Method and apparatus for protecting pre-charge resistor provided in battery pack

Abstract

A method and apparatus for protecting a pre-charge resistor disposed in a battery pack are provided, the method including: attempting to perform a first charge attempt on a pre-charge capacitor, a pre-charge capacitor electrically connected to both ends of a battery module provided in the battery pack and charged by receiving a pre-charge current from the battery module; based on a result of performing the first charging attempt on the pre-charging capacitor, adding a predetermined deduction point to the sum of the deduction points; determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state based on the sum of the deduction points; and preventing a second charge attempt to the pre-charge capacitor for a predetermined time if the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0004860, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 11, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for protecting a pre-charge resistor provided in a battery pack. Background Art

[0003] 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 smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders), and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power supply batteries for motor drives and power storage batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly including a negative electrode and a positive electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment relates to a method for protecting a pre-charge resistor provided in a battery pack, the method including: attempting a first charge attempt on a pre-charge capacitor electrically connected to both ends of a battery module provided in the battery pack and charged by receiving a pre-charge current from the battery module; based on the result of the first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, adding a predetermined deduction point to the total sum of the added deduction points; determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state based on the total sum of the added deduction points; and if the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, preventing a second charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor within a predetermined time.

[0005] The embodiment may include: the first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor includes allowing a pre-charge current to flow through a pre-charge path by closing a pre-charge relay, the pre-charge relay being serially provided on the pre-charge path with the pre-charge resistor, and the pre-charge path being electrically connected to one end of the battery module and one end of the pre-charge capacitor.

[0006] The embodiment may include: determining whether the pre-charge resistor may be in a limit state based on the total sum of the added deduction points, the step including: if the pre-charge capacitor is charged for a preset normal time and a successful attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, adding a first predetermined point number to the total sum of the added deduction points.

[0007] Embodiments may include: determining whether a precharge resistor may be in a limit state based on a total sum of penalty points including: if an attempt to cancel the charging of a precharge capacitor occurs, adding a second predetermined number of points to the total sum of penalty points.

[0008] Embodiments may include: determining whether a precharge resistor is in a limit state based on a total sum of penalty points, the step including: for each failure whenever a precharge fails by classifying a situation where a failed attempt to charge a precharge capacitor occurs into three cases, adding a third predetermined number of points, a fourth predetermined number of points, or a fifth predetermined number of points, the first case being that the precharge is performed for a longer time than a predetermined time, which may cause the third predetermined number of points to be added to the total sum of penalty points, the second case being that the precharge is performed for a shorter time than a predetermined time, which may cause the fourth predetermined number of points to be added to the total sum of penalty points, and the third case being that the precharge path is short-circuited, which may cause the fifth predetermined number of points to be added to the total sum of penalty points.

[0009] Embodiments may include: determining whether a precharge resistor is in a limit state including: if both a failed re-attempt to charge a precharge capacitor occurs and the total sum of penalty points satisfies a threshold level after a failure to charge the precharge capacitor, determining that the precharge resistor may be in a limit state.

[0010] Embodiments may include: the step of preventing a second charging attempt of a precharge capacitor including: if the precharge resistor is in a limit state, operating a penalty timer for a predetermined time; and preventing a precharge relay from closing while the penalty timer is operating.

[0011] Embodiments may include: the step of preventing a second charging attempt of a precharge capacitor including: if there is remaining time in the penalty timer due to the penalty timer being turned off before the expiration of the timing, storing the remaining time in the penalty timer; and in the next cycle when the penalty timer is awakened, operating the penalty timer for the remaining time to prevent the precharge relay from closing while the penalty timer is operating.

[0012] Embodiments may include: if the total sum of penalty points does not satisfy a threshold level, the processor allows a re-attempt of precharging only after a predetermined re-attempt time has elapsed.

[0013] Embodiments may include: the predetermined re-attempt time is 300 ms.

[0014] The embodiment relates to a device for protecting a pre-charge resistor provided in a battery pack, the device comprising: a pre-charge capacitor electrically connected to both ends of a battery module provided in the battery pack and charged by receiving a pre-charge current from the battery module; and a processor that attempts a first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, adds a predetermined deduction point to the total sum of the added deduction points based on the result of the first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, determines whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state, and if the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state, prevents a second charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor within a predetermined time based on the total sum of the added deduction points.

[0015] The embodiment may include: a pre-charge relay serially provided on a pre-charge path electrically connected to one end of the battery module and one end of the pre-charge capacitor, wherein the processor closes the pre-charge relay to allow the pre-charge current to flow through the pre-charge path.

[0016] The embodiment may include: if the pre-charge capacitor is charged for a preset normal time and a successful attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, the processor adds a first predetermined point to the total sum of the added deduction points.

[0017] The embodiment may include: if a cancelled attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, the processor adds a second predetermined point to the total sum of the added deduction points.

[0018] The embodiment may include: the processor classifies the situation of a failed attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor into three cases and adds a third predetermined point, a fourth predetermined point or a fifth predetermined point to the total sum of the added deduction points for each failure whenever the pre-charge fails. The first case is that the pre-charge is performed for a longer time than the predetermined time, which may cause the third predetermined point to be added to the total sum of the added deduction points. The second case is that the pre-charge is performed for a shorter time than the predetermined time, which may cause the fourth predetermined point to be added to the total sum of the added deduction points. And the third case is that the pre-charge path is short-circuited, which may cause the fifth predetermined point to be added to the total sum of the added deduction points.

[0019] The embodiment may include: the processor determines whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state, and the determination may include a failed re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor and the total sum of the added deduction points meeting a threshold level after the failed re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor.

[0020] The embodiment may include: the processor: if the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state, operates a deduction timer for a predetermined time and prevents the pre-charge relay from closing while the deduction timer is operating.

[0021] An embodiment may include: a processor that stores any remaining time due to the shutdown of the deduction timer before the timer expires in the deduction timer, operates the deduction timer for the remaining time in the next cycle when the deduction timer is awakened, and prevents the pre-charge relay from closing while the deduction timer is operating.

[0022] An embodiment may include: if the total sum of the deducted points does not meet the threshold level, the processor allows a re-attempt of pre-charging only after a predetermined re-attempt time has elapsed.

[0023] An embodiment may include: the predetermined re-attempt time is 300 ms. Description of the Drawings

[0024] By describing the exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, the features will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example device for protecting a pre-charge resistor that includes a positive main relay, a negative main relay, and a pre-charge relay between a processor and a battery pack voltage; Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example method for protecting a pre-charge resistor by applying a counter and a deduction timer to pre-charge attempts; Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the steps in an example method of applying a deduction timer; Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method for protecting a pre-charge resistor by activating a diagnostic trouble code during the deduction timer; Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method for protecting a pre-charge resistor by activating a diagnostic trouble code during the deduction timer, including pausing the deduction timer during the shutdown time. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0025] The example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the drawings; however, the example embodiments may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings, in order to clearly show, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, the layer or element may be directly on the said another layer or substrate, or there may also be intermediate layers. In addition, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "under" another layer, the layer may be directly under the said another layer, or there may also be one or more intermediate layers. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, the layer may be the only layer between the two layers, or there may also be one or more intermediate layers. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In this regard, the embodiments given may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain aspects of the present specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, rather than modifying a single element in the list.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed in a conventional or dictionary sense, and the inventor appropriately describes the concepts of the terms in the embodiments in the best way. Based on the principle that terms and words can be defined, the terms and words should be construed as having meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only the most desired embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirits of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted at the time of filing this application. Additionally, if terms such as "comprising", "including" and / or their variants are used herein, these terms state the presence of the recited forms, quantities, steps, movements, components, elements and / or groups thereof, and these terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more different forms, quantities, actions, components, elements and / or groups. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, "~ may be", "~ can be" may include "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0029] In addition, to assist in understanding the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not shown according to actual scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same elements in different embodiments.

[0030] Referring to two comparisons, "same" means "substantially the same". Therefore, substantially the same can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., within 5%). Additionally, the uniform parameter in a certain area can mean being uniform from an average perspective.

[0031] Although terms such as first and second are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, and unless there is a particularly contrary description, the first element can also be the second element.

[0032] Throughout the specification, unless there is a particularly contrary description, each element can be single or multiple.

[0033] When any element is disposed "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" another element, this is not only when the any element is disposed near the upper surface (or lower surface) of the other element, but also when other elements are placed between the other element and the any element disposed on (or under) the other element.

[0034] Furthermore, if an element is "connected", "coupled" or "linked" to other elements, it should be understood that this is not only the case where these elements are directly connected or directly linked to each other, but also the case where other elements are "placed" between the elements or each element can also be "connected", "coupled" or "linked" to each other through another element. Additionally, if a part is electrically connected to other parts, this is not only the case where the part is directly connected to other parts, but also the case where other elements are interposed between them.

[0035] Throughout the specification, when referred to as "A and / or B", unless there is a particularly contrary description, this means A, B or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes all combinations or any combination of the listed multiple items. When referred to as "C to D", unless there is a particularly contrary description, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing an example device for protecting a pre - charge resistor including a positive main relay, a negative main relay, and a pre - charge relay between a processor and a battery pack voltage. Refer to Figure 1, a device for protecting a pre-charge resistor can be provided in a battery pack. The device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can include a battery module V, a pre-charge resistor 350, a pre-charge capacitor 50, and a processor 30. The device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can include a pre-charge relay 300, a positive main relay 100, and a negative main relay 200. The device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can include relay drivers 310, 320 for controlling the pre-charge relay 300, relay drivers 110, 120 for controlling the positive main relay 100, and relay drivers 210, 220 for controlling the negative main relay 200.

[0037] An exemplary battery pack can include at least one battery module V and a pack housing having a receiving space, and at least one battery module V is received in the receiving space. The battery module V can include a module housing and a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells can be received in the module housing in a stacked form. Each of the battery cells can include a positive lead and a negative lead. Depending on the battery type, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch-type battery cell. In the battery pack, a single cell stack stacked in place of the battery module can constitute a module. The cell stack can be received in the receiving space of the pack housing or can be received in a receiving space separated by a frame or a partition.

[0038] The battery module V can include at least one battery cell, and the battery cell can be a rechargeable secondary battery. In an embodiment, the battery cell can include a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH), a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery. As used herein, the term "or" is not an exclusive term, for example, "A or B" will include A, B, or both A and B.

[0039] The number of battery cells included in the battery module V and their connection method can be determined based on the amount of power and voltage required by the battery pack. The battery cells provided in the battery module V can be connected in parallel or can be connected in series-parallel. Figure 1 It is shown that the battery pack includes one battery module V. In an embodiment, the battery pack can include a plurality of battery modules V connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. The battery module V can also include only one battery cell.

[0040] The battery module V can include a plurality of battery modules, each battery module including a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack can include a pair of pack terminals, to which an electrical load or a charging device can be connected.

[0041] The device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can charge the pre-charge capacitor 50. In an embodiment, the device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 electrically connected to both ends of the battery module V including a plurality of secondary batteries. In an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown in the configuration of, both ends of the pre-charge capacitor 50 can be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery module V and the negative electrode of the battery module V respectively.

[0042] The device for protecting the pre-charge resistor can include a pre-charge circuit path. The pre-charge circuit path can transmit a pre-charge current to the pre-charge capacitor 50. In an embodiment, the pre-charge circuit path can receive the pre-charge current from the battery module V and transmit the pre-charge current to the pre-charge capacitor 50. In an embodiment, the pre-charge circuit path can include a circuit electrically connected between one end of the battery module V and one end of the pre-charge capacitor 50. In an embodiment, the pre-charge capacitor 50 can be electrically connected to both ends of the battery module V provided in the battery pack and can be charged by receiving the pre-charge current from the battery module V.

[0043] In an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown in, the pre-charge circuit path can include a pre-charge relay 300 and a pre-charge resistor 350. The pre-charge relay 300 and the pre-charge resistor 350 can be electrically connected in series on the pre-charge circuit path. In an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown in, the pre-charge circuit path can be electrically connected in parallel with the main charge / discharge circuit path. The main charge / discharge circuit path can include a positive main relay 100 and a negative main relay 200. In an embodiment, the pre-charge relay 300 can be serially provided with the pre-charge resistor 350 on the pre-charge circuit path electrically connected to one end of the battery module V and one end of the pre-charge capacitor 50.

[0044] The pre-charge relay 300 can open / close the pre-charge circuit path through which the pre-charge current flows. The pre-charge relay 300 can be a switch for opening / closing the pre-charge circuit path. In an embodiment, the pre-charge relay 300 can open / close the pre-charge circuit path through on / off operations. In an embodiment, the pre-charge relay 300 can be implemented with a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay. The pre-charge resistor 350 can be electrically connected in series to the pre-charge relay 300. In an embodiment, the pre-charge resistor 350 can be serially connected with the pre-charge relay 300 on the pre-charge circuit path.

[0045] The main charge / discharge circuit path can include the positive main relay 100 and the negative main relay 200 on the main charge / discharge circuit path. The main charge / discharge circuit path can be a path that can be electrically connected to one end of the battery module V and through which the charge / discharge current can flow. In an embodiment, as Figure 1As shown in the configuration, the main charge / discharge path may be located between one end of the battery module V and one end of the precharge capacitor 50. The positive main relay 100 and the negative main relay 200 may be switches for opening / closing the main charge / discharge path. In an embodiment, the positive main relay 100 and the negative main relay 200 may open / close the main charge / discharge path through on and off operations. In an embodiment, the positive main relay 100 and the negative main relay 200 may be implemented with a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay.

[0046] The device for protecting the precharge resistor may include a processor 30 and a memory. The processor 30 may control the overall operation of the device for protecting the precharge resistor. In an embodiment, the processor 30 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chip sets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, and / or data processing devices to perform the above operations. The processor 30 may perform basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations, and may execute program code stored in the memory. The processor 30 may store data in the memory or may load data stored in the memory.

[0047] The memory may be a recording medium readable by the processor 30 and may include a permanent mass storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a disk drive. The operating system and at least one program or application code may be stored in the memory.

[0048] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example method of protecting a precharge resistor by applying a counter and a penalty timer to a precharge attempt. The method of protecting the precharge resistor may be performed by Figure 1 the processor 30 shown in

[0049] Taking Figure 1 and Figure 2 together, in operation S100, the processor 30 may be electrically connected to both ends of the battery module V provided in the battery pack and may attempt to charge the precharge capacitor 50 by receiving a precharge current from the battery module V. In an embodiment, the processor 30 may attempt to charge the precharge capacitor 50 by closing the precharge relay 300 before closing the negative main relay 200 of the battery pack.

[0050] The processor 30 may allow the precharge current to flow through the precharge path by closing the precharge relay 300 serially provided with the precharge resistor 350 on the precharge path electrically connected to one end of the battery module V and one end of the precharge capacitor 50.

[0051] Subsequently, the processor 30 can count a predetermined deduction point applied to the result of attempting to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50, so as to determine whether the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state based on the deduction point.

[0052] In operation S111, if the pre-charge capacitor 50 is charged within a preset normal time and the attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 is successful, the processor 30 can count a predetermined point for the success. In an embodiment, in operation S121, if the attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 is successful, the processor 30 can count one point for the success.

[0053] In operation S113, if the attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 is cancelled, the processor 30 can count a predetermined point for the cancellation. In an embodiment, in operation S123, if the attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 is cancelled, the processor 30 can count four points for the cancellation.

[0054] In operations S115, S117, and S119, by classifying the situation where the attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails into three cases: the case where the pre-charge is performed for a longer time than the predetermined time (S115), the case where the pre-charge is performed for a shorter time than the predetermined time (S117), and the case where the pre-charge path is short-circuited (S119), the processor 30 can count a predetermined point for each failure whenever the pre-charge fails. In an embodiment, in operation S125, if the pre-charge is performed for a longer time than the predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms), the processor 30 can count 11 points for the failure. In operation S127, if the pre-charge is performed for a shorter time than the predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms), the processor 30 can count 8 points for the failure. In operation S129, if the pre-charge path is short-circuited (e.g., if the pre-charge path is short-circuited with the vehicle), the processor 30 can count 8 points for the failure.

[0055] Subsequently, in operation S130, if the re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails, after the charging of the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails and the total deduction point is greater than or equal to a predetermined deduction point, the processor 30 can determine that the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state. In an embodiment, if the re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails and the total deduction point is greater than or equal to 21 points, the processor 30 can determine that the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state. In an embodiment, if the re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails and the total deduction point is less than 21 points, the processor 30 can allow a re-attempt of pre-charging after a predetermined time (e.g., 300 ms) has passed.

[0056] Subsequently, in operation S140, if the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state, the processor 30 may prevent an attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes). In an embodiment, if the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state, the processor 30 may operate a deduction timer for a predetermined time. In addition, the processor 30 may prevent the pre-charge relay 300 from closing while the deduction timer is operating.

[0057] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing steps in an example method of applying a deduction timer. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method of protecting a pre-charge resistor by activating a diagnostic trouble code during a deduction timer. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method of protecting a pre-charge resistor by activating a diagnostic trouble code during a deduction timer, including pausing the deduction timer during a shutdown time.

[0058] First, referring to Figure 3 , in operation S210, by classifying the case where a charging attempt of the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails into three cases: a case where pre-charging is performed for a longer time than a predetermined time, a case where pre-charging is performed for a shorter time than a predetermined time, and a case where the pre-charge path is short-circuited, the processor 30 may count a predetermined number of points for each failure whenever pre-charging fails. In an embodiment, if pre-charging is performed for a longer time than a predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms), the processor 30 may count 11 points for the failure. If pre-charging is performed for a shorter time than a predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms), the processor 30 may count 8 points for the failure. If the pre-charge path is short-circuited (e.g., if the pre-charge path is short-circuited with the vehicle), the processor 30 may count 8 points for the failure.

[0059] In operation S220, if a re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 fails and the total deduction points are greater than or equal to 21 points, the processor 30 may determine that the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state. If the pre-charge resistor 350 is in a limit state, the processor 30 may prevent an attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor 50 for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes), thereby operating the deduction timer.

[0060] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , if the deduction timer operates for 15 minutes, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be set, 900 seconds (15 minutes) may be stored in the memory, and the pre-charge resistor 350 may be stopped, and the temperature may be reduced until it reaches 0 seconds.

[0061] In operations S230 and S240, if there is remaining time in the deduction timer due to the shutdown of the deduction timer before the timing reaches the predetermined time of the deduction timer, the processor 30 may store the remaining time in the deduction timer. In addition, the processor 30 may operate the deduction timer for the remaining time in the next cycle when the deduction timer is awakened, and may prevent the pre-charge relay 300 from closing when the deduction timer is operating. In an embodiment, referring Figure 5 collectively, if a shutdown occurs (e.g., 12V battery discharge, BPCM reset, etc.) before the 15-minute deduction timer expires, the remaining 3 minutes of time may be stored in the memory so that the timing of the remaining 3 minutes of time may expire in the next cycle. In some embodiments, a 15-minute interruption may be ensured so that damage to the pre-charge resistor may be prevented.

[0062] By summary and review, a battery pack including a secondary battery may include a main relay on a charge / discharge path. In addition, pre-charging may be attempted to close the main relay to use the battery pack, and if the pre-charging fails and is re-attempted several times, the pre-charge resistor may be damaged. In the pre-charge resistor, the more times it is pre-charged, the higher the temperature. In this case, the pre-charge resistor is damaged and cannot be used. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the pre-charge resistor from being damaged due to the failure of pre-charging.

[0063] The above various embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program executable by various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. At this time, the medium may hold or execute a program executable on a computer or temporarily store it for execution or download. The medium may be various recording units or storage units of a single or several pieces of hardware, which may be dispersed over a network and is not limited to a medium directly connected to any computer system. Examples of the medium may include a medium storing program instruction languages (including magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, photo-voltaic media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floppy optical disks, ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.). Other examples of the medium may also include recording media or storage media managed by an application store distributing applications or other sites supplying or distributing various software.

[0064] In this specification, "unit", "module", etc. may be hardware components such as a processor or a circuit and / or software components executed by a hardware component such as a processor. For example, "unit" and "module", etc. may be implemented by components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, features, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0065] In an embodiment, damage to the pre-charge resistor can be effectively prevented.

[0066] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned effects from the description of the present disclosure described above.

[0067] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0068] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms have been employed, they are used and will be interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as of the time of filing of this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for protecting a pre-charge resistor disposed in a battery pack, the method comprising the following steps: Attempt a first charge attempt on a pre-charge capacitor, the pre-charge capacitor being electrically connected across a battery module disposed in the battery pack and being charged by receiving a pre-charge current from the battery module; Based on the result of the first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, add a predetermined deduction point to the total sum of the added deduction points; Based on the total sum of the added deduction points, determine whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state; And If the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, prevent a second charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor within a predetermined time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The step of attempting the first charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor includes allowing a pre-charge current to flow through a pre-charge path by closing a pre-charge relay, the pre-charge relay being serially disposed in the pre-charge path with the pre-charge resistor, the pre-charge path being electrically connected to one of the two ends of the battery module and one end of the pre-charge capacitor.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The step of determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state based on the total sum of the added deduction points includes: if the pre-charge capacitor is charged for a preset normal time and a successful attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, add a first predetermined point to the total sum of the added deduction points.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein The step of determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state based on the total sum of the added deduction points includes: if a cancelled attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, add a second predetermined point to the total sum of the added deduction points.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein The step of determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state based on the total sum of the added deduction points includes: by classifying the situation of a failed attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor into three cases, add a third predetermined point, a fourth predetermined point, or a fifth predetermined point for each failure whenever pre-charge fails, The first case is that the pre-charge is performed for a longer time than the predetermined time, resulting in the third predetermined point being added to the total sum of the added deduction points, The second case is that the pre-charge is performed for a shorter time than the predetermined time, resulting in the fourth predetermined point being added to the total sum of the added deduction points, and The third case is that the pre-charge path is short-circuited, resulting in the fifth predetermined point being added to the total sum of the added deduction points.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The step of determining whether the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state includes: if both a failed re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs and the total sum of the added deduction points satisfies a threshold level after the pre-charge capacitor charging fails, determine that the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein The step of preventing the second charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor includes: If the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, operate a deduction timer for a predetermined time; and Prevent the pre-charge relay from closing when the deduction timer is operating.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The step of preventing the second charge attempt on the pre-charge capacitor includes: If there is remaining time in the penalty timer due to the penalty timer being turned off before the penalty time expires, store the remaining time in the penalty timer; and In the next cycle when the penalty timer is awakened, operate the penalty timer for the remaining time to prevent the pre-charge relay from closing while the penalty timer is operating.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein If the total sum of the penalty points does not meet the threshold level, the processor allows a re-attempt of pre-charging only after a predetermined re-attempt time has elapsed.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The predetermined re-attempt time is 300 ms.

11. An apparatus for protecting a pre-charge resistor disposed in a battery pack, the apparatus comprising: A pre-charge capacitor electrically connected to both ends of a battery module disposed in the battery pack and charged by receiving a pre-charge current from the battery module; And A processor, the processor: Attempts a first charging attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, Based on the result of the first charging attempt on the pre-charge capacitor, adds a predetermined penalty point to the total sum of the penalty points, Determines whether the pre-charge resistor is in a limit state, and If the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, prevents a second charging attempt on the pre-charge capacitor within a predetermined time based on the total sum of the penalty points.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the device further comprises a pre-charge relay, the pre-charge relay and the pre-charge resistor are serially arranged on a pre-charge circuit path, and the pre-charge circuit path is electrically connected to one of the two ends of the battery module and one end of the pre-charge capacitor, where The processor closes the pre-charge relay to allow the pre-charge current to flow through the pre-charge path.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein If the pre-charge capacitor is charged for a preset normal time and a successful attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, the processor adds a first predetermined number of points to the total sum of the penalty points.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, If a cancelled attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor occurs, the processor adds a second predetermined number of points to the total sum of the penalty points.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein The processor classifies the situation of a failed attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor into three cases and adds a third predetermined number of points, a fourth predetermined number of points, or a fifth predetermined number of points to the total sum of the penalty points for each failure whenever pre-charging fails, The first case is that the pre-charging is performed for a longer time than the predetermined time, resulting in the third predetermined number of points being added to the total sum of the penalty points, The second case is that the pre-charging is performed for a shorter time than the predetermined time, resulting in the fourth predetermined number of points being added to the total sum of the penalty points, and The third case is that the pre-charge path is short-circuited, resulting in the fifth predetermined number of points being added to the total sum of the penalty points.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The processor determines whether the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, the determination including a failed re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor and the total sum of the penalty points meeting the threshold level after the failed re-attempt to charge the pre-charge capacitor.

17. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The processor: If the pre-charge resistor is in the limit state, operates the penalty timer for a predetermined time, and Prevents the pre-charge relay from closing while the penalty timer is operating.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein The processor: Store any remaining time in the penalty timer due to the penalty timer being turned off before the penalty timing expires, operate the penalty timer for the remaining time in the next cycle when the penalty timer is awakened, and prevent the precharge relay from closing while the penalty timer is operating.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, If the total sum of the penalty points does not meet the threshold level, the processor allows a reattempt of precharge only after a predetermined reattempt time has elapsed.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The predetermined reattempt time is 300 ms.

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