of the second battery cell.

Description

Battery diagnostic system including battery management system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a battery management system.

[0002] A battery module may be composed of multiple electrically connected battery cells. The multiple battery cells may be connected in series and / or parallel. When charging or discharging the battery module, each of the multiple battery cells may be charged or discharged at different rates. Cell balancing may be necessary to reduce the lifespan and performance degradation of the battery module.

[0003] A battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the status of a plurality of battery cells. The BMS may monitor (or diagnose) the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module and transmit and / or receive data signals to and from the plurality of battery cells to control the operation of the battery cells.

[0004] A battery module is disclosed. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller included in a first battery cell and a second cell controller included in a second battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS. The first cell controller may include a first resistor and a first switch circuit configured to electrically connect the first resistor to the first battery cell. The second cell controller may include a second resistor and a second switch circuit configured to electrically connect the second resistor to the second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to receive, through the bus bar, first information indicating a first voltage of the first battery cell from the first cell controller and second information indicating a second voltage of the second battery cell from the second cell controller. The master BMS may be configured to transmit, through the bus bar, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit to the first cell controller or the second cell controller based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0005] A battery module is disclosed. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a third battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS, and a plurality of cell controllers configured to transmit a signal including a numeric value indicating a state of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the bus bar. The plurality of cell controllers may include a first cell controller electrically connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell and configured to transmit first information indicating first voltages of the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar, and a second cell controller connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell and configured to transmit second information indicating second voltages of the second battery cell and the third battery cell from the second cell controller to the master BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may include a first resistor and a first switch circuit configured to electrically connect the first resistor to the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The second cell controller may include a second resistor and a second switch circuit configured to electrically connect the second resistor to the second battery cell and the third battery cell.The master BMS may be configured to receive the first information from the first cell controller through the bus bar, receive the second information from the second cell controller through the bus bar, and transmit a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit based on the first voltage and the second voltage to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a battery module may omit a wire harness. The battery module may transmit and / or receive data and / or signals using a bus bar. By omitting the wire harness, the battery module can be miniaturized, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and damage to the battery module due to short circuits in the wire harnesses can be reduced.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a battery module can perform cell balancing of a plurality of battery cells through a cell controller. Alternatively, the battery module may include a single cell controller electrically connected to two or more battery cells. Since the cell controller can manage two or more battery cells in an integrated manner, the total number of cell controllers is reduced, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the battery module and simplify the structure of the battery module. In addition, since the cell controller is not placed inside the battery cell but can be connected to the outside of the battery cells, the cell controller can be connected post-manufactured after the battery cell is manufactured.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a master BMS according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data packet of a signal transmitted and received through a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a data signal transmission and reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a battery module according to a comparative example.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is closed.

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is in an open state.

[0018] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is closed.

[0020] Figure 13 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is in an open state.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of operation between a master BMS and multiple cell controllers of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figures 15 and 16 are simplified block diagrams of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17a shows a battery module before multiple cell controllers are connected.

[0024] Figure 17b schematically shows a state in which multiple cell controllers are connected to the battery module of Figure 17a.

[0025] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is closed.

[0027] Figure 20 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is in an open state.

[0028] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 22 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is in an open state.

[0030] Figure 23 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is closed.

[0031] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (120) connected in series with each other and a master battery management system (BMS) (110) operatively coupled to the plurality of battery cells (120). The plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other to form the battery module (100). Although not shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator, thereby operating as a driving source of the load. Hereinafter, a circuit described may mean a circuit including circuit elements that are interconnected to provide a specific function.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other. Referring to FIG. 1, a first battery cell (120-1) may be connected to a master BMS (110). A second battery cell (120-2) may be connected to the first battery cell (120-2). A third battery cell (120-3) may be connected to the second battery cell (120-2). According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) to the n-th battery cell (120-n) may be sequentially connected in series in a first direction (D1). For example, a negative terminal of the first battery cell (120-1) and a positive terminal of the second battery cell (120-2) may be electrically connected. A negative terminal of the second battery cell (120-2) and a positive terminal of the third battery cell (120-3) may be electrically connected. When a plurality of battery cells (120) are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system can be set as the sum of each of the battery cells (120) that constitute the plurality of battery cells (120). In FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells (120) are illustrated as being arranged in the first direction (D1), but this is only for explaining the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells (120) and is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of battery cells (120) can be assembled by being stacked on each other to form a battery module (100).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery cells (120). According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to communicate with the plurality of cell controllers (200) of the plurality of battery cells (120) through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (740) of FIG. 7) for connecting the plurality of battery cells (120) without a separate wire harness. The master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) through the bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information regarding the voltage and / or current of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) through the bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information about the state of each of the plurality of battery cells (120), such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and temperature, through the bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for requesting charging and / or discharging of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) to the plurality of cell controllers (200) disposed within the plurality of battery cells (120) through the bus bar.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may include a plurality of cell controllers (200) disposed in each of the battery cells (120) to collect information regarding the status of the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, a first battery cell (120-1) may include a first cell controller (200-1) disposed within the first battery cell (120-1). A second battery cell (120-2) may include a second cell controller (200-2) disposed within the second battery cell (120-2). For example, the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be disposed on power lines within the plurality of battery cells (120). The plurality of cell controllers (200) may be configured to transmit and / or receive data using the power lines as a transmission medium. According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (120) may transmit a signal including information about their respective states to a master BMS (110) using a plurality of cell controllers (200). The master BMS (110) may transmit a signal for requesting an operation of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) and / or a signal for requesting information about the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) using the plurality of cell controllers (200). According to one embodiment,

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the master BMS (110) may include a communication circuit (111), a charge / discharge control circuit (112), a monitoring circuit (113), a notification circuit (114), and a master memory (115).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (111) can transmit and / or receive signals through a bus bar and a cell communication module (125) of a plurality of battery cells (120). The communication circuit (111) can be connected to a power line for transmitting data signals and supplying power to the battery cells (120).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit (112) can control charging and / or discharging of a plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the charge / discharge control circuit (112) can perform a function of monitoring the voltage and state of charge (SOC) of a secondary battery (e.g., a secondary battery (121) of FIG. 3) within the plurality of battery cells (120), a function of controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells (120), and a function of preventing overcharging and overdischarging.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit (113) may be configured to monitor the status of a plurality of battery cells (120). When an abnormality occurs, the monitoring circuit (113) may notify the notification circuit (114) of an abnormality in the battery cells (120). For example, the notification circuit (114) may be connected to a display that transmits a visual signal, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, the notification circuit (114) may be connected to a speaker that transmits an auditory signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the master memory (115) may be configured to store various information regarding the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the master memory (115) may store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the master memory (115) may store an ID table of the battery cells (120) described below. For example, the master memory (115) may store information regarding the charge / discharge records, charge capacity, and remaining lifespan of the battery cells (120). The master memory (115) may be configured to store history information regarding the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0042] According to one embodiment, an ID may be assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells (120). A signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) and a signal transmitted from the battery cells (120) may include information regarding the ID assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells (120). According to one embodiment, when a signal is received from the master BMS (110) to the plurality of cell controllers (200), the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be configured to identify information regarding the ID included in the signal. The plurality of cell controllers (200) may be configured to identify a battery cell that is a receiving target of a signal received from the master BMS (110) based on the information regarding the identified ID.

[0043] For example, when the master BMS (110) transmits a signal to request a designated operation to the third battery cell (120-3), the master BMS (110) may transmit a signal including information about an ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3) to the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) disposed in the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to receive the signal and identify information about the ID included in the signal. The first cell controller (200-1) may identify that the information about the ID included in the signal does not match the information about the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), and based on the identification, transmit the signal to the second battery cell (120-2). A second cell controller (200-2) disposed within a second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to receive the signal and identify information regarding an ID included in the signal. The second cell controller (200-2) may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal does not match the information regarding the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2), and based on the identification, may transmit the signal to a third battery cell (120-3). A third cell controller (200-3) disposed within a third battery cell (120-3) may be configured to receive the signal and identify information regarding the ID included in the signal. The third cell controller (200-3) may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal matches the information regarding the ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3), and based on the identification, may identify a designated operation included in the signal. The third cell controller (200-3) may be configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to the specified operation in order to perform the specified operation.

[0044] For example, when a signal including information about the status of a first battery cell (120-1) is transmitted to a master BMS (110), the master BMS (110) can identify that the signal is about the first battery cell (120-1) through information about the ID included in the signal. For example, when a plurality of battery cells (120) receive a signal including information about a charge and / or discharge signal of the first battery cell (120-1), the plurality of battery cells (120) can identify that the signal is about the first battery cell (120-1) through information about the ID included in the signal.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the battery module (100) can perform communication through a bus bar connecting a plurality of battery cells (120), so that the design for transmitting and / or receiving communication between the master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be simplified.

[0046] According to one embodiment, when the master BMS (110) transmits a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2)), the signal may be transmitted through a battery cell other than the battery cell that is the receiving target of the signal (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2)). In addition, when a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2)) transmits a signal to the master BMS (110), the signal may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) through at least one other battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1)).

[0047] For example, when the master BMS (110) transmits a signal requesting information about the status of the third battery cell (120-3) to the third battery cell (120-3), the master BMS (110) can transmit a signal (S01) to the first battery cell (120-1) connected to the master BMS (110). The signal (S01) can be transmitted in the first direction (D1). After being transmitted to the first battery cell (120-1) connected to the master BMS (110), the signal (S01) can be changed into a signal (S12) transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the second battery cell (120-2). A signal (S12) transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the second battery cell (120-2) may be changed to a signal (S23) transmitted from the second battery cell (120-2) to the third battery cell (120-3) after being transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2).

[0048] For example, when the third battery cell (120-3) transmits a signal including information about the status of the third battery cell (120-3) to the master BMS (110), the signal may be transmitted in the second direction (D2). The signal (S32) transmitted from the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2) may be transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2). The signal (S32) transmitted from the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2) may be changed to a signal (S21) transmitted from the second battery cell (120-2) to the first battery cell (120-1) after being transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2). A signal (S21) transmitted from a second battery cell (120-2) to a first battery cell (120-1) may be changed to a signal (S10) transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to a master BMS (110) after being transmitted to the first battery cell (120-1). The master BMS (110) may receive the signal (S10) and obtain information about the status of the third battery cell included in the signal (S10).

[0049] When a signal sequentially passes through battery cells (120), the signal strength may be reduced due to the impedance (e.g., resistance within the battery cell) within the battery cells (120). Since the signal strength is reduced each time the signal passes through battery cells (120), it is necessary to maintain the signal strength when transmitting a signal through multiple battery cells (120). In addition, since signal collision may occur when the signal is transmitted in different directions, it is necessary to set the directionality of the signal transmission.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment. The components described below for the first battery cell (120-1) can be equally applied to other battery cells.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the first battery cell (120-1) may include a secondary battery (121), a protection circuit (123), and a first cell controller (200-1).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery (121) can store electrical energy. The secondary battery (121) is a secondary battery that can be charged with electrical energy and discharge the charged electrical energy, and may include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator, and an electrolyte. The secondary battery (121) may be referred to as an electrode assembly. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) may include at least one secondary battery (121).

[0053] According to one embodiment, a protection circuit (e.g., a protection circuit module (PCM)) (123) is a protection circuit of a secondary battery (121) that can prevent over-discharge, over-charge, and over-current of the secondary battery (121). Over-charging of the secondary battery (121) can cause internal overheating and swelling, thereby damaging the secondary battery (121). Over-discharging of the secondary battery (121) can damage electrodes, thereby causing a failure of the secondary battery (121). In order to prevent damage and / or failure of the secondary battery (121), the protection circuit (123) can cut off a charging circuit in response to identifying that the voltage of the secondary battery (121) has reached a charge limit voltage, and can cut off a discharge circuit in response to identifying that the voltage of the secondary battery (121) has reached a discharge limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (123) can obtain information about the status of the secondary battery (121) and provide the obtained information to the first cell controller (200-1).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may be connected between the protection circuit (123) and the secondary battery (121) and configured to receive a signal from the master BMS (110) or transmit a signal from the master BMS (110). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be connected to a power line within the first battery cell (120-1), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) can obtain information about the state of the secondary battery (121) from the protection circuit (123). For example, the information about the state of the secondary battery (121) may include, but is not limited to, information about the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery (121). The first cell controller (200-1) may be electrically coupled to the protection circuit (123) and may receive information about the state of the secondary battery (121) from the protection circuit (123). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit the received information about the state of the secondary battery (121) to the master BMS (110).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may receive a signal from the master BMS (110) through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (740) of FIG. 7). When a signal is received from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (200-1), the signal may be transmitted through a plurality of battery cells (e.g., a plurality of battery cells (120) of FIG. 1) that are connected to each other, and thus the strength of the signal may be reduced. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the third battery cell (120-3), the signal may pass through the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to be transmitted to the third battery cell (120-3). When a signal is transmitted, the strength of the signal may be reduced by the impedance inside the first battery cell (120-1) and the impedance inside the second battery cell (120-2).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) can identify whether the target of the signal received from the master BMS (110) is the first battery cell (120-1). The signal can include information about a target ID, which is information about the ID of the first battery cell (120-1) that is the target of receiving the signal. The first cell controller (200-1) can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS (110) with the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). In response to identifying that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (200-1) can perform an operation corresponding to the signal. The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to amplify a signal in response to identifying that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), and then transmit the signal to a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2) of FIG. 1) connected to the first battery cell (120-1).

[0058] For example, when a signal requesting information about the status of the first battery cell (120-1) is transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) connected in series to the master BMS (110) can receive the signal. The signal can include information about a target ID set as an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can identify the target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). If it is determined that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to generate a signal including information about the status of the first battery cell (120-1) and transmit the generated signal to the master BMS (110).

[0059] For example, when a signal requesting information about the status of the second battery cell (120-2) is transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the second battery cell (120-2), the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) connected in series to the master BMS (110) can receive the signal. The first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can identify a target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). When determining that the identified target ID does not correspond to an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (200-1) can be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell (120-2) connected in series to the first battery cell (120-1). A second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller (200-2) of FIG. 1) of a second battery cell (120-2) may generate a signal including information regarding the status of the second battery cell (120-2) in response to identifying that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to an ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the generated signal to the master BMS (110).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the first cell controller (200-1) may include a microprocessor (201) for controlling transmission and / or reception of a signal, an amplifier circuit (202) for amplifying a signal transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor (201), and a switch (SW) for controlling a transmission path of the signal.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted and / or received by the first cell controller (200-1) may be amplified through an amplifier circuit (202) and then transmitted and / or received. When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller (200-1), the switch (SW) may be closed to allow the signal to be received by the microprocessor (201), thereby providing a reception path for the signal. When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1), the switch (SW) may be closed to allow the signal to be transmitted from the microprocessor (201), thereby providing a transmission path for the signal.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may be connected between the protection circuit (123) and the secondary battery (121). Referring to FIG. 3, the first cell controller (200-1) may include a first terminal (125a) connected to the positive tab (121a) of the secondary battery (121) and the first terminal (123a) of the protection circuit (123), and a second terminal (125b) connected to the negative tab (121b) of the secondary battery (121) and the second terminal (123b) of the protection circuit (123). A signal transmitted to the first battery cell (120-1) may be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1) via the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can identify a signal received from the master BMS (110) based on the potential difference (V2-V1) between the second stage (125b) of the first cell controller (200-1) and the first stage (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) can detect the potential (V2) of the second stage (125b) of the first cell controller (200-1) and the potential (V1) of the first stage (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1), identify a signal based on the potential difference (V2-V1), and receive and / or transmit the signal.

[0063] According to one embodiment, if the target ID included in the received signal does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (200-1) may apply an amplified signal to the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1) to transmit the signal to the second battery cell (120-2). The amplified signal applied to the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1) may be transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2) via the secondary battery (121). Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell (120-1), since the signal is amplified at the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1), the signal may maintain a constant intensity while passing through the plurality of battery cells (120) that are connected to each other.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a battery module (100) simplifies the structure of transmitting and / or receiving communication signals between battery cells by a plurality of battery cells (120) connected to each other, and maintains the strength of signals using a plurality of cell controllers (200) while ensuring stability of power supply.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data packet of a signal transmitted and received through a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0066] A signal transmitted and received through a plurality of cell controllers (200) of a battery module (e.g., a battery module (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment may include information for setting directionality. Referring to FIG. 4, a data packet (300) of the signal may include information regarding a start of header (SOH) (301), a direction of signal transmission (DIR) (302), a target ID (TAR_ID) (303), a transmit ID (TX_ID) (304), a string length (LEN) (305), a command (CMD) (306) indicating an actual operation command, a payload (307) which is data to be transmitted, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) (308) for checking errors. For example, when the DIR (302) is 0, the transmission direction of the signal may be the first direction of FIG. 1 (e.g., the first direction (D1) of FIG. 1), and when the DIR (302) is 1, the transmission direction of the signal may be the second direction of FIG. 1 (e.g., the second direction (D2) of FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The TX_ID (304) represents an ID assigned to a battery management system (e.g., a master BMS (110) of FIG. 1) or a plurality of battery cells (e.g., a plurality of battery cells (120) of FIG. 1) that transmitted the corresponding signal. The TAR_ID (303) may represent an ID assigned to a master BMS (110) or a plurality of battery cells (120) that will receive the corresponding signal.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the CMD (306) included in the data packet (300) may include information related to a specific operation. Referring to FIG. 4, the CMD (306) may include a packet (306a) including information for requesting assignment of an ID to each of the plurality of battery cells (120), and a packet (306b) including information for requesting reset of an ID preassigned to the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the plurality of battery cells (120) may transmit a data signal with 1 input in the packet (306a) to the master BMS (110) to request assignment of an ID. In addition to the above-described packets (306a and 206b), the CMD (306) may include a packet (306c) including various information. For example, the master BMS (110) may transmit a data signal including information requesting information about the status of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1) of FIG. 1) to the first battery cell (120-1). In response to receiving the data signal, the first battery cell (120-1) may transmit information about the status of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110).

[0068] According to one embodiment, when a signal is transmitted to one of the plurality of battery cells (120), a cell controller disposed on the one of the plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers (200) of FIG. 1) may compare the DIR (302) with an ID assigned to the one of the battery cells.

[0069] For example, when DIR (302) is 0, the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) does not match the TAR_ID (303), and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to the TAR_ID (303) is located in the first direction (D1) relative to the battery cell having the ID corresponding to the TX_ID (304), the second cell controller (200-2) may ignore the received signal. Since the above-described example is a case where the signal is erroneously transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller (200-2) may ignore the received signal.

[0070] For example, when DIR (302) is 1, the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) does not match the TAR_ID (303), and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to the TAR_ID (303) is located in the second direction (D2) relative to the battery cell having the ID corresponding to the TX_ID (304), the second cell controller (200-2) can transmit a signal in the second direction (D2). As described above, the second cell controller (200-2) can amplify the signal and then transmit it. Since the above-described example is a case where the signal is transmitted in the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller (200-2) can amplify the signal and then transmit it in the second direction (D2) so that the received signal can be transmitted to the battery cell having the ID matching the TAR_ID (303). The signal can be transmitted sequentially to a battery cell whose ID matches TAR_ID (303), and an operation corresponding to the signal can be performed in the corresponding battery cell.

[0071] For example, if the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) matches the TAR_ID (303), the second cell controller (200-2) can perform a designated operation based on the CMD (306) included in the data packet (300) of the signal.

[0072] According to one embodiment, in a battery module (100) including a plurality of battery cells (120) connected to each other, signal transmission and reception between a master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be smoothly performed. Through a signal including information about the signal transmission direction and target ID, the battery module (100) according to one embodiment can prevent signal collision due to serial connection.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a data signal transmission and reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0074] The operation illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed assuming that IDs are sequentially assigned to a plurality of battery cells (120) connected in series to the master BMS (110). The operation illustrated in FIG. 5 assumes that the ID assigned to the master BMS (110) is 0 (ID=0), the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1) is 1 (ID=1), the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) is 2 (ID=2), and the ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3) is 3 (ID=3).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the master BMS (110) may generate a data signal (401a) to transmit a data signal to the third battery cell (120-3), and transmit the generated data signal (401a) to the first battery cell (120-1). The data signal (401a) may include information regarding a target ID, information regarding a transmission ID, and information regarding a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal (401a) may include information indicating that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) may receive a data signal (401b) from the master BMS (110). The first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller (200-1) of FIG. 1) of the first battery cell (120-1) may identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (401b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (401b) is 3, the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1) and transmit the data signal (402a) to the second battery cell (120-2). The above data signal (402a) may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell (120-2) can receive a data signal (402b) from the first battery cell (120-1). The second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller (200-2) of FIG. 1) of the second battery cell (120-2) can identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (402b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (402b) is 3, the second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) and transmit the data signal (403a) to the third battery cell (120-3). The above data signal (403a) may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell (120-3) can receive a data signal (403b) from the second battery cell (120-2). The third cell controller (e.g., the third cell controller (200-3) of FIG. 1) of the third battery cell (120-3) can identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (403b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (403b) is 3, the third cell controller (200-3) of the third battery cell (120-3) can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3) and perform an operation corresponding to the data signal (403b).

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell (120-1) receives a data signal (403b) from the second battery cell (120-2), the first cell controller (200-1) can check the information included in the data signal (403b). Since the transmission ID included in the data signal (403b) is 2 and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1), the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can ignore the data signal (403b).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell (120-3) may perform an operation corresponding to the information included in the data signal (403b). If the information included in the data signal (403b) includes a request for information regarding the state of the third battery cell (120-3), the third battery cell (120-3) may transmit a data signal (404a) including information regarding the state of the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2). The data signal (404a) may include information regarding a target ID, information regarding a transmission ID, and information regarding a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal (404a) may include information in which the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 3, and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell (120-2) can receive a data signal (404b) from the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (404b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (404b) is 0, the second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) and transmit the data signal (405a) to the first battery cell (120-1). The above data signal (405a) may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) may receive a data signal (405b) from the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) may identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (405b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (405b) is 0, the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1) and transmit the data signal (406a) to the master BMS (110). The data signal (406a) may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2).

[0083] According to one embodiment, when the third battery cell (120-3) receives a data signal (405b) from the second battery cell (120-2), the third cell controller (200-3) of the third battery cell (120-3) can check the information included in the data signal (405b). Since the transmission ID included in the data signal (405b) is 2 and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2), the third cell controller (200-3) of the third battery cell (120-3) can ignore the data signal (405b).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) can receive a data signal (406b) from the first battery cell (120-1). The master BMS (110) can identify information about a target ID included in the data signal (406b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the master BMS (110). Since the information about the target ID included in the data signal (406b) is 0, the master BMS (110) can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master BMS (110). The master BMS (110) can receive the data signal (406b).

[0085] According to one embodiment, when the second battery cell (120-2) receives a data signal (406b) from the first battery cell (120-1), the second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can check the information included in the data signal (406b). Since the transmission ID included in the data signal (406b) is 1 and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2), the second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can ignore the data signal (406b).

[0086] As described above, the signal transmission structure of a plurality of battery cells (120) connected to a master BMS (110) can be simply performed through a plurality of cell controllers (e.g., a plurality of cell controllers (200) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, information included in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0087] Fig. 6 illustrates a battery module (600) according to a comparative example.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery module (600) according to a comparative example includes a plurality of wire harnesses for cell balancing of a plurality of battery cells (610, 620, 630). For example, the battery module (600) includes a BMS (601), a CMU (602) (cell monitoring unit), and wire harnesses (603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609) for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells (610, 620, 630).

[0089] Each of the plurality of battery cells (610, 620, 630) includes a secondary battery, a switching circuit, and a resistor. For example, the first battery cell (610) includes a first secondary battery (611), a first switching circuit (612) disposed between the positive electrode of the first secondary battery (611) and the negative electrode of the first secondary battery (611), and a first resistor (613). The second battery cell (620) includes a second secondary battery (621), a second switching circuit (622) disposed between the positive electrode of the second secondary battery (621) and the negative electrode of the second secondary battery (621), and a second resistor (623). The third battery cell (630) includes a third secondary battery (631), a third switch circuit (632) disposed between the positive electrode of the third secondary battery (631) and the negative electrode of the third secondary battery (631), and a third resistor (633).

[0090] A battery module (600) according to a comparative example includes wire harnesses for electrical connection between a BMS (601) and each of a plurality of battery cells (610, 620, 630). For example, the battery module (600) according to a comparative example includes a first wire harness (603) for electrical connection between the BMS (601) and a first battery cell (610), a second wire harness (604) for electrical connection between the BMS (601) and a second battery cell (620), and a third wire harness (605) for electrical connection between the BMS (601) and a third battery cell (630). For example, the BMS (601) monitors the status of the first battery cell (610) through the first wire harness (603). The BMS (601) monitors the status of the second battery cell (620) through the second wire harness (604). The BMS (601) monitors the status of the third battery cell (630) through the third wire harness (605).

[0091] The battery module (600) according to the comparative example includes wire harnesses for controlling switch circuits (612, 622, 632) included in each of a plurality of battery cells (610, 620, 630) for cell balancing. For example, the battery module (600) according to the comparative example includes a fourth wire harness (606) between a BMS (601) and a CMU (602) for controlling the switch circuits (612, 622, 632), a fifth wire harness (607) between the CMU (602) and a first battery cell (610), a sixth wire harness (608) between the CMU (602) and a second battery cell (620), and a seventh wire harness (609) between the CMU (602) and a third battery cell (630). CMU (602) may be part of BMS (601).

[0092] For example, in the battery module (600) according to the comparative example, signals for controlling the switch circuits (612, 622, 632) are transmitted through a plurality of harnesses in order to perform cell balancing. For example, when charging the battery module (600) according to the comparative example, the BMS (601) is configured to identify the voltage of the first battery cell (610) through the first wire harness (603), identify the voltage of the second battery cell (620) through the second wire harness (604), and identify the voltage of the third battery cell (630) through the third wire harness (605). If the voltage of the first battery cell (610) is excessively higher than the voltage of the second battery cell (620) and the voltage of the third battery cell (630), the BMS (601) can control the first switch circuit (612) included in the first battery cell (610) through the CMU (602). The BMS (601) transmits a control signal to the CMU (602) through the fourth wire harness (606). The CMU (602) transmits the control signal to the first switch circuit (612) disposed in the first battery cell (610) through the fifth wire harness (607). The first switch circuit (612) electrically connects the first secondary battery (611) and the first resistor (613) based on the control signal transmitted through the fifth wire harness (607). As the first secondary battery (611) is electrically connected to the first resistor (613), the voltage of the first secondary battery (611) decreases.

[0093] As described above, in the case of the battery module (600) according to the comparative example, multiple wire harnesses are required to transmit and / or receive data including voltage information of the battery cell, or to transmit and / or receive control signals. Multiple wire harnesses cause problems such as increased manufacturing costs, damage to the battery module (600) due to short circuits between the multiple wire harnesses, and limitations in miniaturization.

[0094] Hereinafter, a battery module (100) according to an embodiment in which a plurality of fire harnesses are omitted is described. In a battery module according to an embodiment (e.g., the battery module (100) of FIG. 7), a wire harness is omitted. In other words, the battery module (100) according to an embodiment does not include a wire harness. Instead of a wire harness, the battery module (100) may provide signal transmission between a master BMS (e.g., the master BMS (110) of FIG. 7) and a plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers (200) of FIG. 7) included in each of a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells (120) of FIG. 7)) through a bus bar (e.g., the bus bar (740) of FIG. 7) electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells.

[0095] Figure 7 illustrates a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (120), a plurality of cell controllers (200), a master BMS (110), and a bus bar (740). Each component of the battery module (100) described below may be substantially the same as each component of the battery module (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In the present disclosure, a secondary battery may refer to an electrode assembly comprised of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte included in a battery cell, and a battery cell may refer to a combination of a secondary battery and a cell controller. For example, a secondary battery may include a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte. A battery cell may include a secondary battery and a cell controller.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells (120) may include a first battery cell (120-1), a second battery cell (120-2), and / or a third battery cell (120-3). In FIG. 7, the plurality of battery cells (120) are illustrated as including three battery cells, but this is merely for convenience of explanation, and the plurality of battery cells (120) according to the present disclosure may include four or more battery cells.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a first battery cell (120-1) may be connected to a master BMS (110). A second battery cell (120-2) may be connected between the first battery cell (120-1) and a third battery cell (120-3). The third battery cell (120-3) may be connected to the master BMS (110). The master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) may be electrically connected via a bus bar (740). The bus bar (740) may serve as a conductor for transmitting current and may provide low-profile routing. The bus bar (740) may improve space utilization of the battery module (100). The bus bar (740) may electrically connect each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The master BMS (110) can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar (740). As described above, signals transmitted from the master BMS (110) to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) can be transmitted via the bus bar (740).

[0099] For example, data or a signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1). The data or the signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to identify, from a data packet of the data or signal transmitted from the master BMS (110), that the target of the data or the signal corresponds to the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to receive the data or the signal and perform an operation based on the data or the signal.

[0100] For example, when the master BMS (110) requests information related to the state of health (SOH) of the first battery cell (120-1), the first cell controller (120-1) can transmit data including information related to the SOH of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110) through the bus bar (741). The data including information related to the SOH of the first battery cell (120-1) can be transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) to the master BMS (110) through the bus bar (741) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110).

[0101] For example, data or a signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the second battery cell (120-2) may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1). The data or the signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (12-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to identify, from a data packet of the data or signal transmitted from the master BMS (110), that the target of the data or the signal corresponds to the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to amplify the data or the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell (120-2). The above data or signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (742) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to receive the data or the signal. The second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to receive the data or the signal and perform an operation based on the data or the signal.

[0102] For example, when the master BMS (110) requests information related to the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2), the second cell controller (120-2) can transmit data including information related to the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2) to the first cell controller (200-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) via the bus bar (742). The data including information related to the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2) can be transmitted from the second cell controller (200-2) to the first battery cell (120-1) via the bus bar (742) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to receive the data and identify, from a data packet of the data, that the target of the data corresponds to the master BMS (110). The first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to amplify the data based on identifying that the target of the data corresponds to the master BMS (110), and then transmit the data to the master BMS (110). The data may be transmitted through a bus bar (741) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110).

[0103] By the process described above, the master BMS (110) can be configured to receive data or signals from a plurality of cell controllers (200) included in each of a plurality of battery cells (120), or to transmit data or signals to a plurality of cell controllers (200). Therefore, in the case of the battery module (100), the wire harnesses connected to the master BMS (110) and each of the plurality of battery cells (120) can be omitted, so that the circuit structure can be simplified. In addition, miniaturization is possible, and damage to the battery module (100) due to short circuit can be reduced.

[0104] A battery module (100) according to one embodiment may be configured to perform cell balancing using a plurality of cell controllers (200) included in each of a plurality of battery cells (120). Cell balancing may include passive balancing that lowers the voltage of a battery cell having a high voltage to reduce overcharging or overdischarging of a specific battery cell when charging or discharging the plurality of battery cells (120). The master BMS (110) may improve the performance and lifespan of the battery module (100) through cell balancing.

[0105] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) included in each of the plurality of battery cells (120) may include a switch circuit and a resistor disposed between the positive electrode of the secondary battery (e.g., electrode assembly) and the negative electrode of the secondary battery.

[0106] For example, a first cell controller (120-1) included in a first battery cell (120-1) may include a first switch circuit (712) and a first resistor (713) disposed between a positive electrode of a first secondary battery (711) (e.g., a first electrode assembly) and a negative electrode of the first secondary battery (711). The first switch circuit (712) may be configured to electrically connect the first resistor (713) to the first secondary battery (711). For example, when the first switch circuit (712) is closed, the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) may be electrically connected. When the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) are electrically connected, a closed circuit including the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) may be formed. Current flows from the positive electrode of the first secondary battery (711) through the first resistor (713) to the negative electrode of the first secondary battery (711), and a voltage drop of the first secondary battery (711) may be caused by the first resistor (713). When the first switch circuit (712) is in an open state, the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) may be electrically separated. Since a closed circuit is not formed when the first switch circuit (712) is in an open state, a voltage drop of the first secondary battery (711) may not be caused.

[0107] For example, a second cell controller (120-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) may include a second switch circuit (722) and a second resistor (723) disposed between a positive electrode of a second secondary battery (721) (e.g., a second electrode assembly) and a negative electrode of the second secondary battery (721). The second switch circuit (722) may be configured to electrically connect the second resistor (723) to the second secondary battery (721). For example, when the second switch circuit (722) is closed, the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) may be electrically connected. When the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) are electrically connected, a closed circuit including the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) may be formed. Current flows from the positive electrode of the second secondary battery (721) through the second resistor (723) to the negative electrode of the second secondary battery (721), and a voltage drop of the second secondary battery (721) may be caused by the second resistor (723). When the second switch circuit (722) is in an open state, the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) may be electrically separated. Since a closed circuit is not formed when the second switch circuit (722) is in an open state, a voltage drop may not be caused.

[0108] For example, a third cell controller (120-3) included in a third battery cell (120-3) may include a third switch circuit (732) and a third resistor (733) disposed between a positive electrode of a third secondary battery (731) (e.g., a third electrode assembly) and a negative electrode of the third secondary battery (731). The third switch circuit (732) may be configured to electrically connect the third resistor (733) to the third secondary battery (731). For example, when the third switch circuit (732) is closed, the third secondary battery (731) and the third resistor (733) may be electrically connected. When the third secondary battery (731) and the third resistor (733) are electrically connected, a closed circuit including the third secondary battery (731) and the third resistor (733) may be formed. Current flows from the positive electrode of the third secondary battery (731) through the third resistor (733) to the negative electrode of the third secondary battery (731), and a voltage drop of the third secondary battery (731) may be caused by the third resistor (733). When the third switch circuit (732) is in an open state, the third secondary battery (731) and the third resistor (733) may be electrically separated. Since a closed circuit is not formed when the third switch circuit (732) is in an open state, a voltage drop may not be caused.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a master BMS (110) may be electrically connected to each of a plurality of cell controllers (200) included in a plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar (740). The master BMS (110) may be configured to receive information indicating a voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) from each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) to perform cell balancing. The master BMS (110) may be configured to identify the voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) and, if the voltage of a specific battery is too high, transmit a control signal to control a cell controller included in the corresponding battery cell to lower the voltage of the corresponding battery cell. The control signal may be transmitted via a bus bar.

[0110] For example, in order to lower the voltage of the second battery cell (120-2), a control signal for controlling the second cell controller (120-2) may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar (741), the first battery cell (120-1), and the bus bar (742). The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to electrically connect the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) by controlling the second switch circuit (722) to a closed state based on receiving the control signal. As the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) are electrically connected, the voltage of the second secondary battery (721) may be lowered. The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit information including the voltage of the second secondary battery (721) to the master BMS (110).

[0111] For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a control signal to the second cell controller (120-2) for controlling the second switch circuit (722) when the voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) is the same as or similar to the voltages of other battery cells according to the voltage drop. The control signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar (741), the first battery cell (120-1), and the bus bar (742). The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to electrically isolate the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) by controlling the second switch circuit (722) to an open state based on receiving the control signal. As the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) are electrically separated, the voltage drop of the second secondary battery (721) can be stopped.

[0112] Hereinafter, the cell balancing operation of the battery module (100) according to one embodiment is specifically described.

[0113] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment. Figure 9 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is closed. Figure 10 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is open.

[0114] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of battery cells (120) are described as including a first battery cell (120-1) and a second battery cell (120-2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 801, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information from the first cell controller (120-1) and second information from the second cell controller (120-2).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to transmit first information indicating a first voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110). For example, when charging or discharging the battery module (100), the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a request signal to request transmission of the first information to the first cell controller (120-1). Based on receiving the request signal, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to transmit a signal (or data) including first information indicating a first voltage corresponding to a current voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110). The signal including the first information may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (741) of FIG. 7) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110). Alternatively, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to transmit first information to the master BMS (110) at specified intervals when charging or discharging the battery module (100).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to transmit second information indicating a second voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) to the master BMS (110). For example, when charging or discharging the battery module (100), the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a request signal to request transmission of the second information to the second cell controller (120-2). Based on receiving the request signal, the second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to transmit a signal including second information indicating a second voltage corresponding to a current voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) to the master BMS (110). A signal including the second information may be transmitted from the second cell controller (200-2) to the first cell controller (200-1) disposed within the first battery cell (120-1) via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (742) of FIG. 7) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit the signal to the master BMS (110) via the bus bar (741) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110). The first cell controller (200-1) included within the first battery cell (120-1) may receive the signal including the second information via the bus bar (742), amplify the signal including the second information, and transmit the signal to the master BMS (110) via the bus bar (741). Alternatively, the second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to transmit second information to the master BMS (110) at specified intervals when charging or discharging the battery module (100).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information and second information. For example, a signal including the first information may be received from a first cell controller (200-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (741) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to compare the first voltage and the second voltage by identifying the first voltage from the first information and identifying the second voltage from the second information. The master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) or the second switch circuit (722) to the first cell controller (120-1) or the second cell controller (120-2) through the bus bar based on the first voltage and the second voltage. For example, if the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value, the master BMS (110) may not transmit the signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) or the second switch circuit (722). For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) or the second switch circuit (722) to the first cell controller (120-1) or the second cell controller (120-2) via the bus bar. The threshold value may be referred to as a voltage difference greater than or equal to a degree in which the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage affects the life or performance of the battery module (100).

[0120] In operation 802, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a first control signal to a first cell controller (120-1) included in a first battery cell (120-1) via a bus bar based on identifying a first voltage higher than a threshold value than a second voltage.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) to electrically connect the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713). For example, the first control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) to a closed state. When the first battery cell (120-1) has a first voltage that is higher than a threshold value or more than a second voltage of the second battery cell (120-2), the performance of the battery module (100) may be degraded, the voltage output may become unstable, or the lifespan of the battery module (100) may be reduced due to the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0122] In operation 803, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to receive a first control signal through a bus bar, and control the first switch circuit (712) to electrically connect the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) based on receiving the first control signal.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9, the first cell controller (120-1) can receive a first control signal (900) from the master BMS (110). The first control signal (900) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) can be configured to receive the first control signal (900) and control the first switch circuit (712) based on the first control signal (900). As described above, since the first control signal (900) is a control signal for electrically connecting the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713), the first cell controller (120-1) can control the first switch circuit (712) to a closed state. As the first switch circuit (712) is controlled to a closed state, the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) of the first battery cell (120-1) can be electrically connected. As the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) are electrically connected, a voltage drop of the first secondary battery (711) may occur. While the first switch circuit (712) is controlled to a closed state, the voltage of the first secondary battery (711) may drop.

[0124] Referring again to FIG. 8, at operation 804, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive the first information and the second information again after transmitting the first control signal.

[0125] In one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to re-identify the first voltage and the second voltage after transmitting the first control signal. Operation 804 may substantially correspond to operation 801. For example, the master BMS (110) may receive first information from the first cell controller (120-1) and second information from the second cell controller (120-2). The master BMS (110) may identify the first voltage from the first information and identify the second voltage from the second information.

[0126] In operation 805, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a second control signal to a first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) via a bus bar based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) to electrically isolate the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713). For example, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) to an open state. When the difference between the first voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) is less than a threshold value, it may be referenced as a state in which cell balancing is achieved.

[0128] In operation 806, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to receive a second control signal through the bus bar and, based on receiving the second control signal, control the first switch circuit (712) to electrically isolate the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 10, the first cell controller (120-1) can receive a second control signal (1000) from the master BMS (110). The second control signal (1000) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) can be configured to receive the second control signal (1000) and control the first switch circuit (712) based on the second control signal (1000).

[0130] As described above, since the second control signal (1000) is a control signal for electrically isolating the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713), the first cell controller (120-1) can control the first switch circuit (712) to an open state. As the first switch circuit (712) is controlled to an open state, the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) of the first battery cell (120-1) can be electrically isolated. As the first secondary battery (711) and the first resistor (713) are electrically isolated, the voltage drop of the first secondary battery (711) can be stopped. When the first voltage drops to be equal to or similar to the second voltage, the first switch circuit (712) can be changed to an open state again because cell balancing is no longer necessary.

[0131] In the case of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, in order to perform cell balancing, data or control signals between a master BMS (110) and a plurality of cell controllers (200) may be transmitted and / or received via a bus bar. Since the battery module (100) can perform cell balancing using a bus bar even without including a plurality of wire harnesses, the circuit configuration may be simplified, and damage to the battery module (100) due to short circuits of the wire harnesses may be prevented. Packaging of a battery module (100) that does not include a plurality of wire harnesses may be facilitated.

[0132] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is closed. Fig. 13 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is open.

[0133] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of battery cells (120) are described as including a first battery cell (120-1) and a second battery cell (120-2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1101, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information from the first cell controller (120-1) and second information from the second cell controller (120-2).

[0135] Operation 1101 of FIG. 11 may substantially correspond to operation 801 of FIG. 8. The descriptions of operation 801 of FIG. 8 may be substantially equally applied to operation 1101 of FIG. 11. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information and second information.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to compare the first voltage and the second voltage by identifying the first voltage from the first information and identifying the second voltage from the second information. The master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) or the second switch circuit (722) to the first cell controller (120-1) or the second cell controller (120-2) through the bus bar based on the first voltage and the second voltage. For example, when a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (712) or the second switch circuit (722) to the first cell controller (120-1) or the second cell controller (120-2) through the bus bar. The above threshold value may be referred to as a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage that is greater than the degree to which the difference affects the life or performance of the battery module (100).

[0137] In operation 1102, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a third control signal to a first cell controller (120-1) included in a first battery cell (120-1) via a bus bar based on identifying a second voltage that is higher than a threshold value by a first voltage.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the third control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (722) to electrically connect the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723). For example, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (722) to a closed state. When the second battery cell (120-2) has a second voltage that is higher than a threshold value or more than the first voltage of the first battery cell (120-1), the performance of the battery module (100) may be degraded, the voltage output may become unstable, or the lifespan of the battery module (100) may be reduced due to the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0139] In operation 1103, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to receive a third control signal through a bus bar and transmit the third control signal to a second cell controller (120-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the third control signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (120-1). The third control signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (741) of FIG. 7) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) may receive the third control signal and identify, from a data packet of the third control signal, that the target of the third control signal is the second cell controller (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to amplify the third control signal and then transmit it to the second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2). The third control signal can be transmitted through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (742) of FIG. 7) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0141] In operation 1104, the second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to receive a third control signal through the bus bar and, based on receiving the third control signal, control the second switch circuit (722) to electrically connect the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 12, the second cell controller (120-2) can receive a third control signal (1200) from the master BMS (110). The third control signal (1200) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) can receive the third control signal (1200) and transmit the third control signal (1200) to the second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) can amplify and then transmit the third control signal (1200). The third control signal (1200) can be transmitted through a bus bar (742) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) can receive the third control signal (1200).

[0143] The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to receive the third control signal (1200) and control the second switch circuit (722) based on the third control signal (1200). As described above, the third control signal (1200) is a control signal for electrically connecting the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723), and therefore, the second cell controller (120-2) may control the second switch circuit (722) to a closed state. As the second switch circuit (722) is controlled to a closed state, the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) of the second battery cell (120-2) may be electrically connected. As the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) are electrically connected, a voltage drop in the second secondary battery (721) may occur. While the second switch circuit (722) is controlled to be closed, the voltage of the second secondary battery (721) may drop.

[0144] Referring again to FIG. 11, at operation 1105, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive the first information and the second information again after transmitting the first control signal.

[0145] Operation 1105 of FIG. 11 may substantially correspond to operation 804 of FIG. 8. The descriptions of operation 804 of FIG. 8 may be substantially equally applied to operation 1105 of FIG. 11. For example, after transmitting the first control signal, the master BMS (110) may receive first information from the first cell controller (120-1) and second information from the second cell controller (120-2). The master BMS (110) may identify the first voltage from the first information and the second voltage from the second information.

[0146] In operation 1106, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a fourth control signal to the first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) via the bus bar based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the fourth control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (722) to electrically isolate the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723). For example, the fourth control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (722) to an open state. When the difference between the second voltage of the 12th battery cell and the first voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) is less than a threshold value, it may be referenced as a state in which cell balancing has been achieved.

[0148] In operation 1107, the first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to receive a fourth control signal through a bus bar and transmit the fourth control signal to a second cell controller (120-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the fourth control signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (120-1). The fourth control signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) may receive the fourth control signal and identify, from a data packet of the fourth control signal, that the target of the fourth control signal is the second cell controller (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) may be configured to amplify the fourth control signal and then transmit it to the second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2). The fourth control signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (742) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0150] In operation 1108, the second cell controller (120-2) may be configured to receive a fourth control signal through the bus bar and, based on receiving the fourth control signal, control the second switch circuit (722) to electrically isolate the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723).

[0151] Referring to FIG. 13, the second cell controller (120-2) can receive a fourth control signal (1300) from the master BMS (110). The fourth control signal (1300) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (741) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (120-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) can receive the fourth control signal (1300) and transmit the fourth control signal (1300) to the second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (120-1) can amplify and then transmit the fourth control signal (1300). The fourth control signal (1300) can be transmitted through a bus bar (742) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0152] The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) can receive a fourth control signal (1300). The second cell controller (120-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) can be configured to receive the fourth control signal (1300) and control the second switch circuit (722) based on the fourth control signal (1300). As described above, the fourth control signal (1300) is a control signal for electrically separating the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723), and therefore, the second cell controller (120-2) can control the second switch circuit (722) to an open state. As the second switch circuit (722) is controlled to an open state, the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) of the second battery cell (120-2) can be electrically separated. As the second secondary battery (721) and the second resistor (723) are electrically separated, the voltage drop of the second secondary battery (721) can be stopped.

[0153] In the case of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, in order to perform cell balancing, data or control signals between a master BMS (110) and a plurality of cell controllers (200) may be transmitted and / or received via a bus bar. Since the battery module (100) can perform cell balancing using a bus bar even without including a plurality of wire harnesses, the circuit configuration may be simplified, and damage to the battery module (100) due to short circuits of the wire harnesses may be prevented. Packaging of a battery module (100) that does not include a plurality of wire harnesses may be facilitated.

[0154] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of operation between a master BMS and multiple cell controllers of a battery module according to one embodiment. FIGS. 15 and 16 are simplified block diagrams of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0155] In operation 1401, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to obtain a first signal including a first numerical value for indicating a state of a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1) of FIG. 15) and a state of a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2) of FIG. 15).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 15, each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be electrically connected to two or more battery cells. For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to identify status information of the first battery cell (120-1) and each of the second battery cells (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be directly connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2), or may be electrically connected to a bus bar (1602) that electrically connects the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0157] For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to obtain data on at least one of voltage, current, temperature, SOC change according to charge and / or discharge of each of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to obtain the data independently of whether the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are activated. For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to measure the temperature, voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) while the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are activated, and to generate data related to the measured temperature, voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to measure the open circuit voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) while the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are in an inactive state (e.g., a sleep state, a turn-off state), and generate data related to the measured open circuit voltage. The above-described data is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto.

[0158] The descriptions for the first cell controller (200-1) can be substantially equally applied to the remaining cell controllers (e.g., the second cell controller (200-2), the third cell controller (200-3), and the fourth cell controller (200-4)).

[0159] For example, the second cell controller (200-2) may be electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) may be directly connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3), or may be electrically connected to a bus bar (1603) that electrically connects the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) may identify status information of each of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3).

[0160] For example, the third cell controller (200-3) may be electrically connected to the third battery cell (120-3) and the fourth battery cell (120-4). The third cell controller (200-3) may be directly connected to the third battery cell (120-3) and the fourth battery cell (120-4), or may be electrically connected to a bus bar (1604) that electrically connects the third battery cell (120-3) and the fourth battery cell (120-4). The third cell controller (200-3) may identify status information of each of the third battery cell (120-3) and the fourth battery cell (120-4).

[0161] For example, the fourth cell controller (200-4) may be electrically connected to the fourth battery cell (120-4) and the fifth battery cell (120-5). The fourth cell controller (200-4) may be directly connected to the fourth battery cell (120-4) and the fifth battery cell (120-5), or may be electrically connected to a bus bar (1605) that electrically connects the fourth battery cell (120-4) and the fifth battery cell (120-5). The fourth cell controller (200-4) may identify status information of each of the fourth battery cell (120-4) and the fifth battery cell (120-5).

[0162] In operation 1402, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to obtain a second signal including a second numerical value indicating the state of the second battery cell (120-2) and the state of the third battery cell. The descriptions for operation 1401 may be equally applied to operation 1402.

[0163] In operation 1403, the master BMS (110) may be configured to request transmission of the acquired first signal and second signal to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2).

[0164] For example, in operation 1403, the master BMS (110) may transmit a signal to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) for requesting transmission of a first signal and a signal. The signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (1600) of FIG. 15). For example, the master BMS (110) may transmit the signal to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-3) at intervals specified by a user. For example, the master BMS (110) may transmit the signal to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) when a specified event occurs. The above signal can be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1) through the bus bar (1601) electrically connecting the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1), the first battery cell (120-1). The above signal can be transmitted to the second cell controller (200-2) through the bus bar (1601) electrically connecting the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1), the bus bar (1602) electrically connecting the first battery cell (120-1), the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2), and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0165] According to one embodiment, operation 1403 may be omitted. If operation 1403 is omitted, the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) may perform operations 1404 and 1405 described below even without a separate request from the master BMS (110). According to one embodiment, operation 1403 may be performed based on the states of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). While the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are operating, the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the first signal and the second signal to the master BMS (110) through the bus bar (1600) without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS (110). When the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are operating, it may mean that the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are supplying power to the load.

[0166] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are in a turn-off state, a low-power operation state, or a sleep state in which they are not supplying power to a load, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal to the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) for requesting transmission of a first signal and a second signal. Since power consumption of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) may need to be minimized, the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the first signal and the second signal to the master BMS (110) based on reception of the signal for requesting transmission of the first signal and the second signal. For example, in a situation where the driving power of the load is insufficient, if the first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) continue to perform the operation of transmitting a signal to the master BMS (110), a situation may occur where the load cannot be driven due to the power shortage. The first cell controller (200-1) and the second cell controller (200-2) can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) due to the data transmission.

[0167] In operation 1404, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS (110). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS (110) based on receiving a signal requesting transmission of the data from the master BMS (110). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS (110) at intervals specified by a user. For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may transmit the acquired first signal to the master BMS (110) when a specified event occurs.

[0168] In operation 1405, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the acquired second signal to the master BMS (110). The descriptions for operation 1404 may be equally applied to operation 1405.

[0169] In operation 1406, the master BMS (110) may be configured to identify states of the plurality of battery cells (120) based at least in part on the acquired first signal and the second signal. The master BMS (110) may be configured to identify a first numerical value in the first signal and a second numerical value in the second signal, and obtain information about each of the plurality of battery cells (120) through the computational processes described below.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 15, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to acquire (or generate) a first signal including a first numerical value (A1) indicating a state of the first battery cell (120-1) and a state of the second battery cell (120-2). The first numerical value (A1) may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value (X1) indicating a state of the first battery cell (120-1) and a numerical value (X2) indicating a state of the second battery cell (120-2) (A1=X1+X2). For example, when the state corresponds to a voltage of the battery cell, the first numerical value may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value indicating a voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and a numerical value indicating a voltage of the second battery cell (120-2).

[0171] The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to acquire (or generate) a second signal including a second numerical value (A2) indicating a state of the second battery cell (120-2) and a state of the third battery cell (120-3). The second numerical value (A2) may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value (X2) indicating a state of the second battery cell (120-2) and a numerical value (X3) indicating a state of the third battery cell (120-3) (A2=X2+X3). For example, when the state corresponds to a voltage of the battery cell, the second numerical value may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value indicating a voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) and a numerical value indicating a voltage of the third battery cell (120-3).

[0172] The third cell controller (200-3) may be configured to acquire (or generate) a third signal including a third numerical value (A3) indicating a state of the third battery cell (120-3) and a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4). The third numerical value (A3) may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value (X3) indicating a state of the third battery cell (120-3) and a numerical value (X4) indicating a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4) (A3=X3+X4). For example, when the state corresponds to a voltage of the battery cell, the third numerical value may be a value obtained by adding a numerical value indicating a voltage of the third battery cell (120-3) and a numerical value indicating a voltage of the fourth battery cell (120-4).

[0173] The fourth cell controller (200-4) may be configured to acquire (or generate) a fourth signal including a fourth numerical value (A4) indicating a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4) and a state of the fifth battery cell (120-5). The fourth numerical value (A4) may be a sum of a numerical value (X4) indicating a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4) and a numerical value (X5) indicating a state of the fifth battery cell (120-5) (A4=X4+X5). For example, when the state corresponds to a voltage of the battery cell, the fourth numerical value may be a sum of a numerical value indicating a voltage of the fourth battery cell (120-4) and a numerical value indicating a voltage of the fifth battery cell (120-5).

[0174] According to one embodiment, according to operations 1401 to 1406 of FIG. 14, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, the signal, and the fourth signal. The master BMS (110) may be configured to identify the status of each of the first battery, the second battery cell (120-2), the third battery cell (120-3), the fourth battery cell (120-4), and the fifth battery cell (120-5) based on the received signals.

[0175] For example, a first signal may be provided from a first cell controller (200-1) to a master BMS (110) via a first battery cell (120-1) and a bus bar (1601). The bus bar (1601) may be referred to as a bus bar that electrically connects the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0176] For example, the second signal may be provided from the second cell controller (200-2) to the master BMS (110) via the second battery cell (120-2), the bus bar (1602) electrically connecting the second battery cell (120-2) and the first battery cell (120-1), the first battery cell (120-1), and the bus bar (1601).

[0177] For example, the third signal can be provided to the master BMS (110) from the third cell controller (200-3) through the third battery cell (120-3), the bus bar (1603) electrically connecting the third battery cell (120-3) and the second battery cell (120-2), the second battery cell (120-2), the bus bar (1602), the first battery cell (120-1), and the bus bar (1601).

[0178] For example, the fourth signal can be provided to the master BMS (110) from the fourth cell controller (200-4) through the fourth battery cell (120-4), the bus bar (1604) electrically connecting the fourth battery cell (120-4) and the third battery cell (120-3), the third battery cell (120-3), the bus bar (1603), the second battery cell (120-2), the bus bar (1602), the first battery cell (120-1), and the bus bar (1601).

[0179] For example, the master BMS (110) can perform a calculation to identify the status of each battery cell. The master BMS (110) can identify the sum of the voltages of the plurality of battery cells (120) supplied to the load (i.e., the operating voltage of the load). The sum of the voltages can be a value (A=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5) obtained by adding the voltage (X1) of the first battery cell (120-1), the voltage (X2) of the second battery cell (120-2), the voltage (X3) of the third battery cell (120-3), the voltage (X4) of the fourth battery cell (120-4), and the voltage (X5) of the fifth battery cell (120-5). The master BMS (110) can obtain a value (B=X1) through an operation of subtracting a second numerical value (A2=X2+X3) and a fourth numerical value (A4=X4+X5) from the value (A). Since the value (B) can be substantially the same as the voltage (X1) of the first battery cell (120-1), the master BMS (110) can identify the voltage (X1) of the first battery cell (120-1). The master BMS (110) can obtain a value (C=X2) through an operation of subtracting the value (B=X1) from the first numerical value (A1=X1+X2). Since the above value (C) may be substantially the same as the voltage (X2) of the second battery cell (120-2), the master BMS (110) may identify the voltage (X2) of the second battery cell (120-2). According to one embodiment, through the above-described operation process, the master BMS (110) may identify the voltages of each of the first battery cell (120-1), the second battery cell (120-2), the third battery cell (120-3), the fourth battery cell (120-4), and the fifth battery cell (120-5).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain numerical values ​​for indicating the states of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) within a first state that can identify the states of the plurality of battery cells (120) at least in part based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal. The master BMS (110) may identify the states of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) through the numerical values ​​for indicating the states of each of the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, when the voltage of the third battery cell (120-3) has a difference of more than a specified range from the voltages of the remaining battery cells, the master BMS (110) may be configured to determine that the third battery cell (120-3) is in an abnormal state. For example, when the difference between the voltages of the plurality of battery cells (120) is within a specified range, the master BMS (110) may be configured to determine that the plurality of battery cells (120) are in a normal state. The above descriptions are illustrative and not limiting. For example, the numerical values ​​may represent parameters other than voltage. As described below, if a battery cell with a high voltage is identified, cell balancing operations may be performed.

[0181] As described above, the master BMS (110) can be configured to monitor the status of each of the plurality of cells through the plurality of cell controllers (200) connected to the plurality of battery cells (120). In the case of a battery module (100) composed of a plurality of battery cells (120) that does not include a cell controller, each of the plurality of battery cells (120) constituting the battery module (100) can be managed by connecting the plurality of cell controllers (200) post-hoc.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 16, the plurality of cell controllers (200) may further include a cell controller disposed within one of the battery cells. For example, the plurality of cell controllers may further include a fourth cell controller (200-4) configured to transmit a signal including a numerical value for indicating the state of the first battery cell (120-1) connected to the end or the state of the fourth battery cell (120-4) to the master BMS (110) via the bus bar (1600). In FIG. 16, the fourth cell controller (200-4) is illustrated as being disposed within the fourth battery cell (120-4), but the fourth cell controller (200-4) may also be disposed within the first battery cell (120-1). In other words, among a plurality of battery cells (120) connected in series with each other, one of the battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1) or the fourth battery cell (120-4)) positioned at the end can accommodate a cell controller inside.

[0183] For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to obtain a first signal including a first numerical value (A1) indicating a state of the first battery cell (120-1) and a state of the second battery cell (120-2). The first numerical value (A1) may be a sum of a numerical value (X1) indicating a state of the first battery cell (120-1) and a numerical value (X2) indicating a state of the second battery cell (120-2) (A1=X1+X2). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to obtain a second signal including a second numerical value (A2) indicating a state of the second battery cell (120-2) and a state of the third battery cell (120-3). The second numerical value (A2) may be a sum (A2 = X2 + X3) of a numerical value (X2) representing a state of the second battery cell (120-2) and a numerical value (X3) representing a state of the third battery cell (120-3). The third cell controller (200-3) may be configured to obtain a signal including a third numerical value (A3) representing a state of the third battery cell (120-3) and a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4). The third numerical value (A3) may be a sum (A3 = X3 + X4) of a numerical value (X3) representing a state of the third battery cell (120-3) and a numerical value (X4) representing a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4). The fourth cell controller (200-4) may be configured to obtain a signal including a fourth numerical value (A4) representing a state of the fourth battery cell (120-4).

[0184] According to one embodiment, according to operations 1401 to 1406 of FIG. 14, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive a first signal, a second signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal. The master BMS (110) may be configured to identify the status of each of the first battery, the second battery cell (120-2), the third battery cell (120-3), and the fourth battery cell (120-4) based on the received signals.

[0185] For example, the master BMS (110) can perform an operation to identify the state of each battery cell. For example, the numerical values ​​can be referenced as the temperature of each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The third numerical value (A3) can represent a value obtained by adding the temperature (X3) of the third battery cell (120-3) and the temperature (X4) of the fourth battery cell (120-4) (A3=X3+X4). The master BMS (110) can identify the temperature (X4) of the fourth battery cell (120-4) through the fourth numerical value (A4) in the fourth signal (A4=X4). The master BMS (110) can identify the temperature (X3) of the third battery cell (120-3) through an operation of subtracting the fourth numerical value (A4=X4) from the third numerical value (A3=X3+X4) in the third signal. The master BMS (110) can identify the temperature (X2) of the second battery cell (120-2) through an operation of subtracting the temperature (X3) of the third battery cell (120-3) from the second numerical value (A2=X2+X3) in the second signal. The master BMS (110) can identify the temperature (X1) of the first battery cell (120-1) through an operation of subtracting the temperature (X2) of the second battery cell (120-2) from the first numerical value (A1=X1+X2) in the first signal. According to one embodiment, through the above-described operation process, the master BMS (110) can identify the temperatures of each of the first battery cell (120-1), the second battery cell (120-2), the third battery cell (120-3), and the fourth battery cell (120-4).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells (120) based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal. For example, when the temperature of the third battery cell (120-3) has a difference of more than a specified range from the temperatures of the remaining battery cells, the master BMS (110) may be configured to determine that the third battery cell (120-3) is in an abnormal state. For example, when the difference between the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells (120) is within a specified range, the master BMS (110) may be configured to determine that the plurality of battery cells (120) are in a normal state. The above descriptions are merely exemplary and are not limiting. For example, the numerical values ​​may represent other parameters than temperature.

[0187] As described above, at least one of the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be disposed within a battery cell, if necessary. In the case of a battery module (100) composed of a plurality of battery cells (120) that do not include a cell controller, by replacing one of the plurality of battery cells (120) with a battery cell that includes a cell controller and subsequently connecting the plurality of cell controllers (200), each of the plurality of battery cells (120) constituting the battery module (100) can be managed.

[0188] Referring back to FIG. 14, at operation 1407, the master BMS (110) may be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module (100) based on the status information of the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to estimate the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) based at least in part on the first signal and the second signal, and to estimate the performance of the battery module (100) based on the estimated SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0189] Fig. 17a illustrates a battery module before multiple cell controllers are connected. Fig. 17b schematically illustrates a state in which multiple cell controllers are connected to the battery module of Fig. 17a.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 17A, a battery module (100) may include a housing (1700) that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (120). The plurality of battery cells (120) may be fastened to a structure of the housing (1700) so as to be fixed at a designated location within the housing (1700). The plurality of battery cells (120) may be electrically connected to each other via a bus bar (1600). In a state where the plurality of battery cells (120) are packaged within the housing (1700), in order to place a plurality of cell controllers (200) for managing the plurality of battery cells (120) within the plurality of battery cells (120), the connection structure of the housing (1700) may be dismantled, and the plurality of battery cells (120) may be separated from the housing (1700). During the process of separating the plurality of battery cells (120), the plurality of battery cells (120) or the housing (1700) may be damaged. For example, during the process of separating the plurality of battery cells (120), physical impact may be applied to the battery cells. For example, the electrolyte inside the battery cells may leak due to the physical impact applied to the battery cells.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 17B, a plurality of cell controllers (200) may be connected to a plurality of battery cells (120). The plurality of cell controllers (200) may be connected to the outside of the plurality of battery cells (120). By connecting the plurality of cell controllers (200), the master BMS (e.g., the master BMS (110) of FIG. 6) may manage the plurality of battery cells (120), as described above. According to one embodiment, in order to connect the plurality of cell controllers (200), the connection structure of the housing (1700) may be disassembled, and the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be connected to the plurality of battery cells (120) post-disconnection without the need to separate each of the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may be connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). A second cell controller (200-2) may be connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The plurality of cell controllers (200) may be connected to a bus bar (1600). The plurality of cell controllers (200) may be configured to obtain information about the status of one or more connected battery cells. If necessary, any one of the plurality of battery cells (120) may be separated and replaced with a battery cell including a cell controller therein. According to one embodiment, even if the battery module (100) is composed of a plurality of battery cells (120) that do not include a cell controller, by connecting the plurality of cell controllers (200) post-processing, each of the plurality of battery cells (120) constituting the battery module (100) may be managed and monitored.

[0192] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is closed. Fig. 20 illustrates the battery module when the first switch circuit is open.

[0193] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of battery cells (120) are described as including a first battery cell (120-1), a second battery cell (120-2), and a third battery cell (120-3), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0194] Referring back to FIG. 15, each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) may include a resistor and a switch circuit. For example, the first cell controller (200-1) may include a first resistor (1511) and a first switch circuit (1512). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to control the first switch circuit (1512). When the first switch circuit (1512) is in an open state, the first resistor (1511) may be electrically isolated from the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). When the second switch circuit (1512) is in a closed state, the first resistor (1511) may be electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2).

[0195] For example, the second cell controller (200-2) may include a second resistor (1521) and a second switch circuit (1522). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to control the second switch circuit (1522). When the second switch circuit (1522) is in an open state, the second resistor (1521) may be electrically isolated from the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). When the second switch circuit (1522) is in a closed state, the second resistor (1521) may be electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-1) and the third battery cell (120-3).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to provide information (e.g., first information) indicating voltages of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the master BMS (110). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to provide information (e.g., second information) indicating voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) to the master BMS (110).

[0197] Referring to FIG. 18, in operation 1801, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information from the first cell controller (200-1) and second information from the second cell controller (200-2).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit first information indicating first voltages of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the master BMS (110). The first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) may be connected in series. The voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) connected in series may correspond to the sum of the voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and the voltage of the second battery cell (120-2).

[0199] For example, when charging or discharging the battery module (100), the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a request signal to request transmission of first information to the first cell controller (200-1). Based on receiving the request signal, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit first information indicating a first voltage corresponding to the current voltage of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the master BMS (110). The first information may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) through the first battery cell (120-1) and the bus bar. For example, a signal including the first information may be provided from the first cell controller (200-1) to the master BMS (110) through the first battery cell (120-1) and the bus bar (1601) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110). Alternatively, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit the first information to the master BMS (110) at designated intervals during charging or discharging of the battery module (100).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit second information indicating second voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) to the master BMS (110). The second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) may be connected in series. The voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) connected in series may correspond to the sum of the voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the voltages of the third battery cell (120-3).

[0201] For example, when charging or discharging the battery module (100), the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a request signal to request transmission of second information to the second cell controller (200-2). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit second information indicating a second voltage corresponding to the current voltage of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) to the master BMS (110) based on receiving the request signal. The second information may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) via the bus bar (1600). For example, a signal including the second information may be provided to the master BMS (110) through a bus bar (1602) between the second battery cell (120-2), the second battery cell (120-2) and the first battery cell (120-1), and a bus bar (1601) between the first battery cell (120-1), the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110). Alternatively, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the second information to the master BMS (110) at designated intervals during charging or discharging of the battery module (100).

[0202] In one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information and second information. The master BMS (110) may be configured to compare the first voltage and the second voltage by identifying the first voltage from the first information and identifying the second voltage from the second information.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) or the second switch circuit (1522) to the first cell controller (200-1) or the second cell controller (200-2) through a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (1600) of FIG. 15) based on the first voltage and the second voltage. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) or the second switch circuit (1522) to the first cell controller (200-1) or the second cell controller (200-2) through the bus bar. The threshold value may be referred to as a voltage difference that is equal to or greater than a degree that affects the life or performance of the battery module (100).

[0204] In operation 1802, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a first control signal to a first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) via a bus bar based on identifying a first voltage higher than a threshold value than a second voltage.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the first control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) to electrically connect the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the first resistor (1511). For example, the first control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) to a closed state. When the first voltages of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are higher than the second voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) by a threshold value or more, the performance of the battery module (100) may be degraded, the voltage output may become unstable, or the lifespan of the battery module (100) may be reduced due to the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0206] In operation 1803, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a first control signal through the first battery cell (120-1) and the bus bar, and control the first switch circuit (1512) to electrically connect the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the first resistor (1511) based on receiving the first control signal.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 19, the first cell controller (200-1) can receive a first control signal (1200) from the master BMS (110). The first control signal (1200) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be configured to receive the first control signal (1200) and control the first switch circuit (1512) based on the first control signal (1200).

[0208] As described above, since the first control signal (1200) is a control signal for electrically connecting the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) to the first resistor (1511), the first cell controller (200-1) can control the first switch circuit (1512) to a closed state. As the first switch circuit (1512) is controlled to a closed state, the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be electrically connected to the first resistor (1511). As the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are electrically connected to the first resistor (1511), a voltage drop (e.g., the first voltage) of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be caused. While the first switch circuit (1512) is controlled to be closed, the voltages of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) may drop.

[0209] The second cell controller (200-2) can operate independently from the first cell controller (200-1). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, even if the first switch circuit (1512) of the first cell controller (200-1) is controlled to a closed state, since no control signal is provided to the second cell controller (200-2), the second cell controller (200-2) can be configured to control the second switch circuit (1522) to an open state.

[0210] Referring again to FIG. 18, at operation 1804, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive the first information and the second information again after transmitting the first control signal.

[0211] In one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to re-identify the first voltage and the second voltage after transmitting the first control signal. Operation 1804 may substantially correspond to operation 1801. For example, the master BMS (110) may receive first information from the first cell controller (200-1) and second information from the second cell controller (200-2). The master BMS (110) may identify the first voltage from the first information and identify the second voltage from the second information.

[0212] At operation 1805, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a second control signal to a first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) via a bus bar based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) to electrically isolate the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) from the first resistor (1511). For example, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) to an open state. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value, it may be referenced as a state in which cell balancing is achieved.

[0214] In operation 1806, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a second control signal through the bus bar and, based on receiving the second control signal, control the first switch circuit (1512) to electrically isolate the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) from the first resistor (1511).

[0215] Referring to FIG. 20, the first cell controller (200-1) can receive a second control signal (1300) from the master BMS (110). The second control signal (1300) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be configured to receive the second control signal (1300) and control the first switch circuit (1512) based on the second control signal (1300). As described above, since the second control signal (1300) is a control signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) from the first resistor (1511), the first cell controller (200-1) can control the first switch circuit (1512) to an open state. As the first switch circuit (1512) is controlled to an open state, the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be electrically isolated from the first resistor (1511). As the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) are electrically isolated from the first resistor (1511), the voltage drop of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can be stopped. When the first voltage drops to be equal to or similar to the second voltage, the first switch circuit (1512) can be changed back to an open state because cell balancing is no longer necessary.

[0216] In the case of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, in order to perform cell balancing, data or control signals between a master BMS (110) and a plurality of cell controllers (200) may be transmitted and / or received via a bus bar. Since the battery module (100) can perform cell balancing using a bus bar even without including a plurality of wire harnesses, the circuit configuration may be simplified, and damage to the battery module (100) due to short circuits of the wire harnesses may be prevented. Packaging of a battery module (100) that does not include a plurality of wire harnesses may be facilitated.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the battery module (100) may have a smaller total number of cell controllers than when one cell controller is placed per battery cell, since one cell controller is electrically connected to two battery cells. Even with a smaller number of cell controllers, the manufacturing cost of the battery module (100) may be reduced because the states of multiple battery cells can be monitored and cell balancing can be performed through the aforementioned operations. In addition, the overall structure of the battery module (100) may be simplified.

[0218] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a cell balancing operation of a battery module according to one embodiment. Fig. 22 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is in an open state. Fig. 23 illustrates the battery module when the second switch circuit is in a closed state.

[0219] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of battery cells (120) are described as including a first battery cell (120-1) and a second battery cell (120-2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 21, in operation 2101, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information from the first cell controller (200-1) and second information from the second cell controller (200-2).

[0221] Operation 2101 of FIG. 21 may substantially correspond to operation 1801 of FIG. 18. The descriptions of operation 1801 of FIG. 18 may be substantially identically applied to operation 2101 of FIG. 21. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive first information and second information.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to compare the first voltage and the second voltage by identifying the first voltage from the first information and identifying the second voltage from the second information. The master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (e.g., the first switch circuit (1512) of FIG. 15) or the second switch circuit (e.g., the second switch circuit (1522) of FIG. 15) based on the first voltage and the second voltage to the first cell controller (200-1) or the second cell controller (200-2) via the bus bar. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal for controlling the first switch circuit (1512) or the second switch circuit (1522) to the first cell controller (200-1) or the second cell controller (200-2) via the bus bar. The threshold value may be referred to as a voltage difference greater than or equal to a degree in which the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage affects the life or performance of the battery module (100).

[0223] In operation 2102, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a third control signal to the first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) via the bus bar based on identifying a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage by a threshold value.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the third control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (1522) to electrically connect the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) to the second resistor (1521). For example, the second control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (1522) to a closed state. When the second voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) are higher than the first voltages of the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) by a threshold value or more, the performance of the battery module (100) may be degraded, the voltage output may become unstable, or the lifespan of the battery module (100) may be reduced due to the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0225] In operation 2103, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a third control signal through a bus bar and transmit the third control signal to a second cell controller (200-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 22, according to one embodiment, a third control signal may be transmitted from a master BMS (110) to a first cell controller (200-1). The third control signal may be transmitted through a bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1), which is electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2), may receive the third control signal and identify, from a data packet of the third control signal, that the target of the third control signal is the second cell controller (200-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit a third control signal to the second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) via a bus bar (1602) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The third control signal may be transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2).

[0227] In operation 2104, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to receive a third control signal through the second battery cell (120-2), and control the second switch circuit (1522) to electrically connect the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) to the second resistor (1521) based on receiving the third control signal. The third control signal may be provided from the first cell controller (200-1) to the second cell controller (200-2) through the second battery cell (120-2), and through the bus bar (1603) between the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3).

[0228] Referring to FIG. 22, the second cell controller (200-2) can receive a third control signal (1500) from the master BMS (110). The third control signal (1500) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) through the bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can receive the third control signal (1500), amplify the third control signal (1500), and then transmit the third control signal (1500) to the second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2). The third control signal (1500) may pass through the second battery cell (120-2) and be provided to the second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) may receive the third control signal (1500).

[0229] The second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) may be configured to receive the third control signal (1500) and control the second switch circuit (1522) based on the third control signal (1500). As described above, the third control signal (1500) is a control signal for electrically connecting the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) from the second resistor (1521), and therefore, the second cell controller (200-2) may control the second switch circuit (1522) to a closed state. As the second switch circuit (1522) is controlled to a closed state, the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) may be electrically connected to the second resistor (1521). As the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) are electrically connected to the second resistor (1521), a voltage drop may occur in the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). While the second switch circuit (1522) is controlled to be closed, the voltages of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) may drop.

[0230] Referring again to FIG. 21, at operation 2105, the master BMS (110) may be configured to again receive the first information and the second information after transmitting the first control signal.

[0231] Operation 2105 of FIG. 21 may substantially correspond to operation 1804 of FIG. 18. The descriptions of operation 1804 of FIG. 18 may be substantially equally applied to operation 2105 of FIG. 21. For example, after transmitting the third control signal, the master BMS (110) may receive first information from the first cell controller (200-1) and second information from the second cell controller (200-2). The master BMS (110) may identify the first voltage from the first information and the second voltage from the second information.

[0232] In operation 2106, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a fourth control signal to the first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) via the bus bar based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold value.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the fourth control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (1522) to electrically isolate the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) from the second resistor (1521). For example, the fourth control signal may be referenced as a signal for controlling the second switch circuit (1522) to an open state. If the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a threshold value, it may be referenced as a state in which cell balancing is achieved.

[0234] In operation 2107, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a fourth control signal via a bus bar and transmit the fourth control signal to a second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2).

[0235] According to one embodiment, the fourth control signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (200-1). The fourth control signal may be transmitted through the bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1), which is electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2), may receive the fourth control signal and identify, from the data packet of the fourth control signal, that the target of the fourth control signal is the second cell controller (200-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit the fourth control signal to the second cell controller (200-2), which is electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The fourth control signal can be transmitted through the second battery cell (120-2).

[0236] In operation 2108, the second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to receive a fourth control signal through the bus bar and, based on receiving the fourth control signal, control the second switch circuit (1522) to electrically isolate the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) from the second resistor (1521).

[0237] Referring to FIG. 23, the second cell controller (200-2) can receive a fourth control signal (1600) from the master BMS (110). The fourth control signal (1600) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (1601) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) electrically connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2) can receive the fourth control signal (1600) and transmit the fourth control signal (1600) to the second cell controller (200-2) electrically connected to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify and then transmit the fourth control signal (1600). The fourth control signal (1600) can be transmitted through the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (200-2) can electrically receive the fourth control signal (1600) transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) through the second battery cell (120-2) to the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) can be configured to receive the fourth control signal (1600) and control the second switch circuit (1522) based on the fourth control signal (1600). As described above, the fourth control signal (1600) is a control signal for electrically isolating the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) from the second resistor (1521), so the second cell controller (200-2) can control the second switch circuit (1522) to an open state. As the second switch circuit (1522) is controlled to an open state, the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) can be electrically isolated from the second resistor (1521).As the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) are electrically separated from the second resistor (1521), the voltage drop of the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3) can be stopped.

[0238] In the case of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, in order to perform cell balancing, data or control signals between a master BMS (110) and a plurality of cell controllers (200) may be transmitted and / or received via a bus bar. Since the battery module (100) can perform cell balancing using a bus bar even without including a plurality of wire harnesses, the circuit configuration may be simplified, and damage to the battery module (100) due to short circuits of the wire harnesses may be prevented. Packaging of a battery module (100) that does not include a plurality of wire harnesses may be facilitated.

[0239] A battery module (e.g., a battery module (100) of FIG. 1) is disclosed. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller included in a first battery cell and a second cell controller included in a second battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS. The first cell controller may include a first switch circuit and a first resistor disposed between a positive terminal of an electrode assembly of the first battery cell and a negative terminal of an electrode assembly of the first battery cell. The second cell controller may include a second switch circuit and a second resistor disposed between a positive terminal of an electrode assembly of the second battery cell and a negative terminal of an electrode assembly of the second battery cell. The master battery management system may be configured to receive, through the bus bar, first information indicating a first voltage of the first battery cell from the first cell controller and second information indicating a second voltage of the second battery cell from the second cell controller. The master battery management system may be configured to transmit, through the bus bar, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit to the first cell controller or the second cell controller based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar based on identifying that a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to transmit a first control signal for electrically connecting the first battery cell and the first resistor to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar based on identifying the first voltage as being higher than the second voltage by the threshold value. The first cell controller may be configured to receive the first control signal through the bus bar and control the first switch circuit to electrically connect the first secondary battery of the first battery cell and the first resistor based on receiving the first control signal.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to transmit, to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell, a second control signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell and the first resistor, through the bus bar, based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the threshold value after transmitting the first control signal. The first cell controller may be configured to receive the second control signal through the bus bar, and control the first switch circuit to electrically isolate the first secondary battery of the first battery cell and the first resistor, based on receiving the second control signal.

[0243] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to transmit a third control signal for electrically connecting the second battery cell and the second resistor to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar based on identifying the second voltage as being higher than the first voltage by the threshold value while the battery module is being charged. The first cell controller may be configured to receive the third control signal through the bus bar and to transmit the third control signal to the second cell controller included in the second battery cell through the bus bar. The second cell controller may be configured to receive the third control signal through the bus bar and to control the second switch circuit to electrically connect the second secondary battery of the second battery cell and the second resistor based on receiving the third control signal.

[0244] A battery module (e.g., a battery module (100) of FIG. 15) is disclosed. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a third battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS, and a plurality of cell controllers configured to transmit a signal including a numeric value for indicating a state of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS via the bus bar. The plurality of cell controllers may include a first cell controller electrically connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell and configured to transmit first information indicating first voltages of the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the master BMS via the bus bar, and a second cell controller connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell and configured to transmit second information indicating second voltages of the second battery cell and the third battery cell from the second cell controller to the master BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may include a first resistor and a first switch circuit configured to electrically connect the first resistor to the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The second cell controller may include a second resistor and a second switch circuit configured to electrically connect the second resistor to the second battery cell and the third battery cell.The master BMS may be configured to receive the first information from the first cell controller through the bus bar, receive the second information from the second cell controller through the bus bar, and transmit a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit based on the first voltage and the second voltage to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a control signal to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar to control the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit based on identifying that a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0246] In one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a first control signal to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar for electrically connecting the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the first resistor based on identifying the first voltage as being higher than the second voltage by the threshold value. The first cell controller may be configured to receive the first control signal through the bus bar and control the first switch circuit to electrically connect the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the first resistor based on receiving the first control signal.

[0247] In one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to transmit a second control signal to the first cell controller through the bus bar for electrically isolating the first battery cell and the second battery cell from the first resistor based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the threshold value after transmitting the first control signal. The first cell controller may be configured to receive the second control signal through the bus bar and control the first switch circuit based on receiving the second control signal to electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell from the first resistor.

[0248] In one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a third control signal to the second cell controller via the bus bar for electrically connecting the second battery cell and the third battery cell to the second resistor based on identifying the second voltage as being higher than the first voltage by the threshold value. The second cell controller may be configured to receive the third control signal via the bus bar and control the second switch circuit based on receiving the third control signal to electrically connect the second battery cell and the third battery cell to the second resistor.

[0249] The terms described in this document are not limited to specific examples, and can be readily understood by those skilled in the art to have substantially identical equivalents. For example, a specific term may be understood to include terms that are understood as equivalents by those skilled in the art. In this document, unless specifically limited to the singular, terms described in the singular should be construed to include both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, in this document, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish components and do not indicate the order or importance of the components.

[0250] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding. For ease of understanding, the processing unit is sometimes described as being used alone, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors, or one processor and one controller.

[0251] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0252] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0253] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In the battery module, A plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; A plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller included in a first battery cell and a second cell controller included in a second battery cell; A master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells; and A bus bar is included that connects each of the plurality of battery cells and is electrically connected to the master BMS. The above first cell controller, First resistance, and A first switch circuit configured to electrically connect the first resistor to the first battery cell, The second cell controller, Second resistance, and a second switch circuit configured to electrically connect the second resistor to the second battery cell; The above master BMS is, Through the bus bar, first information indicating a first voltage of the first battery cell is received from the first cell controller, and second information indicating a second voltage of the second battery cell is received from the second cell controller, Based on the first voltage and the second voltage, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit is configured to be transmitted to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar. Battery module.

2. In paragraph 1, The above master BMS is, Based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit is transmitted to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar. Battery module.

3. In paragraph 2, The above master BMS is, Based on identifying the first voltage higher than the second voltage by a threshold value or more, a first control signal for electrically connecting the first battery cell and the first resistor is transmitted to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar, The above first cell controller, Receive the first control signal through the bus bar, Based on receiving the first control signal, the first switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically connect the first secondary battery of the first battery cell and the first resistor. Battery module.

4. In paragraph 3, The above master BMS is, After transmitting the first control signal, based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the threshold value, a second control signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell and the first resistor is transmitted to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar, The above first cell controller, Receive the second control signal through the bus bar, Based on receiving the second control signal, the first switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically separate the first secondary battery of the first battery cell and the first resistor. Battery module.

5. In paragraph 2, The above master BMS is, While the battery module is being charged, a third control signal for electrically connecting the second battery cell and the second resistor is transmitted to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar based on identifying the second voltage being higher than the threshold value than the first voltage, The above first cell controller, Through the above bus bar, the third control signal is received, Transmitting the third control signal to the second cell controller included in the second battery cell through the bus bar, The second cell controller, Receive the third control signal through the above bus bar, Based on receiving the third control signal, the second switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically connect the second secondary battery of the second battery cell and the second resistor. Battery module.

6. In the battery module, A plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a third battery cell; A master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells; A bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS; and A plurality of cell controllers configured to transmit a signal including a numeric value for indicating the status of the plurality of battery cells to the master BMS through the bus bar, The above multiple cell controllers, A first cell controller electrically connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell and configured to transmit first information indicating a first voltage of the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the master BMS through the bus bar, and A second cell controller connected to the second battery cell and the third battery cell and configured to transmit second information representing the second voltage of the second battery cell and the third battery cell from the second cell controller to the master BMS through the bus bar, The above first cell controller, First resistance, and A first switch circuit configured to electrically connect the first resistor to the first battery cell and the second battery cell, The second cell controller, Second resistance, and a second switch circuit configured to electrically connect the second resistor to the second battery cell and the third battery cell; The above master BMS is, Through the above bus bar, the first information is received from the first cell controller, Through the above bus bar, the second information is received from the second cell controller, Based on the first voltage and the second voltage, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit is configured to be transmitted to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar. Battery module.

7. In paragraph 6, The above master BMS is, Based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value, a control signal for controlling the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit is transmitted to the first cell controller or the second cell controller through the bus bar. Battery module.

8. In paragraph 7, The above master BMS is, Based on identifying the first voltage being higher than the second voltage by a threshold value or more, a first control signal for electrically connecting the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the first resistor is configured to be transmitted to the first cell controller included in the first battery cell through the bus bar, The above first cell controller, Receive the first control signal through the bus bar, Based on receiving the first control signal, the first switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically connect the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the first resistor. Battery module.

9. In paragraph 8, The above master BMS is, After transmitting the first control signal, based on identifying that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the threshold value, a second control signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell and the second battery cell from the first resistor is transmitted to the first cell controller through the bus bar, The above first cell controller, Receive the second control signal through the bus bar, Based on receiving the second control signal, the first switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell from the first resistor. Battery module.

10. In paragraph 7, The above master BMS is, Based on identifying the second voltage being higher than the first voltage by a threshold value or more, a third control signal for electrically connecting the second battery cell and the third battery cell to the second resistor is configured to be transmitted to the second cell controller through the bus bar, The second cell controller, Receive the third control signal through the above bus bar, Based on receiving the third control signal, the second switch circuit is configured to be controlled to electrically connect the second battery cell and the third battery cell to the second resistor. Battery module.

Images