Connection diagnostic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection diagnosis device for diagnosing a connection state between devices. The connection diagnosis device can include an output terminal and an input terminal formed to be connected with respective terminals of an interlock loop line included in any one of the devices, a first voltage variable circuit for outputting a first voltage varied according to a first current, the first current flowing through a first current path among a current path transmitting a diagnosis signal to the output terminal and a current path between the input terminal and a ground, and a first impedance variable circuit located on the first current path and varying an impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage. Here, the first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit can operate such that the first current maintains a constant value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection diagnosis apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connection diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing a connection state of an apparatus in a high voltage system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A hazard voltage interlock loop (HVIL) circuit diagnoses a connection state between apparatuses in a system, such as a high voltage system, in which a connection defect between the apparatuses can cause a hazardous accident. The HVIL circuit generally applies a specific signal (for example, a DC or AC voltage signal, a current signal, and a frequency signal) to an interlock loop line, and verifies a signal received through the interlock loop line, thereby diagnosing the connection state.

[0003] When the apparatuses are assembled, the interlock loop line is sometimes short-circuited to a battery or ground due to a wrong connection of the line. When an overcurrent generated by the short circuit of the interlock loop line is supplied to the HVIL circuit, overheat is generated and the circuit can be damaged.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to design the HVIL circuit to suppress generation of heat and prevent damage to the circuit when the interlock loop line is short-circuited to ground or the battery. SUMMARY

[0005] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] The present invention is directed to provide a connection diagnosis apparatus for minimizing heat generated when an interlock loop line is short-circuited and preventing damage to a circuit.

[0007] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a connection diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing a connection state between apparatuses, the connection diagnosis apparatus including: an output terminal and an input terminal connected to respective terminals of an interlock loop line included in one of the apparatuses; a first voltage variable circuit for outputting a first voltage, the first voltage being variable according to a first current, the first current flowing through a first current path among a current path for transmitting a diagnosis signal to the output terminal and a current path between the input terminal and ground; and a first impedance variable circuit provided on the first current path and changing an impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage. The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit can operate to maintain the first current at a constant value.

[0009] The first current path can be a current path between the input terminal and the ground. The connection diagnosis apparatus can further include a second voltage variable circuit to output a second voltage, the second voltage being variable according to a second current flowing through a second current path for transmitting a diagnosis signal to the output terminal, and a second impedance variable circuit disposed on the second current path and changing an impedance of the second current path according to the second voltage. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit can operate such that the second current maintains a constant value.

[0010] The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit can operate such that the first current maintains a first value. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit can operate such that the second current maintains a second value. The first value can be different from the second value.

[0011] The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit can operate such that the first current maintains a first value when the first current belongs to a first current interval. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit can operate such that the second current maintains a second value when the second current belongs to a second current interval. The first current interval can be different from the second current interval.

[0012] The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit can operate such that the second current maintains the second value when the apparatus is normally connected.

[0013] The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit can operate such that the first current maintains the first value when the interlock loop line is short-circuited to a positive electrode side of the battery. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit can operate such that the second current maintains the second value when the interlock loop line is short-circuited to the ground.

[0014] The first voltage variable circuit can include a first resistor disposed on the first current path, and a first shunt regulator element including an anode terminal and a reference terminal connected to respective ends of the first resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the first voltage, the first voltage being variable according to the first current flowing to the first resistor. The first impedance variable circuit can include a first transistor disposed on the first current path and including a first terminal connected to the input terminal, a second terminal connected to the first resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element, and a second resistor connected between a node to which the diagnosis signal is input and the control terminal of the first transistor. An impedance of the first transistor can be variable according to the first voltage.

[0015] The second voltage variable circuit can include a third resistor disposed on the second current path, and a second shunt regulator element including anode terminals and a reference terminal connected to respective ends of the third resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the second voltage, the second voltage being variable according to a second current flowing to the third resistor. The second impedance variable circuit can include a second transistor disposed on the second current path and including a first terminal connected to the node, a second terminal connected to the third resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the second shunt regulator element, and a fourth resistor connected between the node and the control terminal of the second transistor. An impedance of the second transistor can be variable according to the second voltage. The resistance of the first resistor can be different from the resistance of the third resistor.

[0016] The first current path can be a current path between the input terminal and the ground, and the connection diagnosis apparatus can further include a second voltage variable circuit for outputting a second voltage, the second voltage being variable according to a second current, the second current flowing through a second current path for transmitting a diagnosis signal to the output terminal, and a second impedance variable circuit disposed on the second current path and changing an impedance of the second current path according to the first voltage or the second voltage.

[0017] The second impedance variable circuit can adjust the impedance of the second current path according to the first voltage so that the second current maintains a first value when the second current belongs to a first current interval, and can adjust the impedance of the second current path according to the second voltage so that the second current maintains a second value when the second current belongs to a second current interval. The first current interval can be different from the second current interval, and the first value can be different from the second value.

[0018] The first impedance variable circuit can adjust the impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage so that the first current maintains a first value when the first current belongs to a third current interval. The first current interval can be different from the third current interval.

[0019] The second impedance variable circuit can adjust the impedance of the second current path according to the first voltage when the apparatus is normally connected, and can adjust the impedance of the second current path according to the second voltage when the interlock loop line is short-circuited to the ground.

[0020] The first impedance variable circuit can maintain an on state when the apparatus is normally connected, and can adjust the impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage when the interlock loop line is short-circuited to the positive electrode side of the battery.

[0021] The first voltage variable circuit can include a first resistor disposed on the first current path, and a first shunt regulator element including anode terminals and a reference terminal connected to respective ends of the first resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the first voltage, which is variable according to the first current flowing through the first resistor. The first impedance variable circuit can include a first transistor disposed on the first current path, and including a first terminal connected to the input, a second terminal connected to the first resistor, and a control terminal, and a second resistor connected between the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element and the control terminal of the first transistor. The impedance of the first transistor can be variable according to the first voltage.

[0022] The second voltage variable circuit can include a third resistor disposed on the second current path, and a second shunt regulator element including anode terminals and a reference terminal connected to respective ends of the third resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the second voltage, which is variable according to the second current flowing through the third resistor. The second impedance variable circuit can include a second transistor disposed on the second current path, and including a first terminal connected to a node to which the diagnostic signal is input, a second terminal connected to the third resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element and the cathode terminal of the second shunt regulator element, and a fourth resistor connected between the node and the control terminal of the second transistor. The impedance of the second transistor can be variable according to the first voltage or the second voltage. The resistance of the first resistor can be different from the resistance of the third resistor.

[0023] The connection diagnosis apparatus can further include a passive element disposed on a current path between the input and the ground, and having a fixed impedance.

[0024] The connection diagnosis apparatus can further include a diagnosis unit for diagnosing a connection state of the apparatus and identifying a short-circuit type of the interlock loop line based on at least one of a voltage and a current applied to the interlock loop line through the output, and a voltage and a current received through the input.

[0025] Advantageous Effects

[0026] According to embodiments of the present application, when a short circuit is generated in the interlock loop line, generation of heat caused by the short circuit can be minimized, and damage to the circuit can be prevented. In addition, the short-circuit type at the time of generation of the short circuit can be identified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A connection diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 2 An example of a circuit configuration of a connection diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 3 A connection diagnosis apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 An example of a circuit configuration of a connection diagnosis apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Effects and features of the embodiments and implementation methods thereof will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements, and a repeated description thereof will not be provided. As those skilled in the art will understand, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. The embodiments are provided as examples so that the disclosure can be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Therefore, for the purpose of fully understanding the aspects and features of the present application, processes, factors and skills that can not be needed by those of ordinary skill in the art can not be described. In the drawings, the relative sizes of the elements, layers and regions can be exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

[0033] In this specification, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of associated and arranged multiple items. When describing embodiments of the present application, the use of "may" indicates that "at least one embodiment of the present application." With respect to the description of embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise stated, a singular term can include a plural form.

[0034] The terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. will be used only to describe various components and should not be construed as limiting the components. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first constituent element can be referred to as a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element can be referred to as a first constituent element without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0035] In describing the embodiments, the expression "connected" indicates an electrical connection. The electrical connection of two constituent elements includes not only the case where the two constituent elements are directly connected, but also the case where the two constituent elements are connected through another constituent element disposed therebetween. The other constituent element can include a switch, a resistor, a capacitor, etc.

[0036] A connection diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 A connection diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 The connection diagnosis apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present application can include a signal generator 110, a plurality of voltage variable circuits 120 and 130, a plurality of impedance variable circuits 140 and 150, a passive element 160, and a diagnosis unit 170.

[0039] The signal generator 110 can generate a diagnosis signal applied to an interlock loop line L1 in the apparatus 20 to diagnose a connection state of the apparatus 20. The diagnosis signal can be a voltage signal or a current signal. The diagnosis signal can also be a square wave signal having a specific frequency. The connection state of the apparatus 20 can indicate a state in which the apparatus 20 is connected to another apparatus (e.g., a connector, a battery pack cover, etc.). The connection diagnosis apparatus 100 can be included in another apparatus combined with the apparatus 20, or can be provided as an additional apparatus.

[0040] The voltage variable circuit (first voltage variable circuit) 120 can output a changed output voltage according to a current I11 flowing through a current path CP11 for transmitting the diagnosis signal to the interlock loop line L1 (i.e., the current path CP11 between the signal generator 110 and an output terminal OUT10 of the connection diagnosis apparatus 100).

[0041] The voltage variable circuit (second voltage variable circuit) 130 can output a changed output voltage according to a current I12 flowing through a current path CP12 on which a signal input from the interlock loop line L1 is transmitted (i.e., the current path CP12 between an input terminal IN10 of the connection diagnosis apparatus 100 and a ground GND).

[0042] The impedance variable circuit (first impedance variable circuit) 140 can be located on the current path CP11 and can constitute a part of the current path CP11. The impedance variable circuit 140 can change an impedance of the current path CP11 according to an output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 120.

[0043] The impedance variable circuit (second impedance variable circuit) 150 can be located on the current path CP12 and can constitute a part of the current path CP12. The impedance variable circuit 150 can change an impedance of the current path CP12 according to an output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 130.

[0044] The voltage-variable circuit 120 and the impedance-variable circuit 140 perform constant-current control of the current I11 flowing through the current path CP11, and can operate to maintain the value of the current I11 flowing through the current path CP11. For example, when the current I11 flowing through the current path CP11 becomes greater than the set value IA1, the voltage-variable circuit 120 adjusts the output voltage, and the impedance-variable circuit 140 increases the impedance of the current path CP11 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage-variable circuit 120, so that the current I11 flowing through the current path CP11 can return to the set value IA1.

[0045] The voltage-variable circuit 130 and the impedance-variable circuit 150 perform constant-current control of the current I12 flowing through the current path CP12, and can operate to maintain the value of the current I12 flowing through the current path CP12. For example, when the current I12 flowing through the current path CP12 becomes greater than the set value IB1, the voltage-variable circuit 130 adjusts the output voltage, and the impedance-variable circuit 150 increases the impedance of the current path CP12 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage-variable circuit 130, so that the current I12 flowing through the current path CP12 can return to the set value IB1.

[0046] When the device 20 is normally connected, the output end OUT10 and the input end IN10 of the connection diagnosis device 100 can be electrically connected to the input end IN2 and the output end OUT2 of the interlock loop line L1 in the device 20. In this state, the diagnosis signal generated by the signal generator 110 is applied to the interlock loop line L1 through the current path CP11 and the output end OUT10, and is input to the input end IN10 of the connection diagnosis device 100 through the interlock loop line L1, so that the diagnosis signal can be transmitted through the current path CP12. The signal generator 110 can generate the diagnosis signal by using the voltage supplied from a battery (not shown). In this case, the voltage level of the diagnosis signal generated by the signal generator 110 can vary according to the output voltage of the battery (not shown).

[0047] When the device 20 is normally connected, the magnitude of the currents I11 and I12 flowing through the current path CP11, the interlock loop line L1, and the current path CP12 can change when the voltage level of the diagnosis signal increases to be greater than a predetermined voltage or decreases to be less than a predetermined voltage. As described above, when the device 20 is normally connected, the interlock loop line L1 can be subjected to constant-current control by the voltage-variable circuit 120 and the impedance-variable circuit 140 or the voltage-variable circuit 130 and the impedance-variable circuit 150 when the magnitude of the current flowing through the interlock loop line L1 changes according to the change in the voltage level of the diagnosis signal.

[0048] The passive element 160 can be positioned on the current path CP12 and can constitute a part of the current path CP12. The passive element 160 can maintain the voltage of the interlock loop line LI as a constant voltage when the device 20 is normally connected.

[0049] According to the above description, when the device 20 is normally connected, the current flowing to the interlock loop line LI can be maintained as a constant current by the operation of the impedance variable circuit 140 and the voltage variable circuit 120 or the impedance variable circuit 150 and the voltage variable circuit 130. When the interlock loop line LI is maintained as a constant current as described above, the current flowing through the passive element 160 is maintained at a constant value, and the voltage of the interlock loop line LI can be controlled in a constant voltage state by the fixed impedance of the passive element 160.

[0050] To avoid unstable operation, the impedance variable circuit 140 and the voltage variable circuit 120 can be configured to perform an impedance adjustment operation in a different current interval from the impedance variable circuit 150 and the voltage variable circuit 130. For example, the voltage variable circuit 120 and the impedance variable circuit 140 can control a constant current by adjusting the impedance of the current path CP11 in a lower current interval (for example, a current interval that can be generated when the device 20 is normally connected) compared to the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150. In this case, the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150 can control a constant current by adjusting the impedance of the current path CP12 in a higher current interval (for example, an overcurrent interval generated by a short circuit) compared to the voltage variable circuit 120 and the impedance variable circuit 140. The current value IA1 controlled by the voltage variable circuit 120 and the impedance variable circuit 140 can be less than the current value IB1 controlled by the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150.

[0051] When the device 20 is assembled, the interlock loop line LI can be short-circuited to the ground or a battery (not shown) due to a wrong connection of the line. The short circuit can generate an overcurrent, and when the overcurrent flows to the connection diagnosis device 100, overheat can be generated or the circuit can be damaged. Therefore, to minimize heat generated according to the short circuit and to prevent damage to the circuit, the connection diagnosis device 100 can control the current of the current paths CP11 and CP12 to the set values IA1 and IB1 by the voltage variable circuit 120 and the impedance variable circuit 140 or the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150.

[0052] When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the ground, a short-circuit current greater than the set value IA1 flows to the current path CP11. In this case, the voltage variable circuit 120 can adjust the output voltage in correspondence to the short-circuit current, and the impedance variable circuit 140 can increase the impedance of the current path CP11 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 120, thereby constant current controlling the current I11 flowing through the current path CP11 to the set value IA1.

[0053] When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the positive electrode of the battery (not shown), a short-circuit current greater than the set value IB1 flows to the current path CP12. In this case, the voltage variable circuit 130 can adjust the output voltage in correspondence to the short-circuit current, and the impedance variable circuit 150 can increase the impedance of the current path CP12 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 130, thereby constant current controlling the current I12 flowing to the current path CP12 to the set value IB1.

[0054] The diagnosis unit 170 can be electrically connected to the input terminal IN10, can measure the voltage and current input through the input terminal IN10, and can diagnose the connection state of the device 20.

[0055] According to the above description, when the device 20 is normally fastened, the current input to the input terminal IN10 through the interlock loop line L1 while the diagnosis signal is applied is constant current controlled to a predetermined value (for example, IA1), and the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 measured through the input terminal IN10 is constant voltage controlled to maintain a constant value. Accordingly, when the voltage input through the input terminal IN10 is a value set by the constant voltage control, or when the current input through the input terminal IN10 is a value (for example, IA1) set by the constant current control, the diagnosis unit 170 can recognize that the device 20 is normally connected.

[0056] When the connection state of the device 20 is determined to be bad, the diagnosis unit 170 can recognize the fault type.

[0057] When the connection of the device 20 is in an open circuit state, the electrical connection between the output terminal OUT10 or the input terminal IN10 of the connection diagnosis device 100 and the interlock loop line L1 of the device 20 is disconnected. When the voltage and current at the input terminal IN10 are measured in this state, even when the diagnosis signal is applied, the voltage at the input terminal IN10 is measured as a ground voltage or a limit voltage, and the current input through the input terminal IN10 is measured as 0.

[0058] When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to ground, the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 are connected to ground. When the voltage and the current at the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 are measured, the voltage at the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 while the diagnostic signal is applied can be measured as a ground voltage. In addition, the current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN10 while the diagnostic signal is applied is 0, and the current applied to the interlock loop line L1 through the output terminal OUT10 can be measured as the value IA1 set by the constant current control of the voltage variable circuit 120 and the impedance variable circuit 140.

[0059] When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the positive electrode side of the battery, the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 can be connected to the positive electrode side of the battery. When the voltage and the current at the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 are measured, the voltage at the input terminal IN10 and the output terminal OUT10 while the diagnostic signal is applied can be measured as a voltage similar to the output voltage of the battery. The current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN10 while the diagnostic signal is applied is the value IB1 set by the constant current control of the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150, and the current flowing through the output terminal OUT10 can be 0.

[0060] Therefore, the diagnostic unit 170 can measure the voltage and the current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN10 while the diagnostic signal or the voltage and the current output to the interlock loop line L1 through the output terminal OUT10 are applied, and can identify the defect type as an open circuit, a ground short circuit, and a battery short circuit based on the measurement values.

[0061] Figure 2 An example of a circuit configuration of the connection diagnosis device 100 of Figure 1 is shown.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2 , the signal generator 110 generates a diagnostic signal Vbat by using the output voltage of a battery (not shown), and the diagnostic signal Vbat can be a voltage signal having the output voltage level of the battery.

[0063] The voltage variable circuit 120 is configured with a shunt regulator circuit, and can include a shunt regulator element U120 and a resistor R120. The shunt regulator element U120 can include an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a reference terminal. The resistor R120 can be connected between the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U120, and the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 can be connected to the control terminal of the transistor Q140 constituting the impedance variable circuit 140. The resistor R120 is located on a current path CP11 for transmitting the diagnostic signal Vbat applied by the signal generator 110 to the output terminal OUT10, and respective terminals of the resistor R120 can be connected to the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U120.

[0064] The shunt regulator element U120 can operate to vary an output voltage output to the cathode terminal according to a current I11 flowing through the resistor R120. For example, when the current I11 flowing through the resistor R120 becomes greater than a set value IA1, the shunt regulator element U120 can operate to increase the voltage at the cathode terminal.

[0065] The voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120, which can vary according to the current I11 flowing through the resistor R120, is transmitted to the control terminal of the transistor Q140 constituting the impedance variable circuit 140, and can be used to determine the impedance of the transistor Q140.

[0066] The voltage variable circuit 120 can further include at least one of capacitors C121, C122, and C123 to remove a ripple from the voltage output to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 and to remove noise. For example, to remove the ripple from the output voltage, the capacitor C121 can be connected between the cathode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U120, and the capacitor C122 can be connected between the cathode terminal and the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120. For another example, the capacitor C123 for removing the noise can be connected between the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 and the ground.

[0067] The voltage variable circuit 120 can further include at least one of diodes D121 and D122 to prevent a current from being reversed toward the impedance variable circuit 140. The diode D121 includes a cathode terminal connected with the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 and an anode terminal connected with the control terminal of the transistor Q140, and can prevent a current from flowing from the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 to the control terminal of the transistor Q140. The diode D122 includes a cathode terminal connected with the resistor R120 and an anode terminal connected with the output terminal of the transistor Q140, and can prevent a current from flowing from the resistor R120 to the output terminal of the transistor Q140.

[0068] The impedance variable circuit 140 can include a transistor Q140 and a resistor R140. The transistor Q140 is located on the current path CP11, and can include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the transistor Q140 can be connected to the node n11 to which the diagnostic signal Vbat is applied by the signal generator 110, and the output terminal of the transistor Q140 can be connected to the resistor R120 of the voltage variable circuit 120. The control terminal of the transistor Q140 can be connected to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 constituting the voltage variable circuit 120. The resistor R140 can be connected between the node n11 to which the diagnostic signal Vbat is applied by the signal generator 110 and the control terminal of the transistor Q140.

[0069] The impedance of the transistor Q140 can be variable according to the voltage input to the control terminal. The transistor Q140 constitutes a part of the current path CP11, and thus the change in the impedance of the transistor Q140 can cause a change in the impedance of the current path CP11.

[0070] For example, with reference to Figure 2 , the transistor Q140 can be configured as an NPN transistor. In this case, the input terminal, the output terminal, and the control terminal of the transistor Q140 can be a collector terminal, an emitter terminal, and a base terminal, respectively. The impedance of the NPN transistor Q140 can increase as the current input to the base terminal decreases. When the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 constituting the voltage variable circuit 120 increases, the voltage between the respective terminals of the resistor R140 decreases, and the current input to the base terminal of the NPN transistor Q140 through the resistor R140 decreases. Accordingly, the NPN transistor Q140 can operate such that its impedance can increase as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 increases and the impedance can decrease as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U120 decreases.

[0071] The transistor Q140 can be replaced with other types of transistors, instead of the NPN transistor.

[0072] The impedance variable circuit 140 can further include a Zener diode D140 connected between the control terminal of the transistor Q140 and the ground, to control the voltage applied to the control terminal of the transistor Q140.

[0073] The voltage variable circuit 130 is configured with a shunt regulator circuit, and can include a shunt regulator element U130 and a resistor R130. The shunt regulator element U130 can include an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a reference terminal. The resistor R130 can be connected between the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U120, and the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130 can be connected to the control terminal of the transistor Q150 constituting the impedance variable circuit 150. The resistor R130 can be located on the current path CP12 connected between the input terminal IN10 and the ground, and the respective terminals of the resistor R130 can be connected to the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U130.

[0074] The shunt regulator element U130 can operate to change the output voltage output to the cathode terminal according to the current I12 flowing to the resistor R130. For example, when the current I12 flowing through the resistor R130 becomes greater than a set value IB1, the shunt regulator element U130 can operate to increase the voltage at the cathode terminal.

[0075] The voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130, which can vary according to the current I12 flowing through the resistor R130, can be transmitted to the control terminal of the transistor Q150 constituting the impedance variable circuit 150, and can be used to determine the impedance of the transistor Q150.

[0076] The voltage variable circuit 130 can further include at least one of capacitors C131 and C132 to remove a ripple from the voltage output to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130. For example, to remove the ripple from the output voltage, the capacitor C131 can be connected between the cathode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U130, and the capacitor C132 can be connected between the cathode terminal and the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130.

[0077] The impedance variable circuit 150 can include a transistor Q150 and a resistor R150. The transistor Q150 can be located on the current path CP12, and can include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the transistor Q150 can be connected to the input terminal IN10, and the output terminal of the transistor Q150 can be connected to the resistor R130 of the voltage variable circuit 130 through the passive element 160. The control terminal of the transistor Q150 can be connected to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130 constituting the voltage variable circuit 130. The resistor R150 can be connected between the node n11 to which the diagnostic signal Vbat is applied by the signal generator 110 and the control terminal of the transistor Q150.

[0078] The impedance of the transistor Q150 can be variable according to the voltage input to the control terminal. The transistor Q150 forms part of the current path CP12, so a change in the impedance of the transistor Q150 can cause a change in the impedance of the current path CP12.

[0079] For example, with reference to Figure 2 , the transistor Q150 can be configured as an NPN transistor. In this case, the input terminal and the output terminal of the transistor Q150 can be the collector terminal and the emitter terminal, and the control terminal of the transistor Q140 can be the base terminal. When the current input to the base terminal decreases, the impedance of the NPN transistor Q150 can increase. When the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130 that forms the voltage variable circuit 130 increases, the voltage at the respective terminal of the resistor R150 decreases, and the current input to the base terminal of the NPN transistor Q150 through the resistor R150 decreases. Therefore, the NPN transistor Q150 can operate such that its impedance can increase as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130 increases and the impedance can decrease as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U130 decreases.

[0080] The transistor Q150 can be replaced with other types of transistors, instead of an NPN transistor.

[0081] The impedance variable circuit 150 can further include a Zener diode D150 connected between the control terminal of the transistor Q150 and the ground, to control the voltage applied to the control terminal of the transistor Q150.

[0082] The passive element 160 can include a resistor R160 located on the current path CP12. Figure 2 Although the passive element 160 is illustrated as being located between the voltage variable circuit 130 and the impedance variable circuit 150, the location of the passive element 160 can be changed. For example, the passive element 160 can be disposed between the input terminal IN10 and the transistor Q150 that forms the impedance variable circuit 150. For example, the passive element 160 can be disposed between the resistor R130 that forms the voltage variable circuit 130 and the ground.

[0083] According to the above description, one of the impedance variable circuits 140 and 150 can perform an impedance adjustment function in the normal connection state and the overcurrent state, and the other of the impedance variable circuits 140 and 150 can perform an impedance adjustment function in the overcurrent state. That is, one of the transistors Q140 and Q150 constituting the impedance variable circuits 140 and 150 can be operated such that the impedance thereof can be adjusted in the normal connection state and the overcurrent state, and the other of the transistors Q140 and Q150 can be operated such that the impedance thereof can be adjusted in the overcurrent state. For this purpose, the resistance of the resistor R120 of the voltage variable circuit 120 can be set to be different from the resistance of the resistor R130 of the voltage variable circuit 130. For example, the resistance of the resistor R120 can be set to be greater than the resistance of the resistor R130.

[0084] In the normal connection state of the device 20, the transistor (for example, the transistor Q150) which does not perform an impedance adjustment operation can maintain its on state having a constant impedance.

[0085] Figure 3 A connection diagnosis device according to another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3 The connection diagnosis device 200 according to another embodiment of the present application can include a signal generator 210, a plurality of voltage variable circuits 220 and 230, a plurality of impedance variable circuits 240 and 250, a passive element 260, and a diagnosis unit 270.

[0087] The signal generator 210 can generate a diagnosis signal applied to the interlock loop line L1 in the device 20 to diagnose the connection of the device 20. The diagnosis signal can be a voltage signal or a current signal. The diagnosis signal can also be a pulse signal having a specific pattern.

[0088] The voltage variable circuit (first voltage variable circuit) 220 can output an output voltage which can vary according to a current I21 flowing through a current path CP21 for transmitting the diagnosis signal to the interlock loop line L1 (i.e., the current path CP21 between the signal generator 210 and an output terminal OUT20 of the connection diagnosis device 200).

[0089] The voltage variable circuit (second voltage variable circuit) 230 can output an output voltage which can vary according to a current I22 flowing through a current path CP22 on which a signal input from the interlock loop line L1 is transmitted (i.e., the current path CP22 between an input terminal IN20 of the connection diagnosis device 200 and the ground GND).

[0090] The impedance variable circuit (first impedance variable circuit) 240 is located on and constitutes a part of the current path CP21, and can change the impedance of the current path CP21 according to the output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 220 or the output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 230.

[0091] The impedance variable circuit (second impedance variable circuit) 250 is located on the current path CP22 to constitute a part of the current path CP22, and can change the impedance of the current path CP22 according to the output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 230.

[0092] When the device 20 is normally connected, the voltage variable circuit 230 can control the impedance variable circuit 240 so that the currents I21 and I22 flowing through the current paths CP21 and CP22 can maintain a constant value. For example, when the current I22 flowing through the current path CP22 becomes greater than the set value IB2 while the device 20 is normally connected, the voltage variable circuit 230 adjusts the output voltage, and the impedance variable circuit 240 increases the impedance of the current path CP21 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 230, thereby returning the currents I21 and I22 flowing through the current paths CP21 and CP22 to the set value IB2.

[0093] The voltage variable circuit 220 can control the impedance variable circuit 240 so that the current I21 flowing through the current path CP21 can maintain a constant value when the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the ground. When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the ground and a short-circuit current greater than the set value IA2 flows through the current path CP21, the voltage variable circuit 220 can adjust the output voltage according to the short-circuit current, and the impedance variable circuit 240 can increase the impedance of the current path CP21 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 220, thereby returning the current I21 flowing through the current path CP21 to the set value IA2.

[0094] As described above, the impedance variable circuit 240 can operate to receive the output voltages of the voltage variable circuit 220 and the voltage variable circuit 230, change the impedance of the current path CP21 according to the output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 230 in the normally connected state, and change the impedance of the current path CP21 according to the output voltage of the voltage variable circuit 220 in the ground short-circuit state. Accordingly, the impedance variable circuit 240 can adjust the impedance of the current path CP21 so that the currents I21 and I22 flowing through the current paths CP21 and CP22 can maintain the set value IB2 in the normally connected state, and the impedance variable circuit 240 can adjust the impedance of the current path CP21 so that the current I21 flowing through the current path CP21 can maintain the set value IA2 in the ground short-circuit state. The set value IA2 can be greater than the set value IB2.

[0095] The voltage-variable circuit 230 can control the impedance-variable circuit 250 so that the current I22 flowing through the current path CP22 can be maintained at a constant value while the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the positive side of the battery (not shown). When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the positive side of the battery and a short-circuit current greater than the set value IB2 flows through the current path CP22, the voltage-variable circuit 230 can adjust the output voltage according to the short-circuit current, and the impedance-variable circuit 250 can increase the impedance of the current path CP22 according to the adjusted output voltage of the voltage-variable circuit 230, thereby returning the current I22 flowing through the current path CP22 to the set value IB2.

[0096] The passive element 260 is located on the current path CP22 and can maintain the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 when the device 20 is normally connected. According to the above description, when the device 20 is normally connected, the current flowing to the interlock loop line L1 can be maintained in a constant current state according to the operation of the impedance-variable circuit 240 and the voltage-variable circuit 220 or the impedance-variable circuit 240 and the voltage-variable circuit 230. As described above, when the interlock loop line L1 is maintained in a constant current state, the current flowing through the passive element 260 can be maintained, and the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 can be controlled to a constant voltage by the fixed impedance of the passive element 260.

[0097] The diagnosis unit 270 can be electrically connected to the input terminal IN20 to measure the voltage and current input through the input terminal IN20, and can diagnose the connection state of the device 20 based on the measurement results.

[0098] When the device 20 is normally fastened, and when the diagnosis signal is applied, the current input to the input terminal IN20 through the interlock loop line L1 is controlled to the set value IB2 in a constant current, and the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 measured through the input terminal IN20 is controlled to maintain a predetermined value in a constant voltage. Therefore, when the voltage input through the input terminal IN20 is the value set by the constant voltage control and the current input through the input terminal IN20 is the value IB2 set by the constant current control, the diagnosis unit 270 can recognize that the device 20 is normally connected.

[0099] When the connection state of the device 20 is determined to be defective, the diagnosis unit 270 can recognize the defect type.

[0100] When the voltage and current of the input terminal IN20 are measured while the connection of the device 20 is an open circuit, and then the diagnosis signal is applied, the voltage of the input terminal IN20 can be measured as a ground voltage or a limit voltage, and the current input through the input terminal IN20 can be measured as 0.

[0101] When the voltage and current at the input terminal IN20 and the output terminal OUT20 are measured while the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the ground, the voltage at the input terminal IN20 and the output terminal OUT20 while the diagnostic signal is applied can be measured as the ground voltage. The current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN20 while the diagnostic signal is applied is 0, and the current applied to the interlock loop line L1 through the output terminal OUT20 can be measured as the value IA2 set by the constant current control of the voltage variable circuit 220 and the impedance variable circuit 240.

[0102] When the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited to the positive side of the battery, the input terminal IN20 and the output terminal OUT20 can be connected to the positive side of the battery. Therefore, when the voltage and current at the input terminal IN20 and the output terminal OUT20 are measured in this state, the voltage at the input terminal IN20 and the output terminal OUT20 while the diagnostic signal is applied can be measured as approximately the output voltage of the battery. The current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN20 while the diagnostic signal is applied can be the value IB2 set by the constant current control of the voltage variable circuit 230 and the impedance variable circuit 250, and the current flowing through the output terminal OUT20 can be 0.

[0103] Therefore, the diagnostic unit 270 can measure the voltage and current input from the interlock loop line L1 through the input terminal IN20 or the voltage and current output to the interlock loop line L1 through the output terminal OUT20 while the diagnostic signal is applied, and can identify the defect type as the open circuit, the ground short-circuit, and the battery short-circuit based on at least one of the measured values.

[0104] Figure 4 An example of a circuit configuration of the connection diagnosis device 200 is shown. Figure 3

[0105] Referring to Figure 4 , the signal generator 210 generates a diagnostic signal Vbat by using the output voltage of a battery (not shown), and the diagnostic signal Vbat can be a voltage signal having the output voltage level of the battery.

[0106] The voltage variable circuit 220 is configured with a shunt regulator circuit, and can include a shunt regulator element U220 and a resistor R220. The resistor R220 is connected between the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and a reference terminal, and the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 can be connected to the control terminal of the transistor Q240 constituting the impedance variable circuit 240. The resistor R220 is incorporated in series to a current path CP21 for transmitting the diagnostic signal Vbat applied by the signal generator 210 to the output terminal OUT20, and the respective terminals of the resistor R220 can be connected to the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U220.​

[0107] The shunt regulator element U220 can operate to vary an output voltage output to the cathode terminal according to the current I21 flowing to the resistor R220. The voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 can be transmitted to the control terminal of the transistor Q240 constituting the impedance variable circuit 240, and can be used to determine the impedance of the transistor Q240.

[0108] The voltage variable circuit 220 can further include at least one of capacitors C221, C222, and C223 to remove a ripple from the voltage output to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and to remove noise. For example, to remove the ripple from the output voltage, the capacitor C221 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and the reference terminal, and the capacitor C222 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and the anode terminal. For example, the capacitor C223 for removing the noise can be connected between the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and the ground.

[0109] To prevent the current from being reversed toward the impedance variable circuit 240, the voltage variable circuit 220 can further include at least one of diodes D221 and D222. The diode D221 can include a cathode terminal connected with the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and an anode terminal connected with the control terminal of the transistor Q240, and can prevent the current from flowing from the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 to the control terminal of the transistor Q240. The diode D222 can include a cathode terminal connected with the resistor R220 and an anode terminal connected with the output terminal of the transistor Q240, and can prevent the current from flowing from the resistor R220 to the output terminal of the transistor Q240.

[0110] The voltage variable circuit 230 can include a shunt regulator circuit, a shunt regulator element U230, and a resistor R230. The shunt regulator element U230 can include an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a reference terminal. The resistor R230 can be connected between the anode terminal of the shunt regulator element U220 and the reference terminal, and the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 can be connected to the control terminal of the transistor Q250 constituting the impedance variable circuit 250. The resistor R230 can be incorporated in series to a current path CP22 connected between the input terminal IN20 and the ground, and respective terminals of the resistor R230 can be connected to the anode terminal and the reference terminal of the shunt regulator element U230.

[0111] The shunt regulator element U230 can operate to vary an output voltage output to the cathode terminal according to the current I22 flowing to the resistor R230. The voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230, which can vary according to the current I22 flowing through the resistor R230, can be transmitted to the impedance variable circuits 240 and 250, and can be used to determine the impedance of the transistors Q240 and Q250 constituting the impedance variable circuits 240 and 250.

[0112] The voltage variable circuit 230 can further include at least one of capacitors C231 and C232 to remove a ripple from the voltage output to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230. For example, to remove the ripple from the output voltage, the capacitor C231 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 and the reference terminal, and the capacitor C232 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 and the anode terminal.

[0113] The impedance variable circuit 240 can include the transistor Q240 and at least one of resistors R241 and R242. The transistor Q240 can be located on the current path CP21, and can include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the transistor Q240 can be connected to the node n21 to which the diagnostic signal Vbat is applied by the signal generator 210, and the output terminal of the transistor Q240 can be connected to the resistor R220 of the voltage variable circuit 220. The control terminal of the transistor Q240 can be connected to the cathode terminals of the shunt regulator elements U220 and U230 constituting the voltage variable circuits 220 and 230. The resistors R241 and R242 can be connected between the node n21 to which the diagnostic signal Vbat is applied by the signal generator 210 and the control terminal of the transistor Q240.

[0114] The impedance of the transistor Q240 can be variable according to the voltage input to the control terminal, i.e., the voltage at the node n22. The transistor Q240 constitutes a part of the current path CP21, and thus the change in the impedance of the transistor Q240 can cause a change in the impedance of the current path CP21.

[0115] For example, referring to Figure 4The transistor Q240 can be configured as an NPN transistor. In this case, the input terminal, the output terminal, and the control terminal of the transistor Q240 can be the collector terminal, the emitter terminal, and the base terminal, respectively. The impedance of the NPN transistor Q240 can increase as the current input to the base terminal decreases. When the voltage input to the control terminal of the NPN transistor Q240 increases, the voltage at the respective ends of the resistors R241 and R242 decreases, and the current input to the base terminal of the NPN transistor Q240 through the resistors R241 and R242 decreases. Thus, the NPN transistor Q240 can operate such that its impedance can increase as the voltage applied to the control terminal becomes large and its impedance can decrease as the voltage applied to the control terminal decreases.

[0116] The transistor Q240 can be replaced with other types of transistors, instead of the NPN transistor.

[0117] The impedance variable circuit 240 can further include a Zener diode D240 connected between the control terminal of the transistor Q240 and the ground, to limit the voltage applied to the control terminal of the transistor Q240.

[0118] The impedance variable circuit 250 can include a transistor Q250 and a resistor R250. The transistor Q250 is located on the current path CP22, and can include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the transistor Q250 can be connected to the input terminal IN20, and the output terminal of the transistor Q250 can be connected to the resistor R230 of the voltage variable circuit 230 through the passive element 260. The control terminal of the transistor Q250 can be connected to the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 constituting the voltage variable circuit 230 through the resistor R250. The resistor R250 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 and the control terminal of the transistor Q250.

[0119] The impedance of the transistor Q250 can be variable according to the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230. Since the transistor Q250 constitutes a part of the current path CP22, the change in the impedance of the transistor Q250 can cause a change in the impedance of the current path CP22.

[0120] For example, with reference to Figure 4, transistor Q250 can be configured as an NPN transistor. In this case, the input terminal and the output terminal of transistor Q250 can be the collector terminal and the emitter terminal, and the control terminal of transistor Q240 can be the base terminal. When the current input to the base terminal decreases, the impedance of NPN transistor Q250 can increase. When the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 that constitutes the voltage variable circuit 230 increases, the current input to the base terminal of NPN transistor Q250 through resistor R250 decreases. Therefore, NPN transistor Q250 can operate such that its impedance can increase as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 increases and the impedance can decrease as the voltage at the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 decreases.

[0121] Transistor Q250 can be replaced with other types of transistors other than NPN transistors.

[0122] Passive element 260 can include a resistor R260 located on the current path CP22. Figure 4 Although passive element 260 is illustrated as being located between voltage variable circuit 230 and impedance variable circuit 250, the location of passive element 160 can be changed. For example, passive element 260 can be provided between input terminal IN20 and transistor Q250 that constitutes impedance variable circuit 250. For example, passive element 260 can be provided between resistor R230 that constitutes voltage variable circuit 230 and ground.

[0123] According to the above description, voltage variable circuit 230 can operate such that voltage variable circuit 230 can control impedance variable circuit 240 to adjust the impedance of current path CP21 when device 20 is normally connected, and voltage variable circuit 220 can operate such that voltage variable circuit 220 can control impedance variable circuit 240 to adjust the impedance of current path CP21 when interlock loop line LI is short-circuited. That is, voltage variable circuits 220 and 230 can control impedance variable circuit 240 to adjust the impedance of current path CP21 in different current intervals. To achieve this, with respect to the circuit configuration of Figure 4 the resistance of resistor R220 of voltage variable circuit 220 can be set to be different from the resistance of resistor R230 of voltage variable circuit 230. Voltage variable circuit 220 can control impedance variable circuit 240 while the short-circuit current flows through current path CP21, and voltage variable circuit 230 can control impedance variable circuit 240 in the normally connected state, so the resistance of resistor R220 can be set to be smaller than the resistance of resistor R230.

[0124] According to the above-described, unlike the impedance variable circuit 240 for adjusting the impedance of the current path CP21 in the normal connection state, the impedance variable circuit 250 can operate in the battery short-circuit state to adjust the impedance of the current path CP22 when overcurrent flows to the current path CP22. For this operation, the resistor R250 can be connected between the cathode terminal of the shunt regulator element U230 and the control terminal of the transistor Q250. In the normal connection state of the device 20, the transistor Q250 can maintain an on state with a constant impedance.

[0125] When compared with the conventional HVIL circuit, the connection diagnosis devices 100 and 200 according to the above-described embodiments can minimize heat generated according to a short circuit when the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited and can prevent circuit damage. In addition, the connection diagnosis devices 100 and 200 can control the interlock loop line L1 in a constant current state and a constant voltage state, and can diagnose a connection and can identify a defect type not only when a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal is applied but also when a DC voltage signal is applied. Specifically, since the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 is maintained at a constant voltage that is smaller than the output voltage of the battery in the normal state, and the voltage of the interlock loop line L1 is maintained at the output voltage of the battery in the state in which the interlock loop line L1 is short-circuited with the battery, the connection diagnosis devices 100 and 200 can distinguish the normal state and the battery short-circuit state. In contrast, in the existing HVIL circuit, when a DC voltage signal is applied to the interlock loop line, the voltage of the interlock loop line in the normal state is similar to the voltage of the interlock loop line in the battery short-circuit state, so it is difficult to distinguish the normal state and the battery short-circuit state, and a PWM signal is used as a diagnosis signal.

[0126] An electronic or electric device and / or other related devices or constituent elements according to embodiments of the present application can be implemented by using appropriate hardware, firmware (e.g., a dedicated integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various configurations of the above-described devices can be located on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or separate IC chips. Various configurations of the above-described devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or one substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described in the specification can be implemented, for example, by a PCB, wiring on different types of circuit carriers, or conductive elements. The conductive elements can include, for example, metallization such as surface metallization and / or pins, and can include conductive polymers or conductive ceramics. Electrical energy can be transmitted by electromagnetic radiation or wireless access using light.

[0127] The various configurations of the apparatus can be executed by at least one processor in order to perform the various functions described above, they can be executed in at least one computing device, and they can be processes or threads for executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device such as a random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium such as a CD-ROM or a flash drive.

[0128] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various functions of the computing device can be combined or united into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be dispersed to at least another computing device, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present application.

[0129] <Explanation of reference numerals>

[0130] 100, 200: connection diagnosis apparatus

[0131] 110, 210: signal generator

[0132] 120, 130, 220, 230: voltage variable circuit

[0133] 140, 150, 240, 250: impedance variable circuit

[0134] 160, 260: passive element

[0135] 170, 270: diagnosis unit

[0136] CP11, CP12, CP21, CP22: current path

[0137] IN10, IN20: input terminal

[0138] OUT10, OUT20: output terminal

Claims

1. A connection diagnostic device for connection status between diagnostic devices, the connection diagnostic device comprising: The output and input terminals are connected to the corresponding ends of the interlocked loop line included in one of the devices in the apparatus. A first voltage variable circuit is used to output a first voltage, which is capable of changing according to a first current, the first current flowing through a first current path located between the input terminal and ground; A first impedance variable circuit is disposed on the first current path, and the impedance of the first current path is changed according to the first voltage. A second voltage variable circuit is used to output a second voltage, which is capable of changing according to a second current, and the second current flows through a second current path for transmitting diagnostic signals to the output terminal. as well as A second variable impedance circuit is provided on the second current path, and the impedance of the second current path is changed according to the second voltage. The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit operate to maintain the first current at a constant value, and The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that the second current remains constant.

2. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit operate such that the first current maintains a first value. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that the second current maintains its second value, and The first value is different from the second value.

3. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit operate such that when the first current belongs to the first current range, the first current maintains the first value. The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that when the second current belongs to the second current range, the second current maintains the second value, and The first current range is different from the second current range.

4. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein, The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that when the device is normally connected, the second current maintains the second value.

5. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit operate such that when the interlocked return line is short-circuited to the positive electrode side of the battery, the first current maintains the first value, and The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that when the interlocked return line is short-circuited to ground, the second current maintains the second value.

6. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first variable voltage circuit includes: a first resistor disposed in the first current path; and a first shunt regulator element including an anode terminal and a reference terminal connected to corresponding ends of the first resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the first voltage, the first voltage being variable according to the first current flowing to the first resistor, and The first variable impedance circuit includes: a first transistor disposed in the first current path and including a first terminal connected to the input terminal, a second terminal connected to the first resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element; and a second resistor connected between the node into which the diagnostic signal is input and the control terminal of the first transistor. The impedance of the first transistor can change according to the first voltage.

7. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein, The second variable voltage circuit includes: a third resistor disposed in the second current path; and a second shunt regulator element including an anode terminal and a reference terminal connected to corresponding ends of the third resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the second voltage, which is capable of varying according to the second current flowing to the third resistor. The second variable impedance circuit includes: a second transistor disposed in the second current path and including a first terminal connected to the node, a second terminal connected to the third resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the second shunt regulator element; and a fourth resistor connected between the node and the control terminal of the second transistor. The impedance of the second transistor can change according to the second voltage.

8. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein, The resistance of the first resistor is different from that of the third resistor.

9. A connection diagnostic device for connection status between diagnostic devices, the connection diagnostic device comprising: The output and input terminals are connected to the corresponding ends of the interlocked loop line included in one of the devices in the apparatus. A first voltage variable circuit is used to output a first voltage, which is capable of changing according to a first current, the first current flowing through a first current path located between the input terminal and ground; A first impedance variable circuit is disposed on the first current path, and the impedance of the first current path is changed according to the first voltage. A second voltage variable circuit is used to output a second voltage, which is capable of changing according to a second current, and the second current flows through a second current path for transmitting diagnostic signals to the output terminal. as well as A second variable impedance circuit is disposed on the second current path, and the impedance of the second current path is changed according to the first voltage or the second voltage. The first voltage variable circuit and the first impedance variable circuit operate to maintain the first current at a constant value, and The second voltage variable circuit and the second impedance variable circuit operate such that the second current remains constant.

10. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 9, wherein, When the second current falls within the first current range, the second variable impedance circuit adjusts the impedance of the second current path according to the first voltage to maintain the second current at a first value. Conversely, when the second current falls within the second current range, the second variable impedance circuit adjusts the impedance of the second current path according to the second voltage to maintain the second current at a second value. The first current range is different from the second current range, and The first value is different from the second value.

11. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 10, wherein, When the first current falls within the third current range, the first variable impedance circuit adjusts the impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage, so that the first current maintains the first value, and The first current range is different from the third current range.

12. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 10, wherein, The second impedance variable circuit adjusts the impedance of the second current path according to the first voltage when the device is normally connected, and the second impedance variable circuit adjusts the impedance of the second current path according to the second voltage when the interlocked return line is short-circuited to the ground.

13. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 11, wherein, The first variable impedance circuit remains in an on state when the device is normally connected, and the first variable impedance circuit adjusts the impedance of the first current path according to the first voltage when the interlocked return line is short-circuited to the positive electrode side of the battery.

14. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 9, wherein, The first variable voltage circuit includes: a first resistor disposed in the first current path; and a first shunt regulator element including an anode terminal and a reference terminal connected to corresponding ends of the first resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the first voltage, the first voltage being adaptable to changes in the first current flowing through the first resistor. The first variable impedance circuit includes: a first transistor disposed in the first current path and including a first terminal connected to the input terminal, a second terminal connected to the first resistor, and a control terminal; and a second resistor connected between the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element and the control terminal of the first transistor. The impedance of the first transistor can change according to the first voltage.

15. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 14, wherein, The second variable voltage circuit includes: a third resistor disposed in the second current path; and a second shunt regulator element including an anode terminal and a reference terminal connected to corresponding ends of the third resistor, and a cathode terminal for outputting the second voltage, which is capable of varying according to the second current flowing through the third resistor. The second impedance variable circuit includes: a second transistor disposed in the second current path, and including a first terminal connected to the node into which the diagnostic signal is input, a second terminal connected to the third resistor, and a control terminal connected to the cathode terminal of the first shunt regulator element and the cathode terminal of the second shunt regulator element; and a fourth resistor connected between the node and the control terminal of the second transistor. The impedance of the second transistor can vary according to the first voltage or the second voltage.

16. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 15, wherein, The resistance of the first resistor is different from that of the third resistor.

17. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the connection diagnostic device further comprises: A passive component is disposed in the current path between the input terminal and the ground, and has a fixed impedance.

18. The connection diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 9, further comprising: The diagnostic unit diagnoses the connection status of the device and identifies the short-circuit type of the interlocking loop based on at least one of the voltage and current applied to the interlocking loop line through the output terminal and the voltage and current received through the input terminal.

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