Relay control device, control method, relay and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a relay control device and method, a relay and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of relay control. The relay control device comprises a voltage-multiplying capacitor and a control circuit; wherein the voltage-multiplying capacitor is connected with a voltage source and is connected in parallel with a coil of the relay; and the control circuit is connected in series with the voltage-multiplying capacitor and is used for controlling the connection and disconnection between the voltage-multiplying capacitor and the ground so as to control the voltage-multiplying capacitor to charge and store energy, so that the voltage-multiplying capacitor outputs a discharge voltage for driving the relay. The voltage-multiplying capacitor and the ground are controlled to be disconnected through the control circuit, the voltage-multiplying capacitor outputs discharge voltage, and the voltage-multiplying capacitor is connected with the relay in parallel, so that the voltage-multiplying relay outputs the discharge voltage to the coil in the process of controlling the relay to be closed, and the relay is closed. Therefore, the voltage-multiplying capacitor can be controlled to be disconnected from the ground in the pull-in state of the relay, loss caused by series resistors on the voltage-multiplying capacitor is avoided, and power consumption of the relay in the pull-in state can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of relay control technology, and in particular to a relay control device, control method, relay, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Relays, as electrical control devices, play a crucial role in numerous electronic devices and electrical systems. They are used to control the start-up, stop, and switching of operating states of various production equipment, ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the production line. For example, in vehicle applications, relays can control multiple functional modules such as the horn, windshield wipers, and window regulators, ensuring the normal operation of the vehicle and the realization of its various functions.

[0003] Currently, in controlling the activation of relays, a voltage boost is typically achieved by charging a capacitor to provide sufficient activation voltage for the relay. For example, a capacitor and a resistor are connected in series; the capacitor is charged through the resistor, and then discharged by the capacitor to provide the activation voltage to the relay. However, during this process, current flows through the resistor to ground, resulting in significant losses for the relay in the on-state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a relay control device that reduces the loss of the relay in the conducting state, thereby at least partially solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, a relay control device is provided, comprising: A voltage multiplier capacitor is connected to a voltage source and in parallel with the coil of a relay. A control circuit, connected in series with the voltage multiplier capacitor, is used to control the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor outputs a discharge voltage to drive the relay.

[0006] Optionally, the voltage multiplier capacitor includes a first terminal connected to the voltage source and the positive terminal of the coil, and a second terminal connected to the control circuit and the negative terminal of the coil.

[0007] Optionally, the control circuit includes a first switching transistor and a first resistor; The first switching transistor includes a first electrode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor, the coil, and the first end of the first resistor, a second electrode grounded, and a control electrode connected to the second end of the first resistor.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes a pull-in circuit connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, used to control the on / off connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to output the pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor is charged, so as to control the relay to pull in. Optionally, the pull-in voltage is obtained based on the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source.

[0009] Optionally, the pull-in circuit includes a voltage divider circuit and a second switching transistor; The second switching transistor includes a control electrode connected to the voltage divider circuit, a first electrode connected to the voltage source and the first terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor, and a second electrode connected to the second terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor; the voltage divider circuit is also connected to the voltage source and the coil and is used to receive a pull-in control signal to control the on / off state of the second switching transistor.

[0010] Optionally, the voltage divider circuit includes a second resistor and a third resistor; The second resistor includes a first terminal connected to the first electrode of the voltage source and the second switching transistor, and a second terminal connected to the control electrode of the third resistor and the second switching transistor; The third resistor includes a first end connected to the second resistor and the second switching transistor, and a second end connected to the coil and connected to the pull-in control signal.

[0011] Optionally, a unidirectional conduction circuit is further provided between the second switching transistor and the voltage multiplier capacitor to control unidirectional conduction between the second switching transistor and the voltage multiplier capacitor. The unidirectional conduction circuit includes a first diode, which has an anode connected to the first electrode of the voltage source and the second switching transistor, and a cathode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor and the coil.

[0012] Optionally, a drive circuit is also included, connected to the coil, the control circuit, and the attraction circuit, for controlling the operation of the attraction circuit and the control circuit.

[0013] Optionally, the driving circuit includes a third switching transistor; The third switching transistor includes a first electrode connected to the coil and the voltage divider circuit, a grounded second electrode, and a control electrode for receiving drive signals.

[0014] Optionally, a reverse protection circuit connected in parallel with the coil is also included to release the reverse voltage on the coil.

[0015] Optionally, the reverse protection circuit includes a second diode; The second diode includes an anode connected to the negative terminal of the coil and a cathode connected to the positive terminal of the coil.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this application, a relay control method is provided for controlling the aforementioned relay control device, the control method comprising: The control circuit controls the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor outputs a discharge voltage to drive the relay.

[0017] Optionally, the relay control device further includes a energizing circuit and a driving circuit; The driving circuit drives the control circuit to control the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground according to the received driving signal; The driving circuit drives the pull-in circuit according to the received driving signal to control the switching between the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to output the pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor is charged, and control the relay to pull in.

[0018] According to a third aspect of this application, a relay is provided, including the relay control device described above.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including the relay described above.

[0020] In summary, in the relay control device of this application embodiment, during the charging process of the voltage multiplier capacitor, the control circuit controls the connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground, forming a current loop from the voltage source and the voltage multiplier capacitor to ground. Then, the control circuit controls the disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground. At this time, the voltage multiplier capacitor outputs a discharge voltage, and the voltage multiplier capacitor is connected in parallel with the relay, so that the voltage multiplier relay outputs the discharge voltage to the coil during the relay energizing process, thereby energizing the relay. Thus, in the energized state of the relay, the disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground can be controlled, preventing losses due to the series resistance on the voltage multiplier capacitor, thereby reducing the power consumption of the relay in the energized state.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a relay control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a circuit connection diagram of the relay control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the current flow direction during charging of a voltage multiplier capacitor provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the current flow when the control relay is energized, provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the current flow direction of the relay in the energized state provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a relay control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Control circuit; 2. Pull-in circuit; 21. Voltage divider circuit; 3. One-way conduction circuit; 4. Drive circuit; 5. Reverse protection circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0026] According to the first aspect of this application, referring to Figure 1 This disclosure provides a relay control device, including a voltage multiplier capacitor C and a control circuit 1; wherein, the voltage multiplier capacitor C is connected to a voltage source and in parallel with the coil of the relay; the control circuit 1 is connected in series with the voltage multiplier capacitor C and is used to control the on / off connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor C to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor C outputs a discharge voltage for driving the relay.

[0027] As an example, a relay uses electromagnetic force to control the on / off state of a circuit. When energized, the current generates a magnetic field in the coil. As the voltage increases, the magnetic field strength increases. When the magnetic force generated by the energized coil overcomes the mechanical resistance, such as the spring in the relay, the relay contacts close. The minimum voltage required for the contacts to close is the relay's opening voltage. Conversely, when the voltage on the coil decreases, the magnetic field strength weakens. When the magnetic force is insufficient to maintain the contacts closing, the contacts open under the action of the spring or other mechanical forces. The maximum voltage required for the contacts to open is the relay's release voltage.

[0028] As an example, when controlling the relay contacts to close, the magnetic force needs to pull the armature in the relay to engage with the contacts. To overcome resistance and move the armature to reliably engage the contacts, a large magnetic force is required; therefore, a high switching voltage is needed to control the relay's engagement. After the relay contacts close, although the spring still has elasticity, the relative positions of other mechanical components in the relay have changed. At this point, balancing the spring force and remaining mechanical friction and other resistances is sufficient to maintain the contact's engagement state. When the magnetic force is less than a certain value, the contacts will open under the action of the spring force. Therefore, the relay's release voltage is usually lower than its switching voltage, and when the relay is engaged, it will remain engaged as long as the voltage on the relay coil is between the switching and release voltages. For example, if the relay coil power is 3W and the rated voltage is 12V, the relay's switching voltage is typically 0.75 times the rated voltage, approximately 9V. The relay's release voltage is approximately 0.35 times the rated voltage, approximately 4.2V.

[0029] The voltage source outputs a voltage greater than the relay release voltage to provide a voltage to the relay after it is energized, thus maintaining its energized state. The voltage source outputs a voltage less than or equal to the relay turn-on voltage.

[0030] In the above embodiment, during the charging process of the voltage multiplier capacitor C, the control circuit 1 controls the connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground, forming a current loop from the voltage source, the voltage multiplier capacitor C, to ground. Then, the control circuit 1 controls the disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground. At this time, the voltage multiplier capacitor C outputs a discharge voltage, and the voltage multiplier capacitor C is connected in parallel with the relay so that the voltage multiplier relay outputs the discharge voltage to the coil during the relay's activation process, thereby activating the relay. In this way, the voltage multiplier capacitor C can be disconnected from ground while the relay is activated, preventing losses due to the series resistance on the voltage multiplier capacitor C, thus reducing the power consumption of the relay in the activated state.

[0031] Reference Figure 2In some embodiments, the voltage multiplier capacitor C includes a first terminal connected to the voltage source and the positive terminal of the coil, and a second terminal connected to the control circuit 1 and the negative terminal of the coil.

[0032] In some embodiments, the control circuit 1 includes a first switching transistor Q1 and a first resistor R1; the first switching transistor Q1 includes a first electrode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor C, the coil and the first end of the first resistor R1, a grounded second electrode and a control electrode connected to the second end of the first resistor R1.

[0033] As an example, K1 represents a relay; L represents a coil; the first switching transistor Q1 can be a bipolar transistor or a transistor. Taking an N-type transistor as an example, when the voltage source powers on and provides the output voltage, the output voltage first flows to the relay coil, and then through the coil to the first resistor R1. From the first resistor R1, the voltage is output to the control terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 to turn it on, thus grounding the voltage multiplier capacitor C. Since the voltage multiplier capacitor C is charged while the current flows through the coil, and because the output voltage of the voltage source is less than the relay's turn-on voltage, the relay remains in the off state even though the output voltage flows through the relay coil.

[0034] In the above embodiment, after the voltage source is powered on, its output voltage is transmitted to the first switching transistor Q1 through the coil and the first resistor R1, thereby controlling the first switching transistor Q1 to conduct. In controlling the conduction of the first switching transistor Q1, it is not necessary to apply an independent control signal to the control electrode of the first switching transistor Q1. After the first switching transistor Q1 is turned on, the voltage multiplier capacitor C is grounded, realizing the charging of the voltage multiplier capacitor C.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the relay control device further includes a pull-in circuit 2 connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor C and the voltage source VCC, used to control the on / off connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor C to output a pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor C is charged, thereby controlling the relay to pull in. In some embodiments, the pull-in voltage is obtained based on the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source.

[0036] In the above embodiment, after the voltage multiplier capacitor C is charged, the voltage multiplier capacitor C is controlled to conduct with the voltage source through the pull-in circuit 2, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor C and the voltage source are connected in series. At this time, the voltage multiplier capacitor C can output a pull-in voltage equal to the sum of the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source to the coil of the relay, thereby controlling the relay to pull in.

[0037] Reference Figure 2In some embodiments, the pull-in circuit 2 includes a voltage divider circuit 21 and a second switch Q2; the second switch Q2 includes a control electrode connected to the voltage divider circuit 21, a first electrode connected to the voltage source and the first end of the voltage multiplier capacitor C, and a second electrode connected to the second end of the voltage multiplier capacitor C; the voltage divider circuit 21 is also connected to the voltage source and the coil and is used to receive a pull-in control signal to control the on / off state of the second switch Q2.

[0038] In some embodiments, the voltage divider circuit 21 includes a second resistor R2 and a third resistor R3; the second resistor R2 includes a first end connected to the first electrode of the voltage source and the second switch Q2 and a second end connected to the control electrode of the third resistor R3 and the second switch Q2; the third resistor R3 includes a first end connected to the second resistor R2 and the second switch Q2 and a second end connected to the coil and receiving the pull-in control signal.

[0039] As an example, the second switch Q2 can be a transistor or a bipolar junction transistor. Taking the second switch Q2 as a P-type transistor as an example, when the pull-in control signal is low, the control voltage of the second switch Q2 will be pulled down through the third resistor R3 to turn on the second switch Q2. When the pull-in control signal is high, the output voltage of the voltage source will be transmitted to the second switch Q2 through the second resistor R2, or the high-level pull-in control signal will be transmitted to the second switch Q2 through the third resistor R3 to turn off the second switch Q2.

[0040] As an example, during the charging process of the voltage multiplier capacitor C, the output voltage of the voltage source flows through the coil, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the coil. At this time, the pull-in control signal is in a high-level state, so the second switch Q2 is turned off, and the voltage source is disconnected from the second end of the voltage multiplier capacitor C.

[0041] As an example, during the relay activation process, the activation control signal can be kept low to turn on the second switch Q2, connecting the voltage source and the second terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor C. At this time, the voltage source and the voltage multiplier capacitor C are essentially connected in series. The activation voltage, the sum of the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source, is output at the first terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor C. This activation voltage is greater than the relay's turn-on voltage, thus controlling the relay to activate. Furthermore, because the activation control signal is low, the negative terminal of the coil is also low. Since the negative terminal of the coil is connected to the first resistor R1, the control voltage of the first switch Q1 can be lowered through the first resistor R1, causing the first switch Q1 to turn off. This prevents the voltage multiplier capacitor C from conducting to ground during the relay's activation, thereby reducing losses.

[0042] As an example, as the voltage multiplier capacitor C discharges, its discharge voltage gradually decreases until it reaches zero. When the discharge voltage of the voltage multiplier capacitor C drops to zero, the voltage input to the coil is equal to the output voltage of the voltage source, and the relay is kept in the energized state by the output voltage of the voltage source.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, a unidirectional conduction circuit 3 is further provided between the second switch Q2 and the voltage multiplier capacitor C to control unidirectional conduction between the second switch Q2 and the voltage multiplier capacitor C; the unidirectional conduction circuit 3 includes a first diode D1, which includes an anode connected to the voltage source and the first electrode of the second switch Q2 and a cathode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor C and the coil.

[0044] As an example, during the charging process of the voltage doubler capacitor C, the anode voltage of the first diode D1 is the output voltage of the voltage source, and the cathode voltage is the charging voltage of the voltage doubler capacitor C. Since the charging voltage will always be lower than the output voltage of the voltage source, the first diode D1 is turned on, and the voltage doubler capacitor C is charged by the output voltage of the voltage source through the first diode D1. As the voltage doubler capacitor C is charged, its charging voltage will continuously rise until it approaches the output voltage of the voltage source. At this point, the first diode D1 is turned off, and the charging of the voltage doubler capacitor C is complete.

[0045] As an example, during the activation of the control relay, the second switch Q2 is turned on, causing the first terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor C to output an activation voltage. At this time, the anode voltage of the first diode D1 is the output voltage of the voltage source, and the cathode voltage is the activation voltage. Since the activation voltage is the sum of the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source, the first diode D1 is reverse-biased and cut off. As the voltage multiplier capacitor C discharges, its discharge voltage gradually decreases until it reaches zero. At this time, the first diode D1 is turned on, and the output voltage of the voltage source flows through the first diode D1 to the relay coil to maintain the activation state of the relay.

[0046] In the above embodiment, by setting the first diode D1, unidirectional conduction between the second switching transistor Q2 and the voltage multiplier capacitor C can be realized. During the process of controlling the relay to close, the closing voltage output by the voltage multiplier capacitor C will not discharge in reverse to the voltage source, so that the closing voltage can only be output to the coil of the relay to trigger the relay to close.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the relay control device further includes a drive circuit 4 connected to the coil, control circuit 1 and pull-in circuit 2, for controlling the operation of pull-in circuit 2 and control circuit 1.

[0048] In some embodiments, the drive circuit 4 includes a third switch Q3; the third switch Q3 includes a first electrode connected to the coil and voltage divider circuit 21, a grounded second electrode, and a control electrode for receiving the drive signal Vcon.

[0049] As an example, the drive circuit 4 also includes a fourth resistor R4, which is connected in series with the control electrode of the third switch Q3 to prevent the drive signal from causing damage to the third switch Q3 due to overcurrent.

[0050] As an example, the third switch Q3 can be a transistor or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). Taking an N-type transistor as an example, when the drive signal is low, the third switch Q3 is off. At this time, the pull-in control signal is high, controlling the first switch Q1 to turn on and the second switch Q2 to turn off. When the drive signal is high, the third switch Q3 turns on, causing the second terminal of the third resistor R3, the first terminal of the fourth resistor R4, and the negative terminal of the coil to be grounded simultaneously. At this time, the pull-in control signal is low, controlling the first switch Q1 to turn off and the second switch Q2 to turn on.

[0051] As an example, when it is necessary to control the relay to disconnect, the control drive signal is in a low-level state, thereby disconnecting the connection between the coil and ground. The coil cannot form a complete current loop and cannot maintain the relay's engagement, so the relay disconnects.

[0052] In the above embodiment, by setting the drive circuit 4, during the charging process of the voltage multiplier capacitor C, the drive signal can be controlled to be at a low level, thus disconnecting the third resistor R3 from ground. This keeps the pull-in control signal at a high level, thereby turning on the first switch Q1 and turning off the second switch Q2, allowing the voltage multiplier capacitor C to start charging. When the relay is energized, the third resistor R3 and the negative terminal of the coil are grounded, and the pull-in control signal is at a low level, pulling down the control voltage of the second switch Q2, turning on the second switch Q2, and simultaneously controlling the first switch Q1 to turn off, thereby disconnecting the voltage multiplier capacitor C from ground to reduce losses. This achieves the effect of simultaneously controlling the states of the first switch Q1 and the second switch Q2 through the drive signal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the relay control device further includes a reverse protection circuit 5 connected in parallel with the coil for releasing the reverse voltage on the coil.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the reverse protection circuit 5 includes a second diode D2; the second diode D2 includes an anode connected to the negative terminal of the coil and a cathode connected to the positive terminal of the coil.

[0055] As an example, when the relay is energized, current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field around it, which stores magnetic energy. When the relay de-energizes, the current needs to quickly drop to zero. The coil acts as an inductor, which impedes this change in current. To prevent this rapid decrease in current, an electromotive force (EMF) is generated in the coil, moving in the opposite direction to the original current. The magnitude of this reverse EMF is proportional to the rate of change of current in the coil. Because the rate of change of current is high when the relay de-energizes, a high reverse EMF (voltage from the negative to the positive terminal of the coil) is generated in the coil. This causes the second diode D2 to conduct, releasing the reverse EMF so that it flows only between the coil and the second diode D2, thus protecting other components in the circuit from overvoltage damage.

[0056] In the above embodiment, when the voltage of the relay coil flows from its positive terminal to its negative terminal, the cathode voltage of the second diode D2 is always higher than its anode voltage, thus the second diode D2 is reverse-biased and cut off. When the relay is disconnected, a reverse electromotive force is generated in the coil, causing the second diode D2 to conduct and release the reverse electromotive force.

[0057] Reference Figures 3 to 5 This disclosure exemplarily describes the operation of a relay control device, wherein, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the current flow direction during the charging of a voltage multiplier capacitor; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the current flow when the control relay is activated; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the current flow when the relay is in the energized state.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 First, the control drive signal is set to a low level to disconnect the third switch Q3, preventing it from participating in the charging of the voltage multiplier capacitor C. Then, the control voltage source is powered on, supplying power to the coil with its output voltage. This output voltage flows through the coil and the first resistor R1 to the control electrode of the first switch Q1, turning it on. The voltage multiplier capacitor C is then grounded, forming a current loop, allowing it to begin charging according to the output voltage of the voltage source.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 Then, after the voltage multiplier capacitor C has finished charging, the control drive signal is set to a high level, causing the third switch Q3 to conduct and be grounded, forming a low-level pull-in control signal. This controls the second switch Q2 to conduct and the first switch Q1 to deactivate. After the second switch Q2 is turned on, the voltage source and the voltage multiplier capacitor C are essentially connected in series, causing the first terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor C to output a pull-in voltage with an amplitude equal to the sum of the output voltage and the discharge voltage. Furthermore, the negative terminal of the relay coil is grounded through the third switch Q3, forming a current loop, thereby controlling the relay to pull in.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 Then, as the voltage multiplier capacitor C discharges, its discharge voltage gradually decreases, and the voltage multiplier capacitor C no longer supplies voltage to the coil, making the anode voltage of the first diode D1 greater than the cathode voltage. The first diode D1 turns on, and the output voltage of the voltage source supplies power to the coil through the first diode D1, so that the relay remains in the energized state.

[0061] Finally, when it is necessary to control the relay to disconnect, the control drive signal is in a low-level state to disconnect the third switch Q3. The relay coil is disconnected from ground, and no current loop can be formed. At this time, a reverse electromotive force is generated on the coil, which is released by the second diode D2 until the voltage on the coil is less than the release voltage, and then the relay disconnects.

[0062] According to a second aspect of this application, a relay control method is provided for controlling the aforementioned relay control device. The control method includes: controlling the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground through a control circuit 1 to control the voltage multiplier capacitor C to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor C outputs a discharge voltage for driving the relay.

[0063] In the above embodiment, during the charging process of the voltage multiplier capacitor C, the control circuit 1 controls the connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground, forming a current loop from the voltage source, the voltage multiplier capacitor C, to ground. Then, the control circuit 1 controls the disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground. At this time, the voltage multiplier capacitor C outputs a discharge voltage, and the voltage multiplier capacitor C is connected in parallel with the relay so that the voltage multiplier relay outputs the discharge voltage to the coil during the relay's activation process, thereby activating the relay. In this way, the voltage multiplier capacitor C can be disconnected from ground while the relay is activated, preventing losses due to the series resistance on the voltage multiplier capacitor C, thus reducing the power consumption of the relay in the activated state.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the relay control method further includes steps S10-S20, which will be described in detail below.

[0065] Step S10: The driving circuit 4 drives the control circuit 1 to control the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and ground according to the received driving signal.

[0066] Step S20: The drive circuit 4 drives the pull-in circuit 2 according to the received drive signal to control the switching between the voltage multiplier capacitor C and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor C to output the pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor C is charged, and control the relay to pull in.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the control circuit 1 and the activation circuit 2 are driven simultaneously by the drive circuit 4, which simplifies the control process of the relay, requiring only one drive signal.

[0068] It should be noted that the relay control method includes the aforementioned relay control device. The unique advantages of this relay control method include all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned relay control device, which will not be elaborated further in this disclosure.

[0069] According to a third aspect of this application, a relay is provided, including the relay control device described above.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including the relay described above.

[0071] The vehicle may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, etc., and this disclosure does not make any specific restrictions.

[0072] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0074] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0075] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A relay control device, characterized in that, include: A voltage multiplier capacitor is connected to a voltage source and in parallel with the coil of a relay. A control circuit, connected in series with the voltage multiplier capacitor, is used to control the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor outputs a discharge voltage to drive the relay.

2. The relay control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage multiplier capacitor includes a first terminal connected to the voltage source and the positive terminal of the coil, and a second terminal connected to the control circuit and the negative terminal of the coil.

3. The relay control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control circuit includes a first switching transistor and a first resistor; The first switching transistor includes a first electrode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor, the coil, and the first end of the first resistor, a second electrode grounded, and a control electrode connected to the second end of the first resistor.

4. The relay control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pull-in circuit connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, used to control the on / off connection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to output a pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor is charged, so as to control the relay to pull in.

5. The relay control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pull-in voltage is obtained based on the discharge voltage and the output voltage of the voltage source.

6. The relay control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pull-in circuit includes a voltage divider circuit and a second switching transistor; The second switching transistor includes a control electrode connected to the voltage divider circuit, a first electrode connected to the voltage source and the first terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor, and a second electrode connected to the second terminal of the voltage multiplier capacitor; the voltage divider circuit is also connected to the voltage source and the coil and is used to receive a pull-in control signal to control the on / off state of the second switching transistor.

7. The relay control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The voltage divider circuit includes a second resistor and a third resistor; The second resistor includes a first terminal connected to the first electrode of the voltage source and the second switching transistor, and a second terminal connected to the control electrode of the third resistor and the second switching transistor; The third resistor includes a first end connected to the second resistor and the second switching transistor, and a second end connected to the coil and connected to the pull-in control signal.

8. The relay control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A unidirectional conduction circuit is also provided between the second switching transistor and the voltage multiplier capacitor to control the unidirectional conduction between the second switching transistor and the voltage multiplier capacitor; The unidirectional conduction circuit includes a first diode, which has an anode connected to the first electrode of the voltage source and the second switching transistor, and a cathode connected to the voltage multiplier capacitor and the coil.

9. The relay control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a drive circuit, which is connected to the coil, the control circuit and the pull-in circuit, and is used to control the operation of the pull-in circuit and the control circuit.

10. The relay control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The driving circuit includes a third switching transistor; The third switching transistor includes a first electrode connected to the coil and the voltage divider circuit, a grounded second electrode, and a control electrode for receiving drive signals.

11. The relay control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reverse protection circuit connected in parallel with the coil to release the reverse voltage on the coil.

12. The relay control device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reverse protection circuit includes a second diode; The second diode includes an anode connected to the negative terminal of the coil and a cathode connected to the positive terminal of the coil.

13. A relay control method, characterized in that, The control method for controlling the relay control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 includes: The control circuit controls the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to charge and store energy, so that the voltage multiplier capacitor outputs a discharge voltage to drive the relay.

14. The relay control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The relay control device further includes a energizing circuit and a driving circuit; the method further includes: The driving circuit drives the control circuit to control the connection and disconnection between the voltage multiplier capacitor and ground according to the received driving signal; The driving circuit drives the pull-in circuit according to the received driving signal to control the switching between the voltage multiplier capacitor and the voltage source, so as to control the voltage multiplier capacitor to output a pull-in voltage after the voltage multiplier capacitor is charged, and control the relay to pull in.

15. A relay, characterized in that, Includes the relay control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the relay as described in claim 15.

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