Relay control system and battery system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a relay control system for a battery system, the relay control system comprising: an electrical interface to which a connector is detachably connectable; a power supply electrically connected in parallel to a coil of a relay through a power supply line; a relay driver switch interconnected between the power supply and the coil in one of the power supply lines; a controller electrically connected in parallel to the relay driver switch through a relay driver control line to control the relay driver switch. One of the power supply line and the relay driver control line is routed across the interface such that when the connector is connected to the interface, the one of the power supply line and the relay driver control line is electrically conductive across the interface, and when the connector is detached from the interface, the one of the power supply line and the relay driver control line is electrically interrupted across the interface; wherein the relay control system is configured to cause the relay to open when the one of the power supply line and the relay driver control line is interrupted in response to the connector being detached from the interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a relay control system and a battery system including the relay control system. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a vehicle including the battery system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, vehicles using electric power sources for transporting goods and people have been developed. These electric vehicles are automobiles propelled by electric motors using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles can be powered solely by batteries or in the form of hybrid vehicles powered by, for example, gasoline generators. Furthermore, vehicles can include a combination of electric motors and conventional internal combustion engines. Typically, electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) or traction batteries are batteries used to power the propulsion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Because electric vehicle batteries are designed to provide power for a continuous period of time, they differ from starter batteries, lighting batteries, and ignition batteries. Rechargeable or secondary batteries differ from primary batteries in that they can be repeatedly charged and discharged, while the latter only provides an irreversible conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, laptops, and cameras), while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0003] Typically, a rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a housing containing the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. An electrolyte solution is injected into the housing to enable the battery to be charged and discharged via electrochemical reactions between the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte solution. The shape of the housing (e.g., cylindrical or rectangular) depends on the intended purpose of the battery. Lithium-ion (and similar lithium polymer) batteries are widely known for their use in laptops and consumer electronics and dominate in the latest electric vehicle fleet under development.

[0004] Rechargeable batteries can be used as battery modules formed by multiple individual battery cells connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density, particularly for electric motor drives in hybrid vehicles. That is, a battery module is formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of multiple individual battery cells to achieve the required electric power and to realize a high-power rechargeable battery.

[0005] Battery modules can be constructed in a block design or a modular design. In a block design, each battery cell is integrated into a common current collector structure and a common battery management system, and its cells are arranged in a housing. In a modular design, multiple battery cells are connected to form submodules, and several submodules are connected to form a battery module. In automotive applications, battery systems typically consist of multiple battery modules connected in series to provide a desired voltage. A battery module may include submodules with multiple stacked battery cells, each stack comprising multiple parallel battery cells (XpYs) connected in series or multiple series battery cells (XsYp) connected in parallel.

[0006] A battery pack is a group of any number (preferably identical) battery modules. They can be configured in series, parallel, or a combination of both to deliver a desired voltage, capacity, or power density. The components of a battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnects that provide conductivity between the battery modules.

[0007] To meet the dynamic power demands of various devices connected to the battery system, static control of battery power output and charging is insufficient. Therefore, stable information exchange between the battery system and the controllers of the devices is required. This information includes the battery system's actual state of charge (SoC), potential electrical performance, charging capacity, and internal resistance, as well as the actual or predicted power demand or remaining capacity of the devices. Consequently, a battery system typically includes a Battery Management System (BMS) for acquiring and processing this system-level information, and multiple Battery Module Managers (BMMs), which are part of the system's battery modules and acquire and process module-level information. Specifically, the BMS typically measures system voltage, system current, localized temperatures at different locations within the system housing, and insulation resistance between charged components and the system housing. Additionally, the BMMs typically measure the individual cell voltages and temperatures of the battery cells within the battery modules.

[0008] Therefore, BMS / BMM is provided for managing battery packs, such as by protecting the batteries from operation outside their safe operating areas, monitoring their status, calculating auxiliary data, reporting that data, controlling their environment, certifying and / or balancing them.

[0009] In abnormal operating conditions, the battery pack should typically be disconnected from the loads connected to its terminals. Therefore, the battery system also includes a battery disconnect unit (BDU) electrically connected between the battery modules and the battery system terminals. Thus, the BDU is the primary interface between the battery pack and the vehicle's electrical system. The BDU includes electromechanical switches that open or close high-current paths between the battery pack and the electrical system. The BDU provides feedback to the battery control unit (BCU) accompanying the battery modules, such as voltage and current measurements. The BCU controls the switches in the BDU using low-current paths based on the feedback received from the BDU. Therefore, the primary functions of the BDU can include controlling the current flow between the battery pack and the electrical system, as well as current sensing. The BDU can also manage additional functions such as external charging and pre-charging.

[0010] In a battery system, the main contactor (i.e., the relay) needs to be disconnected in the event of a defined internal circuit interruption. Known solutions use a so-called Hazardous Voltage Interlocked Circuit (HVIL) that is a closed circuit instead of a high-voltage component of the vehicle. When this circuit is interrupted, the hazardous voltage must be removed to prevent the risk of a high-voltage accident, for example, during maintenance. Specifically, in response to a circuit interruption detected, for example, for maintenance conditions, the relay needs to be disconnected to disconnect the battery voltage.

[0011] For example, such an interruption of the HVIL circuit might result from removing the connector from the interface. In relay control systems, a power supply is typically electrically connected to the relay coil, and a relay driver switch can be interconnected between the power supply and the coil. The relay driver switch can be controlled by a controller. The HVIL circuit can be fed across the interface, and when the connector is disconnected and removed, the mechanically interrupted circuit is broken.

[0012] A detection and diagnostic device can be provided as an additional component, capable of detecting and / or diagnosing local interruptions in the HVIL circuit. This information can be sent to a controller that can control the drive switch to disconnect the relay.

[0013] Sometimes, batteries are designed with HVIL (Hardware-Defined Intake) in mind for their internal components. For example, internal battery components that typically require HVIL may be manual service disconnect fuses, MSD fuses, separate service boxes, or external battery disconnect units (BDUs) or battery junction boxes (BJBs) connected to the battery pack.

[0014] However, not all HVILs have the same requirements for detection and response time. Therefore, even more than two independent HVIL loops may be required.

[0015] Including one or more additional internal HVILs in battery systems and battery packs introduces further drawbacks. Such integration requires additional hardware and software features (e.g., HVIL sources, HVIL detectors, and diagnostics) to detect HVIL interruptions.

[0016] If HVIL is an additional part of a safety function, then the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), rating, fit rate, failure rate over time, and several other safety-related parameters of these components must be considered separately. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to overcome or reduce at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a relay control system and battery system that do not require additional HVIL to disconnect the relay when an interruption has already occurred at a critical interface. Additionally, it aims to increase the safety of the battery system and reduce the amount of hardware involved.

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure seek to address at least one of the problems present in the prior art, at least to some extent. In particular, a relay control system for a battery system is provided, the relay control system including an electrical interface to which a connector is detachably connected. The relay control system also includes a power supply electrically connected in parallel to a coil of a relay via a power line. Furthermore, a relay driver switch is interconnected between the power supply and the coil in one of the power lines. Additionally, a controller is electrically connected in parallel to the relay driver switch via a relay driver control line to control the relay driver switch. When the connector is connected to the interface, one of the power line and the relay driver control line is electrically routed across the interface, and when the connector is detached from the interface, said one of the power line and the relay driver control line across the interface is electrically interrupted. The relay control system is configured to disconnect the relay when said one of the power line and the relay driver control line is interrupted in response to the connector being detached from the interface.

[0019] The connector can be a service connector or a service plug. An electrical interface can be an interface that allows current to flow through the connector when attached. An electrical interface can also be understood as an interface or connection terminal such as these. In other words, the term "electrical interruption" can refer to a disconnection or non-conductivity, i.e., no current or control signal can be transmitted across the interface. The power supply can be an internal power supply, i.e., the applied voltage. The power supply can be a DC voltage. However, to save energy, the power supply can also be an AC voltage, i.e., AC current can flow through the coil. The voltage of the power supply can be higher than the voltage of the controller's control signal. For example, the controller can have a 5V output voltage, and the power supply can have a higher (e.g., substantially higher) output voltage. A detachable connector can include conductive portions that can form conductive segments (i.e., electrical continuations) of routing lines across the interface in the connected state. The controller can be a microcontroller. The term "routing" refers to the direction / guidance of a line among the power supply line and the relay driver control line to the interface, in the case of the relay driver control line, via the interface to the relay driver switch, or in the case of the power supply line, via the interface to the coil. The length of the route to the interface can be 0.5m, 0.75m, or even 1m, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0020] This invention offers the following advantages: the internal control lines required to control the relay completely replace the HVIL, eliminating the need for an HVIL to disconnect the relay when the connector is removed at the interface. Specifically, the additional hardware units required for detecting and diagnosing interruptions at the interface in an HVIL solution can be omitted. No additional control lines are needed besides those that are normally required. Therefore, hardware and software are significantly reduced. When using one of the power lines or one of the relay driver control lines routed across the interface, connector removal is directly diagnosable / identifiable via these internal control lines, thus sensing the removal through the cross-interface routed lines. Since these internal control lines are used to control the relay, the insight of this invention is that, due to the cross-interface routing of these internal control lines, an interruption of one of these control lines itself can be used to control the relay to disconnect. This is also safe because no additional failure rate needs to be considered. Furthermore, because no additional hardware and software units are involved, the response time is fast. Therefore, dangerous voltages are quickly prevented and safety is improved.

[0021] One of the relay driver control lines can be routed across the interface, where the relay driver switch is configured to disconnect the relay when the relay driver control line is interrupted in response to the connector being removed from the interface. Using a relay driver control line for the relay driver switch allows a smaller current to be directed through the interface and enables relay control to be performed based on a lower voltage. This reduces the risk of arcing, damage, and current spikes at the interface during connector removal. In particular, this solution improves electromechanical compatibility due to the reduced current and voltage involved. This embodiment can be used, for example, when reduced interference is required, particularly when the power supply is used as AC power.

[0022] One of the relay driver control lines can be routed across the interface, where the relay driver switch is configured to disconnect the relay when the controller's control signal is interrupted in response to the connector being removed from the interface. The interruption of the control signal is a direct result of connector removal. Therefore, the interruption of the control signal directly indicates connector removal.

[0023] The control signal can be a logic high level, and the relay driver switch can be configured to deactivate the relay when the logic high level is interrupted in response to the connector being removed from the interface. The logic high level can be, for example, a 5V signal, but the invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, by default, when the connector is connected or attached to the interface, a logic high value (i.e., "1") is applied to the relay driver switch. In response to the removal of the connector (i.e., the relay driver control line is interrupted), the logic high value due to the line interruption is not applied to the relay driver switch. Therefore, the interruption of the logic high value directly indicates the removal of the connector, causing the relay control switch to deactivate. The power supply to the relay coil is then disconnected, and the relay can deactivate.

[0024] The control signal can be an electric current, and the relay driver switch can be configured to disconnect the relay when the current is interrupted in response to the connector being removed from the interface. When the relay driver control line is interrupted due to removal, the current is also directly interrupted, thus indicating removal. In other words, the current can drop to zero immediately in response to the connector being removed. Based on this drop, the relay driver switch can be configured to open and thus disconnect the power supply from the coil to disconnect the relay.

[0025] The power supply can be AC ​​power. In this case, energy is saved. Electromagnetic compatibility is high when using relay control lines. Alternatively, DC power can be used. DC power is particularly suitable when the power lines are routed across interfaces.

[0026] One of the power lines can be routed across the interface, where a relay is configured to disconnect when this power line is interrupted in response to the connector being removed from the interface. In this case, when the power line is interrupted in response to the connector being removed, the current through the coil is directly interrupted. The advantage of this embodiment is that the response time is fast because the interruption of the power line directly prevents current from flowing through the relay coil.

[0027] One of the power lines can be routed across the interface between the relay driver switch and the coil. This reduces response time.

[0028] The relay driver switch can be a high-side driver switch. Therefore, the relay driver switch disconnects the first voltage terminal of the power supply, and the relay coil is directly connected to the second voltage terminal of the power supply. Alternatively, the relay driver switch can be a low-side driver switch.

[0029] The controller can be configured to close the relay when one of the power lines and the relay driver control lines becomes conductive in response to the connector being connected to the interface.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention relates to a battery system including a relay control system according to one of the above embodiments. The battery system may include a plurality of battery cells electrically connected between a first output terminal and a second output terminal. Output power lines may be connected to the first and second output terminals respectively, wherein the relay is integrated in at least one of the power lines. The battery system may have the same advantages as described above.

[0031] On the other hand, it relates to a vehicle that includes the battery system described above, particularly an electric vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The features will become clear to those skilled in the art by referring to the detailed description of exemplary embodiments in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A relay control system and a battery system according to a first embodiment of the invention are shown; and

[0034] Figure 2 A relay control system and a battery system according to a second embodiment of the invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Referring now to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The effects and features of exemplary embodiments and methods for their implementation will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects and features of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered essential for a full understanding of the aspects and features of this disclosure by 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.

[0037] It will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” are used to describe various elements, 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 this disclosure, 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 any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when preceding or following it, without modifying any individual element in that list.

[0038] It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or variations thereof, specify properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof, but do not exclude other properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof.

[0039] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-and-carrier packages (TCPs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described herein can be implemented, for example, by wiring or conductive elements on a PCB or another circuit carrier. Conductive elements may include metallization (e.g., surface metallization) and / or pins, and / or may include conductive polymers or ceramics. Additional electrical energy can be transmitted via wireless connections (e.g., using electromagnetic radiation and / or light).

[0040] Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors within one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices, such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media, such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a relay control system 10 and a battery system 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0043] The relay control system 10 includes an electrical interface 20. The interface 20 may be formed in a support panel 24 and / or support frame of the relay control system for the battery system. The support panel 24 may be part of a housing. A connector 22 (e.g., a service connector) is detachably connected to the interface 20. The interface 20 may include a first interface terminal I1 and a second interface terminal I2. The connector 22 may include a first connector terminal C1 and a second connector terminal C2 respectively connected to the corresponding interface terminals I1 and I2. The connector 22 and / or the interface 20 may include mechanical fastening elements that allow for mechanical engagement that can be released by the user, for example, for maintenance.

[0044] In other words, connector 22 can be repeatedly detached from and attached to interface 20. Connector 22 may preferably be a service plug or service connector, which is removed from interface 20 for the purpose of performing maintenance. Connector 22 may include a conductive segment (conductive portion) as shown in the figure, which electrically connects interface terminals I1, I2 when connector 22 is connected to interface 20.

[0045] The relay control system 10 also includes a power supply 60, which may be an integrated power supply. The power supply 60 may include a first voltage terminal V1 and a second voltage terminal V2. In this embodiment, the power supply may preferably be a DC power supply, but it may also be an AC power supply. For example, when the power supply 60 is a DC power supply, the first voltage terminal V1 may be positive and the second voltage terminal V2 may be negative. The power supply 60 can provide, for example, a current of 1A and a voltage, for example, greater than or substantially greater than 5V, but the invention is not limited thereto. The power supply 60 is electrically connected in parallel with the coil 32 of the relay 30. Therefore, the power supply 60 is used to provide current flowing through the coil 32. For example, when the current provided by the power supply flows through the coil 32, the relay 30 may be in a closed or conductive state. The electrical connection between the power supply 60 and the coil 32 is provided via power lines PL1 and PL2. The first power line PL1 interconnects the first voltage terminal V1 with the coil 32. The second power line PL2 interconnects the second voltage terminal V2 with the coil 32.

[0046] The relay control system 10 also includes a relay driver switch 40. The relay driver switch 40 is interconnected between the power supply 60 and the coil 32 in one of the power supply lines PL1 and PL2. In the present case, the relay driver switch 40 is integrated in the first power supply line PL1. Therefore, in this preferred example, the relay driver switch 40 is implemented as a high-side driver switch. This advantageously means that the coil 32 is directly connected to the second voltage terminal V2. However, in other embodiments, the relay driver switch can be implemented as a low-side driver switch.

[0047] Furthermore, the relay control system 10 may include a controller 50, i.e., a microcontroller. The controller 50 is connected in parallel to the relay driver switch 40 via relay driver control lines RL1 and RL2. The controller 50 controls the relay driver switch 40. The first relay driver control line RL1 can interconnect the first voltage output terminal of the controller 50 with the relay driver switch 40, while the second relay driver control line RL2 can interconnect the second voltage output terminal with the relay driver switch 40.

[0048] In this specific example, the first power line PL1 of power lines PL1 and PL2 is routed across interface 20 (at both ends of interface 20), but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, a first portion of the first power line PL1 is electrically connected to interface terminal I1, and a second portion of the first power line PL1 extends from interface terminal I2 to the coil 32 of relay 30. Therefore, the first power line PL1 is routed through or across interface 20. The first power line PL1 can be routed across interface 20 between relay driver switch 40 and coil 32. That is, interface 20 can be located between relay driver switch 40 and coil 32 of relay 30.

[0049] In detail, when connector 22 is connected to interface 20, power line PL1 becomes conductive across interface 20. The conductive segment of connector 22 then forms an electrical continuity across interface 20. Therefore, when connector 22 is connected to interface 20, the first power line PL1 is not interrupted or conductive at both ends of interface 20. Otherwise, when connector 22 is detached or removed from interface 20, the first power line PL1 is electrically interrupted or becomes non-conductive at both ends of interface 20. Removal can be, for example, mechanical removal performed by the user for maintenance purposes.

[0050] In response to the removal of connector 22, the relay control system 10 is configured to disconnect relay 30 when the first power line PL1 is interrupted. In this particular example, relay 30 is configured to disconnect when the first power line PL1 is interrupted in response to the removal of connector 22 from interface 20. In this case, the current flowing through coil 32 is interrupted or blocked because the first power line PL1 is interrupted. Therefore, directly in response to the removal of connector 22, relay 30 disconnects because the current through coil 32 is blocked due to the interruption of the first power line PL1 across interface 20.

[0051] By using power lines PL1 and PL2, an interruption in the power lines can directly cause the relay 30 to disconnect, thus providing an inherent disconnection of the relay 30. In other words, power lines PL1 and PL2 directly sense the interruption and cause the relay 30 to disconnect. Therefore, the response time is particularly fast, and no additional hardware is required; only the first power line PL1 across interface 20 needs to be guided to interrupt the first power line PL1 when connector 22 is removed.

[0052] Furthermore, a battery system 100 including a relay control system 10 is also described. For example, the battery system 100 may include multiple battery cells 110 electrically connected between a first output terminal 111 and a second output terminal 112. The first output terminal 111 may refer to a high output voltage. Additionally, output power lines may be connected to the first output terminal 111 and the second output terminal 112, respectively. In this particular example, relays 30 and 34 are integrated into the power line connected to the high output voltage (i.e., the first output terminal 111). Furthermore, a load 115 may be electrically connected in parallel to the multiple battery cells 110.

[0053] Therefore, when relays 30 and 34 are disconnected in response to the detachment of connector 22 from interface 20, the battery is disconnected via the disconnection of relays 30 and 34. For example, in response to the disconnection of relay 30, exemplary load 115 becomes disconnected from the battery voltage, thus removing the dangerous voltage.

[0054] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a relay control system 10 and a battery system 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. For simplicity, details regarding... Figure 1 Redundant descriptions. The above refers to... Figure 1 The same details described in the previous section also apply to the embodiments described below, and may be omitted for brevity only, and for those details, refer to the description above.

[0055] That is, the relay control system 10 for the battery system 100 according to this embodiment also includes an electrical interface 20, and a connector 22 is detachably connected to the electrical interface 20. A power supply 60 is electrically connected in parallel to the coil 32 of the relay 30 via power lines PL1 and PL2. A relay driver switch 40 is interconnected between the power supply 60 and the coil 32 via one of the power lines PL1 and PL2. A controller 50 (i.e., a microcontroller) is electrically connected in parallel to the relay driver switch 40 via relay driver control lines RL1 and RL2 to control the relay driver switch 40. The relay driver switch can also be a high-side driver switch.

[0056] In this embodiment, with Figure 1 In contrast to other embodiments, one of the relay driver control lines RL1 and RL2 is routed across interface 20. Preferably, the first relay driver control line RL1 is routed across interface 20. In other embodiments, the second relay driver control line RL2 can be used. Specifically, the first relay driver control line RL1, which is routed across interface 20, can interconnect the first output terminal of the controller 50 with the relay driver switch 40. The second relay driver control line RL2 can be directly connected to the relay driver switch 40.

[0057] Interface 20 with Figure 1 The connector 22 is constructed in the same manner as the interface 20. That is, when connector 22 is connected to interface 20, the first relay driver control line RL1 is conductive at both ends of interface 20. Furthermore, when connector 22 is removed from interface 20, the relay driver control line RL1 is electrically interrupted at both ends of interface 20. Specifically, a first portion of the first relay driver control line RL1 is electrically connected to the first interface terminal I1, and a second portion of the first relay driver control line RL2 extends from the second interface terminal I2 to the relay driver switch 40. The conductive segments of connector 22 form an electrical continuity for the first relay driver control line across interface 20. Therefore, when connector 22 is connected to interface 20, the first relay driver control line RL1 is not interrupted. Otherwise, when connector 22 is removed from interface 20, the first relay driver control line RL1 is electrically interrupted across interface 20, i.e., it is not conductive.

[0058] In the same case, the relay control system 10 is configured to disconnect the relay 30 when the relay driver control line RL1 is interrupted in response to the connector 22 being disconnected from the interface 20.

[0059] In the current configuration, the relay driver switch 40 is configured to disconnect the relay 30 when the relay driver control line RL1 is interrupted in response to the connector 22 being detached from the interface 20. Therefore, with Figure 1 Compared to the previous embodiment, relay 30 is not disconnected directly, but rather disconnected via relay driver switch 40. For example, when relay driver switch 40 disconnects in response to connector 22 being removed, as described above, the first power line PL1 is interrupted or disconnected from power supply 60, causing the current flowing through coil 32 to be interrupted or blocked. This can then cause relay 30 to disconnect. Therefore, the relay can be disconnected by sensing the interruption caused by the removal of connector 22 using relay driver control lines. Since only a small voltage (i.e., 3.3V or 5V) and current exist in the relay driver control circuit, the use of control lines has improved electromagnetic compatibility and can therefore be used in environments requiring low interference. Furthermore, when using relay control lines RL1 and RL2, arcing at interface 20 can be prevented. In particular, in this embodiment, power supply 60 can be configured as an energy-efficient AC power supply, but still maintains high electromagnetic compatibility. However, a DC power supply can also be used.

[0060] The disconnection of relay driver switch 40 can be performed via the following preferred example. Relay driver switch 40 can be configured to disconnect relay 30 when a control signal from controller 50 is interrupted in response to disconnection of connector 22 from interface 20. For example, relay driver switch 40 can permanently receive a control signal to be in a closed state, which may be the default state. When this control signal is interrupted, the interruption instructs connector 22 to be disconnected from interface 20. Therefore, interruption of the control signal can initiate the disconnection of relay driver switch 40.

[0061] In the example, the control signal can be a logic high level, i.e., a logic "1", such as 3.3V or 5V. An interruption of the relay driver control line RL1 interrupts the control signal, causing the logic high level to be interrupted, i.e., not received by or applied to the relay driver switch 40. Alternatively, the control signal can be current, and the relay driver switch 40 is configured to disconnect the relay 30 when the current is interrupted (i.e., blocked) in response to the disconnection of connector 22 from interface 20. Therefore, an interruption of the current can trigger the relay driver switch 40 to disconnect the relay 30 by disconnecting coil 32 from power supply 60.

[0062] Similarly, in this embodiment, the battery system 100 may be described as including a relay control system 10. For example, the battery system 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 electrically connected between a first output terminal 111 and a second output terminal 112. The first output terminal 111 may refer to a high output voltage. Furthermore, output power lines may be connected to the first output terminal 111 and the second output terminal 112, respectively. In this particular example, the relay 34 is integrated into the power line connected to the high output voltage (i.e., the first output terminal 111). Additionally, a load 115 may be electrically connected in parallel to the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0063] When using a cross-interface 20 route between the power line and the relay driver control line in both embodiments, the removal of connector 22 is directly identifiable via these internal control lines; the removal is directly sensed and can be directly used to disconnect relay 30. Safety is improved because no additional failure rate needs to be considered. Furthermore, response time is fast because there is no HVIL and no additional hardware or software units are involved.

[0064] Figure Labels

[0065] 10 Relay Control System

[0066] 20 interfaces

[0067] 22 connectors

[0068] 24 Support Panel

[0069] 30, 34 relays

[0070] 32 coils

[0071] 40 Relay driver switch

[0072] 50 Controllers / Microcontrollers

[0073] 60 power supply

[0074] V1 First voltage terminal

[0075] V2 Second Voltage Terminal

[0076] PL1 First Power Line

[0077] PL2 Second Power Line

[0078] RL1 First Relay Driver Control Line

[0079] RL2 Second Relay Driver Control Line

[0080] C1, C2 First / Second Connector Terminals

[0081] I1, I2 First / Second Interface Terminals

[0082] 100 Battery System

[0083] 111 First output terminal

[0084] 112 Second Output Terminal

[0085] 115 load

Claims

1. A relay control system (10) for a battery system (100), the relay control system (10) comprising: an electrical interface (20) to which a connector (22) is detachably connectable; a power supply (60) electrically connected in parallel to a coil (32) of a relay (30) by power supply lines (PL1, PL2); a relay driver switch (40) interconnecting between the power supply (60) and the coil (32) in one of the power supply lines (PL1, PL2); a controller (50) electrically connected in parallel to the relay driver switch (40) by relay driver control lines (RL1, RL2) to control the relay driver switch (40), wherein one of the relay driver control lines (RL1, RL2) is routed across the interface (20) such that the one of the relay driver control lines (RL1, RL2) is electrically conductive across the interface (20) when the connector (22) is connected to the interface (20) and the one of the relay driver control lines (RL1, RL2) is electrically interrupted across the interface (20) when the connector (22) is detached from the interface (20); and wherein the relay driver switch (40) is configured to open the relay (30) when the one of the relay driver control lines (RL1, RL2) is interrupted in response to the connector (22) being detached from the interface (20).

2. The relay control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the relay driver switch (40) is configured to open the relay (30) when a control signal of the controller (50) is interrupted in response to the connector (22) being detached from the interface (20).

3. The relay control system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control signal is a logic high level and the relay driver switch (40) is configured to open the relay (30) when the logic high level is interrupted in response to the connector (22) being detached from the interface (20).

4. The relay control system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control signal is a current and the relay driver switch (40) is configured to open the relay (30) when the current is interrupted in response to the connector (22) being detached from the interface (20).

5. The relay control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein, the power supply (60) is an AC power supply.

6. The relay control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein, the power supply (60) is a DC power supply.

7. The relay control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein, the relay driver switch (40) is a high-side driver switch.

8. The relay control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein, the relay driver switch (40) is a low-side driver switch.

9. A battery system (100) comprising the relay control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The battery system (100) according to claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of battery cells (110) electrically connected between a first output terminal (111) and a second output terminal (112); The output power line is connected to the first output terminal (111) and the second output terminal (112) respectively, wherein the relay (30) is integrated into one output power line.

11. A vehicle comprising a battery system (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

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