High pressure component and method of using same

Abstract

High voltage components and methods of using the same are provided, particularly high voltage (HV) components or traction voltage components for electric, fuel cell or hybrid vehicles and methods of using the same. The HV components may be reconfigured to be included in a centralized HVIL system, or may be reconfigured to be included in a decentralized HVIL system. The HV component includes an internal hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system that includes a signal continuity detection circuit that includes a signal detector and a high voltage connector. A first signal generator of the internal HVIL system is configured to generate a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit and is reconfigurable to be connected to or disconnected from an external HVIL system of the vehicle. A signal communication interface of an HV component may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system and the external HVIL system, and may be configured to allow the first signal generator to be disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to reconfigurable high-voltage components for vehicles that can be interchangeably used in high-voltage or hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) systems of different configurations.

[0002] The present disclosure is applicable to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as generator sets. Background Art

[0003] In systems where current is transmitted through a circuit, such as for example electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, a hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system can be used that provides safety protection for maintenance personnel and any other users of the vehicle from the high voltages that can be present in such systems.

[0004] High-voltage (HV) components (also referred to as traction voltage components) can have physical barriers such as for example covers, locks, access covers, housings, or any type of enclosure that are designed, among other functions, to prevent personnel accessing the HV component from being exposed to high voltage. An internal HVIL system (sometimes also referred to as an HVIL loop) includes a signal detection circuit (e.g., a low-voltage circuit through which a signal circulates) to detect when the continuity or integrity of a signal is interrupted. For example, when the cover of an HV component is opened, the interlock circuit loop of the internal HVIL may be broken, which in turn causes the flow of HV current through the system to stop before access to the HV component is permitted.

[0005] HVIL systems can be implemented in different ways. For example, in a so-called decentralized HVIL system, each HV component of a vehicle relies on an internal current generator and reports a fault in the low-voltage circuit of the internal HVIL system to an external control system. In a so-called centralized HVIL system, each HV component of a vehicle relies on an external current generator of an external HVIL system that is monitored by an external control unit. Thus, HV components can be of a type suitable for a centralized HVIL system. Another type of HV component is for vehicles that deploy a decentralized HVIL system. Thus, applications that employ different HVIL systems require multiple types of HV components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to implementations of a Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system (also referred to as a High Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system). High voltage or traction voltage components according to examples of the present disclosure may be reconfigured to fit a vehicle implementing a centralized HVIL system, where the internal HVIL system of the HV component forms part of the external centralized HVIL system. The HV component may also be reconfigured such that it can be used in a vehicle implementing a decentralized HVIL system, where the internal HVIL system of the HV component does not form part of the external decentralized HVIL system. Thus, the same type of HV component can be used in multiple applications, whether the application deploys a centralized HVIL system or a decentralized HVIL system. In this way, the same hardware components (i.e., HV components according to examples of the present disclosure) can be advantageously used in applications deploying different types of HVIL systems. Additionally, the reconfiguration of the HV component can be reversible, such that in some examples, the HW component can be moved from a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system to a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system. In some examples, the HW component can be moved from a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system to a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system.

[0007] In one aspect, a high voltage component for a vehicle is provided, which includes an internal Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system. The HVIL system includes: a signal continuity detection circuit, the signal continuity detection circuit including a signal detector configured to detect a value of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit; and a high voltage connector, the high voltage connector including a signal path that is interrupted when the continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit is broken. The HVIL system further includes: a first signal generator configured to generate the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit and reconfigurable to be connected to or disconnected from an external HVIL system; and a signal communication interface configurable to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system and the external HVIL system and configurable to allow the first signal generator to be disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit.

[0008] Technical benefits include allowing HV components manufactured and used in a vehicle to fit a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system or a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system. This saves costs and time in production, service, and maintenance.

[0009] In some examples, the signal detector may be configured to connect to an external interlock circuit of the external HVIL system to receive a signal from a second signal generator located in the external interlock circuit.

[0010] In some examples, a high-voltage connector can include a signal connector and a power connector, where the signal connector is configured to disconnect before the power connector.

[0011] In some examples, the high-voltage component includes a fuel cell system.

[0012] In some examples, the signal continuity detection circuit can include at least one additional signal detector. In some examples, the at least one additional signal detector can be configured to detect which one of at least two high-voltage components including the high-voltage component connected to the external HVIL system causes the disruption of the continuity of the signal.

[0013] In some examples, the HV component can include an access component that is configured to cause the continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit to be disrupted when the access component moves from a first configuration to a second configuration. The access component can be, for example, a lid, a protective cover, a housing, a connector, etc.

[0014] In some examples, when the first signal generator is reconfigured to be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit and when the continuity of the signal is disrupted, the internal HVIL system is configured to generate a message and send a message to the vehicle, which notifies the vehicle of the disruption of the continuity of the signal. In some examples, the internal HVIL system is configured to receive an instruction from the vehicle regarding an action in response to the disruption of the continuity of the signal in response to the message.

[0015] In some examples, the high-voltage component can be reconfigured to be included in a centralized HVIL system or can be reconfigured to be included in a decentralized HVIL system.

[0016] In one aspect, there is provided a high-voltage component assembly for a vehicle, the high-voltage component assembly including at least one high-voltage component according to an example of the present disclosure. In some examples, the high-voltage component assembly can include an external HVIL system that includes an external signal continuity detection circuit configured to be electrically coupled to an internal signal continuity detection circuit of each of the at least one high-voltage component.

[0017] In one aspect, there is provided a high-voltage component that can be reconfigured to be included in a centralized HVIL system or can be reconfigured to be included in a decentralized HVIL system.

[0018] In one aspect, there is provided a vehicle that includes at least one high-voltage component according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0019] In one aspect, there is provided a vehicle that includes at least one high-voltage component assembly according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0020] In one aspect, a method for configuring a high-voltage component of a vehicle is provided, the method including configuring the high-voltage component such that a first signal generator of an internal Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system of the high-voltage component is connected to a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, wherein the first signal generator is configured to generate a signal for the signal continuity detection circuit, wherein the first signal generator is reconfigurable to be inoperative and disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit, and wherein the signal continuity detection circuit includes a high-voltage connector that enables a signal detector to detect when the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is disrupted.

[0021] In some examples, the method further includes removing the high-voltage component from the vehicle and installing the high-voltage component on another vehicle, which includes reconfiguring the first signal generator to be inoperative and disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit; and connecting the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system to an external HVIL system such that the signal continuity detection circuit receives a signal from a second signal generator of the external HVIL system.

[0022] In one aspect, a method for configuring a high-voltage component of a vehicle is provided, the method including: configuring the high-voltage component such that a first signal generator of an internal Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system of the high-voltage component is disconnected from and inoperative with a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, wherein the first signal generator is reconfigurable to be connectable to the signal continuity detection circuit, and wherein the signal continuity detection circuit includes a high-voltage connector that enables a signal detector to detect when the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is disrupted; and connecting the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system to an external HVIL system such that the signal continuity detection circuit receives a signal from a second signal generator of the external HVIL system.

[0023] In some examples, the method further includes removing the high-voltage component from the vehicle and installing the high-voltage component on another vehicle, which includes reconfiguring the first signal generator of the internal HVIL system to be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit such that the first signal generator is operative and generates a signal for the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system.

[0024] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following specification, claims, and drawings. Additionally, additional advantages will be apparent to or recognized by those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure or through practice of the disclosure as described herein. Also disclosed herein are control units, computer program products, and computer-readable media associated with the technical effects and corresponding advantages discussed above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Aspects of the present disclosure, which are cited as examples, will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1A A side view of an example of a vehicle employing a centralized HVIL system is shown.

[0027] Figure 1B A side view of an example of a vehicle employing a decentralized HVIL system is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A block diagram showing an example of a vehicle including HV components for a centralized HVIL system known in the art is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A block diagram showing an example of a vehicle including HV components for a decentralized HVIL system known in the art is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A block diagram showing an example of a vehicle including HV components reconfigured for use in a centralized HVIL system according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A block diagram showing an example of HV components reconfigured for use in a decentralized HVIL system according to an example of the present disclosure Figure 4 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Vehicles (such as, for example, fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, or hybrid vehicles) include a plurality of traction voltage components, which may also be interchangeably referred to herein as high voltage (HV) or traction voltage components. Vehicles with HV components typically employ a Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system, which provides safety functions to protect personnel during the assembly, repair, maintenance, and operation of the vehicle. The HVIL system includes a low voltage loop or circuit that monitors the HV components such that if the low voltage HVIL signal on the low voltage circuit is interrupted, this indicates a problem with the high voltage system of one or more HV components.

[0033] As used herein, a high voltage (HV) component refers to an electrical component or circuit that can operate within a voltage range of > 60 V and ≤ 1500 V DC or within a voltage range of > 30 V and ≤ 1000 V AC root mean square (rms). A high voltage component can be a component classified as a voltage class "B" component according to ISO 6469-3. Non-limiting examples of HV components include a fuel cell system (FCS), a motor, a junction box, an inverter, and any other type of component in a vehicle that can operate within the defined voltage ranges. As used herein, low voltage refers to a voltage below 60 V DC and below 30 V AC.

[0034] When attempting to access an HV component, for example, opening its protective cover or lid, or unplugging a connector such as a plug to disconnect the HV component from the vehicle, the continuity or integrity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system may be disrupted, indicating a need to interrupt the traction voltage to the HV component. When the lid or protective cover of the HV component is open, there is a risk of personnel coming into contact with hazardous voltage. In some cases, during the repair or maintenance of an HV component, when unplugging the connector of the HV component, an arc effect, such as a large flash, may occur, which may startle personnel such as maintenance personnel. When personnel are working above ground, this can be dangerous, such as having a risk of falling. There is also a risk of burns since the temperature of the high-voltage connector may become high enough. Additionally, an arc is hot, and the heat from the arc (i.e., the air gap) can burn a person's skin.

[0035] Accordingly, the internal HVIL system of the HV component and, in some implementations, the external HVIL system of the vehicle are designed to reduce the risk of arc effects in addition to preventing premature access to the HV component (i.e., before power is interrupted).

[0036] Accordingly, aspects of examples of the present disclosure provide a traction voltage or an HV component that can be reconfigured to be included in a centralized HVIL system or reconfigured to be included in a decentralized HVIL system. In some examples, the reconfiguration of the HV component can be reversible such that the HV component can be removed from a vehicle having a centralized HVIL system to a vehicle having a decentralized HVIL system.

[0037] Figure 1A A side view of a vehicle 10 in which examples of the present disclosure may be implemented is depicted. The vehicle 10 is shown as a truck, such as a heavy-duty truck for towing one or more trailers (not shown). The vehicle 10 can be an electric vehicle, such as a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) or a hybrid vehicle. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any other particular type of vehicle, but can be used for any other type of vehicle, such as a bus, construction equipment, e.g., a wheel loader or an excavator, a passenger vehicle, an aircraft, and a marine vessel. The present disclosure is also applicable to other applications unrelated to vehicles, including stationary applications.

[0038] Figure 1ASchematically shows an example of a vehicle 10 including a centralized HVIL system, the centralized HVIL system including first, second, and third HV components 20, 30, 40. The internal HVIL system of each of the first, second, and third components 20, 30, 40 is part of the vehicle's external HVIL system (e.g., the centralized HVIL system), such that due to the design nature of the centralized HVIL system, the vehicle controller 50 (e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU)) is aware of faults on each of the internal HVIL systems of the HV components.

[0039] Figure 1B Schematically shows an example of a vehicle 10a, which may be similar to Figure 1A vehicle 10, but which includes a decentralized HVIL system that includes first, second, and third HV components 20a, 30a, 40a. The internal HVIL system of each of the first, second, and third components 20a, 30a, 40a conveys faults on the internal HVIL system to the vehicle controller 50a (e.g., ECU).

[0040] Figure 2 Shows in more detail an example of a vehicle 100 employing a centralized HVIL system, where Figure 2 vehicle 100 may be similar to, for example, vehicle 10 of FIG. 1. As Figure 2 shown, vehicle 100 includes an HV component 200 that communicates with the ECU 202 (also referred to as the main ECU) of vehicle 100. In some examples, vehicle 100 may be a fuel cell vehicle, and the HV component 200 may be a fuel cell system (FCS), a motor, a battery, an inverter, an adapter, or any other HV component. In some examples, the HV component 200 includes an FCS.

[0041] As Figure 2 shown, the HV component 200 includes an internal HVIL system 204, which may be considered part of the external HVIL system 206 of vehicle 100. The internal HVIL system 204 includes a signal continuity detection circuit 208 in the form of an interlock circuit loop. The signal continuity detection circuit 208 includes: a signal detector 210 configured to detect the value of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit 208; a high-voltage connector 212 including a signal path that is interrupted when the continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit is broken; and a signal communication interface 214. The signal communication interface 214 may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit 208 of the internal HVIL system 204 and the external HVIL system 206.

[0042] The HV component 200 may optionally include at least one additional signal detector, such as shown as the first and second additional signal detectors 216, 218, which are configured to detect which of the HV components connected to the HVIL system causes a disruption in signal continuity.

[0043] In Figure 2 the centralized HVIL system shown, the signal continuity detection circuit 208 of the internal HVIL system 204 of the HV component 200 uses a signal, such as current or voltage, generated by a signal generator 220 external to the HV component 200. The signal generator 220 is configured to generate a signal that is pushed through the signal continuity detection circuit 208. The signal generator 220 is shown as part of the main ECU 202 for illustrative purposes only to show that in a centralized HVIL system, the signal generator that generates the signal for the internal HVIL system of the HV component is located external to the HV component. The signal generated by the signal generator 220 cycles through the signal continuity detection circuit 208 configured as an interlock loop circuit, and an interruption in the continuity of the signal through the loop is detected as an interruption or disruption or fault on the signal continuity detection circuit 208. This in turn indicates that the high-voltage connector 212 is disconnected, loose, or damaged. This is detected as a signal drop by both the signal detector 210 of the HV component 200 and the second signal detector 222 of the external HVIL system 206.

[0044] The external HVIL system 206 is referred to as a centralized HVIL system because it is electrically connected to the internal HVIL systems of one or more (usually multiple) HV components of the vehicle. The external HVIL system 206 and the internal HVIL systems of the HV components together form a common centralized system that knows the status of the signal continuity detection circuits of the respective HV components. Thus, referring Figure 2 , the ECU 202 will detect a fault on the signal continuity detection circuit 208 of the HV component 200 and will immediately (i.e., in real time or near real time) provide an instruction, signal, or command to the HV component 200 regarding, for example, disconnecting the HV component 200 from the high-voltage power.

[0045] The high-voltage connector 212 is configured to electrically and physically couple or mate the HV component 200 to an external, for example, a suitable component of the vehicle 100. Although Figure 2 not shown in, as is well known in the art, the high-voltage connector 212 may include, may be included in, or may be associated with an access point or component, such as, for example, a housing, a cover, a lid, a shell, or any enclosure that is movable to allow access to the HV component. An opening or other change in the configuration of the access point or component may cause the high-voltage connector 212 to detect a disruption in the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit 208.

[0046] Figure 3 An example of a so-called decentralized HVIL system 306 is shown, where the internal HVIL system of the HV component does not form part of the external vehicle HVIL system. In this implementation, the signal generator of the internal HVIL system of the HV component is located inside the HV component. When a disruption in the continuity of a signal transmitted through the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system of the HV component is detected (e.g., as a fault), information or a message about the disruption is transmitted to the vehicle, e.g., to the main ECU. In response, the main ECU notifies the HV component to shut off the high voltage or otherwise respond to the fault.

[0047] Therefore, Figure 3 A vehicle 101 including an HV component 300 is shown, and the HV component 300 includes a signal continuity detection circuit 308 of an internal HVIL system 304. The signal continuity detection circuit 308 includes a signal detector 310, a high-voltage connector 312, and a signal generator 315 that generates signals for the signal continuity detection circuit 308. Therefore, the signal continuity detection circuit 308 relies on the signal generator 315 located inside the HV component 300.

[0048] The HV component 300 can send an indication or message 330 about a fault on the signal continuity detection circuit 308 to the main ECU 302 of the vehicle 101. In response to the message 330, the HV component 300 can receive an instruction 332 from the main ECU 302 regarding whether to disconnect the high-power voltage from the HV component 300.

[0049] The HV component 300 includes a signal communication interface 314 (e.g., a low-voltage communication interface in some examples), which is configured to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit 308 of the internal HVIL system 304 and the external HVIL system. The signal communication interface 314 includes a communication channel (not shown), configured to allow the high-voltage connector 312 to notify the vehicle of a fault on the signal continuity detection circuit 308. The communication channel can be or can include, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

[0050] Typically, HV components suitable for a centralized HVIL system and those suitable for a decentralized HVIL system have different configurations. Thus, currently, manufacturers of HV components need to manufacture HV components with at least two different and unchangeable configurations for vehicles equipped with a centralized HVIL system and a decentralized HVIL system respectively. This increases production time and cost. Accordingly, examples of the present disclosure provide reconfigurable or modular HV components to fit either a centralized HVIL system or a decentralized HVIL system of a vehicle on which the HV components are installed. In this way, it is not necessary to generate different types of the same HV components to fit a centralized HVIL system and a decentralized HVIL system, because the same HV components can be interchangeably used in either of the HVIL systems. Additionally, in some implementations, an HV component can be moved from a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system to a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system, and vice versa.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows an HV device or component 400 according to an example of the present disclosure, which is reconfigurable to be installed on a centralized HVIL system or a decentralized HVIL system of a vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example Figure 1A and Figure 1B any of the vehicles shown. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or another type of vehicle. Figure 4 shows that the HV component 400 can be reconfigured to be installed on a vehicle 102 equipped with a centralized HVIL system, while Figure 5 shows that the same HV component 400 can be reconfigured to be installed on a vehicle 103 equipped with a decentralized HVIL system. Figure 4 and Figure 5 depict lines representing wires or conductors, showing internal and external signal continuity detection circuits, while power connections are not shown.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, the HV component 400 includes an internal HVIL system 404, which includes a signal continuity detection circuit 408. The signal continuity detection circuit 408 includes a signal detector 410, a high-voltage connector 412, and a signal communication interface 414. The HVIL system 400 includes a first signal generator 425. The signal detector 410 is configured to detect the value of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit. The high-voltage connector 412 includes a signal path that is interrupted when the continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit 408 is disrupted. The first signal generator 425 is configured to generate a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit 408 and is reconfigurable to be connected to or disconnected from an external HVIL system. In Figure 4In the example, the external HVIL system 406 of the vehicle 102 is a centralized HVIL system, and the signal continuity detection circuit 408 forms part of the external HVIL system 406.

[0053] The signal communication interface 414 can be configured to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit 408 of the internal HVIL system 404 and the external HVIL system 406, and can be configured to allow the first signal generator 425 to be disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit 408. Thus, as Figure 4 shown, although the first signal generator 425 is present in the HV component 400, it is disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit 408. More specifically, the first signal generator 425 is shown locked in the loop circuit 426, where the connections to and from the first signal generator 425 are, for example, shorted, as schematically shown by the dashed line 427. This can help eliminate possible internal fault codes.

[0054] The HV component 400 can be configured such that in use, the loop circuit 426 including the first signal generator 425 can be allowed to be shorted or closed through the signal communication interface 414, which can be configured to provide access to the wiring extending from the first signal generator 425. In this way, the first signal generator 425 is reconfigured to be inoperative in the HV component 400, which allows the HV component 400 to be used in the vehicle 102 with a centralized HVIL system that includes a signal generator (referred to herein as the second signal generator 420).

[0055] The main ECU of vehicle 102 or vehicle ECU 402 is configured to control the internal components of vehicle 102, including HV component 400. In some examples, ECU 402 may be referred to as a traction voltage monitoring unit. ECU 402 may be or may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a circuit having processing components, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The processor may be or may include any number of hardware components for performing data or signal processing or executing computer code stored in a memory. The memory may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code for performing or implementing the various methods described herein. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of information structures for supporting the various activities of the present disclosure. According to an example, any distributed or local memory device may be used with the systems and methods of the present disclosure. According to an example, the memory (e.g., via a circuit or other wired, wireless, or network connection) is communicatively coupled to the processor and includes computer code for performing one or more of the processes described herein. ECU 402 may be included in a controller or control system of vehicle 102 that includes various other components.

[0056] In Figure 4 an example, the signal detector 422 of the main ECU 402 may be configured to connect to an external interlock circuit of an external HVIL system 406 to receive a signal from a second signal generator 420 located in the external interlock circuit. The external HVIL system 406 of vehicle 102 is partially shown schematically as a dashed line in Figure 4 which also represents the external interlock circuit of the external HVIL system 406. The external interlock circuit of the external HVIL system 406 may be interchangeably referred to as an external signal continuity detection circuit. It should be noted that other HV components may be associated with the external HVIL system 406 in a manner similar to that of HV component 400, such that the internal HVIL systems of other HV components rely on the signal generated by the second signal generator 420. The external HVIL system 406 includes a second signal detector 422 configured to detect an interruption in the continuity of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit 408. The second signal detector 422 helps to detect a fault on the signal continuity detection circuit 408 immediately or almost immediately through the external HVIL system 406.

[0057] The high-voltage connector 412 may include a signal connector and a power connector (not shown), where the signal connector is configured to disconnect or become disconnected before the power connector disconnects or becomes disconnected. In other words, the signal connector (e.g., signal pins or terminals) may be configured to detect a disconnection in the high-voltage connector 412 before the power connector (e.g., power contacts) detects a disconnection. This may be achieved, for example, by adjusting the lengths of the power contacts of the power connector and the signal pins or guide contacts of the signal connector. For example, the high-voltage connector 412 may be configured such that the signal pins that carry signals may be shorter than the power contacts of the power connector, so that when the high-voltage connector 412 disconnects, the power contacts separate after the guide contacts separate.

[0058] In some examples, the high-voltage connector 412 may be referred to as an interface for the vehicle's traction voltage (class B voltage). The high-voltage connector 412 may include male and female physical connectors that reversibly mate to close or open the interlock loop of the signal continuity detection circuit 408. In Figure 4 this, the lines representing the wiring connected to the high-voltage connector 412 represent the connections to the signal pins inside the high-voltage connector 412.

[0059] In some examples, as Figure 4 shown, the signal continuity detection circuit 408 of the high-voltage component 400 includes at least one additional signal detector, shown as first and second additional signal detectors 416, 418. The at least one additional signal detector 416, 418 is configured to detect which one of at least two high-voltage components (including the HV component 400) connected to the external HVIL system 406 causes a disruption in signal continuity. The additional signal detectors 416, 418 may be, for example, voltage detectors. It should be understood that in a centralized configuration or system, the HV component 400 may be included in an interlock circuit loop including multiple HV components, and such a circuit or loop may include multiple additional signal detectors. When a disruption in signal continuity is detected in the circuit or loop, the additional signal detectors allow determination of which HV component caused the disruption.

[0060] In some examples, the high-voltage component 400 includes or is associated with an access component 413 that is configured to cause a disruption in the continuity of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit 408 when the access component 413 is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The access component 413 can be, for example, a lid, a protective cover, a housing, or any other type of enclosure that prevents and controls access to the high-voltage component 400. The access component 413 can be moved from a first configuration (e.g., a closed configuration) to a second configuration (e.g., an open or at least partially open configuration), which can cause a disruption in the signal continuity in the signal continuity detection circuit 408. As an example, the access component 413 (e.g., a lid or cover) can be configured to prevent access to a hazardous voltage, and the lid can include a signal switch or another suitable component that is configured to disconnect the interlock circuit loop of the signal continuity detection circuit 408 when the lid is opened. The signal switch can be a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, or another suitable type of switch. Regardless of its specific configuration, the switch or another similar feature can be configured to disconnect, open, or interrupt the interlock circuit loop of the signal continuity detection circuit 408 when the lid is opened. The access component 413 can have any suitable configuration, and the HV component 400 can be enclosed within the access component 413, at least partially covered by the access component 413, or otherwise associated with the access component 413, which prevents premature access to the HV component 400 and the high-voltage power that can be transmitted through the component 400.

[0061] In Figure 4 examples, the first signal generator 425 is reconfigured to be disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit 408 to allow the configuration of the HV component 400 to be suitable for the centralized HVIL system 406 of the vehicle 102.

[0062] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the first signal generator 425 can be reconfigured to be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit, which allows the first signal generator 425 to be interchangeably used in vehicles that deploy a decentralized type of HVIL system. Figure 5 An example of a vehicle 103 is shown that includes a reconfigured HV component 400, i.e., its first signal generator 425 is reconfigured to be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit 408. The vehicle 103 includes a decentralized HVIL system 506, similar to Figure 3 the decentralized HVIL system 306. Details of the implementation of the HV component 400 are not repeated in conjunction with Figure 5 the description.

[0063] As Figure 5Illustratively, the first signal generator 425 can be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit 408 by allowing, for example, the connection of the wire 529 shown by the dashed line. For example, in some implementations, before the first signal generator 425 is installed on a vehicle (such as vehicle 103, for example) having a decentralized HVIL system, the circuit loop including the first signal generator 425 will be disconnected at an interface (such as the signal communication interface 414). The wire 529 will need to be connected by, for example, the manufacturer of the vehicle 103 to close the loop in the configuration as Figure 5 shown. In some examples, the wire 529 can be shorted on the vehicle, which can help eliminate possible internal fault codes.

[0064] In Figure 5 the example of, when the continuity of the signal is disrupted, the internal HVIL system 404 is configured to generate a message 530 and send the message 530 to the vehicle 103 (such as, for example, the main ECU 502), and the message 530 notifies the vehicle 103 of the disruption of the signal continuity. As Figure 5 shown, the vehicle 103 sends an instruction 532 to the HV component 400 in response to the message 530, where the instruction 532 can instruct the HV component 500 to turn off the power supplied to the HV component 500 (such as, for example, high power or high voltage current). The main ECU 502 can include at least one processor and a memory, and the memory includes computer-executable instructions executable by the at least one processor. The ECU 502 can be or can include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a circuit having processing components, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The ECU 502 can be included in a controller or control system of the vehicle 102 including various other components.

[0065] Thus, in the examples herein, the high-voltage components can be reconfigured to be included in a centralized HVIL system or can be reconfigured to be included in a decentralized HVIL system. This advantageously allows for the manufacture of modular, reconfigurable high-voltage or traction voltage devices or components, which can be used in vehicles having a centralized HVIL system or vehicles having a decentralized HVIL system. Thus, the need for at least two types of manufacturing each HV vehicle component can be eliminated, which reduces manufacturing time and cost. In addition, the reconfigurable HV components can be easier to install, maintain, and repair, which further improves the vehicle manufacturing and maintenance processes.

[0066] In some aspects, examples of the present disclosure provide a high-voltage (HV) component assembly for a vehicle, the high-voltage component assembly including at least one high-voltage (HV) component configured according to examples of the present disclosure. The high-voltage component assembly can include one or more HV components.

[0067] In some examples, the HV assembly can include an external Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) system that includes an external signal continuity detection circuit configured to be electrically coupled to an internal signal continuity detection circuit of each of at least one HV component. Figure 2 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 1A illustrates an example of a vehicle that can include such an HV assembly.

[0068] In some aspects, examples of the present disclosure provide a vehicle that includes at least one HV component configured according to examples of the present disclosure. The vehicle can be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 any of the vehicles shown in, as well as any other vehicle configured to include an HVIL system configured to monitor the integrity of high-power or high-voltage systems in the vehicle.

[0069] In some aspects, examples of the present disclosure provide a vehicle that includes an HV component assembly according to examples of the present disclosure. The vehicle can be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 any of the vehicles shown in, as well as any other vehicle configured to include an HVIL system configured to monitor the integrity of high-power or high-voltage systems in the vehicle.

[0070] In some aspects, examples of the present disclosure provide a method for configuring high-voltage components of a vehicle. Figure 1B and Figure 5 illustrates a non-limiting example of a vehicle that includes a decentralized HVIL system. The method includes configuring the HV component such that a first signal generator of an internal HVIL system of the HV component is connected to a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, wherein the first signal generator is configured to generate a signal for the signal continuity detection circuit, wherein the first signal generator is reconfigurable to be inoperative and disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit, and wherein the signal continuity detection circuit includes an HV connector that enables a signal detector to detect when the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is broken.

[0071] In some examples, the method further includes removing a high-voltage component from a vehicle and installing the high-voltage component on another vehicle, which includes reconfiguring a first signal generator of an internal HVIL system to be inoperative and disconnecting it from a signal continuity detection circuit; and connecting the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system to an external HVIL system such that the signal continuity detection circuit receives a signal from a second signal generator of the external HVIL system. In this way, the HV component can be moved from a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system to a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system.

[0072] In some aspects, examples of the present disclosure provide another method for configuring a high-voltage component of a vehicle. Figure 1A and Figure 4 A non-limiting example of a vehicle is shown, where the vehicle includes a centralized HVIL system. The method includes: configuring an HV component such that a first signal generator of an internal HVIL system of the HV component is disconnected from and inoperative with a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, where the first signal generator is reconfigurable to be connectable to the signal continuity detection circuit, and where the signal continuity detection circuit includes a high-voltage connector that enables a signal detector to detect when the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is broken; and connecting the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system to an external HVIL system such that the signal continuity detection circuit receives a signal from a second signal generator of the external HVIL system.

[0073] In some examples, the method further includes removing a high-voltage component from a vehicle and installing the high-voltage component on another vehicle, which includes reconfiguring the first signal generator of the internal HVIL system to connect to the signal continuity detection circuit such that the first signal generator is operative and generates a signal for the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system. In this way, the HV component can be moved from a vehicle with a centralized HVIL system to a vehicle with a decentralized HVIL system.

[0074] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0075] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element.

[0076] Relative terms such as "below" or "above", or "upper" or "lower", or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms, as well as those discussed above, are also intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that unless explicitly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0078] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the drawings and the specification, various aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for purposes of limitation, and the scope of the inventive concept is set forth in the claims above.

Claims

1. A high voltage component (400) for a vehicle (102, 103), comprising: An internal hazardous voltage interlock circuit HVIL system (404) comprising: A signal continuity detection circuit (408) comprising: a signal detector (410) configured to detect a value of a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit; and a high voltage connector (412) comprising a signal path which is interrupted when continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit is broken; and a first signal generator (425) configured to generate a signal in the signal continuity detection circuit and reconfigurable to connect to or disconnect from an external HVIL system; and A signal communication interface (414) is configurable to provide an electrical connection between the signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system and the external HVIL system, and is configurable to allow the first signal generator to be disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit. 2 . The high voltage component according to claim 1 , wherein the signal detector is configured to be connected to an external interlock circuit of the external HVIL system to receive a signal from a second signal generator located in the external interlock circuit. 3 . The high voltage component according to claim 1 , wherein the high voltage connector comprises a signal connector and a power connector, wherein the signal connector is configured to be disconnected before the power connector is disconnected.

4. The high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the high voltage component comprises a fuel cell system.

5. The high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal continuity detection circuit comprises at least one additional signal detector (416, 418).

6. A high-voltage component according to claim 5, wherein the at least one additional signal detector (416, 418) is configured to detect which of the at least two high-voltage components including the high-voltage component connected to the external HVIL system causes the disruption of the continuity of the signal.

7. The high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an access component configured to cause the continuity of the signal in the signal continuity detection circuit to be destroyed when the access component moves from a first configuration to a second configuration.

8. A high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the first signal generator is reconfigured to be connected to the signal continuity detection circuit, and when the continuity of the signal is disrupted, the internal HVIL system is configured to generate a message and send the message to the vehicle, the message notifying the vehicle of the disruption of the continuity of the signal.

9. The high voltage component of claim 8, wherein the internal HVIL system is configured to receive instructions from the vehicle in response to the message regarding an action in response to the disruption of the continuity of the signal.

10. The high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the high voltage component is reconfigurable to be included in a centralized HVIL system, or is reconfigurable to be included in a decentralized HVIL system.

11. A high-voltage component assembly for a vehicle, comprising at least one high-voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A high-voltage component assembly according to claim 11, comprising an external hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system, the HVIL system comprising an external signal continuity detection circuit, the external signal continuity detection circuit being configured to be electrically coupled to the internal signal continuity detection circuit of each of the at least one high-voltage component.

13. A vehicle comprising at least one high voltage component according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A vehicle comprising a high voltage component assembly according to claim 11 or 12.

15. A method for configuring a high voltage component of a vehicle, the method comprising: The high voltage component is configured so that a first signal generator of an internal hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system of the high voltage component is connected to a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, wherein the first signal generator is configured to generate a signal for the signal continuity detection circuit, wherein the first signal generator can be reconfigured to be inoperative and disconnected from the signal continuity detection circuit, and wherein the signal continuity detection circuit includes a high voltage connector, which enables a signal detector to detect when the continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is broken.

16. A method for configuring a high voltage component of a vehicle, the method comprising: Configuring the high voltage component so that a first signal generator of an internal hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system of the high voltage component is disconnected from and inoperative a signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system, wherein the first signal generator is reconfigurable to be connectable to the signal continuity detection circuit, and wherein the signal continuity detection circuit includes a high voltage connector that enables a signal detector to detect when continuity of the signal continuity detection circuit is broken; and The signal continuity detection circuit of the internal HVIL system is connected to an external HVIL system such that the signal continuity detection circuit receives the signal from the second signal generator of the external HVIL system.

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