Method and apparatus for fuse detection in a vehicle battery charging system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system, the apparatus may include an inlet sharing a DC / AC charging port; a DC charging system connected to the first conductive path from the inlet, the DC charging system having a motor and an inverter; a first relay group having a first relay and a second relay arranged along the first conductive path to connect the inlet with the DC charging system; an AC charging system connected to a second conductive path from the inlet; a second relay group having a third relay and a fourth relay arranged along the second conductive path to connect the inlet with the AC charging system; and a controller configured to close all relays other than the target relay, provide a constant voltage in a DC charging system or an AC charging system connected to the target relay, and measure a voltage at an input of the other charging system to detect fusion of one of the relays.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, electric or hybrid vehicles include an energy storage system (e.g., a battery) that receives and stores alternating current (AC) grid power via charging facilities. To charge the energy storage system, the vehicle includes a charging system that converts the AC grid power supplied from the external charging facility into direct current (DC) power at the required level.

[0003] Among the technologies used in vehicle onboard charging systems, the North American Charging Standard (NACS) is a widely used standard charging technology for electric vehicles in North America. NACS was developed by Tesla for its "Supercharger" electric vehicle charger, which supports both AC and DC power.

[0004] Because of its fast charging speed and compatibility with a variety of electric vehicle models, NACS is widely used in North America, and many electric vehicle manufacturers have recently adopted it.

[0005] like Figure 1 As shown, in a NACS charging system that supports both slow and fast charging, a single NACS inlet 130 can be used for both slow charging using the slow charger 110 and fast charging using the fast charger 120. When a low voltage is input from an external power source for slow charging of the vehicle, power is supplied to the slow charging circuit 150 via the slow charging relay 140, and when a high voltage is input for fast charging of the vehicle, power is supplied to the fast charging circuit 170 via the fast charging relay 160.

[0006] However, if one of the fast charging relays 160 in this NACS charging system melts, leakage current may occur during slow charging, which could cause the charger to shut down. If one of the slow charging relays 140 melts, an overvoltage may be input to the integrated charging control unit (ICCU), which could damage the ICCU.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in this technical field for a technology to detect relay melting in a vehicle battery charging system that supports NACS. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to an environmentally friendly vehicle charging technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure can detect relay melting in vehicle battery charging systems that support the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure can detect relay melt using an inverter and an on-board charger (OBC) without the need for a separate diagnostic control circuit for melt detection.

[0011] The technical advantages disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art may understand from the following description any other technical advantages not mentioned.

[0012] An apparatus for melt detection according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an inlet configured to share a direct current (DC) charging port and an alternating current (AC) charging port; a DC charging system electrically connected to a first conductive path branching from the inlet and configured to include a motor and an inverter; a first relay group configured to include a first relay and a second relay, the first and second relays being arranged along the first conductive path to selectively connect the inlet to the DC charging system; an AC charging system electrically connected to a second conductive path branching from the inlet; a second relay group configured to include a third relay and a fourth relay, the third and fourth relays being arranged along the second conductive path to selectively connect the inlet to the AC charging system; and a controller configured to close all relays except the relay targeted for detection, provide a constant voltage in the DC charging system or AC charging system connected to the relay targeted for detection, and measure the voltage detected at the input of a charging system different from the charging system connected to the relay targeted for detection, to detect melt in one of the first to fourth relays.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first conductive path may include a DC(+) line and a DC(-) line. A first relay may be disposed on the DC(+) line, and a second relay may be disposed on the DC(-) line.

[0014] In this embodiment, the second conductive path may include AC1 line and AC2 line. A third relay may be arranged on AC1 line, and a fourth relay may be arranged on AC2 line.

[0015] In one embodiment, when a melting of a relay in the first relay group is detected, the controller can control the constant voltage supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor.

[0016] In one embodiment, when a melting of a relay in the second relay group is detected, the controller can control the constant voltage to be supplied in the DC charging system.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the relay that is the detection target is in the first relay group, the controller can determine the melt based on the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage, the controller can determine that the relay being detected has melted.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the relay that is the detection target is in the second relay group, the controller can determine the melt based on the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage, the controller can determine that the relay being detected has melted.

[0021] A method for melting detection according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: closing all relays except the relay targeted for detection to detect melting of a first relay and a second relay, and detecting melting of a third relay or a fourth relay, wherein the first and second relays are included in a first relay group and arranged along a first conductive path branching from the inlet of a shared DC charging port and an AC charging port to selectively connect the inlet to a DC charging system, and the third and fourth relays are included in a second relay group and arranged along a second conductive path branching from the inlet to selectively connect the inlet to an AC charging system; providing a constant voltage in the DC charging system or AC charging system connected to the relay targeted for detection; and measuring the voltage detected at the input of a charging system different from the charging system connected to the relay targeted for detection.

[0022] In one embodiment, providing a constant voltage may include controlling the constant voltage provided at the neutral terminal of the motor when a melting of a relay in the first relay group is detected.

[0023] In one embodiment, providing a constant voltage may include controlling the constant voltage to be provided in the DC charging system when a melting of a relay in the second relay group is detected.

[0024] In one embodiment, measuring the detected voltage may include determining melting based on the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system when the relay being detected is in the first relay group.

[0025] In one embodiment, measuring the detected voltage may include determining that the relay being detected has melted when the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

[0026] In one embodiment, measuring the detected voltage may include determining melting based on the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system when the relay being detected is in the second relay group.

[0027] In one embodiment, measuring the detected voltage may include determining that the relay being detected has melted when the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

[0028] As described above, various embodiments of this disclosure can be used to detect relay melting in a NACS-enabled vehicle battery charging system.

[0029] Using various embodiments of this disclosure, relay melting can be detected using an inverter and an OBC without the need for a separate diagnostic control circuit for melt detection. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 Examples of North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging systems that support both slow and fast charging, to which embodiments of this disclosure can be applied, are shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An example of a device for melt detection according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An example of a device for detecting melt flow in an embodiment detects melt flow in a first group of relays based on the on / off state of each relay and the voltage measured by a voltage sensor.

[0033] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 An example of a device for detecting melt in an embodiment detects melt in a second group of relays based on the on / off state of each relay and the voltage measured by a voltage sensor.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a device for melt detection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals used, the same reference numerals may be given to the same or similar parts, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted. As used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “part” for parts may be used merely for the convenience of preparing this specification or used interchangeably, and have no different meaning, and each of them cannot function independently. In describing exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions might obscure the essence of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. The drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical spirit disclosed herein is not necessarily limited to the drawings and may be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0038] The terms used in this document, including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second," can be used to describe various components, but the various components are not necessarily limited by these terms. These terms may be used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0039] When a component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another component, the component may be directly connected or linked to the other component; however, it should be understood that there may be another component between the component and the other component. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there may be no other component between the component and the other component.

[0040] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form may include the plural form.

[0041] In this specification, the terms “comprising,” “having,” etc., are used to indicate the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof described herein, and they do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Figure 2 An example of a device for melt detection according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0043] Reference Figure 2An apparatus for melt detection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inlet 210 connected to an external power source to receive power; a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2 controlling the power supply within the inlet 210; a battery 220 charged using an external power source connected to the inlet 210 and supplied with power from the charged energy during vehicle operation; a direct current (DC) charging system 230 electrically connected to a first conductive path branching from the inlet 210; a first relay group 240 arranged along the first conductive path; an alternating current (AC) charging system 250 electrically connected to a second conductive path branching from the inlet 210; a second relay group 260 arranged along the second conductive path; a first voltage sensor VS1 measuring the voltage at the input of the DC charging system 230; a second voltage sensor VS2 measuring the voltage at the input of the AC charging system 250; and a controller 270 configured to control the first relay group 240, the second relay group 260, the first voltage sensor VS1, and the second voltage sensor VS2 to detect melting of a relay in the first or second relay group.

[0044] In this example, Figure 2 The diagram shows that inlet 210 receives power from a DC power source. However, inlet 210 can share both a DC charging port and an AC charging port to receive power from a DC power source for fast charging or from an AC power source for slow charging.

[0045] In this example, the conductive path configured to connect from inlet 210 to battery 220 branches into a first conductive path and a second conductive path.

[0046] In this example, the first conductive path includes a DC(+) line and a DC(-) line. The first relay group may include a first relay QcP on the DC(+) line and a second relay QcN on the DC(-) line.

[0047] The second conductive path may include AC1 line and AC2 line. The second relay group may include the third relay ScA1 on AC1 line and the fourth relay ScA2 on AC2 line.

[0048] In this example, the DC charging system 230 may include a motor and an inverter.

[0049] In this example, when the voltage of the DC charging power supplied from an external power source is suitable for charging the battery 220, the DC charging system 230 can operate as follows: if the charging voltage is higher than the voltage of the battery 220, the DC charging power can be directly transferred to the battery 220 without boosting; if the charging voltage is lower than the voltage of the battery 220, the charging power can be input through the neutral terminal of the motor, and the voltage of the charging power can be boosted through a boost converter topology configured with motor windings and inverter switches, thereby charging the battery 220.

[0050] In this example, the AC charging system 250 can be an on-board charger (OBC) for the vehicle or a similar configuration. For example, the AC charging system 250 can be implemented as an OBC or an integrated charging control unit (ICCU) that integrates an OBC and a DC-DC converter.

[0051] In this example, the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN can be arranged along a first conductive path branching from the inlet 210 to selectively connect the inlet 210 to the DC charging system 230.

[0052] In this example, the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2 may be arranged along a second conductive path branching from the inlet 210 to selectively connect the inlet 210 to the AC charging system 250.

[0053] The controller 270 can be configured to control the first to fourth relays QcP, QcN, ScA1, and ScA2, and to detect the melting of the first to fourth relays QcP, QcN, ScA1, and ScA2 based on the voltage measurements of the first voltage sensor VS1 and the second voltage sensor VS2.

[0054] In this example, before receiving power from an external power source connected to inlet 210, i.e. when the power supply from the external power source is disconnected, controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2, and short-circuit the first relay QcP or the second relay QcN to determine whether the remaining relays have melted, i.e. whether the first relay QcP or the second relay QcN has melted.

[0055] Melting can refer to a switch closing when it should be open. If the first relay QcP or the second relay QcN melts, no voltage should be applied to the AC charging system 250 even after the first relay QcP or the second relay QcN is short-circuited when the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2 are short-circuited.

[0056] Conversely, when the power supply from the external power source connected to inlet 210 is disconnected, controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN, and short-circuit the third relay ScA1 or the fourth relay ScA2, to determine whether the remaining relay, i.e., the third relay ScA1 or the fourth relay ScA2, has melted.

[0057] If the third relay ScA1 or the fourth relay ScA2 melts, then even after the third relay ScA1 or the fourth relay ScA2 is short-circuited when the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN are short-circuited, no voltage should be applied to the DC charging system 230.

[0058] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An example of a device for detecting melt flow in an embodiment detects melt flow in a first group of relays based on the on / off state of each relay and the voltage measured by a voltage sensor.

[0059] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An example of a device for detecting melt in an embodiment detects the melting of a first relay based on the on / off state of each relay and the voltage measured by a voltage sensor.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 2 When the power supply from inlet 210 is disconnected, and the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2 of the second relay group 260 are short-circuited, if the first relay QcP is open-circuited, the second relay QcN is short-circuited, and voltage is supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor (not shown) constituting the DC charging system 230, the voltage of the second voltage sensor VS2 measured under normal conditions is 0.

[0061] However, if the first relay QcP melts, opening the first relay QcP has the same effect as a short circuit, causing the second voltage sensor VS2 to measure a constant voltage.

[0062] In this example, the second voltage sensor VS2 can measure the same voltage as the voltage supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor.

[0063] For example, if the voltage supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor is 60V, the second voltage sensor VS2 can also measure a voltage of 60V.

[0064] Even if the first relay QcP melts, when the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2, which constitute the second relay group 260, are short-circuited, if the second relay QcN is open and the first relay QcP is short-circuited, the second relay QcN, which has not melted, remains open. Therefore, when voltage is supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor (not shown) constituting the DC charging system 230, the voltage of the second voltage sensor VS2 is consistently measured to be 0.

[0065] Similarly, when the power supply from inlet 210 is disconnected and the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2 of the second relay group 260 are short-circuited, if the first relay QcP is short-circuited, the second relay QcN is open-circuited, and voltage is provided at the neutral terminal of the motor (not shown) constituting the DC charging system 230, it is also possible to detect whether the second relay has melted based on the voltage measured by the second voltage sensor VS2.

[0066] Therefore, when the second relay group 260 is short-circuited, if the first relay QcP or the second relay QcN constituting the first relay group 240 is short-circuited and voltage is provided at the neutral terminal of the motor (not shown) constituting the DC charging system 230, it can be determined whether the remaining relays in the first relay group 240 have melted based on the voltage value measured by the second voltage sensor VS2.

[0067] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 An example of a device for detecting melt in an embodiment detects the melting of a third relay based on the on / off state of each relay and the voltage measured by a voltage sensor.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 2 When the power supply from inlet 210 is disconnected, and the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN of the first relay group 240 are short-circuited, if the third relay ScA1 is open-circuited, the fourth relay ScA2 is short-circuited, and voltage is supplied in the AC charging system 250, the voltage of the first voltage sensor VS1 measured under normal conditions is 0.

[0069] However, if the third relay ScA1 melts, opening the third relay ScA1 has the same effect as a short circuit, resulting in the first voltage sensor VS1 measuring a constant voltage.

[0070] In this example, the first voltage sensor VS1 can measure the same voltage as that provided in the AC charging system 250.

[0071] For example, if the voltage provided in the AC charging system 250 is 60V, the first voltage sensor VS1 can measure a voltage of 60V.

[0072] Even if the third relay ScA1 melts, when the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN of the first relay group 240 are short-circuited, if the fourth relay ScA2 is open and the third relay ScA1 is short-circuited, the fourth relay ScA2, which has not melted, remains open. Therefore, when voltage is supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor (not shown) constituting the DC charging system 230, the voltage of the first voltage sensor VS1 is consistently measured to be 0.

[0073] Similarly, when the power supply from inlet 210 is disconnected, and the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN of the first relay group 240 are short-circuited, if the third relay ScA1 is short-circuited, the fourth relay ScA2 is open-circuited, and voltage is supplied in the AC charging system 250, it is also possible to detect whether the fourth relay has melted based on the voltage measured by the first voltage sensor VS1.

[0074] Therefore, when the first relay group 240 is short-circuited, if the third relay ScA1 or the fourth relay ScA2 constituting the second relay group 260 is short-circuited and voltage is provided in the AC charging system 250, it can be determined whether the remaining relays in the second relay group 260 have melted based on the voltage value measured by the first voltage sensor VS1.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a device for melt detection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 The device 500 for melt detection according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a power supply unit 510, a control unit 520, a relay 530, a DC charging system 540, an AC charging system 550, a battery 560, and a sensor unit 570. Any one, any combination, or all of these may be multiple, or may include multiple components thereof.

[0077] The power supply unit 510 can provide power for charging the battery 560.

[0078] In this example, power supply unit 510 may include an entry point for the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

[0079] In this example, the inlet can share a DC charging port and an AC charging port to receive DC power from a DC voltage source or AC power from an AC voltage source.

[0080] When DC power is input to the power supply unit 510 from an external source, the control unit 520 can close the first relay groups 531 and 532 to charge the battery 560 through the DC charging system 540. When AC power is input, the control unit 520 can close the second relay groups 533 and 534 to charge the battery 560 through the AC charging system 550.

[0081] The control unit 520 can operate in a mode that detects melting of one of the first to fourth relays 531, 532, 533, 534.

[0082] In this example, when AC power is input to the power supply unit 510 from an external source, the control unit 520 can operate in a mode that detects the melting of the first relay 531 or the second relay 532.

[0083] For example, in the mode of detecting the melting of the first relay 531, the control unit 520 is configured to short-circuit the second relay 532 when the third relay 533 and the fourth relay 534 are short-circuited, so as to provide a constant voltage in the DC charging system 540 and detect the voltage at the input of the AC charging system 550.

[0084] In this example, the control unit 520 can be configured to provide a constant voltage at the neutral terminal of the motor included in the DC charging system 540.

[0085] In this example, if no voltage is measured at the input of the AC charging system 550, the control unit 520 can determine that the first relay 531 has not melted.

[0086] In this example, if the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system 550 is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, the control unit 520 can determine that the first relay 531 has melted.

[0087] In this example, the threshold voltage can be any voltage selected by the user to determine the melting point of the first relay 531.

[0088] In the mode of detecting the melting of the second relay 532, the control unit 520 can be configured to short-circuit the first relay 531 when the third relay 533 and the fourth relay 534 are short-circuited, so as to provide a constant voltage in the DC charging system 230 and detect the voltage at the input of the AC charging system 550.

[0089] In this example, the control unit 520 can be configured to provide a constant voltage at the neutral terminal of the motor included in the DC charging system 540.

[0090] In this example, if no voltage is measured at the input of the AC charging system 550, the control unit 520 can determine that the second relay 532 has not melted.

[0091] In this example, if the voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system 550 is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, the control unit 520 can determine that the second relay 532 has melted.

[0092] In this example, the threshold voltage can be any voltage selected by the user to determine the melting point of the second relay 532.

[0093] Furthermore, when DC power is input to the power supply unit 510 from an external source, the control unit 520 can operate in a mode that detects the melting of the third relay 533 or the fourth relay 534.

[0094] For example, in a mode that detects the melting of the third relay 533, the control unit 520 can be configured to short-circuit the fourth relay 534 when the first relay 531 and the second relay 532 are short-circuited, so as to provide a constant voltage in the AC charging system 550 and detect the voltage at the input of the DC charging system 540.

[0095] In this example, if no voltage is measured at the input of the DC charging system 540, the control unit 520 can determine that the third relay 533 has not melted.

[0096] In this example, if the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system 540 is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, the control unit 520 can determine that the third relay 533 has melted.

[0097] In this example, the threshold voltage can be any voltage selected by the user to determine the melting point of the third relay 533.

[0098] In the mode of detecting the melting of the fourth relay 534, the control unit 520 can be configured to short-circuit the third relay 533 when the first relay 531 and the second relay 532 are short-circuited, so as to provide a constant voltage in the AC charging system 550 and detect the voltage at the input of the DC charging system 540.

[0099] In this example, if no voltage is measured at the input of the DC charging system 540, the control unit 520 can determine that the fourth relay 534 has not melted.

[0100] In this example, if the voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system 540 is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, the control unit 520 can determine that the fourth relay 534 has melted.

[0101] In this example, the threshold voltage can be any voltage selected by the user to determine the melting point of the fourth relay 534.

[0102] Relay 530 can be short-circuited or open-circuited under the control of control unit 520, and includes first relay to fourth relay 531, 532, 533, 534.

[0103] When DC power is input to the power supply unit 510, the DC charging system 540 can convert the high-voltage DC power input to the power supply unit 510 into power for charging the battery 560 under the control of the control unit 520.

[0104] When AC power is input to the power supply unit 510, the AC charging system 550 can convert the low-voltage AC power input to the power supply unit 510 into power for charging the battery 560 under the control of the control unit 520.

[0105] The battery 560 can be charged using the power supplied from the power unit 510, and provides power from the charging energy when the vehicle is running.

[0106] The sensor unit 570 can measure the voltage of the DC charging system 540 or the AC charging system 550 to detect melting in the first to fourth relays 531, 532, 533, 534.

[0107] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] The melt detection method according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be derived from... Figure 2 The controller 270 of the embodiment is executed.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the third relay ScA1 and the fourth relay ScA2 (operation S605) and short-circuit the first relay QcP (operation S610) to detect whether the second relay QcN has melted.

[0110] The controller 270 can be configured to provide a constant voltage in the DC charging system 230 (operation S615) and detect the voltage at the input of the AC charging system 250 (operation S620).

[0111] In operation S615, controller 270 can be configured to control a constant voltage supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor included in DC charging system 230.

[0112] The controller 270 can be configured to determine whether the voltage detected at the input of the AC charging system 250 is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (operation S625), and if the detected voltage is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, determine that the second relay QcN has melted (operation S630), output a vehicle fault warning (operation S680), and release the voltage of the DC charging system 230 (operation S690).

[0113] In this example, a vehicle malfunction warning can be given by displaying a warning message on a screen inside the vehicle or by emitting a warning sound through the vehicle's speakers.

[0114] On the other hand, if, as a result of operation S625, the detected voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, the controller 270 can be configured to determine that the second relay QcN has not melted (operation S640) and release the voltage of the DC charging system 230 (operation S645). The controller 270 can also be configured to open the circuit of the first relay QcP (operation S650).

[0115] The controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the second relay QcN (operation S655) to detect whether the first relay QcP has melted.

[0116] The controller 270 can be configured to provide a constant voltage in the DC charging system 230 (operation S660) and measure the voltage detected at the input of the AC charging system 250 (operation S665).

[0117] In operation of S665, controller 270 can control the constant voltage supplied at the neutral terminal of the motor included in DC charging system 230.

[0118] The controller 270 can be configured to determine whether the voltage detected at the input of the AC charging system 250 is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (operation S670), and if the detected voltage is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, determine that the first relay QcP has melted (operation S675), output a vehicle fault warning (operation S680), and release the voltage of the DC charging system 230 (operation S690).

[0119] In this example, a vehicle malfunction warning can be given by displaying a warning message on a screen inside the vehicle or by emitting a warning sound through the vehicle's speakers.

[0120] On the other hand, if, as a result of operation S670, the detected voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, then controller 270 can be configured to determine that the first relay QcP has not melted (operation S685) and release the voltage of DC charging system 230 (operation S690). Controller 270 can be configured to open all relays QcP, QcN, ScA1, and ScA2.

[0121] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for melt detection in a vehicle battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] The melt detection method according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be derived from... Figure 2 The controller 270 of the embodiment is executed.

[0123] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the first relay QcP and the second relay QcN (operation S805) and short-circuit the third relay ScA1 (operation S810) to detect whether the fourth relay ScA2 has melted.

[0124] The controller 270 can be configured to provide a constant voltage in the AC charging system 250 (operation S815) and detect the voltage at the input of the DC charging system 230 (operation S820).

[0125] The controller 270 can be configured to determine whether the voltage detected at the input of the DC charging system 230 is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (operation S825), and if the detected voltage is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, determine that the fourth relay ScA2 has melted (operation S830), output a vehicle fault warning (operation S880), and release the voltage of the AC charging system 250 (operation S890).

[0126] In this example, a warning of a vehicle malfunction can be given by displaying a warning message on a screen inside the vehicle and / or by outputting a warning sound through the vehicle's speakers.

[0127] On the other hand, if, as a result of operation S825, the detected voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, the controller 270 can be configured to determine that the fourth relay ScA2 has not melted (operation S840) and release the voltage of the AC charging system 250 (operation S845). The controller 270 can also be configured to open the circuit of the third relay ScA1 (operation S850).

[0128] The controller 270 can be configured to short-circuit the fourth relay ScA2 (operation S855) to detect whether the third relay ScA1 has melted.

[0129] The controller 270 can be configured to provide a constant voltage in the AC charging system 250 (operation S860) and detect the voltage at the input of the DC charging system 230 (operation S865).

[0130] The controller 270 can be configured to determine whether the voltage detected at the input of the DC charging system 230 is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (operation S870), and if the detected voltage is higher than or equal to the threshold voltage, determine that the third relay ScA1 has melted (operation S875), output a vehicle fault warning (operation S880), and release the voltage of the AC charging system 250 (operation S890).

[0131] In this example, a warning of a vehicle malfunction can be given by displaying a warning message on a screen inside the vehicle and / or by outputting a warning sound through the vehicle's speakers.

[0132] On the other hand, if, as a result of operation S870, the detected voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, the controller 270 can be configured to determine that the third relay ScA1 has not melted (operation S885) and release the voltage of the AC charging system 250 (operation S890). The controller 270 can be configured to open all relays QcP, QcN, ScA1, and ScA2 (operation S895).

[0133] Using the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure described so far, melting of relays in an environmentally friendly vehicle charging system, including slow-charging relays and fast-charging relays, can be detected.

[0134] Using exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described so far, it is possible to detect relay melting using an inverter and an OBC without a separate diagnostic control circuit for melt detection.

[0135] The embodiments of this disclosure described above can be implemented as computer-readable code on a program recording medium. A computer-readable medium can include any type of recording device storing data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. Therefore, the detailed description above should be considered exemplary and not necessarily limiting. The scope of this disclosure can be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this disclosure can be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting relay meltdown, the apparatus comprising: The entrance features a shared DC charging port and an AC charging port. The DC charging system is electrically connected to a first conductive path branching from the inlet and includes a motor and an inverter; A first relay group includes a first relay and a second relay, wherein the first relay and the second relay are arranged along the first conductive path and selectively connect the inlet to the DC charging system; The AC charging system is electrically connected to a second conductive path branching off from the inlet. A second relay group includes a third relay and a fourth relay, wherein the third relay and the fourth relay are arranged along the second conductive path and selectively connect the inlet to the AC charging system; and Controller: Close all relays in the first and second relay groups except for the target relay used for detection. A constant voltage is provided in the DC charging system or the AC charging system connected to the target relay, and A detection voltage is measured at the input of a charging system that is different from the given charging system connected to the target relay to detect melting in the target relay.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first conductive path includes a DC(+) line and a DC(-) line, the first relay is arranged on the DC(+) line, and the second relay is arranged on the DC(-) line.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The second conductive path includes AC1 line and AC2 line, the third relay is arranged on AC1 line, and the fourth relay is arranged on AC2 line.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller further responds to detecting melting of the target relay in the first relay group by controlling the supply of the constant voltage at the neutral terminal of the motor.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller further responds to detecting melting of the target relay in the second relay group by controlling the provision of the constant voltage in the AC charging system.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller further responds to the target relay in the first relay group by determining melting based on the detection voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The controller further determines that the target relay has melted in response to a detection voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system being higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller further responds to the target relay in the second relay group by determining the melt based on the detection voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The controller further determines that the target relay has melted in response to a detection voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system being higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

10. A method for detecting relay meltdown, the method comprising: All relays except the target relay used for relay melt detection are closed. All relays include a first relay group and a second relay group. The first relay group includes a first relay and a second relay. The second relay group includes a third relay and a fourth relay. The first relay group is arranged along a first conductive path branching from the inlet. The inlet shares a DC charging port and an AC charging port. The first relay group selectively connects the inlet to a DC charging system via the DC charging port. The second relay group is arranged along a second conductive path branching from the inlet. The second relay group selectively connects the inlet to an AC charging system via the AC charging port. A constant voltage is provided in the DC charging system or the AC charging system connected to the target relay; and The detection voltage is measured at the input terminal of a charging system that is different from the charging system connected to the target relay.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Providing the constant voltage includes: in response to detecting the melting of a target relay in the first relay group, controlling the provision of the constant voltage at the neutral terminal of the motor.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Providing the constant voltage includes: controlling the provision of the constant voltage in the AC charging system in response to detecting the melting of a target relay in the second relay group.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Measuring the detection voltage includes: determining whether the relay is melted based on the detection voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system, in response to the target relay being in the first relay group.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Measuring the detection voltage includes determining that the target relay has melted in response to a detection voltage measured at the input of the AC charging system being higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Measuring the detection voltage includes: determining whether the relay is melted based on the detection voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system, in response to the target relay in the second relay group.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Measuring the detection voltage includes determining that the target relay has melted in response to a detection voltage measured at the input of the DC charging system being higher than or equal to a threshold voltage.

17. A method for detecting relay meltdown, the method comprising: All relays except the target relay used for relay melt detection are closed. All relays include a first relay group and a second relay group. The first relay group includes a first relay and a second relay. The second relay group includes a third relay and a fourth relay. The first relay group is arranged along a first conductive path branching from the inlet. The inlet includes a DC charging port and an AC charging port. The first relay group selectively connects the inlet to a DC charging system via the DC charging port. The second relay group is arranged along a second conductive path branching from the inlet. The second relay group selectively connects the inlet to an AC charging system via the AC charging port. If the target relay is the second relay, such that the first relay, the third relay, and the fourth relay are controlled to be in a closed state, and the second relay is controlled to be in an open state, then a first test voltage is provided in the DC charging system, a first detection voltage is measured at the AC input terminal of the AC charging system, and in response to the first detection voltage being greater than a first threshold voltage, it is determined that the second relay has melted, or in response to the first detection voltage being less than the first threshold voltage, it is determined that the second relay has not melted. If the target relay is the first relay, such that the second relay, the third relay, and the fourth relay are controlled to be in a closed state, and the first relay is controlled to be in an open state, then a second test voltage is provided in the DC charging system, a second detection voltage is measured at the AC input terminal of the AC charging system, and in response to the second detection voltage being greater than a second threshold voltage, it is determined that the first relay has melted, or in response to the second detection voltage being less than the second threshold voltage, it is determined that the first relay has not melted; If the target relay is the fourth relay, such that the first, second, and third relays are controlled to be in a closed state, and the third relay is controlled to be in an open-circuit state, then a third test voltage is provided in the AC charging system, a third detection voltage is measured at the DC input terminal of the DC charging system, and in response to the third detection voltage being greater than a third threshold voltage, it is determined that the fourth relay has melted, or in response to the third detection voltage being less than the third threshold voltage, it is determined that the fourth relay has not melted; and If the target relay is the third relay, such that the first relay, the second relay, and the fourth relay are controlled to be in a closed state, and the third relay is controlled to be in an open state, then a fourth test voltage is provided in the AC charging system, a fourth detection voltage is measured at the DC input terminal of the DC charging system, and in response to the fourth detection voltage being greater than a fourth threshold voltage, it is determined that the third relay has melted, or in response to the fourth detection voltage being less than the fourth threshold voltage, it is determined that the third relay has not melted.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Each relay is then used as the target relay in turn, and all relays are tested sequentially.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: In response to determining that the target relay has melted, a fault warning is output.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The controller selects one of all relays as the target relay.

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