Battery device and diagnostic method for battery device

Abstract

Before closing the relay, the processor of the battery device detects the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal of the relay coil included in the relay to operate the heater; and diagnoses the heater based on which voltage among the high voltage for driving the relay, the low voltage for driving the relay, and the voltage for diagnosis the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal correspond to.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described technology relates to a diagnostic method for battery devices and heaters. Background Art

[0002] An electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that obtains power by mainly using a battery as a power source to drive an electric motor. Since an electric vehicle is an alternative that can solve the pollution and energy problems of internal combustion engine vehicles, active research is being conducted on electric vehicles. Rechargeable batteries are used in various external devices other than electric vehicles.

[0003] An inverter is used to drive an electric motor in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. The inverter converts the direct current of the battery into alternating current (e.g., three-phase power) to drive the electric motor. The inverter converts the direct current into alternating current by repeatedly turning on / off several switches. In this case, if the frequency of turning on / off the switches is increased to quickly drive the electric motor and the current consumption increases, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) signal may be generated. This EMI signal is induced by the contactor of the relay for driving the heater installed on the battery to apply AC noise to the coil of the heater relay. The AC noise may affect the coil and cause misdiagnosis of the heater. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical Problem

[0005] Some embodiments provide a diagnostic method for battery devices and heaters for preventing misdiagnosis of heaters.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] According to one embodiment, a battery device may be provided, which includes a battery pack, a heater connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery pack, and a processor configured to control the heater. The heater may include a relay, a heating resistor, a first driver, and a second driver. The relay may include a relay switch and a relay coil configured to drive the relay switch, and the relay switch and the heating resistor may be connected in series between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The first driver may be connected between a power source for providing a first voltage and a first terminal of the relay coil, and may control the transmission of the first voltage. The second driver may be connected between a second terminal of the relay coil and a terminal having a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and may control the transmission of the second voltage. A third voltage for diagnosis may be transmitted to the second terminal of the relay coil. The processor may control the first driver and the second driver, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the first terminal of the relay coil and the voltage of the second terminal of the relay coil.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery device may further include a diode connected between a power source for providing a third voltage and a second terminal of the relay coil. In this case, the third voltage may be lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processor may detect the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal before operating the heater by enabling the first driver and the second driver, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal.

[0010] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the third voltage, the processor may enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater.

[0011] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the first voltage, the processor may enable the second driver, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the first terminal detected in a state where the second driver is enabled.

[0012] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in a state where the second driver is enabled, the processor may enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater.

[0013] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in a state where the second driver is enabled, the processor may diagnose a fault in the first driver.

[0014] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the second voltage, the processor may enable the first driver, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the second terminal detected in a state where the first driver is enabled.

[0015] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in a state where the first driver is enabled, the processor may enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater.

[0016] In some embodiments, in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in a state where the first driver is enabled, the processor may diagnose a fault in the second driver.

[0017] According to another embodiment, a diagnostic method for a battery device including a battery pack and a heater configured to heat the battery pack may be provided. The diagnostic method may include the steps of: detecting a voltage between a first terminal and a second terminal of a relay coil included in the relay before closing a relay configured to control a current flowing through a heating resistor of the heater; and diagnosing the heater based on which of a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal correspond to. In this case, the first voltage and the second voltage may be provided to drive the relay, the first voltage may be higher than the second voltage, and the third voltage may be between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, a battery device including a battery pack, a heater, and a processor may be provided. The heater may include a heating resistor and a relay configured to control a current flowing through the heating resistor. The processor may detect a voltage between a first terminal and a second terminal of a relay coil included in the relay before closing the relay; and diagnose the heater based on which of a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal correspond to. In this case, the first voltage and the second voltage may be provided to drive the relay, the first voltage may be higher than the second voltage, and the third voltage may be between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0019] Technical effects

[0020] According to some embodiments, it is possible to diagnose a heater based on the voltage of a relay coil. According to other embodiments, it is possible to diagnose whether the voltage of the relay coil cannot be detected as a normal value due to a failure of a driver or an EMI signal. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a battery device for heater diagnosis according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a control signal in the case where the voltage of a relay coil is normally detected in a battery device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a diagram showing a control signal in the case where the voltage of a relay coil is not normally detected in a battery device according to various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 6is a flowchart showing a method for diagnosing a heater of a battery device according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] In the following detailed description, only some embodiments are shown and described by way of example. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways, all of which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0027] When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it should be understood that the element can be directly connected to the other element or can be connected to the other element through a third element. On the other hand, when an element is described as "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that the element is not connected to the other element through a third element.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms are intended to also include the plural forms unless an explicit expression such as "one" or "single" is used.

[0029] In the flowcharts described with reference to the drawings, the order of operations or steps can be changed, several operations or steps can be combined, a certain operation or step can be divided, and a specific operation or step can be not performed.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1 , the battery device 100 has a structure capable of being electrically connected to an external device through a positive link terminal DC(+) and a negative link terminal DC(-). In some embodiments, the battery device 100 can be connected to an inverter 10 of an external device through the positive link terminal DC(+) and the negative link terminal DC(-). When the external device is a load, the battery device 100 operates as a power source for supplying power to the load to discharge. The external device operating as a load can be, for example, an electronic device, a mobile device, or an energy storage system (ESS). The mobile device can be, for example, a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a smart mobile body.

[0032] The battery device 100 includes a battery pack 110, a main positive switch 121, a main negative switch 122, a heater 130, and a processor 140.

[0033] The battery pack 110 includes a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and has a positive terminal PV(+) and a negative terminal PV(-). In some embodiments, the battery cells may be rechargeable cells. In one embodiment, in the battery pack 110, a predetermined number of battery cells are connected in series to configure a battery module to provide desired power. In another embodiment, in the battery pack 110, a predetermined number of battery modules may be connected in series or in parallel to provide desired power.

[0034] The main positive switch 121 is connected between the positive terminal PV(+) of the battery pack 110 and the positive link terminal DC(+) of the battery device 100. The main negative switch 122 is connected between the negative terminal PV(-) of the battery pack 110 and the negative link terminal DC(-) of the battery device 100. The switches 121 and 122 can be controlled by the processor 140 to control the electrical connection between the battery pack 110 and an external device. In one embodiment, each of the switches 121 and 122 may be a contactor implemented in a relay. In another embodiment, each of the switches 121 and 122 may be an electrical switch such as a transistor. In some embodiments, the battery device 100 may further include drive circuits (not shown) for controlling the switches 121 and 122 respectively.

[0035] The heater 130 controls the temperature by heating the battery pack 110.

[0036] The processor 140 controls the switches 121 and 122 and the heater 130, and may be, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0037] In some embodiments, the battery device 100 may further include various monitoring circuits (not shown). The various monitoring circuits can monitor the voltage, temperature, current, etc. of the battery pack 110. The processor 140 can determine the state of the battery pack 110 based on the information monitored by the various monitoring circuits. In some embodiments, the processor 140 can control the operation of the heater 130 based on the temperature of the battery pack 110.

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a battery device for heater diagnosis according to an embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 , the battery device includes a battery pack 210, a main positive switch 221, a main negative switch 222, a heater, and a processor 240. The heater includes a heating resistor 231, a relay 232, and drivers 233 and 234.

[0040] The heating resistor 231 can generate heat when current flows, and then heat the battery pack 210 to raise the temperature. The relay 232 includes a relay switch 232a and a relay coil 232b for driving the relay switch 232a. The relay switch 232a and the heating resistor 231 are connected in series between the positive terminal PV(+) of the battery pack 210 and the negative terminal PV(-) of the battery pack 210. When the relay switch 232a is turned on, current can flow from the battery pack 210 to the heating resistor 231 to heat the battery pack 210.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first terminal of the main positive switch 221 may be connected to the positive terminal PV(+) of the battery pack 210, and the first terminal of the main negative switch 222 may be connected to the negative terminal PV(-) of the battery pack 210. In this case, the relay switch 232a and the heating resistor 231 may be connected in series between the second terminal of the main positive switch 221 and the second terminal of the main negative switch 222. In one embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the first terminal of the relay switch 232a may be connected to the second terminal of the main positive switch 221, the second terminal of the relay switch 232a may be connected to the first terminal of the heating resistor 231, and the second terminal of the heating resistor 231 may be connected to the second terminal of the main negative switch 222. In another embodiment, the first terminal of the heating resistor 231 may be connected to the second terminal of the main positive switch 221, the second terminal of the heating resistor 231 may be connected to the first terminal of the relay switch 232a, and the second terminal of the relay switch 232a may be connected to the second terminal of the main negative switch 222.

[0042] The driver 233 transmits a power supply voltage Vh from a predetermined power supply to the first terminal of the relay coil 232b in response to an enable signal from the processor 240. The driver 234 connects the second terminal of the relay coil 232b to the first terminal of the relay coil 232b whose potential is lower than the power supply voltage Vh in response to the enable signal from the processor 240. Therefore, current can flow through the relay coil 232b. In this case, the first terminal of the relay coil 232b may be referred to as the high-side terminal, and the second terminal of the relay coil 232b may be referred to as the low-side terminal. Additionally, the driver 233 may be referred to as a high-side driver (HSD) and the driver 234 may be referred to as a low-side driver (LSD).

[0043] In some embodiments, a terminal having a potential lower than the power supply voltage Vh may be a ground terminal. Hereinafter, a terminal having a potential lower than the power supply voltage Vh is described as a ground terminal. In some embodiments, the enable signal may be a control signal from the processor 240 having an enabling level. When the drivers 233 and 234 are disabled, the control signal may have a disabling level.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first terminal of the driver 233 may be connected to a predetermined power supply providing the power supply voltage Vh, and a second terminal of the driver 233 may be connected to a first terminal of the relay coil 232b. A first terminal of the driver 234 may be connected to a second terminal of the relay coil 232b, and a second terminal of the driver 234 may be connected to the ground terminal. In some embodiments, the power supply for providing the predetermined voltage Vh may be a battery different from the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the driver 233 may include a switch that turns on in response to an enable signal from the processor 240, and the driver 234 may include a switch that turns on in response to an enable signal from the processor 240.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the temperature of the battery pack 210 is lower than a reference temperature, the processor 240 may transmit an enable signal for closing the relay 232 to the drivers 233 and 234 of the heater. When the temperature of the battery pack 210 is high and heating of the battery pack 210 is not required, the processor 240 may transmit a disable signal for opening the relay 232 to the drivers 233 and 234 of the heater. Closing the relay 232 may be referred to as turning on the relay, and opening the relay 232 may be referred to as turning off the relay.

[0046] In some embodiments, the battery device may further include voltage sensing circuits 250 and 260 for voltage sensing of the processor 240.

[0047] The voltage sensing circuit 250 measures the voltage V1 at the contact point between the relay coil 232b and the driver 233, that is, the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b (or the second terminal of the driver 233). The voltage sensing circuit 260 measures the voltage V2 at the contact point between the relay coil 232b and the driver 234, that is, the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b (or the first terminal of the driver 234).

[0048] In some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, the voltage sensing circuit 250 may include a plurality of resistors 251 and 252 connected in series between the first terminal of the relay coil 232b and the ground terminal. In this case, the processor 240 may detect the voltage of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b based on the voltage at the contact point between the resistors 251 and 252. In one embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter may be further provided for converting the voltage at the contact point between the resistors 251 and 252 into a digital signal and transmitting the digital signal to the processor 240.

[0049] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the voltage sensing circuit 260 may include a plurality of resistors 261 and 262 connected in series between the second terminal of the relay coil 232b and the ground terminal. In this case, the processor 240 may detect the voltage of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b based on the voltage at the contact point between the resistors 261 and 262. In one embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter may be further provided for converting the voltage at the contact point between the resistors 261 and 262 into a digital signal and transmitting the digital signal to the processor 240.

[0050] In some embodiments, the battery device may further include a diode 271 connected between the power supply for providing the diagnostic voltage Vs for diagnosing the heater and the contact point between the second terminal of the relay coil 232b and the resistor 261. In some embodiments, the diagnostic voltage Vs may be a voltage lower than the power supply voltage Vh. Since the power supply voltage Vh is higher than the diagnostic voltage Vs, the diode 271 may block the formation of a current path from the relay coil 232b to the power supply providing the diagnostic voltage Vs. In some embodiments, the voltage sensing circuit 260 may further include a resistor 272 connected between the diode 271 and the contact point. In this case, the anode of the diode 271 may be connected to the diagnostic voltage Vs, and the resistor 272 may be connected between the cathode of the diode 271 and the contact point. For example, the power supply voltage Vh may be 12V and the diagnostic voltage Vs may be 5V.

[0051] The EMI signal generated from the inverter 20 connected to the battery device may flow into the relay coil 232b, such that the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b of the heater can be detected as values different from the normal voltages. Alternatively, due to faults in the drivers 233 and 234, the Vh voltage or 0V may be transmitted to the relay coil 232b, such that the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b of the heater can be detected as values different from the normal voltages.

[0052] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 to describe the diagnostic method of the heater.

[0053] Figure 3 is a diagram showing control signals when the voltage of a relay coil is normally detected in a battery device according to an embodiment, while Figure 4 and Figure 5 are diagrams showing control signals in cases where the voltage of a relay coil is not normally detected in battery devices according to various embodiments. In Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 it has been shown that: when the control signal has a high level, the driver is enabled, and when the control signal has a low level, the driver is disabled. The driver can be disabled when the control signal has a high level, and can be enabled when the control signal has a low level. In Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 it is shown that: the driver connected to the high-side terminal of the relay coil is shown as HSD, and the driver connected to the low-side terminal of the relay coil is shown as LSD.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the processor 240 detects the voltages of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b before closing the relay 232. That is, the processor 240 detects the voltages of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b before applying an enabling signal to the two drivers 233 and 234. In this case, a disabling signal can be applied to the two drivers 233 and 234.

[0055] Since enabling signals have not been applied to the two drivers 233 and 234, if there is no fault, the two drivers 233 and 234 are in a disabled state. When the two drivers 233 and 234 are in a disabled state, a diagnostic voltage Vs is applied to the relay coil 232b such that the voltage V1 of the first terminal and the voltage V2 of the second terminal in the relay coil 232b approximately become the voltage Vs due to the diagnostic voltage Vs. In some embodiments, the processor 240 can detect the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b by sensing the voltage at the voltage division of the voltage Vs through the resistors 251 and 252. In addition, the processor 240 can detect that the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is the Vs voltage by sensing the voltage at the voltage division of the Vs voltage through the resistors 272, 261, and 262.

[0056] Thus, when the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b are the Vs voltage, the drivers 233 and 234 operate normally, and the EMI signal does not affect the relay coil 232b either, so that the heater operates normally. Therefore, the processor 240 drives the heater by applying an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234. That is, the drivers 233 and 234 are enabled so that current flows through the relay coil 232b via the power supply voltage Vh, and thus, the relay switch 232a can be turned on.

[0057] Conversely, before applying an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b and the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b are voltages other than the Vs voltage. In this case, the processor 240 may detect the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b or the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b by applying an enabling signal to the driver 233 or the driver 234, thereby diagnosing the state of the heater.

[0058] In some embodiments, the processor 240 may apply an enabling signal to the driver 233 to detect the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b or the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b, thereby diagnosing the state of the heater. Hereinafter, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 4 to describe such embodiments.

[0059] Before applying an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b and the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b are approximately the Vh voltage. In some embodiments, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 of the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is the voltage Vh by sensing the voltage at the voltage division of the voltage Vh through the resistors 251 and 252. In addition, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V2 of the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is the voltage Vh by sensing the voltage at the voltage division of the voltage Vh through the resistors 261 and 262.

[0060] In this case, a short - circuit fault may occur in the driver 233, such that the power supply voltage Vh may be transmitted to the relay coil 232b. As a result, the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b may become approximately the Vh voltage. Alternatively, although the driver 233 operates normally, an EMI signal may be applied to the relay coil 232b, such that the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b may become approximately the Vh voltage.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 ,the processor 240 can apply an enabling signal to the driver 234 while continuously applying a disabling signal to the driver 233 to determine whether a short - circuit fault has occurred in the driver 233 or an EMI signal has been applied. While applying the control signals as described above, the processor 240 can detect the voltages V1 and V2 at the two terminals of the relay coil 232b.

[0062] The driver 234 is enabled to apply 0V to the second terminal of the relay coil 232b. In addition, in the case of a short - circuit fault in the driver 233, a voltage Vh is applied to the first terminal of the relay coil 232b. The processor 240 can detect that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately the Vh voltage and the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately 0V. Thus, when the processor 240 detects that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately the Vh voltage, the processor 240 diagnoses the driver 233 as having a short - circuit fault and sends a warning notifying the external device (e.g., a vehicle) of the short - circuit fault in the driver 233.

[0063] On the other hand, when the driver 233 is not in a short - circuit fault state but is operating normally, the driver 233 is disabled and the driver 234 is enabled to apply 0V to both terminals of the relay coil 232b. In this case, the processor 240 can detect that the voltages V1 and V2 at the two terminals of the relay coil 232b are approximately 0V. Thus, when the processor 240 detects that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately 0V, the processor 240 determines that the voltage of the relay coil 232b cannot be correctly sensed due to an EMI signal and then operates the heater normally. Therefore, the processor 240 can apply an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234.

[0064] In some embodiments, the processor 240 can apply an enabling signal to the driver 234 to detect the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b or the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b, thereby diagnosing the state of the heater. Hereinafter, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 5 to describe such embodiments.

[0065] Before applying an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b and the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b are approximately 0V. In some embodiments, the processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is 0V by sensing the voltage at the 0V divided by the resistors 251 and 252. In addition, the processor 240 may detect the voltage V2 by sensing the voltage at the 0V divided by the resistors 261 and 262, and detect that the voltage at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is 0V.

[0066] In this case, a short circuit fault may occur in the driver 234, such that 0V may be transmitted to the relay coil 232b. As a result, the voltages V1 and V2 at the two terminals of the relay coil 232b may approximately become 0V. Alternatively, although the driver 234 is operating normally, an EMI signal may be applied to the relay coil 232b, such that the voltages V1 and V2 at the two terminals of the relay coil 232b may approximately become 0V.

[0067] Referring to Figure 5 , the processor 240 may apply an enabling signal to the driver 233 while continuously applying a disabling signal to the driver 234 to determine whether a short circuit fault has occurred in the driver 234 or an EMI signal has been applied. While applying the control signal as described above, the processor 240 may detect the voltages V1 and V2 at the two terminals of the relay coil 232b.

[0068] The driver 233 is enabled to apply a Vh voltage to the first terminal of the relay coil 232b. At this time, in the case of a short circuit fault in the driver 234, 0V is applied to the second terminal of the relay coil 232b. The processor 240 may detect that the voltage V1 at the first terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately the Vh voltage and the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately 0V. Therefore, when the processor 240 detects that the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately 0V, the processor 240 diagnoses the driver 234 as having a short circuit fault and sends a warning notifying an external device (e.g., a vehicle) of the short circuit fault in the driver 234.

[0069] On the other hand, when the driver 234 is not in a short - circuit failure state but is operating normally, the driver 233 is enabled and the driver 234 is disabled to apply a Vh voltage to both terminals of the relay coil 232b. In this case, the processor 240 can detect that the voltages V1 and V2 at both terminals of the relay coil 232b are approximately the Vh voltage. Therefore, when the processor 240 detects that the voltage V2 at the second terminal of the relay coil 232b is approximately the Vh voltage, the processor 240 determines that the voltage of the relay coil 232b has not been correctly sensed due to the EMI signal, and then operates the heater normally. Thus, the processor 240 can apply an enabling signal to each of the two drivers 233 and 234.

[0070] According to the above - described embodiment, it is possible to diagnose whether the voltage of the relay coil is sensed as a normal value. In addition, it is possible to diagnose whether the voltage of the relay coil is not detected as a normal value due to a driver failure or an EMI signal. Therefore, in the case of a driver failure, a warning can be issued to request repair or replacement of the driver. If the voltage is not correctly sensed due to an EMI signal, since there is no failure in the driver, the heater can operate normally.

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for diagnosing a heater of a battery device according to an embodiment.

[0072] Referring to Figure 6 , before transmitting the voltage for driving the relay to both terminals of the relay coil (e.g., Figure 2 232b in Figure 2 ), the processor of the battery device detects the voltages V1 and V2 at both terminals of the relay coil 232b in step S610. In some embodiments, the processor can detect the voltages V1 and V2 at both terminals of the relay coil 232b in step S610 before applying an enabling signal to each of the two drivers (e.g.,

[0073] 233 and 234 in Figure 2 ) connected to both terminals of the relay coil.

[0074] When the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b are detected to be voltages other than the voltages corresponding to the diagnostic voltage Vs in step S620, the processor can detect the voltage of the relay coil 232b by transmitting a voltage lower than the power supply voltage of the heater (e.g., Vh in Figure 2 ) or a voltage lower than the power supply voltage (e.g., 0V in Figure 2 ) to one terminal of the relay coil. Figure 2 or a voltage lower than the power supply voltage (e.g., Figure 2 0V in Figure 2 ), to detect the voltage of the relay coil 232b.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b are detected to be voltages corresponding to the Vh voltage of the heater in step S640, the processor can transmit 0V to the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b in step S651. In some embodiments, the processor can apply an enabling signal to the driver 234 connected to the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b in step S651. When 0V is transmitted to the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b, the processor detects the voltage V1 of the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b. In some embodiments, the processor can also detect the voltage V2 of the low-end terminal of the relay coil 232b. When the voltage V1 of the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b is detected to be a voltage corresponding to 0V in step S652, the processor can operate the heater in step S630 because the heater is in a normal state. In some embodiments, since the drivers 233 and 234 of the heater are operating normally, the processor can apply an enabling signal to each of the drivers 233 and 234 in step S630. When the voltage V1 of the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b is detected to be a voltage corresponding to the Vh voltage in step S652, the processor can diagnose a fault in the heater in step S653. In some embodiments, the processor can diagnose a short-circuit fault in the driver 233 in step S653.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the voltages V1 and V2 of the two terminals of the relay coil 232b are detected to be voltages corresponding to 0V in step S640, the processor may transmit the Vh voltage to the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b in step S661. In some embodiments, the process may apply an enable signal to the driver 233 connected to the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b in step S661. When the voltage Vh is transmitted to the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b, the processor detects the voltage V2 of the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b. In some embodiments, the processor may also detect the voltage V1 of the high-side terminal of the relay coil 232b. When the voltage V2 of the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b is detected to be a voltage corresponding to the Vh voltage in step S662, since the heater is in a normal state, the processor may operate the heater in step S630. In some embodiments, since the drivers 233 and 234 of the heater are operating normally, the processor may apply an enable signal to each of the drivers 233 and 234 in step S630. When the voltage V2 of the low-side terminal of the relay coil 232b is detected to be a voltage corresponding to 0V in step S662, the processor may diagnose a fault in the heater in step S663. In some embodiments, the processor may diagnose a short-circuit fault in the driver 234 in step S663.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0078] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0079] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0105145, filed on Aug. 21, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A battery device, comprising: Battery pack; a heater connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery pack; as well as a processor configured to control the heater, Wherein, the heater comprises: a relay comprising a relay switch and a relay coil configured to drive the relay switch; a heating resistor connected in series with the relay switch between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery pack, the relay being configured to control current flowing to the heating resistor; a first driver connected between a power source for providing a first voltage and a first terminal of the relay coil and configured to control transmission of the first voltage; and a second driver connected between a second terminal of the relay coil and a terminal having a second voltage lower than the first voltage and configured to control transmission of the second voltage, wherein a third voltage for diagnosis is transmitted to the second terminal of the relay coil, and The processor is configured to control the first driver and the second driver, and diagnose the heater based on a voltage of the first terminal of the relay coil and a voltage of the second terminal of the relay coil.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, further comprising a diode connected between a power source for providing the third voltage and the second terminal of the relay coil, Among them, The third voltage is lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage.

3. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: detecting a voltage of the first terminal and a voltage of the second terminal before operating the heater by enabling the first driver and the second driver; as well as The heater is diagnosed based on the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal.

4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor is configured to enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal are voltages corresponding to the third voltage, respectively.

5. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor is configured to enable the second driver and disable the first driver in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal are voltages corresponding to the first voltage, respectively, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the first terminal detected in a state where the second driver is enabled.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein: The processor is configured to enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in a state in which the second driver is enabled.

7. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein: The processor is configured to diagnose a fault in the first driver in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in a state in which the second driver is enabled.

8. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor is configured to enable the first driver and disable the second driver in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the second voltage, and diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the second terminal detected in the state where the first driver is enabled.

9. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein, The processor is configured to enable the first driver and the second driver to operate the heater in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in the state where the first driver is enabled.

10. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein The processor is configured to diagnose a fault in the second driver in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in the state where the first driver is enabled.

11. A diagnostic method for a battery device, the battery device including a battery pack and a heater configured to heat the battery pack, the diagnostic method including the following steps: Before closing a relay configured to control the current flowing through a heating resistor of the heater, detect the voltages of a first terminal and a second terminal of a relay coil included in the relay; And Diagnose the heater based on which voltage among a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage for diagnosis provided by a power supply the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal correspond to, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are provided for driving the relay, and wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage, and the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage.

12. The diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of diagnosing the heater includes the following steps: diagnose that the heater is operating normally in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the third voltage.

13. The diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of diagnosing the heater includes the following steps: Transmit the second voltage to the second terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the first voltage; and Diagnose that the heater is operating normally in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in the state where the second voltage is transmitted to the second terminal.

14. The diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein The step of diagnosing the heater includes the following steps: Transmit the second voltage to the second terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the first voltage; and Diagnose a fault in the heater in response to detecting that the voltage of the first terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in the state where the second voltage is transmitted to the second terminal.

15. The diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of diagnosing the heater includes the following steps: Transmit the first voltage to the first terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the second voltage; and Diagnose that the heater is operating normally in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the first voltage in a state where the first voltage is transmitted to the first terminal.

16. The diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein The step of diagnosing the heater includes the following steps: Transmit the first voltage to the first terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the second voltage; and Diagnose a fault in the heater in response to detecting that the voltage of the second terminal is a voltage corresponding to the second voltage in a state where the first voltage is transmitted to the first terminal.

17. A battery device, the battery device comprising: A battery pack; A heater, the heater including a heating resistor and a relay configured to control the current flowing to the heating resistor; And A processor configured to: Detect the voltages of a first terminal and a second terminal of a relay coil included in the relay before closing the relay; And Diagnose the heater based on which voltage among a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage for diagnosis provided by a power supply the voltage of the first terminal and the voltage of the second terminal correspond to, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are provided to drive the relay, and wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage, and the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage.

18. The battery device according to claim 17, wherein: The processor is configured to diagnose that the heater is operating normally in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the third voltage.

19. The battery device according to claim 17, wherein, The processor is configured to: Transmit the second voltage to the second terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the first voltage; And Diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the first terminal detected in a state where the second voltage is transmitted to the second terminal.

20. The battery device according to claim 17, wherein The processor is configured to: Transmit the first voltage to the first terminal in response to detecting that the voltages of the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively voltages corresponding to the second voltage; And Diagnose the heater based on the voltage of the second terminal detected in a state where the first voltage is transmitted to the first terminal.

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