Power control device and open circuit diagnosis method thereof

Abstract

An electrical control device and an open-circuit diagnostic method thereof are disclosed. The electrical control device is configured to diagnose an open-circuit fault occurring in the electrical system of an automated vehicle. The electrical control device may include: an electrical control switch that selectively connects or disconnects main power output from a first power source and auxiliary power output from a second power source; and a processor that determines the probability of an open-circuit fault in the vehicle's power supply based on the current flowing through the electrical control switch, and, if the probability of an open-circuit fault exists, determines whether an electrical load can be driven using only the output power of the second power source and determines the open-circuit location based on the output of the first power source.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0121744, filed on September 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an electrical control device configured for diagnosing open-circuit faults occurring in the electrical system of an automated vehicle, and a method for diagnosing open-circuit faults thereon. Background Technology

[0004] In autonomous vehicles, the controller needs to prevent accidents and stop the vehicle in unexpected emergencies to ensure the safety of the occupants, who are the drivers. In conventional vehicles, when a fault occurs in the electrical system, the driver can identify the fault and take emergency measures, and the driver can avoid the risk of an accident.

[0005] However, when a fault occurs in the electrical system of an autonomous vehicle, electrical redundancy is required to enable the vehicle to be evacuated to a safe area (e.g., a road shoulder or service center) to handle situations where it is difficult to transfer control to the driver.

[0006] When a power consumption of 0A (zero amperes) occurs, the logic used to detect an open circuit can use a current sensor to determine this. When the controller is in sleep mode and the motor is not driven, an open circuit can be detected by current measurement after the light is turned on, thus requiring the light to be turned on unnecessarily.

[0007] For example, in the case of a current sensor used for fault diagnosis of a PSU switch with a current capacity of approximately 150A to 250A, the current sensor's measurement range is -300A to +300A, providing a margin in the measurement range. Even when a high-performance sensor with a measurement error of ±1% is used, the current sensor's output can actually be ±3A because there is a measurement error of ±3A when the current sensor's output is "0"A.

[0008] Therefore, the method of determining an open circuit by measuring the "0" A current through the output of the current sensor is not suitable for diagnosing vehicle wiring with large current flow.

[0009] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art or as any form of implication. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Various aspects of the present invention relate to providing an electrical control device and a method for diagnosing open-circuit faults, the electrical control device being configured to use the vehicle's power distribution structure to diagnose open-circuit faults and open-circuit locations.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] According to various aspects of the present invention, a power control device located between a power distribution device connected to the output terminal of a first power source and a second power source includes: a power control switch for connecting and disconnecting main power output from the first power source and auxiliary power output from the second power source; and a processor for determining the probability of an open-circuit fault in the vehicle power source based on the current flowing through the power control switch, and, when determining the probability of an open-circuit fault, determining whether an electrical load can be driven using only the output power of the second power source and determining the open-circuit location based on the output of the first power source.

[0013] When a current sensor detects that no current is flowing through the power control switch or that current is flowing through the power control switch in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the processor can determine that an open circuit fault exists.

[0014] When no current flows through the power control switch, the processor can use a voltage sensor to measure the output voltage of the first power supply and determine, based on the measured output voltage, that there is an open circuit fault between the power distribution device and the power control device.

[0015] When current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, the processor can use vehicle communication to determine whether the first power supply is not limiting its output, and if the first power supply is not limiting its output, it can determine that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution unit.

[0016] When current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and when the first power supply does not limit the output and no current is supplied from the first power supply, the processor can determine that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device.

[0017] When it is determined that the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and when the first power supply does not limit the output and only uses the output power of the second power supply to drive the electrical load, the processor can determine that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device.

[0018] When current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and when the first power supply does not limit the output, only the output power of the second power supply is used to drive the electrical load, and no current is supplied from the first power supply, the processor can determine that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device.

[0019] The processor can determine power consumption based on the power supplied to each electrical load, use sensors to identify the amount of reduction in the battery SOC value of the second power source, determine whether the difference between the power consumption and the amount of reduction in battery SOC is within tolerance, and determine to drive the electrical load using only the output power of the second power source when the difference is within tolerance.

[0020] According to various aspects of the present invention, an open-circuit diagnostic method for an electrical control device includes: determining the probability of an open-circuit fault in the vehicle power supply based on the current flowing through an electrical control switch, wherein the electrical control switch selectively connects or disconnects main power output from a first power supply and auxiliary power output from a second power supply; and when the probability of an open-circuit fault exists, determining whether an electrical load can be driven using only the output power of the second power supply and determining the open-circuit location based on the output of the first power supply.

[0021] Determining the likelihood of an open circuit fault may include: using a current sensor to determine the current flow through the power control switch; and as a result of determining the current flow, determining the likelihood of an open circuit fault when no current flows through the power control switch or when the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction.

[0022] Determining the location of an open circuit may include: measuring the output voltage of a first power source using a voltage sensor when no current flows through the power control switch; and determining whether an open circuit fault exists between the power distribution device and the power control device based on the output voltage of the first power source.

[0023] Determining the open circuit location includes using vehicle communication to determine whether the first power source does not restrict its output when current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction.

[0024] Determining the location of the open circuit may further include: determining that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when the first power supply does not limit the output.

[0025] Determining the location of an open circuit may include: identifying the output current of the first power supply when the first power supply does not limit its output; and inferring an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when it is determined that no current is supplied from the first power supply.

[0026] Determining the location of an open circuit may include: when the first power supply does not limit its output, determining whether the electrical load is driven solely by the output power of the second power supply; and when the electrical load is driven solely by the output power of the second power supply, inferring that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device.

[0027] Determining the location of the open circuit may further include: identifying the output current of the first power source when the electrical load is driven only by the output power of the second power source; and inferring an open circuit fault between the first power source and the power distribution device when it is determined that no current is supplied from the first power source.

[0028] Determining whether to drive an electrical load using only the output power of the second power source may include: determining power consumption based on the power supplied to each electrical load, using sensors to identify the amount of reduction in the battery SOC value of the second power source, determining whether the difference between the power consumption and the battery SOC is within tolerance, and inferring an open-circuit fault between the first power source and the power distribution unit when the difference is determined to be within tolerance.

[0029] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will be apparent or set forth in more detail from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric system for an autonomous vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the first power distribution structure of the power system.

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the second power distribution structure of the power system;

[0033] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the third power distribution structure of the power system.

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the fourth power distribution structure of the power system.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the power distribution structure of a power system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the power distribution structure of a power system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0042] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of a computing system for performing an open-circuit diagnostic method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention as included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention throughout the various figures. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0046] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that even if the same or equivalent components are shown in other drawings, they are represented by the same numerals. Furthermore, in describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0047] In describing the components of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain. Such terms as defined in dictionaries used should be interpreted as having a meaning equivalent to that in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or formal meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electric system for an autonomous vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The electrical system 100 for autonomous vehicles may include a first power source 110, a second power source 120, a power distribution device 130, an electrical control device 140, and an electrical load 150.

[0050] The first power source 110 may be the main source of power supply. The first power source 110 may be a low DC-DC converter (LDC) that converts high-voltage power output from a high-voltage battery into low-voltage power (e.g., 12V power).

[0051] The second power source 120 can be a device for supplying auxiliary power. The second power source 120 may include an auxiliary battery (e.g., a low-voltage battery or a 12V battery) for redundant power. The second power source 120 may include a detector for detecting the state-of-charge (SOC) value of the battery. For example, when the auxiliary battery is a lead-acid battery, the second power source 120 can measure the battery's SOC value using an intelligent battery sensor (IBS). Furthermore, when the auxiliary battery is a lithium battery, the second power source 120 can detect the battery's SOC value using a battery management system (BMS).

[0052] The power distribution unit 130 can be connected to the output terminals of the first power source 110. The power distribution unit 130 can distribute the main power output (supply) from the first power source 110 to the power control unit 140 and the electrical load 150. The power distribution unit 130 can be a junction box (J / B) including, for example, fuses and / or relays, and can be located in the engine compartment. Although... Figure 1 Not shown in the figure, but as will be shown in the figures described later, the power system 100 may include an indoor power distribution unit 131 located inside the vehicle to receive power distributed by the power distribution unit 130 and to distribute the power to the electrical load 150.

[0053] The power control device 140 may be a power safety control unit (PSU) and may be located between the second power source 120 and the power distribution unit 130. The power control device 140 may connect (merge) or disconnect (cut off) the output power of the first power source 110 (i.e., main power) and the output power of the second power source 120 (i.e., auxiliary power). The power control device 140 may monitor the bidirectional power output of the first power source 110 and the second power source 120 and determine the fault status of the power sources connecting or disconnecting the main power and auxiliary power. The power control device 140 may connect the main power and auxiliary power under normal power conditions and disconnect them under power fault conditions. When the power fault is restored, the power control device 140 may connect the power that was previously disconnected.

[0054] The power control unit 140 can identify and detect open circuits (at a first point) between the first power source 110 and the power distribution unit 130, and open circuits (at a second point) between the power distribution unit 130 and the power control unit 140. The power control unit 140 can identify open circuit faults and open circuit locations to ensure driver safety and prevent unnecessary power consumption. When an open circuit occurs at the first point, the first power source 110 cannot supply power to the electrical load 150. Therefore, the second power source 120 can supply power to the electrical load 150 using only the power charged in the auxiliary battery, enabling the vehicle to perform autonomous driving. Since the open circuit fault at the first point is a fault that causes the vehicle to stop moving, the power control unit 140 can request vehicle control (e.g., evacuation control to a safe area) from the automatic drive control unit to prioritize occupant safety. Furthermore, the power control unit 140 can cut off power supply to unnecessary electrical loads to ensure occupant safety. When an open circuit occurs at the second point, the first power supply 110 can still maintain its output, thus supplying power to all electrical loads 151 to 153 connected to the main power supply. Electrical loads 153 and 154 connected to the auxiliary power supply can receive power from the second power supply 120. When an open circuit has already occurred at the second point, the output of the first power supply 110 cannot be connected to the second power supply 120. Therefore, the second power supply 120 cannot maintain the charging of the auxiliary battery. Furthermore, because the auxiliary battery cannot be charged, the operating time of the electrical loads on the auxiliary power supply side is limited. Consequently, the power control device 140 can request the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle in a safe area.

[0055] The power control device 140 may include a first power control switch 141, a second power control switch 142, a first voltage sensor 143, a second voltage sensor 144, a first current sensor 145, a second current sensor 146, and a processor 147.

[0056] The first power control switch 141 can connect or disconnect the main power and auxiliary power between the first power source 110 and the second power source 120. The first power control switch 141 can be turned on or off according to instructions from the processor 147. The first power control switch 141 can be turned on under normal power conditions to connect the dual power sources, i.e., the main power and the auxiliary power. The first power control switch 141 can be turned off under power failure conditions (e.g., an open circuit fault in the wiring) to disconnect the main power and the auxiliary power. The first power control switch 141 can be a relay, a semiconductor switch (e.g., a back-to-back (B2B) switch), etc.

[0057] The second power control switch 142 can supply power to or cut off the power supply to the electrical loads 153 and 154 connected to the power control device 140. The second power control switch 142 may include, for example, at least one semiconductor switch or at least one relay connected for each electrical load 150.

[0058] The first voltage sensor 143 can measure (detect) the voltage of the main power supplied from the first power source 110. The first voltage sensor 143 can measure the voltage of the main power using a resistor divider method. When the first power control switch 141 is turned on, the voltage measured by the first voltage sensor 143 can be equal to the voltage measured by the second voltage sensor 144, which will be described later. Due to the resistance of the first power control switch 141 and the current sensors 145 and 146, the voltage measured by the first voltage sensor 143 may have a slight error. When the first power control switch 141 is turned off, the voltage measured by the first voltage sensor 143 may differ from the voltage measured by the second voltage sensor 144, depending on the characteristics of the voltage sensor. For example, when measuring voltage using a resistor divider method, the first voltage sensor 143 can measure a value close to "0" V based on the pull-down resistor.

[0059] The second voltage sensor 144 can measure the voltage of the auxiliary power supplied from the second power source 120. Like the first voltage sensor 143, the second voltage sensor 144 can measure the voltage of the auxiliary power using a resistor divider method.

[0060] The first current sensor 145 can measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141. The first current sensor 145 can measure the switch current using a shunt resistor method, a method of measuring the current through the resistance of the first power control switch 141, and / or a Hall sensor method.

[0061] The second current sensor 146 can measure the current supplied to each electrical load 150. The second current sensor 146 can measure the load current using a shunt resistor method, a method of measuring the current through the resistance of the second power control switch 142, and / or a Hall sensor method.

[0062] Processor 147 can control the overall operation of power control device 140. Processor 147 can be implemented using at least one of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller (MCU), and / or microprocessor. Memory can be a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions to be executed by processor 147. Memory can be implemented using at least one of storage media (such as flash memory, hard disk, SD card (Secure Digital Card)), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or registers.

[0063] The processor 147 can determine the direction of current flow based on the current flowing through the first power control switch 141 (i.e., the switching current). When the switching current measured by the first current sensor 145 has a positive (+) value, the processor 147 can determine the direction of current flow as positive. Conversely, when the switching current measured by the first current sensor 145 has a negative (-) value, the processor 147 can determine the direction of current flow as negative. Here, positive direction can refer to the switching current flowing from the first power supply 110 to the second power supply 120, while negative direction can refer to the switching current flowing from the second power supply 120 to the first power supply 110.

[0064] The processor 147 can determine, based on the current (switching current) flowing through the first power control switch 141, the open circuit fault and open circuit section (fault location), the output voltage and / or output current of the first power supply 110, and / or whether only the output power of the second power supply 120 is used to drive the electrical load.

[0065] Processor 147 can determine the likelihood of an open-circuit fault based on the current flowing through the first power control switch 141. When current flows through the first power control switch 141 in the positive direction, processor 147 can determine that the vehicle's electrical state is normal. When current does not flow through the first power control switch 141 or flows in the reverse direction, processor 147 can determine the likelihood of an open-circuit fault in the power wiring (suspected open circuit). When an open-circuit fault is suspected, processor 147 can determine the location of the open circuit based on whether only the output power of the second power supply 120 and / or the output voltage and / or output current of the first power supply 110 are used to drive the electrical load 150.

[0066] When no current flows through the first power control switch 141 for a predetermined time period, the processor 147 can turn off the first power control switch 141 and identify the output voltage of the first power supply 110. The processor 147 can measure the current (current value) flowing through the first power control switch 141 using the first current sensor 145. When the measured current falls within a reference range (e.g., "0" A ± sensor error), the processor 147 can determine the possibility of an open-circuit fault (at a first point) between the power distribution unit 130 and the power control unit 140. When the possibility of an open-circuit fault is determined, the processor 147 can turn off the first power control switch 141 to disconnect the main power and auxiliary power. The processor 147 can measure the output voltage of the first power supply 110 using the first voltage sensor 143. For example, when the current through the first power control switch 141 is "0" A for three seconds, the processor 147 can turn off the first power control switch 141 and identify the output voltage of the first power supply 110.

[0067] When the output voltage of the first power supply 110 (i.e., the main power voltage) falls within the range of ("0" V ± sensor error), the processor 147 can determine that an open circuit fault has occurred. In other words, when the first voltage sensor 143 does not detect the output of the first power supply 110, the processor 147 can determine that an open circuit fault has occurred. Conversely, when the first voltage sensor 143 measures the output voltage of the first power supply 110 to be within the range of 12V ± sensor error, the processor 147 can determine that the power supply is normal.

[0068] When the switching current flows in the reverse direction, the processor 147 can determine the possibility of an open-circuit fault on the output side of the first power supply 110. When there is a possibility of an open-circuit fault on the output side of the first power supply 110, the processor 147 can determine the open-circuit fault between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130 (at a first point) based on the output current of the first power supply 110, the amount of reduction in the battery's SOC value, the duration, etc.

[0069] The processor 147 can use vehicle communication to determine whether the output current of the first power supply 110 is a reference current (e.g., "0" A ± sensor error) without limiting the output of the first power supply 110. Communication technologies such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Media Directed System Transport (MOST) network, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Ethernet and / or X-by-Wire (Flexray) can be used for vehicle communication.

[0070] Processor 147 can determine whether power is supplied to electrical load 150 using only the auxiliary power output from second power supply 120. Processor 147 can determine the amount of power consumption (power dissipation) using the battery voltage measured by second voltage sensor 144, the switching current measured by first current sensor 145, and the load current flowing through each electrical load 150 measured by second current sensor 146. For example, when the current measured by first current sensor 145 has a negative value, processor 147 can identify the amount of reduction in the battery's SOC value via IBS and determine the power consumption P using the following [Equation 1]. BATT .

[0071] [Equation 1]

[0072] P BATT =[V BATT ×(I PSU.switch +I PSU.load )]×T

[0073] Here, V BATT It is the output voltage of the second power supply 120, i.e., the battery voltage, I PSU.switch It is the current (switching current) flowing through the first power control switch 141, I PSU.load It is the current flowing through each electrical load (load current), and T is the measurement period.

[0074] Processor 147 can control power consumption P BATT The power consumption is determined by summation (integration). The processor 147 can determine whether the error between the determined power consumption and the decrease in battery SOC is within a preset tolerance. When the error between the determined power consumption and the decrease in battery SOC is within the preset tolerance, the processor 147 can determine that the electrical load 150 operates using only auxiliary power.

[0075] The processor 147 can determine whether the phenomenon of a current of "0" A flowing through the first power supply 110 under the condition that the first power supply 110 does not limit its output and / or whether the phenomenon of only the second power supply 120 supplying power to the electrical load 150 lasts for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 to 10 seconds). Here, the predetermined period of time can be determined by considering the duration of the state in which the MDPS and / or the active roll control system (ARS) rapidly consumes current.

[0076] When the switching current flows in the reverse direction, and the first power supply 110 does not limit its output for a preset time, the processor 147 can determine an open-circuit fault at the second point. When the switching current flows in the reverse direction, and the output current of the first power supply 110 is 0 A, the processor 147 can determine an open-circuit fault at the second point. When the switching current flows in the reverse direction, and the electrical load 150 is driven using only the auxiliary power output from the second power supply 120, the processor 147 can determine an open-circuit fault at the second point. When the switching current flows in the reverse direction and the electrical load 150 is driven using only the auxiliary power output from the second power supply 120, and the output current of the first power supply 110 is 0 A, the processor 147 can determine an open-circuit fault at the second point.

[0077] Electrical load 150 can operate by receiving main power and / or auxiliary power. Electrical load 150 may include a first load 151, a second load 152, a third load 153, and a fourth load 154 installed on the vehicle. First load 151 may include a load directly connected to the power distribution unit 130, such as an engine management system (EMS) and / or a cooling pump. Second load 152 is a load connected to the interior power distribution unit 131 and may include convenience devices such as seat controls, multimedia systems, and lights. Third load 153 is a load connected to dual power supplies via the power distribution unit 130 and the power control unit 140, and may include motor-driven power steering (MDPS), airbags, and / or safety lights (e.g., headlights, hazard lights, and / or parking lights). Fourth load 154 is a load that receives power from the power control unit 140 and may include a backup braking system.

[0078] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Describes the power distribution structure supplied by the power system 100 when the vehicle's power is normal and the first power control switch 141 is turned on.

[0079] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the first power distribution structure of the power system.

[0080] When the wiring of the power system 100 is normal, the power control device 140 can keep the first power control switch 141 in the ON state to supply the main power (e.g., 12V) output from the first power source 110 to the vehicle. In the current case, current can flow from the first power source 110 to the second power source 120 (i.e., in the positive direction) through the first power control switch 141.

[0081] The first power source 110 can supply main power to the vehicle's electrical loads 151 to 153 via the power distribution unit 130 and the indoor power distribution unit 131. The second power source 120 can supply auxiliary power to the electrical loads 153 and 154 connected to the second power source 120 via the power control unit 140. In the current situation, the second power source 120 can maintain the charging of the auxiliary battery.

[0082] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the second power distribution structure of the power system.

[0083] When the current consumption of the first power source 110 increases intermittently (e.g., when the instantaneous current consumption due to a sudden turn of the MDPS becomes greater than the output current of the LDC) or when the output of the first power source 110 is limited to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle due to the excellent charging of the auxiliary battery, the output power of the second power source 120 can be used to supply power to the electrical loads 153 and 154. In the current situation, current can flow from the second power source 120 to the first power source 110 (i.e., in the reverse direction) through the first power control switch 141 of the power control device 140.

[0084] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the third power distribution structure of the power system.

[0085] Even when the vehicle's power consumption is very stable when the first power control switch 141 of the power control device 140 is turned on, a very small current close to "0" A can flow through the power control device 140. For example, when the output voltage of the first power supply 110 and the output voltage (battery voltage) of the second power supply 120 become the same, and therefore the battery charging current of the second power supply 120 may be close to "0" A, the power distribution structure can be switched when the current consumption of the auxiliary braking system is very low (such as when the vehicle is driving on a highway), or when the current consumption through the linear drive MDPS is very low. Figure 2 The power distribution structure is shown.

[0086] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the fourth power distribution structure of the power system.

[0087] When the wiring is normal but no current flows through the first power control switch 141 because the voltages at both ends of the first power control switch 141 are the same, the second power supply 120 can supply power to the electrical loads 153 and 154. For example, due to the line resistance, for example, depending on the length of the wiring path, the power from the second power supply 120 can be supplied to the electrical loads connected to the power control device 140, and since no power is supplied from the first power supply 110, the state of the voltages at both ends of the first power control switch 141 being the same cannot be maintained for a long time when the power stored in the second power supply 120 is consumed. Therefore, the switching to the first power distribution structure can be performed within a few seconds to tens of seconds.

[0088] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe the power distribution structure of the power system 100 when an open circuit fault occurs in the vehicle's power supply.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the power distribution structure of a power system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] refer to Figure 6 When an open circuit occurs between the power distribution device 130 and the power control device 140, the first power source 110 can supply power to the first load 151 and / or the third load 153 through the power distribution device 130. In addition, the first power source 110 can supply power to the second load 152 or the third load 153 through the power distribution device 130 and the indoor power distribution device 131.

[0091] The second power source 120 can supply power to the third load 153 and the fourth load 154 through the power control device 140.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the power distribution structure of a power system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] refer to Figure 7 When an open circuit occurs between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130, that is, when an open circuit occurs on the output side of the first power supply 110, the first power supply 110 cannot supply power to the electrical load 150.

[0094] The second power source 120 can supply power only to the electrical load 150, thereby allowing the vehicle to maintain autonomous driving. Since an open-circuit fault on the output side of the first power source 110 is a fault that makes it difficult to continue driving the vehicle, the vehicle control unit can perform vehicle control that prioritizes the safety of the occupants (e.g., stopping on the shoulder).

[0095] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] The power control unit 140 can connect to dual power sources during autonomous driving (S100). The processor 147 of the power control unit 140 can turn on the first power control switch 141 to connect the main power output from the first power source 110 and the auxiliary power output from the second power source 120.

[0097] The power control device 140 can detect the switching current when connected to a dual power supply (S110). The processor 147 can use the first current sensor 145 to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141 (i.e., the switching current).

[0098] The power control device 140 can identify whether the detected switching current within the tolerance range is equal to "0" A (S120). When the switching current is equal to "0" A within the tolerance range, the processor 147 can determine that no current flows through the first power control switch 141. The tolerance range can be predetermined based on the measurement error range of the first current sensor 145.

[0099] When the switching current is equal to "0" A, the power control device 140 can identify whether the switching current remains at "0" A for a preset time (S130). In other words, the power control device 140 can determine whether the current has not flowed through the first power control switch 141 within the preset time.

[0100] When the switching current remains at "0" A for a preset time, the power control device 140 can disconnect the dual power supply (S140). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can turn off the first power control switch 141 to disconnect the main power and auxiliary power.

[0101] After disconnecting the dual power supply, the power control device 140 can determine whether the main power voltage is "0"V (S150). The power control device 140 can determine whether the output voltage of the first power supply 110, measured by the first voltage sensor 143, is "0"V within the tolerance range. In the current case, the tolerance range can be preset based on the measurement error range of the first voltage sensor 143.

[0102] When the main power voltage is “0”V, the power control device 140 can determine an open circuit fault on the power control device 140 side (S160). When no voltage is supplied from the first power source 110, the power control device 140 can determine that an open circuit has occurred between the power distribution device 130 and the power control device 140.

[0103] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] The power control unit 140 can connect to dual power sources during autonomous driving (S200). The processor 147 of the power control unit 140 can turn on the first power control switch 141 to connect the main power output from the first power source 110 and the auxiliary power output from the second power source 120.

[0105] The power control device 140 can detect the switching current when a dual power supply is connected (S210). The processor 147 can use the first current sensor 145 to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141.

[0106] The power control device 140 can identify whether the flow direction of the switching current is reversed (S220). The processor 147 can identify whether the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A. When the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A, the processor 147 can determine the flow direction of the switching current as reversed. When the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is greater than "0" A, the processor 147 can determine the flow direction of the switching current as forward.

[0107] The power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output (S230). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output through communication with the first power supply 110.

[0108] The power control device 140 can identify whether the state of the first power supply 110 not limiting its output is maintained for a preset time (S240).

[0109] When the first power supply 110 remains in an unrestricted output state for a preset time, the power control device 140 can determine that there is an open circuit fault on the output side of the first power supply 110 (S250). When the first power supply 110 does not restrict its output for a preset time, the processor 147 can determine that an open circuit has occurred between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0111] The power control unit 140 can connect to dual power sources during autonomous driving (S300). The processor 147 of the power control unit 140 can turn on the first power control switch 141 to connect the main power output from the first power source 110 and the auxiliary power output from the second power source 120.

[0112] The power control device 140 can detect the switching current when a dual power supply is connected (S310). The processor 147 can use the first current sensor 145 to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141.

[0113] The power control device 140 can identify whether the flow direction of the switching current is reversed (S320). The processor 147 can identify whether the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A. When the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A, the processor 147 can determine that the flow direction of the switching current is reversed.

[0114] The power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output (S330). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output through communication with the first power supply 110.

[0115] The power control device 140 can identify whether the state of the first power supply 110 without limiting output is maintained for a preset time (S340).

[0116] When the first power supply 110 does not limit its output for a preset time, the power control device 140 can determine whether the output current of the first power supply 110 is "0" A (S350). The processor 147 can use vehicle communication to identify the output current of the first power supply 110. The processor 147 can determine whether to output current from the first power supply 110 based on the identified output current.

[0117] When the output current of the first power supply 110 is “0”A, the power control device 140 can determine an open circuit fault on the output side of the first power supply 110 (S360). When no current is supplied from the first power supply 110, the processor 147 can determine the open circuit location between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] The power control unit 140 can connect to dual power sources during autonomous driving (S400). The processor 147 of the power control unit 140 can turn on the first power control switch 141 to connect the main power output from the first power source 110 and the auxiliary power output from the second power source 120.

[0120] The power control device 140 can detect the switching current when a dual power supply is connected (S410). The processor 147 can use the first current sensor 145 to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141.

[0121] The power control device 140 can identify whether the flow direction of the switching current is reversed (S420). The processor 147 can identify whether the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A. When the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A, the processor 147 can determine that the flow direction of the switching current is reversed.

[0122] When current flows in the reverse direction through the first power control switch 141, the power control device 140 can begin to determine the vehicle's power consumption (S430). The processor 147 can determine the vehicle's power consumption based on the output voltage of the second power supply 120, the switching current measured by the first current sensor 145, the current of each electrical load measured by the second current sensor 146, and the measurement cycle.

[0123] The power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output (S440). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output through communication with the first power supply 110.

[0124] The power control device 140 can identify whether the state of the first power supply 110 not limiting its output is maintained for a preset time (S450).

[0125] When the first power supply 110 does not limit its output for a preset time, the power control device 140 can determine the vehicle's power consumption (S460). Considering the error of the sensor measuring the battery SOC value of the second power supply 120, the determination of the vehicle's power consumption may need to continue for a period of time, during which a decrease in battery SOC can be identified. The time required to determine the power consumption can be set according to the capacity of the auxiliary battery and / or the vehicle's current consumption. When the vehicle's current consumption is high, the time required to determine the power consumption may be reduced, and when the vehicle's current consumption is low, the time required to determine the power consumption may be increased.

[0126] The power control device 140 can determine whether the difference between the power consumption and the reduction in battery SOC is within a preset tolerance range (e.g., ±5%) (S470). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can identify the SOC value of the auxiliary battery through IBS, BMS, etc., and thus determine the reduction in battery SOC. When the difference between the determined power consumption and the reduction in battery SOC is within the preset tolerance range, the processor 147 can determine to drive the electrical load 150 using only the power output from the second power source 120.

[0127] When the difference between the power consumption and the reduction in battery SOC is within a preset tolerance range, the power control device 140 can determine an open-circuit fault in the output of the first power supply 110 (S480). When the electrical load 150 is driven using only the output power of the second power supply 120, the power control device 140 can determine the open-circuit position between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] The power control unit 140 can connect to dual power supplies during autonomous driving (S500). The processor 147 of the power control unit 140 can turn on the first power control switch 141 to connect the main power output from the first power supply 110 and the auxiliary power output from the second power supply 120.

[0130] The power control device 140 can detect the switching current when a dual power supply is connected (S510). The processor 147 can use the first current sensor 145 to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch 141.

[0131] The power control device 140 can identify whether the flow direction of the switching current is reversed (S520). The processor 147 can identify whether the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A. When the current measured by the first current sensor 145 is less than "0" A, the processor 147 can determine that the flow direction of the switching current is reversed.

[0132] When current flows in the reverse direction through the first power control switch 141, the power control device 140 can begin to determine the vehicle's power consumption (S530). The processor 147 can determine the vehicle's power consumption based on the output voltage of the second power supply 120, the switching current measured by the first current sensor 145, the current of each electrical load measured by the second current sensor 146, and the measurement cycle.

[0133] The power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output (S540). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can determine whether the first power supply 110 does not limit its output through communication with the first power supply 110.

[0134] The power control device 140 can identify whether the state of the first power supply 110 without limiting output is maintained for a preset time (S550).

[0135] When the first power supply 110 does not limit its output for a preset time, the power control device 140 can determine the vehicle's power consumption (S560). Considering the error of the sensor measuring the battery SOC value of the second power supply 120, the determination of the vehicle's power consumption may need to continue for a period of time, during which a decrease in battery SOC can be identified. The time required to determine the power consumption can be set according to the capacity of the auxiliary battery and / or the vehicle's current consumption. When the vehicle's current consumption is high, the time required to determine the power consumption may be reduced, and when the vehicle's current consumption is low, the time required to determine the power consumption may be increased.

[0136] The power control device 140 can determine whether the difference between the power consumption and the decrease in battery SOC is within a preset tolerance range (S570). The processor 147 of the power control device 140 can identify the SOC value of the auxiliary battery through IBS, BMS, etc., and thus determine the decrease in battery SOC. When the difference between the determined power consumption and the decrease in battery SOC is within the preset tolerance range, the processor 147 can determine to drive the electrical load 150 using only the power output from the second power source 120.

[0137] When the difference between the power consumption and the reduction in battery SOC is within a preset tolerance range, the power control device 140 can determine whether the output current of the first power supply 110 is "0" A (S580). When the power control device 140 uses only the output power of the second power supply 120 to drive the electrical load 150, the power control device 140 can identify the output current of the first power supply 110 through communication.

[0138] When the output current of the first power supply 110 is “0” A, the power control device 140 can determine an open circuit fault on the output side of the first power supply 110 (S590). When no current is supplied from the first power supply 110, the power control device 140 can determine the open circuit position between the first power supply 110 and the power distribution device 130.

[0139] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of a computing system for performing an open-circuit diagnostic method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] refer to Figure 13 The computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a storage device 1600, and a network interface 1700 connected to each other via a bus 1200.

[0141] Processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600. Memory 1300 and storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 may include ROM (Read-Only Memory) 1310 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1320.

[0142] Therefore, the operation of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments included herein can be directly embodied in hardware or software modules or combinations thereof executed by processor 1100. Software modules may reside on storage media (i.e., memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, and CD-ROMs. Exemplary storage media may be coupled to processor 1100, and processor 1100 may read information from and record information in the storage media. Optionally, the storage media may be integrated with processor 1100. Processor 1100 and storage media may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside within a user terminal. In another case, processor 1100 and storage media may reside as separate components in the user terminal.

[0143] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain can make various modifications and variations without departing from the basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments included in the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, but are used to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention can be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims can be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0144] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, open-circuit faults and open-circuit locations in a vehicle's power supply can be identified by utilizing current flow variations based on the vehicle's electrical distribution structure. Therefore, safety measures can be established accordingly when an open-circuit fault occurs in an autonomous vehicle.

[0145] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations will be apparent from the foregoing teachings. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, so that others skilled in the art can make and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A power control device located between a power distribution device connected to the output terminal of a first power source and a second power source, the power control device comprising: A power control switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the main power output from the first power source and the auxiliary power output from the second power source; as well as The processor is configured to determine the probability of an open-circuit fault in the vehicle power supply based on the current flowing through the power control switch, and, if the probability of the open-circuit fault is determined, to determine whether the electrical load can be driven using only the output power of the second power supply and to determine the open-circuit location based on the output of the first power supply. The open circuit location is either between the power distribution device and the power control device or between the first power source and the power distribution device.

2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to infer the existence of the open circuit fault when a current sensor detects that no current is flowing through the power control switch or that current is flowing through the power control switch in a reverse direction opposite to a predetermined direction.

3. The power control device according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured to use a voltage sensor to measure the output voltage of the first power supply when no current flows through the power control switch, and to infer the open-circuit fault between the power distribution device and the power control device based on the measured output voltage.

4. The power control device according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured to use vehicle communication to determine whether the first power supply does not limit the output of the first power supply when current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and to infer the open-circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution unit when it is determined that the first power supply does not limit the output.

5. The power control device according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to, when determining that the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, infer that there is an open-circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when it is determined that the first power supply does not limit the output and no current is supplied from the first power supply.

6. The power control device according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to infer the open-circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when it determines that the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and when the first power supply does not limit the output and the electrical load is driven only by the output power of the second power supply.

7. The power control device according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to infer the open-circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when it determines that the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction, and the first power supply does not limit the output, drives the electrical load only with the output power of the second power supply, and no current is supplied from the first power supply.

8. The power control device according to claim 7, in, The electrical load is multiple, including multiple electrical loads, and The processor is configured to determine power consumption based on the power supplied to each of the electrical loads, use sensors to identify the amount of reduction in the battery state of charge value of the second power source to determine whether the difference between the power consumption and the amount of reduction in the battery state of charge value is within tolerance, and infer that each of the electrical loads is driven only by the output power of the second power source when the difference is within tolerance.

9. The power control device according to claim 1, in, The electrical load may be multiple, including multiple electrical loads. The power control switch of the power control device includes: A first power control switch is connected between the power distribution unit and the second power source, and is controlled by the processor to selectively connect or disconnect the main power output from the first power source and the auxiliary power output from the second power source; and A second power control switch is connected between the second power source and a predetermined number of electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads, and is controlled by the processor to selectively connect or disconnect the auxiliary power output from the second power source to the predetermined number of electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads. The remaining electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads are connected to the power distribution device, and The power control device further includes: A voltage sensor, connected between the first power source and the first power control switch, and configured to measure the output voltage of the first power source; and A current sensor is connected between the first power control switch and the second power source and is configured to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch.

10. An open-circuit diagnostic method for a power control device, the power control device being located between a power distribution device connected to a first power output terminal and a second power source, and including a processor, the open-circuit diagnostic method comprising: The processor determines the likelihood of an open-circuit fault in the vehicle's power supply based on the current flowing through the power control switch, which selectively connects or disconnects the main power output from the first power supply and the auxiliary power output from the second power supply. and When the possibility of an open-circuit fault exists, the processor determines whether the electrical load can be driven using only the output power of the second power supply and determines the open-circuit location based on the output power of the first power supply. The open circuit location is either between the power distribution device and the power control device or between the first power source and the power distribution device.

11. The open circuit diagnosis method according to claim 10, in, The electrical load may be multiple, including multiple electrical loads. The power control switch of the power control device includes: A first power control switch is connected between the power distribution unit and the second power source, and is controlled by the processor to selectively connect or disconnect the main power output from the first power source and the auxiliary power output from the second power source; and A second power control switch is connected between the second power source and a predetermined number of electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads, and is controlled by the processor to selectively connect or disconnect the auxiliary power output from the second power source to the predetermined number of electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads. The remaining electrical loads among the plurality of electrical loads are connected to the power distribution device, and The power control device further includes: A voltage sensor, connected between the first power source and the first power control switch, and configured to measure the output voltage of the first power source; and A current sensor is connected between the first power control switch and the second power source and is configured to measure the current flowing through the first power control switch.

12. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 10, wherein, Determining the likelihood of the open-circuit fault includes: The processor uses a current sensor to determine the current flow in the power control switch; and As a result of determining the current flow, when the current does not flow through the power control switch or flows through the power control switch in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the processor determines the possibility of the open circuit fault.

13. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 12, wherein, Determining the open circuit location includes: When no current flows through the power control switch, a voltage sensor is used to measure the output voltage of the first power supply; and The processor determines whether the open-circuit fault exists between the power distribution device and the power control device based on the output voltage of the first power supply.

14. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 12, wherein, Determining the open circuit position includes using vehicle communication to determine whether the first power source does not limit the output of the first power source when determining that the current flows through the power control switch in the reverse direction.

15. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 14, wherein, Determining the open circuit location further includes: inferring that there is an open circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device when the first power supply does not limit the output.

16. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 14, wherein, Determining the open circuit location further includes: When it is determined that the first power supply does not limit the output, the output current of the first power supply is identified; and If it is determined that no current is supplied from the first power source, it is inferred that there is an open-circuit fault between the first power source and the power distribution device.

17. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 14, wherein, Determining the open circuit location includes: When the first power supply does not limit the output, determine whether to drive the electrical load using only the output power of the second power supply; and When the electrical load is driven using only the output power of the second power source, it is inferred that there is an open-circuit fault between the first power source and the power distribution device.

18. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 17, wherein, Determining the open circuit location further includes: When it is determined that the electrical load is driven solely by the output power of the second power source, the output current of the first power source is identified; and If it is determined that no current is supplied from the first power source, it is inferred that there is an open-circuit fault between the first power source and the power distribution device.

19. The open-circuit diagnostic method according to claim 17, in, The electrical load is multiple, including multiple electrical loads, and Determining whether to drive the electrical load using only the output power of the second power source includes: The power consumption is determined based on the power supplied to each of the electrical loads. Use sensors to identify the amount of decrease in the battery state-of-charge value of the second power source; Determine whether the difference between the power consumption and the battery state of charge value is within the tolerance range; and When the difference is determined to be within the tolerance range, it is inferred that there is an open-circuit fault between the first power supply and the power distribution device.

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