Emergency disconnect circuit for high voltage battery electric systems and motor vehicle having the same

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency disconnect circuit for a high voltage battery electrical system and a motor vehicle having the same. An emergency disconnect circuit for use with a high voltage (HV) bus of a battery electrical system, for example on a mobile system, the emergency disconnect circuit includes a pyrotechnic switch and a manual switch. The pyrotechnic switch is configured to irreversibly open in response to an electronic trigger signal to disconnect the HV battery pack from the HV bus in a first manner. The manual switch is arranged in series with the pyrotechnic switch and a low voltage (LV) power source on a LV bus and disposed therebetween. A transition of the manual switch from an open position to a closed position connects the LV power source to the pyrotechnic switch. This causes the LV power source to release the trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch. When used on a mobile system, an electronic monitoring unit generates the trigger signal in a second manner in response to a threshold impact event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency disconnect circuit for a high-voltage battery electrical system and a motor vehicle having the emergency disconnect circuit for the high-voltage battery electrical system. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-cell batteries are commonly used as DC power sources in a wide range of battery electrical systems. For example, in electric vehicles, propulsion battery packs with a suitable number of cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-type battery cells can be connected to high-voltage electrical loads. The overall high-voltage (HV) electrical load may include one or more multiphase / AC traction motors, intermediate power inverter modules, and voltage converters, the latter also referred to in the art as auxiliary power modules. Low-voltage components (such as 12-volt lead-acid batteries) are correspondingly connected to the auxiliary voltage bus on one side of the voltage converter. Various high-voltage components are similarly connected to the voltage converter on separate high-voltage bus sides.

[0003] Pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and other mobility systems with electrically powered powertrains may be equipped with one or more fast-acting pyrotechnic switches that open irreversibly and immediately in response to an electronic trigger signal. For this purpose, the mobility system may be equipped with a sensor configured to output an electronic trigger signal, typically a current or voltage signal. This action occurs in response to the detection of a condition indicating a threshold impact / shock force (e.g., measured acceleration, negative acceleration, and / or G-force). Therefore, the strategic positioning of one or more pyrotechnic switches within the circuitry propelling the battery pack is designed to help ensure that the battery pack is rapidly disconnected from the high-voltage bus in response to an event exceeding a predetermined acceleration / negative acceleration limit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This document discloses an emergency disconnect circuit for use with high-voltage (HV) battery electrical systems, such as those in pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, robots, or other mobility systems illustrated herein. The emergency disconnect circuit envisioned herein provides a manual method for ensuring that the HV propulsion battery pack of the battery electrical system has been completely disconnected from the HV bus after a threshold impact event. As understood in the art, modern motor vehicles are typically equipped with several deployable airbags. Using sensing input from impact detection from sensor-based collision monitoring sensors (similar to those used to precisely determine when to inflate airbags), a pyrotechnic switch arranged in the aforementioned propulsion battery pack can be automatically triggered to rapidly disconnect the conductive path between the battery pack and the HV bus.

[0005] The benefits of the envisioned emergency disconnect circuit can be implemented in an exemplary use case involving a team of first responders. During certain vehicle incidents, the impact force acting on the vehicle can be recorded by a set of sensors in the associated Electronic Monitoring Unit (EMU) of the onboard control system, and the EMU then triggers a pyrotechnic switch as described above. When the EMU acts as programmed and intended, it propels the battery pack to rapidly disconnect from the HV bus. This hardware solution adds manual control to the typical EMU-pyrotechnic switch function, and thus allows the first responder in this exemplary use case to ensure that the battery pack has indeed been disconnected from the HV bus as intended.

[0006] Therefore, the emergency disconnect circuit includes a manual switch connected in series between the low-voltage (LV) power supply and the pyrotechnic switch. In various embodiments, the LV power supply may include an auxiliary / 12-volt battery, a capacitor, and / or an external battery. The manual switch is positioned in an accessible location to provide a mechanism for manually triggering the pyrotechnic switch, or as a backup to ensure the EMU has completed this task. Similarly, even when the EMU is not otherwise expected to trigger the pyrotechnic switch, the emergency disconnect circuit still provides a mechanism through which the first responder, second responder, or rescue operator can selectively disconnect the HV battery pack as an additional precaution before taking any action.

[0007] Specifically, aspects of this disclosure include an emergency disconnect circuit for a battery electrical system having an HV battery pack connected to an HV bus and an LV power supply connected to an LV bus. The emergency disconnect circuit according to an exemplary embodiment includes a pyrotechnic switch and a manual switch. The pyrotechnic switch is configured to open in response to an electronic trigger signal, thereby disconnecting the HV battery pack from the HV bus. The manual switch is arranged on the LV bus in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the LV power supply. A change in position of the manual switch from open to closed connects the LV power supply to the pyrotechnic switch, thereby causing the LV power supply to release an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch.

[0008] In some configurations, the diode is positioned between the LV power supply and the manual switch.

[0009] The LV power supply may include a 12-volt auxiliary battery for the mobile system, and the HV battery pack is the propulsion battery pack for the mobile system. In such an implementation, the emergency disconnect circuit includes an EMU operable to detect a threshold impact event in the mobile system and to transmit an electronic trigger signal to a pyrotechnic switch in response to the threshold impact event. A capacitor may be positioned in parallel with the 12-volt auxiliary battery, wherein the capacitor is operable to release an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

[0010] In some configurations, the emergency disconnect circuit is connected to an external battery. The external battery is operable to release an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

[0011] This document also discloses a battery electrical system for use in a mobile system. In a possible configuration, the battery electrical system includes an LV power supply, an HV bus, and an HV battery pack connected to the HV bus. The HV battery pack includes a pyrotechnic switch, which is accordingly configured to open in response to an electronic trigger signal, thereby disconnecting the HV battery pack from the HV bus. The battery electrical system also includes an emergency disconnect circuit connected to the pyrotechnic switch and including a manual switch. The manual switch is connected in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the LV power supply, and is configured to release an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when it changes from an open position to a closed position. In this embodiment, the battery electrical system includes an EMU operable to transmit an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to detecting a threshold impact event of the mobile system, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is configured to open in response to the electronic trigger signal, thereby disconnecting the HV battery pack from the HV bus.

[0012] This document also describes a motor vehicle. A representative embodiment of the motor vehicle includes a body, a 12-volt battery positioned on an LV bus, and an HV propulsion battery pack positioned on an HV bus. The HV propulsion battery pack includes a pyrotechnic switch configured to be activated in response to an electronic trigger signal to thereby disconnect the HV battery pack from the HV bus. An emergency disconnect circuit is connected to the pyrotechnic switch and includes a manual switch located on the LV bus in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the 12-volt battery. When changed from an open position to a closed position, the manual switch connects the 12-volt battery to the pyrotechnic switch, thereby causing the 12-volt battery to release an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch.

[0013] In this configuration, the EMU is operable to generate an electronic trigger signal in response to a threshold impact event of the motor vehicle. The EMU includes multiple inertial sensors configured to detect a threshold impact event of the vehicle body and transmit an electronic trigger signal to a pyrotechnic switch in response to the threshold impact event.

[0014] This invention includes the following technical solutions: Option 1. An emergency disconnect circuit for a battery electrical system, the battery electrical system having a high-voltage (HV) bus, a low-voltage (LV) bus, an HV battery pack connected to the HV bus, and an LV power supply connected to the LV bus, the emergency disconnect circuit comprising: A pyrotechnic switch configured to activate in response to an electronic trigger signal to thereby disconnect the HV battery pack from the HV bus; and A manual switch is arranged on the LV bus in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the LV power supply; wherein, the change of the manual switch from the open position to the closed position connects the LV power supply to the pyrotechnic switch, thereby causing the LV power supply to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch.

[0015] Option 2. The emergency disconnect circuit according to Option 1, wherein the LV power supply includes a 12-volt auxiliary battery and a diode disposed between the 12-volt auxiliary battery and the manual switch.

[0016] Option 3. The emergency disconnect circuit according to Option 2, wherein the HV battery pack is the propulsion battery pack of the mobile system.

[0017] Option 4. The emergency disconnect circuit according to Option 3, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit includes an electronic monitoring unit (EMU) operable to detect a threshold impact event of the mobile system and to transmit the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to detecting the threshold impact event.

[0018] Option 5. The emergency disconnect circuit according to Option 3 further includes a capacitor positioned in parallel with the 12-volt auxiliary battery, wherein the capacitor is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

[0019] Option 6. The emergency disconnect circuit according to Option 1, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery such that the external battery is configured to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

[0020] Option 7. A battery-powered electrical system for use in a mobile system, comprising: Low-voltage (LV) power supply; High voltage (HV) bus; A high-voltage (HV) battery pack connected to the HV bus includes a pyrotechnic switch configured to be activated in response to an electronic trigger signal, thereby disconnecting the HV battery pack from the HV bus. An emergency disconnect circuit connected to the pyrotechnic switch includes a manual switch connected in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the LV power supply; and the manual switch is configured to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when it changes from an open position to a closed position; and An electronic monitoring unit is operable to transmit an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to detecting a threshold impact event of the mobile system, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is configured to activate in response to the electronic trigger signal to thereby disconnect the HV battery pack from the HV bus.

[0021] Option 8. The battery-electric system according to Option 7, wherein the mobility system includes an electric propulsion motor connected to the HV battery pack, and the HV battery pack is configured as a propulsion battery pack.

[0022] Option 9. The battery electrical system according to Option 7, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit includes a diode disposed between and in series with the LV power supply and the manual switch.

[0023] Option 10. The battery electrical system according to Option 7, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit includes a capacitor positioned in parallel with the LV power supply; and wherein the capacitor is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

[0024] Option 11. The battery electrical system according to Option 7, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery, and the external battery is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

[0025] Option 12. The battery electrical system according to Option 7, wherein the electronic monitoring unit is integrated with the pyrotechnic switch.

[0026] Option 13. The battery system according to Option 7, wherein the HV battery pack comprises one or more lithium-ion battery packs; and wherein the LV power supply comprises a 12-volt lead-acid battery.

[0027] Option 14. A motor vehicle, comprising: Body; A 12-volt battery positioned on the low-voltage (LV) bus; A high-voltage (HV) propulsion battery pack is positioned on an HV bus and has a pyrotechnic switch configured to be activated in response to an electronic trigger signal and thereby disconnect the HV battery pack from the HV bus. An emergency disconnect circuit connected to the pyrotechnic switch includes a manual switch located on the LV bus, in series with the pyrotechnic switch and the 12-volt battery, and situated therebetween; wherein, when the manual switch changes from an open position to a closed position, the manual switch connects the 12-volt battery to the pyrotechnic switch, thereby causing the 12-volt battery to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch; and An electronic monitoring unit (EMU) operable to generate an electronic trigger signal in response to a threshold impact event of the motor vehicle, wherein the EMU includes a set of inertial sensors configured to detect the threshold impact event of the vehicle body and transmit the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to the threshold impact event.

[0028] Option 15. The motor vehicle according to Option 14 further includes an electric propulsion motor connected to the HV battery pack; and wherein the HV battery pack is configured as a propulsion battery pack.

[0029] Option 16. The motor vehicle according to Option 15, wherein the propulsion battery pack comprises one or more lithium-ion battery packs.

[0030] Option 17. The motor vehicle according to Option 15, wherein the electric propulsion motor is a multiphase motor connected to the propulsion battery pack via a power inverter.

[0031] Option 18. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit includes a diode disposed between and in series with the 12-volt battery and the manual switch, and a capacitor positioned in parallel with the 12-volt battery, the capacitor being operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

[0032] Option 19. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery; and wherein the external battery is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

[0033] Option 20. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the emergency disconnect circuit includes a light-emitting diode (LED) connected downstream of the manual switch to the LV bus and operable to indicate whether the manual switch is in the closed position and power flows through it.

[0034] The foregoing features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other features and accompanying advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative examples and models for carrying out this disclosure when considered in conjunction with the appended drawings and claims. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1 An exemplary motor vehicle is a battery-powered vehicle equipped with a high-voltage (HV) battery pack and an emergency disconnect circuit constructed as described herein.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit topology for implementing this teaching, which is situated in, for example, Figure 1 On the battery electrical system of motor vehicles.

[0038] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and may present a simplified representation to some extent of the various preferred features of this disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes. Details associated with such features will be determined in part by the specific target application and usage environment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure is readily available in many different forms of embodiments. Representative examples of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein as non-limiting examples of the disclosed principles. Accordingly, elements and limitations described in the abstract, technical field, background, summary of the invention, and detailed description sections but not expressly recited in the claims should not be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively by implication, inference, or otherwise.

[0040] For the purposes of this description, unless a right is specifically waived, the use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa; both the terms “and” and “or” should be used as both conjunctions and antonymous conjunctions; and the words “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,” etc., should mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, in this document, approximate words such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “largely,” “approximately,” etc., may be used in the sense of “in…,” “near…,” “almost,” “within…,” “within 0-5% of…,” “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof.

[0041] As used herein, a component "configured" to perform a specific function is capable of performing that specific function without modification, rather than merely having the possibility of performing that specific function after further modification. In other words, the hardware described, when explicitly configured to perform a specific function, is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing that specific function.

[0042] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are consistent throughout several views, the same reference numerals denote the same features. Figure 1 A mobile system 10 with a battery electrical system 12 is depicted. The battery electrical system 12 accordingly includes a high-voltage (HV) battery pack (B... HV 13, such as one or more lithium-ion battery packs, or groups of high-energy battery chemistry configurations suitable for other applications. The HV battery pack 13 is equipped with an emergency disconnect circuit 14, a representative embodiment of which is... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The emergency disconnect circuit 14, as described in detail herein, is configured to rapidly disconnect the HV battery pack 13 in response to the detection of a threshold impact event of the type outlined above, wherein the threshold impact event indicates that the mobile system 10 has collided with or been impacted by another object. Under normal conditions, the disconnection of the HV battery pack 13 occurs automatically via the operation of one or more pyrotechnic switches 40 and the electronic monitoring unit 30. Furthermore, the battery electrical system 12 incorporates the emergency disconnect circuit 14 with a manual disconnect circuit 42 to facilitate actions, rescue operations, etc., by a first or second responder.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary configuration, the mobile system 10 is implemented as a motor vehicle, and for the purposes of consistency and clarity of description, the motor vehicle is referred to hereinafter as motor vehicle 10. Motor vehicle 10 includes an interior 11, a body 100, and wheels 18 connected to the body 100. In some embodiments, the body 100 includes a knock-out panel 100P, the function of which is described below. Figure 2 Describe it. In Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the battery electrical system 12 is operable to transmit power via one or more electric traction motors (M... E 16 Generates motor output torque (arrow T) O ), and is used to measure the motor output torque (arrow T) O The load (L) 180 is transmitted to the connected load. Figure 1 In a representative embodiment, such a load 180 includes a wheel 18 and one or more output members 160 that rotatably connect the load 180 to an electric traction motor 16.

[0044] In a typical embodiment, Figure 1The electric traction motor 16, schematically shown, can be implemented as a multiphase / alternating current (AC) rotating motor. Therefore, the power required to power the individual phase windings 17 of the electric traction motor 16 can be provided by a power inverter module (PIM) 19, which is itself electrically connected to the propulsion battery pack 13 via a high-voltage (HV) direct current (DC) bus 20 having positive (+) and negative (-) voltage rails. As understood in the art, the operation of the PIM 19 occurs via internal semiconductor switches typically using, for example, pulse width or pulse density modulation techniques. High-speed switching control of the IGBTs housed within the PIM 19, or other suitably constructed semiconductor switches (not shown), converts the DC voltage from the HV battery pack 13 (operating as the propulsion battery pack in this case) into a multiphase / AC voltage waveform suitable for powering the phase windings 17 of the electric traction motor 16 when powering the wheels 18.

[0045] Within the scope of this disclosure, Figure 1 The battery electrical system 12 includes additional electrical components, some of which are depicted in Figure 1 Some of these are omitted for clarity. For example, an auxiliary power module (APM) 22 may be connected to the HV bus 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the APM 22 is configured as a DC-DC voltage converter operable to receive an input voltage from the HV bus 20 at a high voltage level (e.g., 300 to 400 volts or higher) and to output a lower auxiliary voltage of 12 volts. Auxiliary battery (B AUX )24, also referred to herein as low-voltage (LV) power supply 24, is connected to APM 22 via LV bus 120, allowing APM 22 to be used to maintain the charge level of auxiliary battery 24 as needed. When auxiliary battery 24 is Figure 1 When referring to a 12-volt lead-acid battery in an exemplary embodiment, the term “low voltage” as used herein refers to a nominal 12-volt level; and “high voltage” refers to a voltage level exceeding the auxiliary level, or nominally 300V or higher in possible implementations.

[0046] The electronic control unit (ECU) 50 can also be used as part of the battery electrical system 12. Figure 1 The ECU 50, schematically shown in the diagram, can be implemented in response to an input signal (arrow CC). I One or more computers or computing nodes, wherein the input signal (arrow CC) I At least some of these are dynamic or inertial forces measured on the motor vehicle 10, such as acceleration or negative acceleration, pitch, roll and / or yaw rate, ground speed, etc.

[0047] The aforementioned EMU 30 may be a residing component of the ECU 50 or, in different embodiments, integrated with the pyrotechnic switch 40. The EMU 30 transmits an electronic trigger signal (arrow T) to the pyrotechnic switch 40. 40 And respond to forces exceeding the calibration threshold. As understood in the art, pyrotechnic switches, fuses, and other pyrotechnic devices of the type contemplated herein are configured to respond to a force exceeding the calibration threshold. 40 The activation is irreversibly faulty. Within the scope of this disclosure, an electronic trigger signal (arrow T) is also selectively released to the pyrotechnic switch 40 by manually disconnecting circuit 42. 40 *). Activation of the pyrotechnic switch 40 creates an immediate open-circuit condition on the HV bus 20 (such as by cutting off one or more intermediate transport conductors), thereby effectively disconnecting the HV battery pack 13 from the HV bus 20. In other words, the pyrotechnic switch 40 is not a resettable switch, but is designed to be replaced after it is ignited, exploded, or otherwise pyrotechnically triggered.

[0048] Certain programmed control functions of the ECU 50 that are outside the scope of this disclosure may include, for example, propulsion mode control actions, thermal management of the battery electrical system 12, and control via a corresponding battery control signal (arrow CC). 13 This includes battery charging / discharging control actions, etc. Therefore, the input signal (arrow CC) in one or more embodiments... I This can extend beyond the force measurement used to notify EMU 30. To perform these and other programmed functions, ECU 50 includes a dedicated amount of memory (M) 52 and one or more processors (P) 54 (e.g., microprocessors, central processing units, or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), as well as other associated hardware and software, such as digital clocks or timers, input / output circuitry 56, buffer circuitry, etc. Memory 52 may include a sufficient amount of read-only memory, such as magnetic or optical memory. In various embodiments, signal transmission may occur via a physical conductor such as copper wire, or wirelessly in different embodiments.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 Emergency disconnect circuit 14 enables manual disconnect circuit 42 to be used. Figure 1The HV battery pack 13 can be selectively manually disconnected. Such an option would benefit roadside service efforts, such as by protecting first responders, second responders, or rescue personnel from accidental contact with the HV bus 20 while it remains powered. The manual disconnect circuit 42 operates separately from the conventional automatic triggering of the pyrotechnic switch (PS) 40. In other words, threshold force or impact events are detected by the EMU 30 using a set of inertial sensors 130, including velocity sensors operable to measure ground velocity and one or more accelerometers operable to measure pitch, yaw and roll rates, lateral acceleration, attitude, etc. As understood in the art, the EMU 30 detects these events via an electronic trigger signal T. 40 It responds by outputting a small current or voltage signal to the pyrotechnic switch 40. Although the EMU 30 is shown as […] for clarity. Figure 1 The ECU 50 is part of the EMU 30, but in possible implementations, the EMU 30 may optionally be implemented as a microchip or microprocessor paired with or integrated with the pyrotechnic switch 40. Electronic trigger signal T 40 Reaching the pyrotechnic switch 40 causes internal pyrotechnic activation and destruction, for example, via a miniature explosive charge as understood in the art. Consequently, the transport conductor between the HV bus 20 and the HV battery pack 13 is rapidly and irreversibly severed, thus causing the HV battery pack 13 to be disconnected almost instantaneously.

[0050] Although as mentioned above, the pyrotechnic switch 40 is included Figure 2 The emergency disconnect circuit 14 helps ensure the automatic and rapid disconnection of the HV battery pack 13; however, a given impact event may not be large enough to trigger the pyrotechnic switch 40. Alternatively, a detected impact event can cause the pyrotechnic switch 40 to trigger and result in the disconnection of the HV battery pack 13. However, without further testing, a responder may not be able to quickly determine whether the pyrotechnic switch 40 and EMU 30 are functioning as expected, and whether the HV battery pack 13 is no longer connected to the HV bus 20. Figure 2 The manual disconnect circuit 42 thus provides another reliable way to ensure that the pyrotechnic switch 40 has indeed been triggered in the intended manner.

[0051] For this purpose, the manual disconnect circuit 42 may include a switch housing 420, within which a manual switch 45 is positioned. In some embodiments, the switch housing 420 may be an aluminum, plastic, or other lightweight, weather-resistant container having external electrical connections to the auxiliary battery 24 and the pyrotechnic switch 40 via corresponding electrical connectors 60A and 60B. Although for the sake of simplicity... Figure 2The diagram is schematic, but in a practical implementation, the manual switch 45 can be implemented as a two-stage switch, such as a pull-push or pull-torsion mechanism. Such a configuration will help minimize the chance of accidental closure of the manual switch 45 (e.g., during routine maintenance operations). Similarly, Figure 1 The optional knockout plate 100P can be used to hide the manual switch 45 so that it is not visible in daily life, and thus prevents accidental access.

[0052] In an exemplary use case, the first responder can arrive at the scene of the incident where the first responder wants to ensure with high confidence that the HV battery pack 13 has been disconnected from the HV bus 20. To ensure this result, the first responder can locate the manual switch 45, for example, by removing the optional knockout plate 100P. The first responder can then close the manual switch 45. As will be understood, when the manual switch 45 is in the open position (i.e., Figure 2 (as depicted in the specific location), the manual switch 45 forms an open circuit between the auxiliary battery 24 and the pyrotechnic switch 40, and therefore the pyrotechnic switch 40 can be activated solely through the normal operation of the EMU 30.

[0053] However, closing the manual switch 45 connects the auxiliary battery 24 to the pyrotechnic switch 40, thereby releasing an electronic trigger signal T to the pyrotechnic switch 40. 40 * This action correspondingly causes the pyrotechnic switch 40 to immediately deactivate, thereby triggering the electronic trigger signal T from the EMU 30. 40 The same way Figure 1 The HV battery pack 13 is disconnected from the HV bus 20. In cases where a detected force event causes prior activation of the pyrotechnic switch 40 (such as due to a malfunction of the EMU 30), subsequent use of the manual switch 45 will be ineffective. In this situation, the electronic trigger signal T... 40 An open circuit will be easily detected. In this rare event, the pyrotechnic switch 40 should not be able to respond to the electronic trigger signal T from the EMU 30. 40 Activation of the manual switch 45 will trigger the pyrotechnic switch 40, thus causing the HV battery pack 13 to disconnect quickly.

[0054] Still referencing Figure 2 Diode D1 can be positioned between auxiliary battery 24 or other main / auxiliary power supply and manual switch 45. Diode D1 can be biased to prevent accidental current flow back to auxiliary battery 24. Meanwhile, capacitor C1 can be positioned in parallel with auxiliary battery 24 to allow capacitor voltage V... C Temporary storage. If the auxiliary battery 24 is disconnected or inoperable in some way during the aforementioned impact event, the capacitor voltage V C It will remain available for a short period of time. Therefore, in this case, that is, when the capacitor voltage V...C When available, actuation of the manual switch 45 will still activate the pyrotechnic switch 40, in this case due to the release of an electronic trigger signal T to the pyrotechnic switch 40. 40 *

[0055] In a possible configuration, the switch housing 420 may be equipped with another electrical connector 60C. The presence of electrical connector 60C allows the responder to connect an external battery (B) if the responder finds that the auxiliary battery 24 is depleted or inoperable and that the capacitor C1 is also depleted or damaged. EXT ) 124 is quickly connected to the manual disconnect circuit 42. Once the external battery 124 has been connected via electrical connector 60C (e.g., a simple plug-in end-to-end connection), the manual switch 45 can be closed in the manner described above to trigger the pyrotechnic switch 40. In this case, an electronic trigger signal T is released from the external battery 124 to the pyrotechnic switch 40 via another electrical connector 60D. 40 Therefore, the external battery 124 is operable to release an electronic trigger signal T to the pyrotechnic switch 40 when the manual switch 45 is turned to the closed position. 40 *

[0056] In possible implementations Figure 2 The emergency disconnect circuit 14 may be equipped with a light-emitting diode (LED) D2. Optionally, LED D2 is connected in parallel with the manual switch 45 and downstream thereto to the LV bus 120. In this position, an electronic trigger signal T is generated via LED D2. 40 This will cause LED D2 to light up, making it operable to indicate whether manual switch 45 is in the closed position and that power flows through it. LED D2 can be positioned adjacent to manual switch 45 or in another easily visible location. Such a parallel connection is advantageous over a series connection because a series connection will not light up if the pyrotechnic switch has been deployed or activated and thus an open circuit has been formed.

[0057] The various benefits of this teaching will be realized by strategically placing the emergency disconnect circuit 14 in Figure 1 This facilitates easy access to the location on the motor vehicle 10. For example, according to the configuration of the motor vehicle 10, the emergency disconnect circuit 14, and specifically the switch housing 420, can be positioned as described above. Figure 1The knock-out plate 100P is located behind the vehicle body 100. Such a knock-out plate 100P can be part of the outer surface of the vehicle body 100, for example, under the hood or trunk lid, or in another suitable location. In this way, the arriving responder team can carefully remove the knock-out plate 100P to expose the manual switch 45, close the manual switch 45 according to its predetermined closing sequence, and then begin assisting the passengers seated inside 11 and / or performing rescue or relief operations on the vehicle 10.

[0058] In view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described scheme typically anticipates an event following the activation of the pyrotechnic switch 40, and aims to ensure... Figure 1 In the event that the HV battery pack 13 is disconnected from the HV bus 20, enhanced protection against HV hazards is provided. While first responders such as police, fire and rescue personnel, and paramedics are prepared to directly benefit from the implementation of this teaching, second responders such as tow truck operators, maintenance personnel, and disposal personnel will equally benefit from the provided emergency disconnect circuit 14. Furthermore, the ability to connect various power sources to the pyrotechnic switch 40 via the intermediate manual disconnect circuit 42 ensures a more reliable solution in the event that the auxiliary battery 24 is depleted, disconnected, or otherwise unavailable. In view of the foregoing disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand these and other accompanying benefits.

[0059] The detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings or illustrations are supportive and descriptive of this teaching, but the scope of this teaching is defined only by the claims. Although some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out this teaching have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the teaching as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below.

Claims

1. An emergency disconnect circuit for a battery electrical system, the battery electrical system having a high-voltage bus, a low-voltage bus, a high-voltage battery pack connected to the high-voltage bus, and a low-voltage power supply connected to the low-voltage bus, the emergency disconnect circuit comprising: A pyrotechnic switch configured to be activated in response to an electronic trigger signal to thereby disconnect the high-voltage battery pack from the high-voltage bus; and A manual switch is arranged on the low-voltage bus in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the low-voltage power supply; wherein, the change of the manual switch from the open position to the closed position connects the low-voltage power supply to the pyrotechnic switch, and thereby causes the low-voltage power supply to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch.

2. The emergency disconnect circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The low-voltage power supply includes a 12-volt auxiliary battery and a diode disposed between the 12-volt auxiliary battery and the manual switch.

3. The emergency disconnect circuit according to claim 2, wherein, The high-voltage battery pack is the propulsion battery pack for the mobile system.

4. The emergency disconnect circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit includes an electronic monitoring unit operable to detect a threshold impact event of the mobile system and to transmit an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to the detection of the threshold impact event.

5. The emergency disconnect circuit of claim 3 further includes a capacitor positioned in parallel with the 12-volt auxiliary battery, wherein the capacitor is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

6. The emergency disconnect circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery, such that the external battery is configured to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is in the closed position.

7. A battery-powered electrical system for use in a mobile system, comprising: Low-voltage power supply; High-voltage bus; A high-voltage battery pack connected to the high-voltage bus includes a pyrotechnic switch configured to be activated in response to an electronic trigger signal, thereby disconnecting the high-voltage battery pack from the high-voltage bus. An emergency disconnect circuit connected to the pyrotechnic switch includes a manual switch connected in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the low-voltage power supply; and the manual switch is configured to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when it changes from an open position to a closed position. and An electronic monitoring unit is operable to transmit an electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to detecting a threshold impact event of the mobile system, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is configured to activate in response to the electronic trigger signal to thereby disconnect the high-voltage battery pack from the high-voltage bus.

8. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The mobile system includes an electric propulsion motor connected to the high-voltage battery pack, and the high-voltage battery pack is configured as a propulsion battery pack.

9. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit includes a diode disposed between and in series with the low-voltage power supply and the manual switch.

10. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit includes a capacitor positioned in parallel with the low-voltage power supply; and wherein the capacitor is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

11. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery, and the external battery is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

12. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The electronic monitoring unit is integrated with the pyrotechnic switch.

13. The battery electrical system according to claim 7, wherein, The high-voltage battery pack includes one or more lithium-ion battery packs; and the low-voltage power supply includes a 12-volt lead-acid battery.

14. A motor vehicle, comprising: Body; A 12-volt battery located on the low-voltage bus; A high-voltage battery pack, positioned on a high-voltage bus and having a pyrotechnic switch configured to activate in response to an electronic trigger signal and thereby disconnect the high-voltage battery pack from the high-voltage bus; An emergency disconnect circuit connected to the pyrotechnic switch includes a manual switch located on the low-voltage bus in series with and between the pyrotechnic switch and the 12-volt battery; wherein, when the manual switch changes from the open position to the closed position, the manual switch connects the 12-volt battery to the pyrotechnic switch and thereby causes the 12-volt battery to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch; and An electronic monitoring unit operable to generate an electronic trigger signal in response to a threshold impact event of the motor vehicle, wherein the electronic monitoring unit includes a set of inertial sensors configured to detect the threshold impact event of the vehicle body and transmit the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch in response to the threshold impact event.

15. The motor vehicle of claim 14, further comprising an electric propulsion motor connected to the high-voltage battery pack; and wherein, The high-voltage battery pack is configured as a propulsion battery pack.

16. The motor vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The propulsion battery pack includes one or more lithium-ion battery packs.

17. The motor vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The electric propulsion motor is a multiphase motor connected to the propulsion battery pack via a power inverter.

18. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit includes a diode disposed between and in series with the 12-volt battery and the manual switch, and a capacitor positioned in parallel with the 12-volt battery, the capacitor being operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

19. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit is configured to be connected to an external battery; and wherein the external battery is operable to release the electronic trigger signal to the pyrotechnic switch when the manual switch is turned to the closed position.

20. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The emergency disconnect circuit includes a light-emitting diode connected downstream of the manual switch to the low-voltage bus and operable to indicate whether the manual switch is in the closed position and whether power flows through it.

Images