Battery pack control device and method for repairing relay fault

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack control device and method for repairing a relay failure, and aims to provide a method for repairing a temporary failure of a relay by re-checking the relay even when a relay failure is detected. To this end, the present invention comprises: a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a relay through which an output current of the battery module is supplied or blocked; the current sensor is used for detecting the output current of the battery module; a voltage sensor that measures a voltage applied to both ends of the relay; and a processor that controls the relay to open and detects a state of the relay based on at least one of a current detected by the current sensor and a voltage measured by the voltage sensor, and that checks and repairs the relay when it is determined that the relay fails.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0155177, filed on November 10, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery pack control device and method for detecting a temporary failure of a relay included in a battery pack and repairing the malfunction of the relay. Background Art

[0004] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as driving power sources and power storage batteries for motors in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0005] The secondary battery is charged by an external charging current and outputs a discharge current to supply current to a load.

[0006] The secondary battery may include a relay for controlling energy to be sent to a line through which energy is to be sent to a vehicle or the like.

[0007] The relay opens or closes according to the control command.

[0008] In a state where an opening command is received, when the relay is not opened and remains in a closed state, the energy of the secondary battery is not blocked and is sent to a device such as a vehicle, and thus an accident can occur.

[0009] Therefore, the battery pack measures the voltage or current across the relay to check the operating state of the relay and detect a malfunction of the relay.

[0010] When the relay does not open even when receiving an opening command, it is determined that the relay is faulty, and it is determined that the corresponding relay has a permanent fault, requiring replacement of a battery pack in which a battery is mounted in a vehicle or device.

[0011] In some cases, the relay may temporarily fail due to a specific reason and then return to normal operation, and when it is determined that the battery pack has a permanent fault, the corresponding battery pack cannot be used repeatedly.

[0012] Therefore, a method is needed to distinguish between temporary failures and permanent faults associated with relay failures.

[0013] The above information described in the background of the present invention is only for ease of understanding of the background of the present invention and may also have information that is not included in the conventional art. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention is directed to a battery pack control device and method for repairing a temporary failure of a relay after rechecking the relay even when a relay failure is detected.

[0015] However, the technical objectives to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above objectives, and other objectives not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack control device for repairing a relay failure is provided, the battery pack control device comprising: a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a relay through which an output current of the battery module is supplied or blocked; a current sensor which detects the output current of the battery module; a voltage sensor which measures the voltage applied to both ends of the relay; and a processor which controls the relay to open a circuit and detects the state of the relay based on at least one of a current detected by the current sensor and a voltage measured by the voltage sensor, and when it is determined that the relay has failed, the processor checks and repairs the relay. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a view illustrating an example of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a view illustrating an example in which a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle body;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a battery pack control device for repairing a relay failure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a connection configuration of a battery cell and a relay of a battery pack control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for checking a relay of a battery pack control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for repairing a relay of a battery pack control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 shows a signal flow of a relay for checking a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 8 A signal flow for repairing a relay of a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the usual or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler, to appropriately define the concepts of the terms, to explain his / her invention in the best possible way.

[0027] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein when submitting this application.

[0028] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity of explanation, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of ... " and "any one of ... " modify the entire element list when they are before the element list, without modifying the individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B and C" or "at least one selected from the middle of A, B and C" are used to specify the list of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize.

[0030] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0031] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another or more elements or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as being "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0033] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0 (and including the endpoints), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly describe any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly described herein.

[0034] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0035] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0036] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or located or positioned) "on (or below)" or "over (or under)" a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be inserted between the component and any arbitrary element disposed (or located or positioned) on (or under) the component.

[0037] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to each other, or there may be an intermediate element between them, through which the element may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected to the other component, or there may be an intermediate component therebetween, so that the component and the other component are indirectly connected to each other.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0039] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a view illustrating an example of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment, the battery pack 100 may include a plurality of battery modules 50 and a housing 10 for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 50. For example, the housing 10 may include a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are coupled in a facing direction, and the plurality of battery modules 50 are interposed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The plurality of battery modules 50 may be electrically connected to each other using a bus bar 51, and the plurality of battery modules 50 may be electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in a series-parallel hybrid manner to obtain a desired electrical output.

[0041] The battery pack 100 includes one or more battery modules and a pack case having an accommodation space for accommodating the one or more battery modules 50 .

[0042] Each of the battery modules 50 may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. Stacked battery cells may be housed in the module housing. Each of the battery cells may include a positive lead and a negative lead. A round type, an angular type, or a pouch type battery cell may be used according to the type of battery.

[0043] In the battery pack 100 , one battery stack may constitute one module instead of a battery module. The battery stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space of a battery pack case or an accommodation space partitioned by a frame or a partition.

[0044] The battery cells generate a large amount of heat during charge / discharge. The generated heat accumulates in the battery cells and accelerates the degradation of the battery cells. Therefore, the battery pack 100 further includes a cooling member to suppress the degradation of the battery cells. The cooling member is disposed in the lower portion of the accommodation space in which the battery cells are disposed, but is not limited thereto, and according to the battery pack 100, the cooling member may be disposed in the upper portion or the side portion of the accommodation space.

[0045] Exhaust gas generated inside a battery cell under abnormal operating conditions called thermal runaway or thermal events can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell. The battery pack or battery module may include an exhaust port, etc. for discharging the exhaust gas to prevent damage to the battery pack or module by the exhaust gas.

[0046] The battery pack 100 may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The BMS may include a detection unit, a balancing unit, and a control unit. The battery module may include a plurality of batteries connected in series or in parallel. The battery modules may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0047] Figure 2 is a view illustrating an example in which a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle body;

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the battery pack 91 may include a pack cover 13 as a part of the vehicle bottom 92 and a pack frame 10 disposed under the vehicle bottom 92. The pack frame 10 and the pack cover 13 may have a structure integrally formed with the vehicle bottom 92.

[0049] The vehicle bottom 92 may distinguish the inside and the outside of the vehicle, and the load-bearing frame 10 may be disposed on the outside of the vehicle.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a battery pack control device for repairing a relay failure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Reference Figure 3 , a battery pack control device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a memory 220 , a communication unit 230 , a sensor 240 , a relay 250 , a battery module 290 , and a processor 210 .

[0052] The sensor 240 may include a voltage sensor 241 and a current sensor 242. In addition, the sensor 240 may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery module 290.

[0053] The sensor 240 sends the measurement data to the processor 210 .

[0054] The voltage sensor 241 measures the voltage of the battery module 290. The voltage sensor 241 may be provided as a plurality of voltage sensors 241 to measure the voltage of each battery cell.

[0055] In addition, a voltage sensor 241 may be connected to both ends of the relay 250 to measure a voltage applied to both ends of the relay 250 .

[0056] The current sensor 242 may be provided as a plurality of current sensors 242 to measure the current of each battery cell. In addition, the current sensor 242 may be connected to an output terminal of the battery pack to measure the current output from the battery module 290 to the vehicle.

[0057] The memory 220 can store current data and voltage data input from the sensor 240, setting data for processing data, data about the battery module 290, data for determining the state of the battery module 290, state of charge (SOC) data of the battery module 290 or battery cells 291 to 299, and data generated during the operation process of the processor 210.

[0058] In addition, the memory 220 may store data for detecting a failure of the relay 250 , data for inspecting the relay 250 , and data for repairing the failure of the relay 250 .

[0059] The memory 220 may store data regarding at least one of a data processing algorithm, a relay fault diagnosis algorithm, a relay inspection algorithm, and a relay repair algorithm.

[0060] The memory 220 may include a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) and a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory.

[0061] The communication unit 230 transmits and receives data to and from the processor 210, the memory 220, the battery module 290, the sensor 240, and the relay 250. In addition, the communication unit 230 may transmit and receive data to and from a main processor (not shown) of an apparatus or device including the processor 210 and the battery pack control device 200.

[0062] For example, the communication unit 230 may include a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) communication driver to transmit and receive data. The communication unit 230 may transmit and receive data through serial or parallel communication.

[0063] When a fault occurs in the battery module 290 or a device such as a vehicle, the relay 250 may block the output of the battery module 290 or an external current supplied to the battery module 290 .

[0064] The relay 250 may be opened or closed according to a control command of the processor 210 .

[0065] A mechanical contactor that is opened or closed by the magnetic force of a coil may be used as the relay 250. In addition, a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) may be used as the relay 250.

[0066] The relay 250 may include a first relay 251 , a second relay 252 , and a third relay 253 .

[0067] The first relay 251 may be connected to one end of the battery module 290 and an input terminal of the battery pack to transmit or not transmit an input current (charging current) to the battery module 290 .

[0068] The second relay 252 may be connected to the other end of the battery module 290 and an output terminal of the battery module to output or not output the output current (discharge current) of the battery module 290 to a device such as a vehicle.

[0069] The third relay 253 is a pre-charge relay connected in parallel to the second relay 252 .

[0070] The battery module 290 may include a plurality of battery cells (not shown). The plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0071] The processor 210 may monitor the status of the plurality of battery modules 290, determine the SOC, and calculate the state of health (SOH). The processor 210 may control the charging and discharging of the battery module 290, control the temperature of the battery module 290, and perform balancing control. The processor 210 may detect a failure of the battery module 290. In addition, the processor 210 may perform at least one protection function of over-discharging, over-charging, over-current blocking, short circuit, and fire extinguishing functions based on the status monitoring result.

[0072] Any one of a battery management system (BMS), a battery pack control module (BPCM), a central processing control unit (CPU), an electronic control unit (ECU), and a microcontroller unit (MCU) may be used as the processor 210 .

[0073] The processor 210 controls the relay 250 according to the state of the battery module 290 and a signal transmitted from the vehicle.

[0074] The processor 210 may detect a failure of the relay 250 based on data input from the voltage sensor 241 and the current sensor 242 , check a state of the relay 250 , and repair the failure of the relay 250 .

[0075] The processor 210 may send a control signal to the relay 250 to open the relay 250 , and determine the state of the relay 250 according to the amount of current measured by the current sensor 242 .

[0076] In addition, the processor 210 may control the relay 250 to open the relay 250 and determine the state of the relay 250 according to the magnitude of the voltage applied to both ends of the relay 250 measured by the voltage sensor 241 .

[0077] For example, when current is detected after an open command is sent to the relay 250, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is not open. In addition, when the magnitudes of the voltages applied to both ends of the relay 250 are the same, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is not open.

[0078] When the relay 250 does not operate according to the control command as described above, the processor 210 determines that a fault occurs, checks the relay 250 , and finally determines the state of the relay 250 .

[0079] When the processor 210 checks the relay 250 , when it is determined that the relay 250 is operating normally, the processor 210 may stop the checking and determine that the relay 250 is normal.

[0080] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the relay 250 is faulty even after checking the relay 250 , the processor 210 repairs the relay 250 .

[0081] The processor 210 may check and repair the relay 250 a predetermined number of times and then finally determine the state of the relay 250 .

[0082] When it is determined that the relay 250 is faulty according to the final determination result, the processor 210 may transmit a signal of the relay fault through the communication unit 230 .

[0083] The processor 210 may determine whether each of the first to third relays 251 to 253 is faulty, and check and repair each of the first to third relays 251 to 253 .

[0084] Figure 4 1 is a view illustrating a connection configuration of a battery cell and a relay of a battery pack control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] refer to Figure 4The battery control device 200 includes a processor 210 connected to the battery module 290 to check and manage the state of the battery module 290 , a voltage sensor 241 , a current sensor 242 , and a plurality of relays 250 .

[0086] The processor 210 may control the relay 250 according to a signal received from a vehicle or a device on which the battery pack is mounted through the communication unit 230. In addition, the processor 210 may control the relay 250 according to a state of the battery module 290.

[0087] When the output of the battery module 290 is blocked or an output blocking request is received, the processor 210 controls the relay 250 to open the relay 250 .

[0088] The processor 210 sends a control command to open the first relay 251 to the third relay 253 , and checks the state of the relay 250 based on data measured by the sensor 240 .

[0089] The processor 210 may check the state of the relay 250 using current or voltage according to the operating state of a load, ie, a vehicle or a device connected to the battery pack.

[0090] For example, while the vehicle is operating, when the relay 250 is controlled to be open, the voltage may be used to check the state of the relay.

[0091] Meanwhile, even when the state of the relay 250 is checked using the current, since some of the plurality of relays may fail, the processor 210 may recheck the state of the relay 250 by applying a voltage to both ends of the relay 250 .

[0092] One end of the first voltage sensor 241 - 1 is connected to the first relay 251 and the positive terminal (+) of the battery module 290 to measure a voltage at one end of the first relay 251 and transmit the measured voltage to the processor 210 .

[0093] The second voltage sensor 241 - 2 is connected to the negative terminal (+) of the battery module 290 and one end of the second relay 252 , measures a voltage applied to one end of the second relay 252 , and transmits the measured voltage to the processor 210 .

[0094] The third voltage sensor 241 - 3 is connected to the other end of the first relay 251 , measures a voltage at one end of the first relay 251 , and transmits the measured voltage to the processor 210 .

[0095] The fourth voltage sensor 241 - 4 is connected to the other end of the second relay 252 , measures a voltage at one end of the second relay 252 , and transmits the measured voltage to the processor 210 .

[0096] The fifth voltage sensor 241 - 5 may be connected to the fuse 280 , the second relay 252 , and the third relay 253 , and may measure the voltage between the input terminal and the output terminal of the battery pack. In addition, the fifth voltage sensor 241 - 5 may measure the voltage at either end of the third relay 253 .

[0097] The first current sensor 242 - 1 and the second current sensor 242 - 2 are connected to the second relay 252 and the third relay 253 , and detect an output current (discharging current) of the battery module 290 .

[0098] The processor 210 receives voltages applied to both ends of the first to third relays 251 to 253 through the first to fifth voltage sensors 241 - 1 to 241 - 5 to determine states thereof.

[0099] When the voltages at both ends of the relay 250 are the same, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is in a closed state, and when the voltages at both ends are different, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is in an open state.

[0100] When the output current measured by the current sensor 242 is zero, the processor 210 can determine that the relay 250 is in an open state. However, since the output current is zero even when the first relay 251 is open according to the control command and the second relay 252 is in a closed state due to a failure, the processor 210 can recheck the state of the relay 250 using the voltage sensor 241.

[0101] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for checking a relay of a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] refer to Figure 5 , the processor 210 sends a control signal to open the relay 250 according to the state of the battery module 290 or the data received through the communication unit 230 (S310).

[0103] The processor 210 checks the state of the relay 250 using voltage or current according to the state of the load connected to the battery pack (S320).

[0104] When the load connected to the battery pack stops operating, the processor 210 measures the current passing through the current sensor 242 (S330).

[0105] The processor 210 checks the state of the relay 250 based on the measured current (WELD CHECK, S340).

[0106] When the current is checked to be zero, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is open, and when the current is non-zero, the relay 250 is in a closed state, and the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is failed (S350).

[0107] When the relay 250 is determined to be in the closed state based on the result of the check of the current, the processor 210 immediately determines that the relay 250 is faulty (S430). When the current is non-zero, the processor 210 may immediately determine that the relay 250 is faulty because all the plurality of relays 250 are failed.

[0108] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the relay 250 is in the open state according to the measured current, the processor 210 may recheck the state of the relay 250 using the voltage.

[0109] The processor 210 measures the voltage across the relay 250 through the voltage sensor 241 to perform a second relay check (WELD CHECK, S390 ).

[0110] Meanwhile, the processor 210 measures a voltage while a load connected to the battery pack operates (S360).

[0111] For example, when a battery output stop request is received while the vehicle engine is driven while the battery pack is installed in a hybrid vehicle, processor 210 may control relay 250 to be open, but since the vehicle is operating, the state of relay 250 may be checked using voltage.

[0112] The processor 210 measures the voltage applied to both ends of the relay 250 through the voltage sensor 241 to perform a first relay check based on the voltage (first WELD CHECK voltage, S370 ).

[0113] The processor 210 determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S380).

[0114] When the voltages at both ends of the relay 250 are the same, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is in a closed state, and when the voltages at both ends are different, the processor 210 may determine that the relay 250 is open.

[0115] When all of the plurality of relays 250 are in the open state, the processor 210 may finally determine that the relays 250 operate normally ( S440 ).

[0116] Meanwhile, when at least one relay 250 is in a closed state, the processor 210 performs a second relay check (S390).

[0117] The processor 210 measures the voltage across the relay 250 to perform a second relay check, and re-determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S400).

[0118] When the relay 250 is in the open state, the processor 210 may finally determine that the relay 250 operates normally (S440).

[0119] When the relay 250 is not in the open state, the processor 210 may measure the voltage to perform the third relay check (S410). The processor 210 finally determines the state of the relay 250 through the third relay check.

[0120] The processor 210 determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S420), and when the relay 250 is in an open state, the processor 210 finally determines that the relay 250 is normal (S440), and when the relay 250 is in a closed state, the processor 210 finally determines that the relay 250 is faulty (S430).

[0121] When it is finally determined that the relay 250 is faulty, the processor 210 transmits an error signal of the relay 250 failure to the connected device through the communication unit 130 and determines that the battery pack is unusable.

[0122] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for repairing a relay of a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] refer to Figure 6 , the processor 210 controls the relay to open the circuit, and then uses the voltage to check the state of the relay 250.

[0124] In this case, the processor 210 checks the relay 250 using the voltage, and when the relay 250 is not in an open state, the processor 210 performs repair on the relay 250 .

[0125] The processor 210 may repair the relay 250 by repeatedly turning on and off the operating voltage of the relay 250 a predetermined number of times.

[0126] The processor 210 performs a first relay check (voltage) (S460) and determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S470).

[0127] When the relay 250 is not in the open state, the processor 210 performs the first relay repair by braking (S480).

[0128] The processor 210 may repair the relay 250 by repeatedly turning on and off the operating voltage applied to the relay 250 a predetermined number of times. The relay 250 may be repeatedly turned on and off according to the operating voltage.

[0129] The processor 210 may repair the relay in response to the voltage applied to both ends of the relay 250 and determine whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S490).

[0130] When the relay 250 is in the open state, the processor 210 determines that the relay 250 is normal (S580), and when the relay 250 remains in the closed state, the processor 210 performs the second relay check (S500).

[0131] The processor 210 performs a second relay check and determines again whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S510).

[0132] When the relay 250 is in the open state, the processor 210 determines that the relay 250 operates normally (S580), and when the relay 250 remains in the closed state, the processor 210 performs the second relay repair by braking (S520).

[0133] The processor 210 performs the second relay repair and determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S530).

[0134] When the relay 250 is in the open state, the processor 210 determines that the relay 250 is normal (S580), and when the relay 250 remains in the closed state, the processor 210 performs the third relay repair by braking (S540).

[0135] Since the third relay check is for finally checking the state of the relay 250 , the third relay repair may be performed by braking before performing the third relay check.

[0136] In this case, the processor 210 may be shut down and then awakened before performing the second relay repair.

[0137] After performing the third relay repair, the processor 210 performs a third relay check (S550).

[0138] After performing the third relay check, the processor 210 determines whether the relay 250 is in an open state (S560).

[0139] When the relay 250 is in the open state, the processor 210 determines that the relay 250 operates normally (S580), and when the relay remains in the closed state, the processor 210 finally determines that the relay 250 has a fault (S570).

[0140] Figure 7 A signal flow for checking a relay of a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0141] refer to Figure 7 , the processor 210 receives a signal from a vehicle or device on which the battery pack is installed to control the relay 250 to open the circuit.

[0142] The processor 210 checks whether the relay 250 is in an open state.

[0143] The processor 210 receives the voltage applied to both ends of the relay 250 through the voltage sensor 241 , performs a first relay check, and determines the state of the relay 250 .

[0144] The processor 210 may perform the first relay check for a first time T1.

[0145] The processor 210 performs the first relay repair (braking) for the second time T2 depending on whether the relay 250 is open.

[0146] In addition, the processor 210 may perform the second relay check for a third time T3, and perform the second relay repair for a fourth time T4.

[0147] Meanwhile, before performing the third relay check, the processor 210 may be shut down and awakened.

[0148] Before the processor 210 finally determines the state of the relay 250 , the processor 210 may perform the third relay repair for a fifth time T5 and then perform the third relay check for a sixth time T6 .

[0149] The first time T1, the third time T3, and the fifth time T5 may be set to be different. Although the first time T1 and the third time T3 may be the same, the sixth time T6 may be set to be longer than the first time T1 and the third time T3.

[0150] The second time T2 and the fourth time T4 may be set to be the same. The fifth time T5 may be set to be longer than the second time T2 and the fourth time T4.

[0151] When the relay 250 temporarily fails, the processor 210 repeatedly performs relay checking and relay repairing to control the relay 250 to operate normally.

[0152] Processor 210 may perform relay inspection and relay repair to finally determine the state of relay 250. When the state of relay 250 is determined to be an open state during the first or second relay inspection or relay repair, processor 210 may determine that relay 250 is normal and stop relay inspection and repair.

[0153] Figure 8A signal flow for repairing a relay of a battery pack control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0154] refer to Figure 8 In part (a), the processor 210 may perform the first relay repair for the second time T2 and perform the second relay repair for the fourth time T4.

[0155] When the processor 210 performs the first relay repair and the second relay repair, the processor 210 turns off the relay 250 for the seventh time T11.

[0156] The processor 210 controls the relay 250 to be turned on for the eighth time T12, and then controls the relay 250 to be turned off for the eighth time T12.

[0157] The processor 210 repeatedly turns on and off the operating voltage of the relay 250 a predetermined number of times within the eighth time T12. For example, the processor 210 may repeatedly turn on and off the operating voltage of the relay 250 three to five times.

[0158] When the processor 210 finally turns off the relay 250 , the processor 210 controls the relay 250 to be turned off for the seventh time T11 .

[0159] The processor 210 then measures the voltage across the relay 250 to determine whether the relay 250 is in an open circuit state.

[0160] refer to Figure 8 In part (b), when performing the third relay repair, the processor 210 turns off the relay 250 for the seventh time T11.

[0161] The processor 210 controls the relay 250 to be turned on for the eighth time T12, and controls the relay 250 to be turned off for the eighth time T12.

[0162] The processor 210 repeatedly turns on and off the operating voltage of the relay 250 a predetermined number of times within the eighth time T12. For example, the processor 210 may turn on and off the operating voltage of the relay 250 eight to ten times.

[0163] The processor 210 may relay 250 for a fifth time T5 that is longer than a time of each of the first relay repair and the second relay repair.

[0164] When the processor 210 finally turns off the relay 250 , the processor 210 controls the relay 250 to be turned off for the seventh time T11 .

[0165] The processor 210 then measures the voltage across the relay 250 to ultimately determine whether the relay is in an open circuit state.

[0166] Therefore, even when the relay 250 temporarily fails, the processor 210 may not immediately determine that the relay 250 is faulty, and may perform relay inspection and relay repair a predetermined number of times to repair the relay 250 so that the relay 250 operates normally.

[0167] Therefore, the battery pack control device and method according to the present invention can repair the temporary failure of the relay and increase the life of the battery pack.

[0168] As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to limited specific embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalents of the scope to be described in the following claims.

[0169] The invention described in this specification may be implemented, for example, by a method, a process, a device, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even when the invention is described as being implemented in only a single form (e.g., as a method), the features described may also be implemented in another form (e.g., as a device or program). The device may be implemented using appropriate hardware, software, firmware, etc. For example, the method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device such as a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, and a programmable logic device. The processor includes communication devices such as computers, cellular phones, portable / personal digital assistant (PDA) terminals, and other devices that facilitate information communication between end users.

[0170] In this case, the processor can be implemented as a CPU or a system on chip (SoC), can drive an operating system or application to control multiple hardware or software components connected to the processor, and can perform various data processing and operations. The processor can be configured to run at least one command stored in a memory (not shown) and store the result data of the operation in the memory.

[0171] According to the present invention, even when a failure of a relay is detected, the failure can be accurately diagnosed by checking and repairing the failure of the relay, thereby eliminating a problem caused by a temporary failure.

[0172] According to the present invention, a temporary failure of a relay can be easily repaired by repeatedly turning on and off the operating voltage of the relay.

[0173] According to the present invention, by repeatedly determining the state of the relay based on the current or voltage, the accuracy of the relay diagnosis can be improved.

[0174] According to the present invention, by solving the problem that the battery pack cannot be used due to temporary failure, the life of the battery pack can be increased.

Claims

1. A battery pack control device for repairing a relay failure, comprising: A battery module, including a plurality of battery cells; a relay, through which an output current of the battery module is supplied or blocked; A current sensor, for detecting the output current of the battery module; a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage applied across the relay; as well as A processor controls the relay to be open, and detects a state of the relay based on at least one of the output current detected by the current sensor and the voltage measured by the voltage sensor, and when it is determined that the relay has failed, the processor checks and repairs the relay.

2. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: When the relay is in a closed state, the processor determines that the relay has failed and performs a predetermined number of inspections and repairs on the relay.

3. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor determines whether the relay is in an open state based on either one of the output current and the voltage.

4. The battery pack control device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor checks the state of the relay based on the voltage while the connection device is operating, and checks the state of the relay based on the output current when the connection device is in a stopped state.

5. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor checks the state of the relay based on the output current, and when the state of the relay is determined to be an open state, the processor rechecks the state of the relay based on the voltage.

6. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor determines a state of the relay based on the output current, and when the relay is in a closed state, the processor ultimately determines that the relay is faulty.

7. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor checks a state of the relay based on the voltage, and when the relay is in an open state, the processor determines that the relay is operating normally.

8. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor checks a state of the relay based on the voltage, and when the relay is not in an open circuit state, the processor repairs the relay.

9. The battery pack control device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor repairs the relay by repeatedly turning an operating voltage of the relay on and off a predetermined number of times.

10. The battery pack control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor checks and repairs the relay, first repairs the relay when the state of the relay is determined to be a closed state, and finally checks the relay.

11. The battery pack control device according to claim 10, wherein: The processor finally checks the relay, and when the state of the relay is determined to be a closed state, the processor finally determines that the relay has a fault that is regarded as a permanent fault.

12. A battery pack control method for repairing a relay failure, the method comprising: The processor controls the relay to open in response to the state of the battery module or the request signal; detecting, by the processor, a state of the relay based on at least one of a current and a voltage; When it is determined that the relay has failed, the processor checks and repairs the relay; when it is determined that the relay is operating normally while performing the inspection and repair of the relay, stopping the inspection and repair by the processor; as well as When it is finally determined that the relay is faulty, the processor determines that the relay is permanently faulty.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Detecting the state of the relay includes: While the connection device is operating, the output current of the battery module is detected by the current sensor; When the relay is in a closed state, determining that the relay fails according to the output current; When the relay is in an open circuit state, determining that the relay is operating normally according to the output current; and When the relay fails, it is finally determined that the relay is faulty.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Detecting the state of the relay includes: When the output current is non-zero, determining by the processor that the relay is in a closed state; and When the current is zero, the processor determines that the relay is in an open state.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Detecting the state of the relay includes: When the connected device is in a stopped state, the voltage applied to both ends of the relay is measured by a voltage sensor; comparing voltages applied across the relay; determining, based on a voltage across the relay, that the relay is in a closed state; and The relay is determined to be operating normally when the relay is in an open state based on the voltage across the relay.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Detecting the state of the relay includes: When the voltages at both ends of the relay are the same, the processor determines that the relay is in a closed state; and When the voltages across the relay are different, the processor determines that the relay is in an open circuit state.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Checking and repairing the relay includes: checking a state of the relay in response to the voltage; and Repair the relay according to the inspection results.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Checking and repairing the relay includes: When it is determined that the relay is normal based on the current, rechecking the state of the relay in response to the voltage; and Repair the relay based on the re-inspection results.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Checking and repairing the relay includes repairing the relay by the processor by repeatedly turning an operating voltage of the relay on and off a predetermined number of times.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Checking and repairing the relay also includes: inspecting and repairing the relay a predetermined number of times; When it is determined that the relay is in a closed state, first repairing the relay; and Finally check the relay.

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