Battery protection device, battery system, vehicle, and battery protection method

Abstract

A battery protection apparatus, a battery system, a vehicle, and a battery protection method are disclosed. The battery protection apparatus according to an embodiment includes a high-voltage switch connected between a high-voltage battery module and an external load, a battery supplying power to operate the high-voltage switch, and a switch control circuit outputting a signal to control the high-voltage switch to be turned off when an abnormality occurs in the battery.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0064943, filed on May 20, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery protection device and a battery system including the battery protection device. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable batteries, or secondary batteries, differ from primary batteries, which only provide an irreversible conversion of chemical materials into electrical energy, in that charging and discharging can be repeated. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles (HVs), energy storage systems (ESS) that use large or medium-sized batteries for home or industrial use, or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) systems.

[0004] To meet the dynamic power demands of various users connected to the battery system, static control of battery power output and charging is insufficient. Therefore, information must be exchanged continuously or intermittently between the battery system and the user's controller. This information includes actual or predicted power demand or consumer surplus, as well as the battery system's actual state of charge (SoC), potential electrical performance, charging capacity, and internal resistance.

[0005] For the monitoring, control, and / or setting of the aforementioned parameters, the battery system includes control electronics. This control electronics may be an integral part of the battery system and may be housed within a common housing, or it may be part of a remote control unit that communicates with the battery system via a suitable communication bus. The control electronics can perform various functions within the battery system.

[0006] Control electronics for battery systems (e.g., battery system management unit (BSM), battery management system (BMS), battery monitoring unit (BMU), or system base chip (SBC)) can receive power from the battery system they control. In this way, an additional power supply for the control electronics can be omitted, thereby reducing the installation space requirements of the battery system. However, depending on the output voltage of the battery system, high-voltage (e.g., 48V) battery systems require adjustment of the output voltage to supply power to the control electronics.

[0007] The battery system may also include a protection system that provides voltage level control for the battery system's power interface and initiates a rapid and reliable safe shutdown of the power interface in the event of unacceptable operating conditions. This protection system can be configured to disconnect the power connection between the battery system and its external terminals. Typically, the protection system includes an electromechanical switch controlled by the battery system's microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0008] Typically, at least one relay, controlled by a relay drive circuit, serves as an electromechanical switch for a protection system. The relay coil is operated by a low-voltage battery system. If the operating power from the low-voltage battery system is not supplied normally, there is a possibility of physical damage to the relay.

[0009] The information disclosed in this Background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background. Therefore, the Background section may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The example is for normal operation of the relay.

[0011] The example is for protecting relays.

[0012] The embodiment is designed to operate the relay even in the event of a momentary power supply anomaly.

[0013] The battery protection device according to an embodiment includes: a high-voltage switch connected between a high-voltage battery module and an external load; a battery supplying power to operate the high-voltage switch; and a switch control circuit that outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch to be disconnected when an abnormality occurs in the battery.

[0014] The control unit may also be included in the battery protection device, and the control unit outputs a signal based on the battery status to control the high-voltage switch to maintain the open state of the high-voltage switch.

[0015] After the control unit outputs a signal, the control unit can control the switch control circuit to stop the signal output of the switch control circuit.

[0016] The converter and power supply unit can also be included in the battery protection device. The converter converts the battery voltage into the operating voltage to be output. The power supply unit is used to regulate the operating voltage applied to the switch control circuit as a drive voltage and output a control signal according to the detection of a fault in the control unit. The switch control circuit can output a signal to control the high-voltage switch based on the amplitude of the operating voltage.

[0017] The switch control circuit may include: a comparator that compares the operating voltage with a first threshold voltage to output a comparison signal; a latching circuit that outputs a control signal based on the level of the comparison signal; and an AND gate circuit that receives signals from the control unit, the control signal from the latching circuit, and the control signal from the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

[0018] If the operating voltage is less than the first threshold voltage, the comparator can change the disabled comparison signal to the enabled level, and if the operating voltage is greater than the second threshold voltage, the comparator can change the enabled comparison signal to the disabled level, wherein the second threshold voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage.

[0019] The switch control circuit may include: a filter that receives the operating voltage; a comparator that compares the output voltage of the filter with a threshold voltage to output a comparison signal; a latching circuit that outputs a control signal based on the level of the comparison signal; and an AND gate circuit that receives signals from the control unit, the control signal from the latching circuit, and the control signal from the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

[0020] The switch control circuit may include: a timer that outputs a timer signal by determining whether the time during which the operating voltage is less than a threshold voltage is a predetermined time or longer; a latching circuit that outputs a timer signal based on the level of a comparison signal; and an AND gate circuit that receives signals from the control unit, the latching circuit, and the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

[0021] The high-voltage switch may include: a coil to which an operating voltage is applied; and at least one of a high-voltage side driver and a low-voltage side driver, which applies the operating voltage to the coil based on a signal controlling the high-voltage switch.

[0022] A battery protection method according to an embodiment for controlling a high-voltage switch connected between a high-voltage battery module and an external load includes: receiving an operating voltage from a converter via a switch control circuit, wherein the voltage of a battery supplying power to operate the high-voltage switch is converted into the operating voltage; if the operating voltage is less than a threshold voltage, outputting a signal via the switch control circuit to control the high-voltage switch to be disconnected; outputting a signal via a control unit to control the high-voltage switch to maintain the disconnected state of the high-voltage switch based on the battery state; and after the control unit outputs the signal, controlling the switch control circuit via the control unit to stop the signal output of the switch control circuit.

[0023] The battery system according to the embodiment includes a high-voltage battery module and the aforementioned battery protection device.

[0024] The vehicle according to the embodiment includes: an external load, including a motor and an inverter; a high-voltage battery module; and the aforementioned battery protection device.

[0025] According to the embodiment, it has the effect of preventing physical damage to the relays connected to the battery system.

[0026] According to the embodiments, there is an effect of providing a robust protection system even during periods of abnormal power supply.

[0027] According to the embodiments, it has the effect of preventing additional accidents caused by the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a battery system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a battery protection method according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of an example battery protection system.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the signals indicating the operation of the battery protection system according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of another example of a battery protection system.

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of another example of a battery protection system. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The operational effects and implementation methods of embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure can be thoroughly and completely understood, and will fully convey aspects and features of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Therefore, in order to fully understand aspects and features of the invention, processes, elements, and techniques that would be considered unnecessary to those skilled in the art are not described. In the accompanying drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0036] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of at least one related and more of the listed items. Additionally, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of the invention signifies "at least one embodiment of the invention." In the following description of embodiments of the invention, singular terms may include plural terms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] It will be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first element may be named a second element, and similarly, a second element may be named a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes at least one related item and any and all combinations of the listed items. Expressions such as "at least one" modify the entire list of elements rather than individual elements in that list when following a list of elements.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “basic,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that can be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, when the term “basic” is used in combination with a feature that can be expressed numerically, the term “basic” indicates a range of + / -5% of the value centered on that numerical value.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a battery system according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1 The battery system shown in the embodiment can be applied to vehicles, and in addition to vehicles, the battery system can also be applied to any technical field in which secondary batteries can be used, such as energy storage systems (ESS) or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems for home or industry.

[0041] Will Figure 1 The application of a battery system in a vehicle is described as an example. The battery system is an electrical energy source that provides driving force to the motor to drive the vehicle. The high-voltage battery module 10 of the battery system is connected to a load 20. The load 20 includes at least one of an inverter, a motor, etc.

[0042] In the high-voltage battery module 10, multiple individual battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. The type of high-voltage battery module 10 is not particularly limited and may include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc.

[0043] Additionally, the high-voltage battery module 10 can be charged by connecting to an external power source, and can be charged or discharged via an inverter depending on the drive of the motor and / or internal combustion engine. The high-voltage battery module 10 can be charged or discharged by charging current or discharging current.

[0044] A relay 30 protecting the high-voltage battery module 10 can be positioned on the charging / discharging path of the high-voltage battery module 10. The relay 30 can perform protective operations for the high-voltage battery module 10. The relay 30 receives an operating voltage VC from the switch control circuit 100 and can operate under the control of the switch control circuit 100.

[0045] In addition to relay 30, switches with high / low voltage and high current resistance, such as contactors, can be used. These high-voltage switches include a coil for switching operation and a driver that controls the switching (opening and closing) of the high-voltage switch by switching the control voltage applied to the coil, and the contacts (nodes) can be opened / closed by operation according to the voltage applied to the coil by the driver. The driver operates at low voltage (VL).

[0046] The battery system may also include a switch control circuit 100 for controlling the opening and closing of the relay 30. The switch control circuit 100 includes a low-voltage battery 110, a converter 120, a power supply unit 130, a relay control unit (or "relay controller") 140, and a control unit (or "controller") 150.

[0047] Converter 120 is connected to low-voltage battery 110. Converter 120 can output operating voltage VC based on the voltage VL of low-voltage battery 110. For example, converter 120 can transmit operating voltage VC to relay 30 and power supply unit 130 and relay control unit 140 in switch control circuit 100. Converter 120 can output voltage VL of low-voltage battery 110 through boost and / or buck processing. Converter 120 can be configured as a buck-boost converter of DC-DC converter, but the type of converter 120 is not limited to this.

[0048] The power supply unit (SBC: System Base Chip) 130 is an integrated circuit that integrates a voltage regulator, monitor functions, a reset generator, a watchdog function, a bus interface, and wake-up logic.

[0049] The power supply unit 130 can detect errors in the control unit 150. To this end, the power supply unit 130 continuously communicates with the control unit 150 and can determine a fault in the control unit 150 from the communication status with the control unit 150. Additionally, the power supply unit 130 can periodically receive error detection signals from the control unit 150 to detect faults in the control unit 150, and can determine the fault in the control unit 150 based on the reception status of the error detection signals (reception status, pulse width, reception period, etc.).

[0050] When a fault is detected in control unit 150, power supply unit 130 can act as an auxiliary controller for controlling the driver, replacing control unit 150. Power supply unit 130 can output a control signal (SS: safety signal) to relay control unit 140, and can change the level of control signal (SS) according to the detected fault in control unit 150. For example, when control unit 150 is operating normally, the level of control signal SS can be maintained at a high level, and when a fault is detected in control unit 150, the level of control signal SS can be changed to a low level.

[0051] The control unit (MCU: microcontroller unit) 150 is the main controller for applying the control signal CS to the relay control unit 140, and can output the control signal CS for controlling the relay control unit 140 based on the status information of the high-voltage battery module 10 and the low-voltage battery 110 (e.g., voltage, current, SoC, etc.), the vehicle status information, the vehicle driving mode, etc.

[0052] The relay control unit 140 controls the opening and closing of the relay 30 based on the operating voltage VC applied from the converter 120, the control signal SS applied from the power supply unit 130, and the control signal CS applied from the control unit 150.

[0053] When the operating voltage VC is not normally supplied, the relay control unit 140 switches the relay 30. For example, a low voltage VL may not be applied to the converter 120 for a short period of time, from 1 microsecond to 1 millisecond, or a glitch may occur in which the value of the low voltage VL is unintentionally changed. In this case, the operating voltage VC driving the coil of the relay 30 drops. In response to the short-term glitch, the power supply unit 130 and the control unit 150 have difficulty immediately outputting control signals SS and CS. This is because processing the low voltage VL or the operating voltage VC via digital signal processing takes more than 1 millisecond for the power supply unit 130 and the control unit 150.

[0054] When the operating voltage VC is abnormally supplied, the relay control unit 140 stops (disconnects) the operation of the relay 30, so that the relay 30 will not burn out or melt due to the abnormal operating voltage VC supplied to the relay 30.

[0055] Furthermore, even after the control signal CS for controlling the relay 30 in response to a glitch is output by the control unit 150, the operation of the relay 30 is maintained for a predetermined time. This predetermined time can vary depending on the design. Therefore, the relay 30 is continuously controlled by the relay control unit 140 and the control unit 150, thereby preventing chatter.

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 2 Describe in detail the protection method of relay 30.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a battery protection method according to an embodiment.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 The relay control unit 140 receives the operating voltage (i.e., output voltage) VC (S200) output from the converter 120.

[0059] If the operating voltage VC of converter 120 is less than the threshold voltage Vth ("Yes" in S210), the relay control unit 140 performs control to stop the operation of relay 30 (S220).

[0060] If the operating voltage VC of converter 120 is higher than the threshold voltage Vth ("No" in S210), the relay control unit 140 continues to receive the operating voltage VC of converter 120 (S200).

[0061] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the relay 30 (S230).

[0062] Then, the relay control unit 140 stops the control of the relay 30 (S240).

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 3 Describe the battery protection device in detail.

[0064] Figure 3 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of an example battery protection system.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the switch control circuit 300 for opening and closing the relay 30 includes a low-voltage battery 310, a converter 320, a power supply unit 330, a relay control unit 340, and a control unit 350.

[0066] The power supply unit 330 receives the operating voltage VC and transmits the regulated voltage VD to the comparator 342, the latching circuit 344, and the control unit 350. The voltage VD is used to drive the comparator 342, the latching circuit 344, and the control unit 350.

[0067] The relay control unit 340 includes a comparator 342, a latching circuit 344, and an AND gate circuit 346.

[0068] Comparator 342 receives the operating voltage VC from converter 320. Comparator 342 may have amplitude hysteresis. Comparator 342 compares the operating voltage VC with a threshold voltage and then outputs a comparison signal Vcom.

[0069] The latching circuit 344 outputs a control signal Vlat based on the level of the comparison signal Vcom. When the level of the comparison signal Vcom is changed (when the operating voltage VC is less than the first threshold voltage), the latching circuit 344 changes the level of the control signal Vlat. When the level of the comparison signal Vcom is changed (when the operating voltage VC is equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage), the level of the control signal Vlat is changed after the level of the control signal Vlat has been maintained for a predetermined period of time.

[0070] AND gate 346 receives control signals Vlat, SS1 / SS2, and CS, and outputs a switching control signal OUT to control the high-side driver 34 / low-side driver 36. When all input signals are at the enable level, AND gate 346 outputs the enable-level switching control signal OUT. Then, the operating voltage VC is applied to coil 32 through drivers 34 and 36, and relay 30 closes. When at least one of the input signals is at the disable level, AND gate 346 outputs the disable-level switching control signal OUT. Then, at least one of drivers 34 and 36 stops applying the operating voltage VC to coil 32, and relay 30 opens.

[0071] Control unit 350 outputs control signal CS to AND gate 346. When a glitch occurs in the low voltage VL, control unit 350 can change the level of control signal CS based on the glitch. After a predetermined time has elapsed after changing the level of control signal CS, control unit 350 outputs signal CL to clear latch-up circuit 344. Latch-up circuit 344 is cleared by signal CL (i.e., the level of control signal Vlat is changed to the enable level).

[0072] Regarding this, please refer to the following: Figure 4 Describe the operation of the battery protection system.

[0073] Figure 4This is a graph showing the signal indicating the operation of the battery protection system according to an embodiment.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 Before t1, the low voltage VL is supplied at level V1. At t1, a glitch occurs in the low-voltage battery 310, and the low voltage VL is supplied at level V0 (V1>V0). The operating voltage VC output from converter 320 is reduced due to the low voltage VL at level V0. In this disclosure, it is assumed that level V1 is 12V and level V0 is 0V, and the levels V1 and V0 of the low voltage VL are not limited to the values ​​described above.

[0075] When the operating voltage VC at time t2 is lower than the second threshold voltage VLT of comparator 342, comparator 342 outputs an enable level comparison signal Vcom. Then, the latching circuit 344, receiving the enable level comparison signal Vcom, outputs a disable level control signal Vlat. When the disable level control signal Vlat is input to AND gate 346, AND gate 346 outputs a disable level switch control signal OUT. The high-voltage side driver 34 and / or the low-voltage side driver 36 stop applying the operating voltage VC to coil 32, and relay 30 is off. Therefore, even if a 1-microsecond to 1-millisecond spike occurs in the low-voltage battery 310 supplying the voltage for controlling relay 30, relay 30 is controlled to be off, thus preventing relay 30 from blowing. The time period between time t1 and time t2 is called the "hold-up time".

[0076] At time t3, when the level of the operating voltage VC becomes higher than the first threshold voltage VUT through converter 320, comparator 342 outputs a comparison signal Vcom that disables the level D. If the low voltage VL remains at level V0 even after t3, the level of the operating voltage VC drops again. The difference between the first threshold voltage VUT and the second threshold voltage VLT is the hysteresis width.

[0077] The latching circuit 344, which has received the comparison signal Vcom for the disabled level D, maintains the control signal Vlat for the disabled level D until the signal CL for clearing the latching circuit 344 is received (t5).

[0078] At time t4, control unit 350 outputs control signal CS to AND gate 346. When a glitch occurs in the low voltage VL, control unit 350 changes the level of control signal CS to a disabled level D based on the glitch.

[0079] At time t5, the control unit 350 outputs a clear signal CL at the enable level E to clear the latching circuit 344. Then, the latching circuit 344 outputs a control signal Vlat at the enable level E.

[0080] When the latching circuit 344 is cleared and the predetermined time period has elapsed at t6, the control unit 350 outputs a clear signal CL with a disable level D. Therefore, when a glitch occurs, after the relay 30 is immediately changed to the OFF state by the comparator 342 of the analog circuit, frequent state changes of the relay 30 can be prevented because the relay 30 is controlled to the OFF state by the control unit 350 of the digital circuit.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 5 Describe the battery protection device in detail.

[0082] Figure 5 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of another example of a battery protection system.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the switch control circuit 500 for controlling the opening and closing of the relay 30 includes a low-voltage battery 510, a converter 520, a power supply unit 530, a relay control unit 540, and a control unit 550.

[0084] and Figure 3 Compared to battery protection systems, descriptions of identical or similar components are omitted.

[0085] The relay control unit 540 includes a buffer 542, a latching circuit 544, and an AND gate circuit 546.

[0086] Buffer 542 receives the operating voltage VC from converter 520. Buffer 542 may include a low-pass filter (LPF) and a comparator connected to the low-pass filter. The operating voltage VC is applied to the low-pass filter. The comparator compares the voltage output from the low-pass filter with a reference voltage and outputs a buffer signal Vbuff. As the operating voltage VC input to the low-pass filter decreases, the output voltage level of the low-pass filter gradually decreases. The low-pass filter is a moving average filter and outputs the average value of the decreasing operating voltage VC. When the low voltage VL is at level V0 for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 microsecond) or longer, the voltage output from the low-pass filter is reduced due to the decreasing operating voltage VC, and if the output voltage of the low-pass filter is lower than the reference voltage of the comparator, the comparator outputs a buffer signal Vbuff with an enable level E. That is, buffer 542 can detect power supply glitches of 1 microsecond or longer by using the low-pass filter.

[0087] Similarly, the latching circuit 544 outputs a control signal Vlat based on the level of the buffer signal Vbuff. When the level of the buffer signal Vbuff is changed (when the moving average of the operating voltage VC is less than the threshold voltage), the latching circuit 544 changes the level of the control signal Vlat. When the level of the buffer signal Vbuff is changed (when the moving average of the operating voltage VC is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage), the level of the control signal Vlat is maintained for a predetermined period of time, and then the level of the control signal Vlat is changed.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 6 Describe the battery protection device in detail.

[0089] Figure 6 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A block diagram of another example of a battery protection system.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the switch control circuit 600 for controlling the opening and closing of the relay 30 includes a low-voltage battery 610, a converter 620, a power supply unit 630, a relay control unit 640, and a control unit 650.

[0091] The relay control unit 640 includes a timer 642, a latching circuit 644, and an AND gate circuit 646.

[0092] Timer 642 receives the operating voltage VC from converter 620. When the operating voltage VC is below a threshold voltage for a period of time longer than a threshold time (e.g., 1 microsecond), timer 642 outputs a timer signal Vtimer with an enable level E. In other words, timer 642 can detect power supply glitches of 1 microsecond or longer.

[0093] Similarly, the latching circuit 644 outputs a control signal Vlat based on the level of the timer signal Vtimer. When the level of the timer signal Vtimer is changed (when the moving average of the operating voltage VC is less than the threshold voltage), the latching circuit 644 changes the level of the control signal Vlat. When the level of the timer signal Vtimer is changed (when the moving average of the operating voltage VC is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage), the level of the control signal Vlat is changed after the level of the control signal Vlat has been maintained for a predetermined period of time.

[0094] The high-voltage switch used to disconnect the power connection between the battery system and its external terminals is operated by a low-voltage battery. Glitches in the low-voltage battery can cause the high-voltage switch to malfunction (reclosing) or experience transients (voltage dropping below the operating voltage), leading to physical damage to the relay. If the relay burns out, it becomes difficult to disconnect the power connection between the battery system's external terminals, resulting in an accident.

[0095] According to the embodiments, the battery protection device and the battery system including the battery protection device detect the occurrence of power glitches in the low-voltage battery by means of a hysteresis comparator, a buffer and a timer of the analog circuit to disconnect the relay, thereby preventing physical damage to the relay and preventing additional accidents caused by the battery.

[0096] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery protection device, the battery protection device comprising: A high-voltage switch is connected between the high-voltage battery module and the external load. The battery supplies power to operate the high-voltage switch; as well as The switch control circuit outputs a signal to disconnect the high-voltage switch when an abnormality occurs in the battery. The switch control circuit includes: The control unit outputs a signal based on the battery status to control the high-voltage switch to maintain the open state of the high-voltage switch. A converter that converts the battery voltage into the operating voltage to be output; and The power supply unit regulates the operating voltage applied to the switching control circuit as the drive voltage and outputs control signals based on fault detection in the control unit. The switch control circuit outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch based on the amplitude of the operating voltage.

2. The battery protection device according to claim 1, wherein, After the control unit outputs a signal, the control unit controls the switch control circuit to stop the signal output of the switch control circuit.

3. The battery protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The switch control circuit also includes: The comparator compares the operating voltage with a first threshold voltage to output a comparison signal; A latching circuit that outputs a control signal based on the level of a comparison signal; and The AND gate circuit receives signals from the control unit, the control signal from the interlocking circuit, and the control signal from the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

4. The battery protection device according to claim 3, wherein, If the operating voltage is less than the first threshold voltage, the comparator changes the disabled comparison signal to an enabled level, and if the operating voltage is greater than the second threshold voltage, the comparator changes the enabled comparison signal to a disabled level, wherein the second threshold voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage.

5. The battery protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The switch control circuit also includes: Filter, receives operating voltage; The comparator compares the filter's output voltage with a threshold voltage to output a comparison signal; A latching circuit that outputs a control signal based on the level of a comparison signal; and The AND gate circuit receives signals from the control unit, the control signal from the interlocking circuit, and the control signal from the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

6. The battery protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The switch control circuit also includes: The timer outputs a timer signal by determining whether the time during which the operating voltage is less than the threshold voltage is a predetermined time or longer. A latching circuit, based on a timer signal level-based output control signal; and The AND gate circuit receives signals from the control unit, the control signal from the interlocking circuit, and the control signal from the power supply unit, and outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch.

7. The battery protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The high-voltage switch includes: The coil, the operating voltage is applied to the coil; and At least one of the high-voltage side driver and the low-voltage side driver applies an operating voltage to the coil based on a signal controlling the high-voltage switch.

8. A battery protection method for controlling a high-voltage switch connected between a high-voltage battery module and an external load, the battery protection method comprising: The operating voltage is received from the converter via a switch control circuit, and the voltage of the battery that supplies power to operate the high-voltage switch is converted into the operating voltage. If the operating voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the switch control circuit outputs a signal to disconnect the high-voltage switch. The control unit outputs a signal to control the high-voltage switch, so as to maintain the open state of the high-voltage switch based on the battery status. as well as After the control unit outputs a signal, the control unit controls the switch control circuit to stop the signal output of the switch control circuit.

9. A battery system, the battery system comprising: High-voltage battery module; as well as The battery protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: External loads, including motors and inverters; High-voltage battery module; as well as The battery protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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