Battery diagnostic method comprising battery management system

Abstract

A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell to an n-th battery cell connected in series, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2; a plurality of cell controllers respectively included in the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller to an n-th cell controller respectively included in the plurality of battery cells; and a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of cell controllers, the master BMS being connected to the first cell controller and the n-th cell controller; and a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS.

Description

Battery diagnostic method including a battery management system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery diagnostic method including a battery management system and a battery module providing said method.

[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 with each other. 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 required to reduce the lifespan of the battery module and to reduce the 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 battery management system may transmit and / or receive data signals with the plurality of battery cells to monitor the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module and to control the operation of the battery cells.

[0004] A battery module is disclosed. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells (wherein is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) including a first battery cell to an nth battery cell connected in series with each other, a plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of cell controllers including a first cell controller to an nth cell controller included in each of the plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of cell controllers, the master BMS being connected to the first cell controller and the nth controller among the plurality of cell controllers, and a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells to each other and electrically connected to the master BMS. The bus bar may be configured to provide a first channel for transmitting a signal from the master BMS to at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers and a second channel for transmitting a signal from the at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers to the master BMS. A first signal requesting information about each of the plurality of battery cells from each of the plurality of cell controllers may be provided from the master BMS to the m-th cell controller through the first channel, passing through the first cell controller to the (m-1)-th cell controller (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than n). A second signal containing the information about each of the plurality of battery cells may be provided from the m-th cell controller to the master BMS through the second channel, passing through the (m-1)-th cell controller to the first cell controller.

[0005] A battery module according to one embodiment can transmit and / or receive data or signals using a bus bar without including a wire harness. As the wire harness is omitted, the battery module can be easily miniaturized, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and damage to the battery module caused by short circuits in the wire harnesses can be reduced.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a master BMS according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the transmission and reception operation of data signals of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the signal transmission and reception operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 8, FIGS. 9, FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11, and FIGS. 12 are drawings illustrating the operation of FIG. 7.

[0014] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 with the plurality of battery cells (120). The plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other to form the battery module (100). Although not shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator to operate as a driving source for the load. The circuit described below may refer to a circuit comprising interconnected circuit elements to provide a specific function.

[0017] 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 nth battery cell (120-n) may be connected in series sequentially in a first direction (D1). For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell (120-1) and the positive terminal of the second battery cell (120-2) may be electrically connected. The negative terminal of the second battery cell (120-2) and the positive terminal of the third battery cell (120-3) may be electrically connected. When multiple battery cells (120) are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system can be set as the sum of each of the battery cells (120) constituting the multiple battery cells (120). In FIG. 1, multiple battery cells (120) are shown arranged in a first direction (D1), but this is only for explaining the electrical connection of the multiple battery cells (120) and is not limited thereto. For example, multiple battery cells (120) can be stacked and assembled with each other to form a battery module (100).

[0018] According to one embodiment, a master BMS (110) may be configured to control the overall operation of a plurality of battery cells (120). According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) may be configured to communicate with a plurality of cell controllers (200) of the plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar (600) of FIG. 6) for connecting the plurality of battery cells (120) without a separate wire harness. The master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information regarding the voltage and / or current of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to obtain information regarding the state of each of the plurality of battery cells (120), such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and temperature, via a bus bar. For example, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a signal to request charging and / or discharging for each of the plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar to a plurality of cell controllers (200) placed within the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0019] According to one embodiment, a 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 a power line 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 line as a transmission medium. According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (120) may transmit a signal containing information regarding their respective states to a master BMS (110) using a plurality of cell controllers (200). The master BMS (110) may transmit a signal to request the operation of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) and / or a signal to request information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) using a plurality of cell controllers (200). According to one embodiment,

[0020] 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).

[0021] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (111) can transmit and / or receive signals through a bus bar with 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).

[0022] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit (112) can control the charging and / or discharging of a plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the charge / discharge control circuit (112) can perform the function of monitoring the voltage and state of charge (SOC) of a secondary battery (e.g., secondary battery (121) of FIG. 3) within the plurality of battery cells (120), the function of controlling the charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells (120), and the function of preventing overcharging and over-discharging.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit (113) may be configured to monitor the status of a plurality of battery cells (120). The monitoring circuit (113) may notify of an abnormality in the battery cells (120) through the notification circuit (114) when an abnormal condition occurs. For example, the notification circuit (114) may be connected to a display that emits a visual signal, or to an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, the notification circuit (114) may be connected to a speaker that emits an auditory signal. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the master memory (115) may be configured to store various information regarding a 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).

[0025] 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 the battery cell that is the recipient of the signal received from the master BMS (110) based on the information regarding the identified ID.

[0026] 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 containing information regarding an ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3) to the first battery cell (120-1). A first cell controller (200-1) placed within the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to receive the signal and identify information regarding an ID included in the signal. The first cell controller (200-1) may identify that information regarding an ID included in the signal does not match information regarding an 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) placed within the 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 said identification, transmit the signal to the third battery cell (120-3). The third cell controller (200-3) placed within the third battery cell (120-3) may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information regarding the ID included in the signal. The third cell controller (200-3) may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal matches the information regarding the ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3), and based on said identification, identify a designated action included in the signal. The third cell controller (200-3) may be configured to perform at least one action corresponding to the designated action in order to perform the designated action.

[0027] For example, when a signal containing information regarding the state of the first battery cell (120-1) is transmitted to the master BMS (110), the master BMS (110) can identify that the signal is regarding the first battery cell (120-1) through information regarding the ID included in the signal. For example, when a plurality of battery cells (120) receive a signal containing information regarding the charging and / or discharging signal of the first battery cell (120-1), the plurality of battery cells (120) can identify that the signal is regarding the first battery cell (120-1) through information regarding the ID included in the signal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the battery module (100) can perform communication through a bus bar connecting a plurality of battery cells (120), so the design for transmitting and / or receiving communication between the master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be simplified.

[0029] According to one embodiment, when a master BMS (110) transmits a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., a second battery cell (120-2)), the signal may be transmitted through a battery cell other than the battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2)) that is the target of receiving the signal (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1)). Additionally, 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)).

[0030] For example, when the master BMS (110) transmits a signal to the third battery cell (120-3) requesting information regarding the state of the third battery cell (120-3), the master BMS (110) transmits a signal (S) to the first battery cell (120-1) connected to the master BMS (110). 01 ) can transmit. The above signal (S 01) can be transmitted in the first direction (D1). Signal (S 01 ) is a signal (S) that is transmitted to the first battery cell (120-1) connected to the master BMS (110), and then transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the second battery cell (120-2). 12 It can be changed to ). A signal (S) transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the second battery cell (120-2). 12 ) is a signal (S) that is transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2) and then transmitted from the second battery cell (120-2) to the third battery cell (120-3). 23 It can be changed to ).

[0031] For example, when the third battery cell (120-3) transmits a signal containing information regarding the state of the third battery cell (120-3) to the master BMS (110), the signal may be transmitted in the second direction (D2). A signal (S) transmitted from the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2). 32 ) can be transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2). A signal (S) transmitted from the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2). 32 ) is a signal (S) that is transmitted to the second battery cell (120-2) and then transmitted from the second battery cell (120-2) to the first battery cell (120-1). 21 It can be changed to ). The signal (S) transmitted from the second battery cell (120-2) to the first battery cell (120-1) 21 ) is a signal (S) that is transmitted to the first battery cell (120-1) and then transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110). 10 It can be changed to ). The master BMS (110) is the signal (S 10 ) receives, and signal(S 10 Information regarding the state of the third battery cell included within ) can be obtained.

[0032] When a signal passes through the battery cells (120) sequentially, the signal strength may be reduced by the impedance (e.g., resistance within the battery cells) inside the battery cells (120). Since the signal strength decreases each time the signal passes through the battery cells (120), it is necessary to maintain the signal strength when transmitting a signal through multiple battery cells (120). Additionally, since signal collision may occur if the signal is transmitted in a different direction, it is necessary to set the direction of signal transmission.

[0033] 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 applied in the same way to other battery cells.

[0034] 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).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery (121) can store electrical energy. The secondary battery (121) is a secondary battery capable of charging electrical energy and discharging the charged electrical energy, and may include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator, and an electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) may include at least one secondary battery (121).

[0036] According to one embodiment, a protection circuit module (PCM) (123) is a protection circuit for a secondary battery (121) capable of preventing 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 the electrodes and cause failure of the secondary battery (121). To prevent damage and / or failure of the secondary battery (121), the protection circuit (123) can cut off the charging circuit in response to identifying that the voltage of the secondary battery (121) has reached a charging limit voltage, and can cut off the discharging circuit in response to identifying that the voltage of the secondary battery (121) has reached a discharging limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (123) can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery (121) and provide the obtained information to the first cell controller (200-1).

[0037] 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.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery (121) from the protection circuit (123). For example, the information regarding the state of the secondary battery (121) may include, but is not limited to, information regarding the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery (121). The first cell controller (200-1) may be electrically coupled to the protection circuit (123) and may receive information regarding the state of the secondary battery (121) from the protection circuit (123). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit the received information regarding the state of the secondary battery (121) to the master BMS (110).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) can receive a signal from the master BMS (110) via a bus bar (e.g., the bus bar (600) of FIG. 6). When the signal is received from the master BMS (110) to the first cell controller (200-1), the signal is transmitted through a plurality of interconnected battery cells (e.g., a plurality of first battery cells (120-1) of FIG. 1), so the signal strength may be reduced. For example, when the signal is transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the third battery cell (120-3), the signal may be transmitted to the third battery cell (120-3) by passing through the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). When 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).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) can identify whether the target of a signal received from the master BMS (110) is the first battery cell (120-1). The signal may include information regarding a target ID, which is information regarding the ID of the first battery cell (120-1) that is the target of the signal reception. The first cell controller (200-1) can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS (110) with the ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can perform an operation corresponding to the signal 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) 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 it to a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell (120-2) of FIG. 1) connected to the first battery cell (120-1).

[0041] For example, when a signal requesting information regarding 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), which is serially connected to the master BMS (110), can receive the signal. The signal may include information regarding a target ID set to 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 identify whether the identified target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). When it is identified 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 containing information regarding the state of the first battery cell (120-1) and transmit the generated signal to the master BMS (110).

[0042] For example, when a signal requesting information regarding 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) serially connected 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 identify whether the identified target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1). If it is identified 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) serially connected to the first battery cell (120-1). A second cell controller of a second battery cell (120-2) (e.g., the second cell controller (200-2) of FIG. 1) may generate a signal containing information regarding the state of the second battery cell (120-2) in response to identifying that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to transmit the generated signal to a master BMS (110).

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the first cell controller (200-1) may include a microprocessor (201) for controlling the transmission and / or reception of a signal, an amplification circuit (202) for amplifying a signal transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor (201), and a switch (SW) for controlling the transmission path of the signal.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted and / or received to the first cell controller (200-1) may be transmitted and / or received after being amplified through an amplification circuit (202). When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller (200-1), the switch (SW) may provide a receiving path for the signal by closing it so that the signal is received by the microprocessor (201). When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1), the switch (SW) may provide a transmitting path for the signal by closing it so that the signal is transmitted from the microprocessor (201).

[0045] 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 positive tab (121a) of the secondary battery (121), a first terminal (125a) connected to the first terminal (123a) of the protection circuit (123), a negative tab (121b) of the secondary battery (121), and a second terminal (125b) connected to 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) through 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 terminal (125b) of the first cell controller (200-1) and the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1). For example, the first cell controller (200-1) can detect the potential (V2) of the second terminal (125b) of the first cell controller (200-1) and the potential (V1) of the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1), identify the signal based on the potential difference (V2-V1), and receive and / or transmit the signal.

[0046] 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) through the secondary battery (121). Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell (120-1), since it is amplified at the first terminal (125a) of the first cell controller (200-1), the signal can maintain a constant strength while passing through a plurality of interconnected battery cells (120).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the battery module (100) can maintain the signal strength using a plurality of cell controllers (200) while ensuring the stability of the power supply, by means of a plurality of interconnected battery cells (120), thereby simplifying the structure for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals between battery cells.

[0048] 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.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted and received through a plurality of cell controllers (200) of a battery module (e.g., battery module (100) of FIG. 1) may include information for setting directionality. Referring to FIG. 4, the 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 a command for actual operation, a payload (307) which is data being transmitted, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) (308) for checking errors. For example, if the DIR (302) is 0, the signal transmission direction may be the first direction of FIG. 1 (e.g., the first direction (D1) of FIG. 1), and if the DIR (302) is 1, the signal transmission direction may be the second direction of FIG. 1 (e.g., the second direction (D2) of FIG. 1). However, it is not limited thereto. TX_ID (304) represents an ID assigned to a battery management system (e.g., the master BMS (110) of FIG. 1) or a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells (120) of FIG. 1) that transmitted the signal. TAR_ID (303) may represent an ID assigned to a master BMS (110) or a plurality of battery cells (120) that will receive the signal.

[0050] 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) containing information for requesting the assignment of an ID for each of the plurality of battery cells (120), and a packet (306b) containing information for requesting the reset of preassigned IDs for the plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the plurality of battery cells (120) may transmit a data signal in which 1 is input into the packet (306a) to the master BMS (110) to request the assignment of an ID. The CMD (306) may include a packet (306c) containing various information in addition to the above-described packets (306a, 206b). For example, the master BMS (110) may transmit a data signal to the first battery cell (120-1) that includes information requesting information regarding the state of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell (120-1) of FIG. 1). In response to receiving the data signal, the first battery cell (120-1) may transmit information regarding the state of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110).

[0051] According to one embodiment, when a signal is transmitted to one of the plurality of battery cells (120), the cell controller assigned to the one battery cell among the plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers (200) of FIG. 1) can compare the DIR (302) with the ID assigned to the one battery cell.

[0052] For example, when DIR (302) is 0 and the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) does not match TAR_ID (303), and the battery cell having an ID corresponding to the TAR_ID (303) is located in the first direction (D1) compared to the battery cell having an ID corresponding to the TX_ID (304), the second cell controller (200-2) may ignore the received signal. Since the example described above is a case where the signal is incorrectly transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller (200-2) may ignore the received signal.

[0053] For example, when DIR (302) is 1, and the ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) does not match TAR_ID (303), and the battery cell having an ID corresponding to the TAR_ID (303) is located in the second direction (D2) relative to the battery cell having an 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 transmit the signal after amplifying it. Since the example described above is a case where the signal is transmitted in the direction of transmission of the signal, the second cell controller (200-2) can transmit the received signal in the second direction (D2) after amplifying it so that the signal can be transmitted to the battery cell having an ID matching the TAR_ID (303). The signal can be transmitted sequentially to a battery cell that matches the TAR_ID (303) and the ID, and an operation corresponding to the signal can be performed in the battery cell.

[0054] 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 specified operation based on the CMD (306) included in the data packet (300) of the signal.

[0055] According to one embodiment, in a battery module (100) comprising a plurality of interconnected battery cells (120), signal transmission and reception between a master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be performed smoothly. Through a signal including information regarding the direction of signal transmission and a target ID, the battery module (100) according to one embodiment can prevent signal collisions caused by serial connection.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the transmission and reception operation of data signals of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0057] The operation illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed under the assumption that IDs are assigned sequentially to a plurality of battery cells (120) serially connected to a 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).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the master BMS (110) can generate a data signal (401a) to transmit a data signal to the third battery cell (120-3) and transmit the generated data signal (401a) to the first battery cell (120-1). The data signal (401a) may include information 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 where the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is a first direction (D1).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) can receive a data signal (401b) from the master BMS (110). The first cell controller of the first battery cell (120-1) (e.g., the first cell controller (200-1) of FIG. 1) can identify information regarding 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 regarding a target ID included in the data signal (401b) is 3, the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can identify that the target ID does not correspond to an 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 in which the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell (120-2) can receive a data signal (402b) from the first battery cell (120-1). The second cell controller of the second battery cell (120-2) (e.g., the second cell controller (200-2) of FIG. 1) can identify information regarding 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 regarding a 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 an 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 in which the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction (D1).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell (120-3) can receive a data signal (403b) from the second battery cell (120-2). The third cell controller of the third battery cell (120-3) (e.g., the third cell controller (200-3) of FIG. 1) can identify information regarding 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 regarding a 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 an ID assigned to the third battery cell (120-3) and perform an operation corresponding to the data signal (403b).

[0062] 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).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell (120-3) can 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) can transmit a data signal (404a) containing information regarding the state of the third battery cell (120-3) to the second battery cell (120-2). The data signal (404a) may include information regarding 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 where the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 3, and the transmission direction is a second direction (D2).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell (120-2) can receive a data signal (404b) from the third battery cell (120-3). The second cell controller (200-2) of the second battery cell (120-2) can identify information regarding 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 regarding a 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 an ID assigned to the second battery cell (120-2) and transmit a data signal (405a) to the first battery cell (120-1). The data signal (405a) may include information in which the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell (120-1) can receive a data signal (405b) from the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can identify information regarding 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 regarding a target ID included in the data signal (405b) is 0, the first cell controller (200-1) of the first battery cell (120-1) can identify that the target ID does not correspond to an ID assigned to the first battery cell (120-1) and transmit a data signal (406a) to the master BMS (110). The data signal (406a) may include information in which the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction (D2).

[0066] 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).

[0067] According to one embodiment, a master BMS (110) can receive a data signal (406b) from a first battery cell (120-1). The master BMS (110) can identify information regarding a target ID included in the data signal (406b) and compare it with an ID assigned to the master BMS (110). Since the information regarding a target ID included in the data signal (406b) is 0, the master BMS (110) can identify that the target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the master BMS (110). The master BMS (110) can receive the data signal (406b).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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, the information included in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0070] In the description below, the expression 'through A to B' may include component A, components between A and B, and component B. Here, A and B may be identical, and if A and B are identical, 'through A to B' may be referred to as 'through A'.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment may include a master BMS (110), a plurality of battery cells (120), a plurality of cell controllers (200), and a bus bar (600). 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 FIG. 1 to 5. Identical components may be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In the present disclosure, a secondary battery may refer to a battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte contained within 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. Each of the plurality of battery cells (120) may include a secondary battery and a cell controller.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells (120) may include a first battery cell (120-1) to an nth battery cell (120-n). In the present disclosure, the battery cells may be numbered according to the order of the plurality of battery cells (120) connected in series with each other. For example, the m-th battery cell (120-m) may be placed between the m-th first battery cell (120-(m-1)) and the m+1-th battery cell (120-(m+1)). The m-th battery cell (120-m) may be connected to the m-th first battery cell (120-(m-1)) and the m+1-th battery cell (120-(m+1)) via a bus bar (600).

[0074] According to one embodiment, a master BMS (110) can be directly connected to the battery cells (120-1, 120-n) positioned at the far end among a plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar (600). For example, the master BMS (110) can be directly connected to the first battery cell (120-1) and the nth battery cell (120-n), respectively. The master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be electrically connected via the bus bar (600). The bus bar (600) can provide low-profile routing as a conductor for transmitting current. The bus bar (600) can improve the space utilization of the battery module (100). The bus bar (600) can electrically connect each of the plurality of battery cells (120). A master BMS (110) can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) via a bus bar (600). Signals transmitted from the master BMS (110) to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) and / or signals transmitted from each of the plurality of battery cells (120) to the master BMS (110) can be transmitted via the bus bar (600).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the bus bar (600) may be configured to provide a first channel and a second channel for transmitting signals. In the present disclosure, the first channel may be referred to as a channel for transmitting a signal from a master BMS (110) to at least one cell controller among a plurality of cell controllers (200). For example, a signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) may be transmitted to at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers (200) through the first channel. In the present disclosure, the second channel may be referred to as a channel for transmitting a signal from at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers (200) to the master BMS (110). For example, a signal transmitted from at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers (200) may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) through the second channel.

[0076] For example, a signal transmitted from a master BMS (110) to a first cell controller (200-1) contained within a first battery cell (120-1) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1). The signal can be transmitted through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) contained within the first battery cell (120-1) can be configured to identify that the target of the signal corresponds to the first battery cell (120-1) from a data packet of the signal transmitted from the master BMS (110). The first cell controller (200-1) can be configured to receive the signal and perform an operation based on the signal.

[0077] For example, when a master BMS (110) requests information regarding the state of health (SOH) of a first battery cell (120-1), the signal requesting said information may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to a first cell controller (200-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) may receive the signal requesting said information and transmit a signal containing information regarding the SOH of the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110). A signal containing 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 a second channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110).

[0078] For example, a signal transmitted from a master BMS (110) to a second cell controller (200-2) contained within a second battery cell (120-2) may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) through a first battery cell (120-1) to the second battery cell (120-2). The signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) contained within the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to identify, from a data packet of the signal transmitted from the master BMS (110), that the target of the signal corresponds to the second cell controller (200-2) contained within the second battery cell (120-2). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell (120-2). The signal may be transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) to the second cell controller (200-2) through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-2) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (200-2) contained within the second battery cell (120-2) may be configured to receive the signal. The second cell controller (200-2) may be configured to receive the signal and perform an operation based on the signal.

[0079] For example, when the master BMS (110) requests information regarding the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2), the second cell controller (200-2) may transmit a signal containing information regarding the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2) to the first battery cell (120-1). The signal containing information regarding the SOH of the second battery cell (120-2) may be transmitted from the second cell controller (200-2) to the first cell controller (200-1) contained within the first battery cell (120-1) via a bus bar (600-2) between the second battery cell (120-2) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) contained within the first battery cell (120-1) may be configured to receive the signal and, from the data packet of the signal, identify that the target of the signal corresponds to the master BMS (110). The first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to amplify the signal and transmit the signal to the master BMS (110) based on identifying that the target of the signal corresponds to the master BMS (110). The signal may be transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) to the master BMS (110) through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110).

[0080] By the process described above, the master BMS (110) may be configured to receive data or signals from a plurality of cell controllers (200) included in each of the plurality of battery cells (120), or to transmit data or signals to the plurality of cell controllers (200). For example, a signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the m-th cell controller (200-m) (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than n) may pass through the first cell controller (200-1) to the m-1-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) through a first channel provided by the bus bar (600). For example, a signal transmitted from the m-th cell controller (200-m) to the master BMS (110) may pass through the m-1-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) to the first cell controller (200-1) through a second channel provided by the bus bar (600).

[0081] According to one embodiment, a master BMS (110) may transmit a first signal to each of a plurality of cell controllers (200) to request information regarding each of a plurality of battery cells (120). For example, the first signal may be provided from the master BMS (110) to the m-th cell controller (200-m) by passing through a first channel through a first cell controller (200-1) to the m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)). The m-th cell controller (200-m) may receive the first signal and, based on the first signal, transmit a second signal containing the information to the master BMS (110). For example, the second signal may be provided from the m-th cell controller (200-m) to the master BMS (110) by passing through a second channel through a m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) to the first cell controller (200-1). A battery module (100) according to one embodiment can perform bidirectional communication using a bus bar (600) without a harness. Bidirectional communication may be referred to as transmitting and / or receiving signals through a first channel and a second channel opposite to the first channel. The second signal may include a third signal to an n+2 signal. For example, the third signal may be referred to as a signal containing information related to the first battery cell (200-1). For example, the m+2 signal may be referred to as a signal containing information related to the m battery cell (200-m). For example, the n+2 signal may be referred to as a signal containing information related to the n battery cell (200-n).

[0082] In a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, wire harnesses connected to each of the master BMS (110) and the plurality of battery cells (120) can be omitted, so the circuit structure can be simplified and miniaturized, and damage to the battery module (100) caused by a short circuit can be reduced.

[0083] Hereinafter, the bidirectional signal transmission and reception operation of the battery module (100) according to one embodiment is described in detail.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the signal transmission and reception operation of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0085] For convenience of explanation, the plurality of cell controllers (200) are described as including a first cell controller (200-1), an m-th cell controller (200-m) (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than n), and an n-th cell controller (200-n), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The m-th cell controller (200-m) may correspond to one or more cell controllers located between the first cell controller (200-1) and the n-th cell controller (200-n) at both ends among the plurality of cell controllers (200).

[0086] In the following description, a signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) to each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) to request information for each of the plurality of battery cells (120) may be referred to as the first signal. Additionally, signals containing information related to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) transmitted from each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) to the master BMS (110) may be referred to as the third signal to the (n+2) signal. For example, the third signal transmitted from the first battery cell (120-1) may correspond to a signal containing information related to the first battery cell (120-1). For example, the (m+2) signal transmitted from the m-th battery cell (120-m) may correspond to a signal containing information related to the m-th battery cell (120-m). For example, the (n+2) signal transmitted from the nth battery cell (120-n) may correspond to a signal containing information related to the nth battery cell (120-n).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 701, the master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a first signal requesting information for each of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0088] For example, a master BMS (110) may request status information for each of the plurality of battery cells (120) in order to monitor each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The status information may include, but is not limited to, SOH information, temperature information, charge information, discharge information, or usage history information for each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The master BMS (110) may be configured to transmit a first signal requesting status information for each of the plurality of battery cells (120) in order to monitor each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The first signal may be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to a first cell controller (200-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) through a first channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0089] In operation 702, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a first signal from the master BMS (110) through the first channel, amplify the first signal, and then transmit the first signal to the second cell controller (200-2).

[0090] For example, since the first battery cell (120-1) is directly connected to the master BMS (110), the first cell controller (200-1) can receive the first signal first among the plurality of cell controllers (200). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify the first signal before receiving the first signal and transmitting the first signal to the second cell controller (200-2). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify the first signal to compensate for the first signal being weakened by the internal impedance of the first battery cell (120-1) as it passes through the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify the first signal and then transmit the first signal to the second cell controller (200-2) included in the second battery cell (120-2) through a bus bar (600-1) positioned between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the second battery cell (120-2) directly connected to the first battery cell (120-1) is omitted. The first signal can be transmitted sequentially to the m-th cell controller (200-m) included in the m-th battery cell (120-m).

[0091] In operation 703, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to transmit a third signal to the master BMS (110) containing information based on the first signal (e.g., information related to the first battery cell (120-1)) in response to transmitting a first signal to the second cell controller (200-2).

[0092] For example, the first battery cell (120-1) may generate a third signal containing information related to the requested first battery cell (120-1) based on the first signal. As described above, the information may include, but is not limited to, SOH information, temperature information, charge information, discharge information, or usage history information for the first battery cell (120-1). The third signal containing the information may be transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) to the master BMS (110) via a second channel provided by a bus bar (600-1) positioned between the first battery cell (120-1) and the master BMS (110). The master BMS (110) may be configured to receive the second signal transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) and to identify the information related to the first battery cell (120-1) through the third signal.

[0093] In operation 704, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may be configured to receive a first signal from the m-1-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) through a first channel, amplify the first signal, and then transmit the first signal to the m+1-th cell controller (120-(m+1)).

[0094] For example, a first signal transmitted through a first cell controller (200-1) can be transmitted to the m-th cell controller (200-m) by passing through one or more cell controllers (e.g., a second cell controller to an m-1 cell controller) positioned between the first cell controller (200-1) and the m-th cell controller (200-m) via a first channel provided by a bus bar (600). Since the m-th cell controller (200-m) is not directly connected to the master BMS (110), it can receive the first signal through one or more cell controllers positioned between the master BMS (110) and the m-th cell controller (200-m). The first signal can be transmitted sequentially after being amplified by one or more cell controllers positioned between the master BMS (110) and the m-th cell controller (200-m).

[0095] For example, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may receive a first signal and amplify the first signal before transmitting the first signal to the m+1-th cell controller (120-(m+1)). To compensate for the first signal being attenuated by the internal impedance of the m-th battery cell (120-m) as it passes through the m-th battery cell (120-m), the m-th cell controller (200-m) may amplify the first signal. After amplifying the first signal, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may transmit the first signal to the m+1-th cell controller (120-(m+1)) contained within the m+1-th battery cell (120-(m+1)) via a bus bar (600-(m+1)) positioned between the m-th battery cell (120-m) and the m+1-th battery cell (120-(m+1)).

[0096] In operation 705, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may be configured to transmit a (m+2) signal to the m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) in response to transmitting a first signal to the m+1 cell controller (120-(m+1)), the m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) which includes information based on the first signal (e.g., information related to the m-th battery cell (120-m)).

[0097] For example, a m-cell controller (200-m) included within a m-cell (120-m) can generate a (m+2) signal containing information related to the requested m-cell (120-m) based on a first signal. As described above, the information may include, but is not limited to, SOH information, temperature information, charge information, discharge information, or usage history information for the m-cell (120-m). The (m+2) signal containing the information may be transmitted from the m-cell controller (200-m) to the m-1 cell controller (200-(m-1)) included within the m-1 battery cell (120-(m-1)) through a second channel provided by a bus bar (600-m) positioned between the m-cell (120-m) and the m-1 battery cell (120-(m-1)).

[0098] In operation 706, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a (m+2) signal that has passed through the m cell controller (200-m) to the second cell controller (200-2) via the second channel, amplify the (m+2) signal, and then transmit the (m+2) signal to the master BMS (110).

[0099] For example, the (m+2) signal may pass through the (m-1) cell controller (200-(m-1)) to the second cell controller (200-2) and be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1). The (m+2) signal may be transmitted to the master BMS (110) through the first cell controller (200-1). At this time, each cell controller (e.g., the (m-1) cell controller (200-(m-1)) to the first cell controller (200-1)) may be configured to receive the (m+2) signal and identify that the target of the (m+2) signal corresponds to the master BMS (110) from the data packet of the (m+2) signal. Each cell controller may amplify the (m+2) signal and then transmit it to a serially connected senior cell controller. The master BMS (110) can be configured to receive the (m+2) signal transmitted from the (m) cell controller (200-m) and to identify the information related to the (m) battery cell (120-m) through the (m+2) signal.

[0100] In operation 707, the n-th cell controller (200-n) may be configured to receive a first signal from the n-1-th cell controller (200-(n-1)) through a first channel and transmit a (n+2) signal to the n-1-th cell controller (200-(n-1)) containing information based on the first signal (e.g., information related to the n-th battery cell (120-n)).

[0101] For example, the n-th cell controller (200-n) included within the n-th battery cell (120-n) connected at the end of the serial connection structure may generate a (n+2) signal containing information related to the requested n-th battery cell (120-n) based on a first signal. As described above, the information may include, but is not limited to, SOH information, temperature information, charge information, discharge information, or usage history information for the n-th battery cell (120-n). The (n+2) signal containing the information may be transmitted from the n-th cell controller (200-n) to the n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1)) included within the n-1 battery cell (120-(n-1)) through a second channel provided by a bus bar (600-n) placed between the n-th battery cell (120-n) and the n-1 battery cell (120-(n-1)).

[0102] In operation 708, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may be configured to receive a (n+2) signal from the m+1 cell controller (120-(m+1)) via a second channel, amplify the (n+2) signal, and then transmit the (n+2) signal to the m-1 cell controller (200-(m-1)) via a second channel provided by a bus bar (600). In this case, the bus bar (600) may be referred to as a bus bar (600-m) between the m-th battery cell (120-m) and the m-1 battery cell (120-(m-1)). The (n+2) signal may pass through the m-1 cell controller (200-(m-1)) to the second cell controller (200-2) and be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1). In operation 709, the first cell controller (200-1) may be configured to receive a (n+2) signal that has passed through the n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1)) to the second cell controller (200-2) via the second channel, amplify the (n+2) signal, and then transmit the (n+2) signal to the master BMS (110).

[0103] In FIG. 7, the operation of one or more cell controllers (e.g., the m+1 cell controller (120-(m+1)) to the n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1))) placed between the m-th cell controller (200-m) and the n-th cell controller (200-n) is omitted, but said one or more cell controllers may be referred to as performing an operation corresponding to the operation 708 of the m-th cell controller (200-m).

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery module (100) may be configured to transmit and / or receive signals in both directions using a bus bar (600). A first signal transmitted from the master BMS (110) to each of the plurality of battery cells (120) may be transmitted through a first channel provided by the bus bar (600). The first signal may pass through each of the plurality of battery cells (120). A second signal (e.g., a third signal to an (n+2) signal) transmitted from each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) to the master BMS (110) may be transmitted through a second channel provided by the bus bar (600). The second signal may pass through each of the plurality of battery cells (120). According to one embodiment, since the transmission and / or reception of a signal for identifying the state of each of the plurality of battery cells (120) may be performed simultaneously in both directions, the master BMS (110) may receive the signal quickly. Each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) can amplify and transmit the first signal after receiving the first signal. Each of the plurality of cell controllers (200) can transmit a signal containing information about the corresponding battery cell in response to transmitting the first signal. When the signal containing information about the corresponding battery cell passes through another battery cell connected in front of the corresponding battery cell, it can be amplified by a cell controller included in the other battery cell and then transmitted. By operating to transmit signals in both directions, the speed of signal transmission between the master BMS (110) and the plurality of cell controllers (200) can be increased.

[0105] FIGS. 8, FIGS. 9, FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11, and FIGS. 12 are drawings illustrating the operation of FIG. 7.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, a first signal transmitted from a master BMS (110) can be transmitted from the master BMS (110) to the first battery cell (120-1) through a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1). A first cell controller (200-1) included in the first battery cell (120-1) can receive the first signal.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, a first cell controller (200-1) included in a first battery cell (120-1) can amplify the first signal. The first cell controller (200-1) can transmit the amplified first signal to a second cell controller (200-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) through a bus bar (600-2) between the first battery cell (120-1) and the second battery cell (120-2). The second cell controller (200-2) can receive the first signal.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller (200-1) may transmit a third signal containing information of the first battery cell (120-1) based on the first signal to the master BMS (110) in response to transmitting the first signal. The third signal may be transmitted from the first cell controller (200-1) to the master BMS (110) through a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, a second cell controller (200-2) included in a second battery cell (120-2) can amplify the first signal. The second cell controller (200-2) can transmit the amplified first signal to a third cell controller included in a third battery cell (120-3) via a bus bar between the second battery cell (120-2) and the third battery cell (120-3). The third cell controller can receive the first signal. Through this process, the first signal can be transmitted to a m-cell controller (200-m) included in a m-battery cell (120-m).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the second cell controller (200-2) may transmit a fourth signal containing information of the second battery cell (120-2) based on the first signal to the first cell controller (200-1) in response to transmitting the first signal. The fourth signal may be transmitted from the second cell controller (200-2) to the first cell controller (200-1) via a bus bar (600-2) between the second battery cell (120-2) and the first battery cell (120-1). The first cell controller (200-1) may amplify the fourth signal in response to receiving the fourth signal. The first cell controller (200-1) may transmit the amplified fourth signal to the master BMS (110) via a bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 11, the m cell controller (200-m) included in the m battery cell (120-m) can amplify the first signal. The m-th cell controller (200-m) can transmit the amplified first signal to the m+1 cell controller (e.g., the m+1 cell controller (120-(m+1))) included in the m+1 battery cell (120-(m+1)) via a bus bar (e.g., the bus bar (600-(m+1)) of FIG. 6) between the m-th battery cell (120-m) and the m+1 battery cell (e.g., the m+1 battery cell (120-(m+1))) of FIG. 6). The m+1 cell controller (120-(m+1)) can receive the first signal. Through this process, the first signal can be transmitted to the n-th cell controller (200-n) included in the n-th battery cell (120-n).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the m-th cell controller (200-m) may transmit a (m+2) signal containing information of the m-th battery cell (120-m) based on the first signal to the m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) in response to transmitting a first signal. The (m+2) signal may be transmitted from the m-th cell controller (200-m) to the m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) via a bus bar (600-m) between the m-th battery cell (120-m) and the m-th battery cell (120-(m-1)). The m-th cell controller (200-(m-1)) may amplify the received (m+2) signal in response to receiving the (m+2) signal and transmit it to the (m-2) cell controller. Through the above process, the (m+2) signal can be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify the (m+2) signal in response to receiving the (m+2) signal. The first cell controller (200-1) can transmit the amplified (m+2) signal to the master BMS (110) through the bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 12, the nth cell controller (200-n) included in the nth battery cell (120-n) can receive the first signal. For example, the first signal may pass through the first cell controller (200-1) to the n-1st cell controller (200-(n-1)) and be provided to the nth cell controller (200-n).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the n-th cell controller (200-n) may transmit a (n+2) signal containing information of the n-th battery cell (120-n) based on the first signal to the n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1)) in response to transmitting a first signal. The (n+2) signal may be transmitted from the n-th cell controller (200-n) to the n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1)) through a bus bar (600-n) between the n-th battery cell (120-n) and the n-1 battery cell (120-(n-1)). The n-1 cell controller (200-(n-1)) may amplify the received (n+2) signal in response to receiving the (n+2) signal and transmit it to the (n-2) cell controller. Through the above process, the (n+2) signal can be transmitted to the first cell controller (200-1). The first cell controller (200-1) can amplify the (n+2) signal in response to receiving the (n+2) signal. The first cell controller (200-1) can transmit the amplified (n+2) signal to the master BMS (110) through the bus bar (600-1) between the master BMS (110) and the first battery cell (120-1).

[0115] In the case of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment, data or control signals between a master BMS (110) and a plurality of cell controllers (200) can be transmitted and / or received via a bus bar (600). Since the battery module (100) can communicate with a plurality of cell controllers (200) included in each of the plurality of battery cells (120) using the bus bar (600) even without including a plurality of wire harnesses, the circuit configuration can be simplified and damage to the battery module (100) caused by short circuits in the wire harnesses can be prevented. Packaging of the battery module (100) that does not include a plurality of wire harnesses can be easy. According to one embodiment, the master BMS (110) can quickly identify the status of each battery cell by means of signals transmitted and received in both directions.

[0116] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (wherein is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) comprising a first battery cell to an nth battery cell connected in series with each other, a plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of cell controllers include a first cell controller to an nth cell controller included in each of the plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of cell controllers, wherein the master BMS is connected to the first cell controller and the nth controller, and a bus bar connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the master BMS. The bus bar may be configured to provide a first channel for transmitting a signal from the master BMS to at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers and a second channel for transmitting a signal from the at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers to the master BMS. A first signal requesting information about each of the plurality of battery cells from each of the plurality of cell controllers may be provided from the master BMS to the m-th cell controller through the first channel, passing through the first cell controller to the (m-1)-th cell controller (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than n). A second signal containing the information about each of the plurality of battery cells may be provided from the m-th cell controller to the master BMS through the second channel, passing through the (m-1)-th cell controller to the first cell controller.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to receive the first signal from the master BMS through the first channel provided by the bus bar, amplify the first signal, and then transmit the first signal to the second cell controller through the first channel provided by the bus bar, and in response to transmitting the first signal to the second cell controller, transmit a third signal containing information related to the first battery cell based on the first signal to the master BMS through the second channel provided by the bus bar, and receive a fourth signal provided from the second cell controller to the first cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar, containing information related to the second battery cell based on the first signal, and then amplify the fourth signal and then transmit the fourth signal to the master BMS through the second channel provided by the bus bar.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the m-th cell controller may be configured to receive the first signal provided to the m-th cell controller from the master BMS through the first channel provided by the bus bar, pass through the first cell controller to the (m-1)-th cell controller, amplify the first signal, and then transmit the first signal to the (m+1)-th cell controller through the first channel provided by the bus bar, and in response to transmitting the first signal to the (m+1)-th cell controller, transmit the (m+2)-th signal, which includes the information related to the m-th battery cell based on the first signal, to the (m-1)-th cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the m-th cell controller may be configured to receive a (m+3) signal containing information related to a (m+1) battery cell based on a first signal, provided from a (m+1) cell controller to the m-th cell controller through a second channel provided by the bus bar, amplify the (m+3) signal, and then transmit the (m+3) signal to a (m-1) cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the n-th cell controller may be configured to receive the first signal provided from the master BMS to the n-th cell controller via the first channel provided by the bus bar, passing through the first cell controller to the (n-1)-th cell controller, and in response to receiving the first signal, to transmit the (n+2)-th signal containing the information based on the first signal to the (n-1)-th cell controller via the second channel provided by the bus bar.

[0121] The terms described in this document are not limited to specific embodiments and may be understood by those skilled in the art as substantially identical equivalents. For example, a specific term may be understood by those skilled in the art to include a term understood as an equivalent. In this document, unless specifically limited to the singular, terms described in the singular form should be interpreted to include both the singular and plural forms. Additionally, in this document, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish components and do not indicate the order or importance of the components.

[0122] The device described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and / or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. For example, the device and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose 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 and responding to instructions. For convenience of understanding, although a processing unit is described as being used as a single unit, those skilled in the art will understand 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.

[0123] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code 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 operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0124] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0125] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. Regarding battery modules, A plurality of battery cells, each comprising a first battery cell to an nth battery cell connected in series with each other (wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2); A plurality of cell controllers included in each of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of cell controllers include a first cell controller to an nth cell controller included in each of the plurality of battery cells; A master battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of cell controllers, wherein the master BMS is connected to the first cell controller and the nth controller among the plurality of cell controllers; and The plurality of battery cells are connected to each other, and a bus bar is electrically connected to the master BMS. The above bus bar is, It is configured to provide a first channel for transmitting a signal from the master BMS to at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers, and a second channel for transmitting a signal from at least one cell controller among the plurality of cell controllers to the master BMS. A first signal requesting information about each of the plurality of battery cells from each of the plurality of cell controllers is, Through the first channel, passing through the first cell controller to the (m-1)th cell controller, it is provided from the master BMS to the mth cell controller (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than n), A second signal including the information for each of the plurality of battery cells is, Through the second channel, passing through the (m-1) cell controller to the first cell controller, provided from the m cell controller to the master BMS, Battery module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first cell controller included in the first battery cell is, Through the first channel provided by the bus bar, the first signal is received from the master BMS, and After amplifying the first signal, the first signal is transmitted to a second cell controller included in the second battery cell through the first channel provided by the bus bar, and In response to transmitting the first signal to the second cell controller, a third signal including the information related to the first battery cell based on the first signal is transmitted to the master BMS through the second channel provided by the bus bar, and Through the second channel provided by the bus bar, a fourth signal including information related to the second battery cell based on the first signal is received, provided from the second cell controller to the first cell controller. After amplifying the fourth signal, configured to transmit the fourth signal to the master BMS through the second channel provided by the bus bar. Battery module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above m-cell controller is, Through the first channel provided by the bus bar, the first signal provided from the master BMS to the m-th cell controller is received by passing through the first cell controller to the (m-1)-th cell controller. After amplifying the first signal, the first signal is transmitted to the (m+1) cell controller through the first channel provided by the bus bar, and In response to transmitting the first signal to the (m+1) cell controller, the (m+2) signal, which includes the information related to the m battery cell based on the first signal, is configured to be transmitted to the (m-1) cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar. Battery module.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above m-cell controller is, Through the second channel provided by the bus bar, a (m+1) cell controller is provided to the (m+3) cell controller, and a (m+3) signal including the information related to the (m+1) battery cell based on the first signal is received. After amplifying the above (m+3) signal, the above (m+3) signal is configured to be transmitted to the (m-1) cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar. Battery module.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above n-th cell controller is, Through the first channel provided by the bus bar, the first signal provided from the master BMS to the nth cell controller is received by passing through the first cell controller to the (n-1)th cell controller. Configured to transmit a (n+2) signal containing the information based on the first signal to the (n-1) cell controller through the second channel provided by the bus bar in response to receiving the first signal, Battery module.

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