Battery system based on resettable fuse loss and system control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery system based on resettable fuse loss and a system control method. The battery system includes: a battery; a resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to a positive electrode of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, and closed after a predetermined recovery time has elapsed after being turned off; and a fuse compensation circuit including an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node and a detection switch connected between a third node and ground, providing a voltage to the third node according to a result of comparing a voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage, the fuse compensation circuit generates a first sensing voltage by performing resistance distribution on the voltage of the second node; and a main control unit (MCU) that controls a switching operation of the detection switch based on the first sensing voltage, in which the fuse compensation circuit controls a switching operation of the operation switch according to a second sensing voltage corresponding to a voltage of the third node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0105884, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery system based on resettable fuse loss and a system control method thereof. Background Technology

[0004] In the event of a malfunction in an external device connected to the battery system, an overcurrent greater than or equal to the trip current may occur, or the resistance of the resettable fuse included in the battery system may increase significantly, causing current flow to be interrupted. The resettable fuse gradually returns to its initial state after the current flow is interrupted. However, because the resistance requires a predetermined recovery time to return to its initial value after the current flow is interrupted, its function may be unusable from a circuit perspective, resulting in losses.

[0005] If a resettable fuse blows, cutting off current flow, no power will be supplied to external devices, so a rapid response is required to resettable fuse losses. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a battery system and system control method based on resettable fuse loss that enables the operation of external devices connected to the battery system even during the recovery time of the resettable fuse.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to the features of this disclosure, a battery system includes: a battery; a resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection, and closing after a predetermined recovery time following the opening of the resettable fuse; a fuse compensation circuit including an operating switch connected between the first node and the second node and a sensing switch connected between a third node and ground, providing a voltage to the third node based on a comparison of the voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage, and the fuse compensation circuit generating a first sensing voltage by resistively distributing the voltage of the second node; and a main control unit (MCU) controlling the switching operation of the sensing switch based on the first sensing voltage. The fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch based on a second sensing voltage corresponding to the voltage of the third node.

[0010] The sensing switch may include: a source terminal connected to the third node; a drain terminal connected to ground; and a gate terminal receiving a switch control signal from the main control unit.

[0011] The operating switch may include a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode connected to the cathode and the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor. The fuse compensation circuit may also include another switch, which includes a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, a second source terminal connected to ground, and a second gate terminal receiving the second sensed voltage.

[0012] The fuse compensation circuit may further include a comparator that provides a comparator voltage with a high level to the third node if the voltage of the second node drops below a reference voltage.

[0013] After the first sensing voltage increases to the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage exceeds a predetermined first critical voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, the main control unit may generate a switch control signal to turn on the sensing switch; if the sensing switch is turned on, the second sensing voltage may have a low level and the operating switch is turned off, and the normal voltage range may be the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

[0014] After the first sensing voltage increases to the normal voltage range, as a result of checking whether the first sensing voltage exceeds the first critical voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, more than a predetermined number of times, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage is less than or equal to the predetermined first critical voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, then the main control unit can perform a check notification operation on the external device connected to the external connection terminal, and the normal voltage range can be the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

[0015] According to the features of this disclosure, a system control method for a resettable fuse loss based on a battery system includes: a battery; and a resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, and closing after a predetermined recovery time after the resettable fuse is opened. The system control method includes the following steps: a comparator compares a negative input terminal voltage corresponding to the voltage of the second node with a positive input terminal voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference voltage, and the comparator provides a voltage to a third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator according to the comparison result; a fuse compensation circuit including an operating switch connected between the first node and the second node and a sensing switch connected between the third node and ground generates a first sensing voltage by resistive distribution of the voltage of the second node; the fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch according to the second sensing voltage corresponding to the voltage of the third node; a main control unit (MCU) controls the switching operation of the sensing switch connected between the third node and ground according to the first sensing voltage; and the fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch according to the second sensing voltage.

[0016] The sensing switch may include: a source terminal connected to the third node; a drain terminal connected to ground; and a gate terminal receiving a switch control signal from the main control unit.

[0017] The operating switch may include a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode whose cathode is connected to the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor. The second sensed voltage may be input to the second gate terminal of another switch, which includes a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor and a second source terminal connected to ground.

[0018] The step of the comparator providing a voltage to a third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator based on the result of the comparison may include: if the voltage of the second node drops below a reference voltage, then providing a comparator voltage with a high level to the third node.

[0019] The steps of controlling the switching operation of the sensing switch by the main control unit may include: after the first sensing voltage increases to a normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, generating a switching control signal to turn on the sensing switch, wherein the normal voltage range may be the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

[0020] The system control method may further include the following steps: after the first sensing voltage is increased to the normal voltage range, as a result of checking whether the first sensing voltage exceeds the first critical voltage more than a predetermined number of times, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage is less than or equal to the first critical voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, then the main control unit performs a check notification operation on the external device connected to the external connection terminal.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to this disclosure, the system functions of external devices connected to the battery system can be operated even during the recovery time after a resettable fuse has been blown. However, in the event of a permanent failure, it may be difficult to apply a load to the external device.

[0023] According to this disclosure, the main control unit (MCU) can determine the state of the fuse and load by operating the filter circuit of the section.

[0024] According to this disclosure, if the resettable fuse is blown, the operating section can be quickly operated to supply power from the battery to an external device via the operating section.

[0025] According to this disclosure, if the resettable fuse closes after the operating section has been operated, the operating section can be reset to supply power from the battery to an external device via the resettable fuse. Therefore, leakage current can be minimized, and power can be operated efficiently.

[0026] According to this disclosure, the operation sensing circuit can compare the voltage of the second node with a reference voltage to activate the operation switch connected between the first and second nodes, and the MCU can deactivate the operation switch using a first sensed voltage generated by the filter circuit under predetermined requirements. Therefore, the operation sensing circuit can activate the operation switch based on the voltage comparison result of the comparator, regardless of MCU control. Thus, compared to activating the operation switch under MCU control, this disclosure can accelerate the response time of activating the operation switch after a resettable fuse is blown, enabling faster power supply from the battery to the system connected to the BMS.

[0027] According to this disclosure, if a resettable fuse is tripped, thereby cutting off the flow of current, power supply to external devices may be interrupted. Therefore, the operating section can be operated quickly to minimize the interruption of power supply to external systems.

[0028] According to this disclosure, if a resettable fuse fails to close within a predetermined time after being disconnected, the MCU can quickly respond to a resettable fuse failure by notifying an external device that an inspection is required. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a timing diagram used to describe the operation of the battery system according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a system control method based on resettable fuse loss according to an implementation method.

[0032] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes a flowchart of a system control method for repeating a confirmation operation to control the reset of the operation section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical or similar constituent elements will be indicated by identical or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The terms "module" and / or "unit, part, or component" used in the following description to denote constituent elements are only for ease of understanding of the specification, and therefore these terms themselves have no meaning or function that distinguishes them from each other. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this specification, detailed descriptions will be omitted where it is determined that a detailed description of known art associated with this disclosure might unnecessarily obscure the essential points of this disclosure. Moreover, the accompanying drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the drawings should not be construed as limiting the spirit of the disclosure in this specification. It should be understood that this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0034] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., are used only to describe various constituent elements and should not be interpreted as limiting the constituent elements. Terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0035] In this application, it should be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or “configuration” indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In the configuration according to the implementation, a program implementing an instruction set for a control algorithm used to control other configurations under specific control conditions can be installed in the configuration. The control configuration can process input data and stored data to generate output data according to the installed program. The control configuration may include non-volatile memory for storing the program and memory for storing the data.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The battery system 1 may include a battery 100 and a battery management system (BMS) 200.

[0039] Battery system 1 can be connected to external device 2. External device 2 can be a system such as a vehicle or a sensor. Both ends P+ and P- of battery system 1 can be connected to external device 2. In the following text, for ease of description, both ends P+ and P- of battery system 1 can be referred to as external connection terminals.

[0040] External device 2 may include a load LD. Figure 1 In this illustration, external device 2 is shown as including a load LD, but this is for ease of description and the disclosure is not limited thereto. External device 2 may include a load such as an inverter or converter or a charging device. If external device 2 is a charger, the terminals P+ and P- of battery system 1 may be connected to the charger to charge the battery system 1 by receiving power from the charger. If external device 2 is a load, the terminals P+ and P- of battery system 1 may be connected to the load, such that the power supplied by battery pack 100 is discharged through the load. External device 2 may include a vehicle control unit (VCU) included in the vehicle.

[0041] The positive terminal of battery 100 can be connected to BMS 200, and the negative terminal of battery 100 can be connected to ground. Battery 100 can be an auxiliary battery for the vehicle.

[0042] BMS 200 may include a main control unit (MCU) 210 and a fuse compensation circuit 220. BMS 200 may include a fuse FS and a diode D1.

[0043] The fuse FS can be a resettable fuse connected between nodes ND1 and ND2 to close after a predetermined recovery time following being tripped. In the event of an overcurrent greater than or equal to the trip current, or in a fault condition, the resettable fuse can cut off the power supply from battery 100 to load LD. In a fault condition, an overcurrent may occur, or the resistance of the resettable fuse may increase significantly, causing current flow to be interrupted, and the resettable fuse gradually returns to its initial state after the current flow is interrupted. However, because the resistance of the resettable fuse requires a specific amount of time to return to its initial value, the fuse may not function until the resistance recovers.

[0044] One end of fuse FS can be connected to node ND1, and the other end of fuse FS can be connected to the anode of diode D1. The cathode of diode D1 can be connected to node ND2.

[0045] Node ND1 can be connected to the positive terminal of battery 100, and node ND2 can be connected to the external connection terminal P+. One end of load LD can be connected to the external connection terminal P+, and the other end of load LD can be connected to ground. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The voltage at node ND2 can be called the output voltage Vout.

[0046] The fuse compensation circuit 220 may include an operating switch SW_DR1 and a sensing switch SW_DT. The fuse compensation circuit 220 can monitor the operation of fuse FS to provide a current path corresponding to the opening of fuse FS.

[0047] The fuse compensation circuit 220 can generate a first sensing voltage VS1 based on the voltage at node ND2. The voltage at node ND2 can be divided by two resistors R3 and R4 to determine the voltage at node ND6, and the voltage at node ND6 can be filtered by resistor R5 and capacitor C1 to determine the voltage at node ND4. In other words, the fuse compensation circuit 220 can generate the first sensing voltage VS1 by resistive distribution and filtering of the voltage at node ND2.

[0048] Operating switch SW_DR1 can be connected between nodes ND1 and ND2. Sensing switch SW_DT can be connected between node ND3 and ground. Node ND3 can provide a voltage based on a comparison of the voltage at node ND2 with a predetermined reference voltage. Hereinafter, the predetermined reference voltage can be the upper limit of the voltage range of node ND2 under the condition that fuse FS is turned off.

[0049] The fuse compensation circuit 220 may include an operation section 221, a filter circuit 222, and an operation sensing circuit 223.

[0050] Operation section 221 can be connected between nodes ND1 and ND2. Operation section 221 can provide a power path connecting nodes ND1 and ND2 based on a second sensed voltage VS2 provided from operation sensing circuit 223, and can block this power path based on a control signal provided from MCU 210. The second sensed voltage VS2 can depend on the voltage of node ND3. Fuse compensation circuit 220 can control the switching operation of operation switch SW_DR1 based on the second sensed voltage VS2.

[0051] If the operating switch SW_DR1 is turned on, the operating section 221 can provide a power path connecting nodes ND1 and ND2. In this embodiment, the operating section 221 can provide a power path based on a second sensed voltage VS2. In this embodiment, compared to the MCU 210 sensing a specific voltage to control the switching operation of the operating switch SW_DR1, the operating section 221 can provide a power path quickly after the fuse FS is opened. For example, the operating section 221 can provide a power path connecting the battery 100 and the external device 2 within 1 ms from the moment the fuse FS is opened.

[0052] Filter circuit 222 can be connected to node ND2 to filter the voltage at node ND2, thereby generating a first sense voltage VS1 based on the current at node ND2. Filter circuit 222 can convert the voltage at node ND2 into a voltage within the operating range of MCU 210 to generate the first sense voltage VS1. The first sense voltage VS1 can represent the voltage at node ND4. The first sense voltage VS1 can be provided to MCU 210.

[0053] MCU 210 can control the switching operation of sensing switch SW_DT based on the first sensed voltage VS1. MCU 210 can monitor the first sensed voltage VS1 and can notify external device 2 of the need for inspection based on the monitoring results. For example, if the first sensed voltage VS1 returns to the normal voltage range after determining that the fuse has been blown due to a drop to below the lower limit of the normal voltage range, then MCU 210 can determine that the load LD has returned to the normal state from an abnormal state such as overcurrent. In the following, the normal voltage range can be the voltage range of the first sensed voltage VS1 with the fuse FS connected.

[0054] Therefore, after the first sensed voltage VS1 returns to the normal voltage range, if the MCU 210 checks whether the first sensed voltage VS1 further increases beyond the upper limit of the normal voltage range more than a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals but no further increase is detected, then the MCU 210 can perform a check notification operation to the external device 2. This is likely because if the first sensed voltage VS1 does not further increase beyond the upper limit of the normal voltage range after it returns to the normal voltage range, the fuse FS will not close again even after the recovery time, thus requiring a check.

[0055] The operating section 221 may include an operating switch SW_DR1, an operating switch SW_DR2, and multiple resistors R1 and R2.

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the operating switch SW_DR1 is shown as a p-channel MOSFET, but this is for ease of description and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the operating switch SW_DR1 is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold voltage, the operating switch SW_DR1 can provide a current path for current to flow from the source terminal of the operating switch SW_DR1 to its drain terminal.

[0057] The source terminal of the operating switch SW_DR1 can be connected to node ND1 and one end of resistor R1. The drain terminal of the operating switch SW_DR1 can be connected to the anode of diode D2. The other end of resistor R1, the gate terminal of the operating switch SW_DR1, and one end of resistor R2 can be connected to node ND5. The cathode of diode D2 can be connected to node ND2.

[0058] exist Figure 1In the diagram, the operating switch SW_DR2 is shown as an n-channel MOSFET, but this is for ease of description and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the operating switch SW_DR2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, the operating switch SW_DR2 can provide a current path for current to flow from the drain terminal of the operating switch SW_DR2 to its source terminal.

[0059] The drain terminal of the operating switch SW_DR2 can be connected to the other end of resistor R2. The source terminal of the operating switch SW_DR2 can be connected to ground. The gate terminal of the operating switch SW_DR2 can receive the second sensing voltage VS2 from the operating sensing circuit 223.

[0060] Filter circuit 222 may include multiple resistors R3-R5 and capacitor C1. One end of resistor R3 may be connected to node ND2. The other end of resistor R3, one end of resistor R4, and one end of resistor R5 may be connected to node ND6. The other end of resistor R4 may be connected to ground. The other end of resistor R5 and one end of capacitor C1 may be connected to node ND4. The other end of capacitor C1 may be connected to ground. A first sense voltage VS1 may represent the voltage at node ND4 between resistor R5 and capacitor C1. The first sense voltage VS1 may be distributed by resistor R5 and capacitor C1 according to the voltage at node ND6 to represent the voltage applied to one end of capacitor C1. The multiple resistors R3-R5 may be designed in megaohms or larger to minimize leakage current of filter circuit 222.

[0061] The operation sensing circuit 223 can generate a second sensing voltage VS2 to control the switching operation of the operation section 221 based on the voltage at node ND2 and the switch control signal SCS received from MCU 210. The operation sensing circuit 223 may include multiple resistors R6-R11, capacitor C2, comparator COM1, voltage source VS, transistor TR1, transistor TR2, and sensing switch SW_DT.

[0062] Comparator COM1 compares the voltage at its negative input terminal (-) with the voltage at its positive input terminal (+) to output a voltage to its output terminal. For ease of description, the output voltage of comparator COM1 will be referred to as the comparator voltage in the following text.

[0063] If the voltage at node ND2 is less than a predetermined reference voltage, the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 can be less than the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1. If the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) corresponding to the voltage at node ND2 drops below the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) corresponding to the predetermined reference voltage, comparator COM1 can provide a high-level comparator voltage to the output terminal. The high-level comparator voltage can be a voltage level that enables transistors TR1 and TR2 to conduct. The low-level comparator voltage can be a voltage level that enables transistors TR1 and TR2 to turn off.

[0064] If a high-level comparator voltage is supplied to the output terminal of comparator COM1, transistors TR1 and TR2 can be turned on, such that if the voltage at node ND2 drops below a predetermined reference voltage, comparator COM1 supplies a high-level comparator voltage to node ND3.

[0065] One end of resistor R6 can be connected to node ND2. The other end of resistor R6 and one end of resistor R7 can be connected to the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1. The other end of resistor R7 can be connected to ground. Resistor R8 can be connected between the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1 and ground. The emitter terminal of transistor TR1 can be connected to the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1. The collector terminal of transistor TR2 can be connected to one end of resistor R9. A 5V voltage can be supplied to the node connected to the other end of resistor R9 and one end of resistor R10. The other end of resistor R10 can be connected to the collector terminal of transistor TR2. The base terminal of transistor TR2 can be connected to the output terminal of comparator COM1. The emitter terminal of transistor TR2 can be connected to node ND3.

[0066] In the following text, the 5V voltage connected to the node where the other end of resistor R9 and one end of resistor R10 are connected can be referred to as a 5V voltage source. Figure 1 In the diagram, a 5V voltage source is shown connected between resistors R9 and R10, but the voltage value of the 5V voltage source is merely an example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] The source terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT can be connected to node ND3. The drain terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT can be connected to ground. The gate terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT can receive the switch control signal SCS from MCU 210.

[0068] One end of resistor R11 can be connected to node ND3. Capacitor C2 can be connected to the other end of resistor R11. Transistor TR2 and sensing switch SW_DT can be connected to node ND3 to generate a second sensing voltage VS2 based on the voltage at node ND3. The second sensing voltage VS2 can represent the voltage at the node between resistor R11 and capacitor C2. The second sensing voltage VS2 can be distributed by resistor R11 and capacitor C2 based on the voltage at node ND3 to represent the voltage applied to one end of capacitor C2.

[0069] The second sensing voltage VS2 can be provided to the gate terminal of the operation switch SW_DR2 of the operation section 221.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, each of transistors TR1 and TR2 is shown as an NPN type transistor, but this is for ease of description and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 1 In the diagram, the sensing switch SW_DT is shown as an n-channel MOSFET, but this is for ease of description and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold, the sensing switch SW_DT can provide a current path for current to flow from the drain terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT to its source terminal.

[0071] If the comparator voltage is high, transistor TR1 provides a current path for current to flow from the 5V voltage source to the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1. If the comparator voltage is high, transistor TR2 provides a current path for current to flow from the 5V voltage source to node ND3.

[0072] If the voltage at node ND2 drops below a predetermined reference voltage, the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 can be lower than the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1. If the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 is lower than the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1, a comparator voltage with a high level can be generated at the output terminal of comparator COM1, causing transistors TR1 and TR2 to conduct.

[0073] If transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned on, each of transistors TR1 and TR2 can operate in saturation mode.

[0074] If the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 is greater than or equal to the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1, then the output terminal of comparator COM1 may not generate a comparator voltage (e.g., the comparator voltage may be 0V), or it may generate a comparator voltage with a low level. If the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 is greater than or equal to the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1, then transistors TR1 and TR2 may not be turned on and may remain in the off state. In the following text, the fact that the operating sensing circuit 223 is operated can indicate that transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned on and the sensing switch SW_DT is turned off.

[0075] If the voltage at node ND2 drops below a predetermined reference voltage after fuse FS is opened, a comparator voltage with a high level can be generated at the output terminal of comparator COM1, causing operation sensing circuit 223 to be activated. If operation sensing circuit 223 is activated, the level of second sensing voltage VS2 can be switched to a high level. If the second sensing voltage VS2 is high, operation switch SW_DR2 can be turned on, which receives the second sensing voltage VS2 at its gate terminal. The second sensing voltage VS2 with a high level can be a voltage level that enables operation switch SW_DR2 to be turned on. The second sensing voltage VS2 with a low level can be a voltage level that enables operation switch SW_DR2 to be turned off.

[0076] If the second sensed voltage VS2 is switched to a high level, the voltage at node ND3 can be maintained at a high level. Therefore, after the second sensed voltage VS2 is switched to a high level, in order to switch the second sensed voltage VS2 to a low level, the voltage at node ND3 needs to be bypassed to ground via the sense switch SW_DT. In this specification, for ease of description, the operation of resetting operation section 221 can refer to the operation of bypassing the voltage at node ND3 to ground via the sense switch SW_DT after the second sensed voltage VS2 is switched to a high level.

[0077] If the operating switch SW_DR2 is turned on, a current path connecting resistor R1, resistor R2, operating switch SW_DR2, and ground can be formed. If operating switch SW_DR2 is turned on, thus forming a current path connecting resistor R1, resistor R2, operating switch SW_DR2, and ground, then operating switch SW_DR1 can be turned on. If operating switch SW_DR1 is turned on, a power path including node ND1, operating switch SW_DR1, diode D2, and node ND2 can be formed. Therefore, if the operating sensing circuit 223 is operated, operating switches SW_DR1 and SW_DR2 can be turned on, allowing the operating section 221 to provide a power path from battery 100 to external connection terminals P+ and P- via operating switch SW_DR1 and diode D2.

[0078] In the following text, the fact that operation section 221 is activated indicates that operation switches SW_DR1 and SW_DR2 are turned on. If operation section 221 is activated, the power supplied from battery 100 can be supplied to load LD through fuse compensation circuit 220.

[0079] MCU 210 can generate a switch control signal SCS based on a first sense voltage VS1. MCU 210 can generate the switch control signal SCS to control the switching operation of the sense switch SW_DT based on the first sense voltage VS1, and can provide the switch control signal SCS to the fuse compensation circuit 220. MCU 210 can send the switch control signal SCS to the gate terminal of the sense switch SW_DT.

[0080] After operation section 221 is operated, if it is determined that the fuse FS is closed such that the first sense voltage VS1 exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, then MCU 210 can generate a control signal for turning on the sense switch SW_DT as a switch control signal SCS. The predetermined first threshold voltage can be the upper limit of the normal voltage range, which is the voltage range of the first sense voltage VS1 under the condition that the fuse FS is connected. In this case, the lower limit of the normal voltage range can be called the second threshold voltage. For example, if the normal voltage range is 3.9V or greater and 4.1V or less, then the first threshold voltage can be 4.1V, and the second threshold voltage can be 3.9V.

[0081] When the voltage at node ND2 is a predetermined reference voltage, the first sensed voltage VS1 can be referred to as the third threshold voltage. For example, the third threshold voltage could be 0.1V. The predetermined reference voltage could be the maximum voltage that allows the output of comparator COM1 to go high. The third threshold voltage could be a voltage lower than the second threshold voltage.

[0082] After operation section 221 is operated, if the value of the first sensing voltage VS1 increases to within the normal voltage range, MCU 210 can determine that the state of load LD has returned from an overcurrent state to a normal state. If the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds a first threshold voltage and increases to within the normal voltage range after operation section 221 is operated, MCU 210 can determine that the recovery time of fuse FS has expired, thereby closing fuse FS. If the recovery time of fuse FS expires, causing fuse FS to close after it has been opened, then fuse FS (not operation section 221) needs to provide a power path between battery 100 and external connection terminal P+. Therefore, if it is determined that the recovery time of fuse FS has expired, causing fuse FS to close, MCU 210 can turn on sensing switch SW_DT to stop operation of operation section 221. For example, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage VS1 increases from 0V to 4V at a second time point after a first time point, and further increases from 4V to 4.2V after the second time point, then MCU 210 can stop operation of sensing circuit 223.

[0083] In the following text, for ease of description, the fact that the MCU 210 converts the switch control signal SCS to a high level can be referred to as the reset control of the operation section. The reset control of the operation section may include the operation of the operation sensing circuit 223 sending a signal to the operation section 221 to stop the operation of the operation section 221 (i.e., a second sensing voltage VS2 with a low level).

[0084] A high-level switch control signal SCS can be a voltage level that turns on the sensing switch SW_DT. A low-level switch control signal SCS can be a voltage level that turns off the sensing switch SW_DT.

[0085] MCU 210 can send a high-level switch control signal SCS to the gate terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT to stop the operation of the sensing circuit 223. If MCU 210 sends a high-level switch control signal SCS to the gate terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT, the sensing switch SW_DT can be turned on.

[0086] If the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on, a current path can be formed to connect node ND3 to ground. If the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on, the operating sensing circuit 223 can stop its operation, causing the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 to be switched low. If the second sensing voltage VS2 is low, the operating switch SW_DR2, which receives the second sensing voltage VS2 at its gate terminal, can be turned off.

[0087] If the operating switch SW_DR2 is turned off, the current path connecting resistor R1, resistor R2, operating switch SW_DR2, and ground can be blocked. If the operation switch SW_DR2 is turned off such that the current path connecting resistor R1, resistor R2, operating switch SW_DR2, and ground is blocked, then the operation switch SW_DR1 can be turned off. If the operation switch SW_DR1 is turned off, the power path including node ND1, operation switch SW_DR1, diode D2, and node ND2 can be blocked. Therefore, if the operation sensing circuit 223 is not operated, the operation switches SW_DR1 and SW_DR2 can be turned off, causing the operation section 221 to stop its operation. In the following text, for ease of description, the fact that the operation switches SW_DR1 and SW_DR2 are turned off can be referred to as the cessation of operation of the operation section.

[0088] If operation of operation section 221 stops, operation section 221 can block the power path from battery 100 to external connection terminals P+ and P- by operating switch SW_DR1 and diode D2. In other words, if MCU 210 controls the reset of operation section 221, operation of operation section 221 can be stopped.

[0089] The sensing switch SW_DT can remain in the ON state for a predetermined hold time from the time it is turned on, and can be turned off after the hold time expires. The predetermined hold time can be a sufficient amount of time required from the time the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on until the operating switches SW_DR1 and SW_DR2 are turned off. For example, at the time when the predetermined hold time expires, the MCU 210 can switch the level of the switch control signal SCS to a low level, starting from the time when the level of the switch control signal SCS is switched high by the MCU 210.

[0090] After the operation section 221 is operated and the value of the first sensing voltage VS1 increases to the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first critical voltage more than a predetermined number of times at a predetermined time interval but does not exceed the first critical voltage, the MCU 210 can perform a check notification operation to the external device 2.

[0091] Figure 2 It is a timing diagram used to describe the operation of the battery system according to the embodiment.

[0092] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 The description includes the level of the first sensing voltage VS1 based on whether the fuse FS trips and whether an overcurrent flows through the load LD, the operation of the sensing circuit 223, the level of the second sensing voltage VS2, and the level of the switch control signal SCS.

[0093] If fuse FS is closed and load LD is operating normally at time T1, then the first sensed voltage VS1 can represent a high level within the normal voltage range. For example, at the time point from time T1 to time point T2, the first sensed voltage VS1 can represent 4V.

[0094] If an overcurrent flows through the load LD between time points T2 and T3, the fuse FS can be tripped, causing the first sensed voltage VS1 to represent a low level of voltage reduction. This low level can be less than a third threshold voltage. For example, the low level of the first sensed voltage VS1 can be 0V.

[0095] Because the fuse FS is opened, the voltage at node ND2 drops below the predetermined reference voltage between time point T2 and time point T3. Therefore, the voltage at the negative input terminal (-) of comparator COM1 can be lower than the voltage at the positive input terminal (+) of comparator COM1. Consequently, a comparator voltage with a high level can be generated at the output terminal of comparator COM1, causing the operation sensing circuit 223 to be activated. If the operation sensing circuit 223 is activated, the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 can be switched to a high level. If the second sensing voltage VS2 is high, the operation switch SW_DR2 can be turned on, which receives the second sensing voltage VS2 at its gate terminal.

[0096] If operating switch SW_DR2 is turned on, operating switch SW_DR1 can also be turned on, causing operating section 221 to operate. Operating section 221 can then provide a power path from battery 100 to external connection terminals P+ and P- via operating switch SW_DR1 and diode D2. If operating section 221 is operated, the power supplied from battery 100 can be provided to load LD via fuse compensation circuit 220.

[0097] If the load LD resumes normal operation at time T4, the first sensed voltage VS1 can again indicate a high level within the normal voltage range. For example, at the time point from T4 to T5, the first sensed voltage VS1 could be 4V.

[0098] If fuse FS closes during the normal operation of load LD from time point T5 to time point T6, the first sense voltage VS1 can exceed the first threshold voltage. For example, the first sense voltage VS1 can be 4.2V from time point T5 to time point T9.

[0099] After the first sensing voltage VS1 increases from a low level to the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds a first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, the MCU 210 can generate a high-level switch control signal SCS at time point T6. If the MCU 210 sends the high-level switch control signal SCS to the gate terminal of the sensing switch SW_DT, the sensing switch SW_DT can be turned on.

[0100] If the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on during the time interval from time T6 to time T7, the operation sensing circuit 223 can stop its operation. If the operation sensing circuit 223 stops its operation, the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 can be switched to a low level. If the second sensing voltage VS2 is at a low level, the operation switch SW_DR2 can be turned off. If the operation switch SW_DR2 is turned off, the operation switch SW_DR1 can also be turned off, causing the operation section 221 to stop its operation. If the operation of the operation section 221 stops, the operation section 221 can block the power path from the battery 100 to the external connection terminals P+ and P- through the operation switch SW_DR1 and diode D2.

[0101] During the time interval from time point T7 to time point T8, MCU 210 can switch the level of the switch control signal SCS to a low level after a predetermined holding time has elapsed since the time it switched the level of the switch control signal SCS to a high level. When the switch control signal SCS is high, the sensing switch SW_DT can remain on. If the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on by the high-level switch control signal SCS, the operation sensing circuit 223 can stop its operation, causing the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 to be switched to a low level. If the second sensing voltage VS2 is low, the operation section 221 can stop its operation.

[0102] At time point T9, the first sensing voltage VS1 can begin to decrease from a voltage that exceeds the first critical voltage within the normal voltage range.

[0103] As described above, since the fuse FS closes after a predetermined recovery time from the point when the fuse FS is disconnected and no power is supplied to the load LD through the fuse FS at the time the fuse FS is disconnected, the operation section 221 can be operated according to the control of the operation sensing circuit 223 and the MCU 210.

[0104] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a system control method based on resettable fuse loss according to an implementation method.

[0105] In the following text, the description of each component of BMS 200 that overlaps with the above description may be omitted.

[0106] Reference Figure 3 A temporary overcurrent may occur in the load LD (S100). Figure 3 The description of a temporary overcurrent in the load LD is merely for ease of description and is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, step S100 may indicate an overcurrent greater than or equal to the trip current or a significant increase in the resistance of the resettable fuse under fault conditions, etc.

[0107] After step S100, the fuse FS can be tripped to the open state (S200).

[0108] After step S200, if the voltage of node ND2 drops below a predetermined reference voltage (yes in step S300), comparator COM1 can generate a comparator voltage with a high level to operate the sensing circuit (S400). If the voltage of node ND2 does not drop below the predetermined reference voltage in step S300, step S300 can be repeated.

[0109] After step S400, since the second sensing voltage VS2 has a high level if the operation sensing circuit 223 is operated, the operation section 221 can be operated (S500).

[0110] After step S500, MCU 210 can determine whether the first sensed voltage VS1 is within the normal voltage range (S600). If MCU 210 determines in step S600 after step S500 that the first sensed voltage VS1 has not yet increased to the normal voltage range, step S600 can be repeated.

[0111] If it is determined in step S600 that the first sensed voltage VS1 is within the normal voltage range, then the MCU 210 can determine whether the first sensed voltage VS1 exceeds a first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range (S700). If it is determined in step S700 that the first sensed voltage VS1 is less than or equal to the first threshold voltage, then the MCU 210 can repeat step S700. The period for repeating step S700 can be a predetermined time interval.

[0112] If it is determined in step S700 that the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first threshold voltage, then MCU 210 can generate a high-level switch control signal SCS to perform the reset control of the operation section (S800).

[0113] After step S800, if the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on by the reset control of the operation section, the operation sensing circuit 223 can stop its operation, causing the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 to be switched to a low level. Therefore, the operation switch SW_DR2 can be turned off, causing the operation of the operation section 221 to stop (S900).

[0114] After step S900, MCU 210 can confirm that the first sensed voltage VS1 is within the normal voltage range (S1000).

[0115] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes a flowchart of a system control method for repeating a confirmation operation to control the reset of the operation section.

[0116] In the following text, descriptions of each component of BMS 200 that overlap with the above description may be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, Figure 3 The description of steps S100 to S600 shown can be similarly applied to... Figure 4 Steps S100 to S600 are shown in the diagram.

[0117] Reference Figure 4 If it is determined in step S600 that the first sensing voltage VS1 is within the normal voltage range, then the MCU 210 can determine whether the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range (S700).

[0118] If it is determined in step S700 that the first sensing voltage VS1 is less than or equal to the first threshold voltage, then the MCU 210 can determine whether the number of times the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first threshold voltage is less than x times (S701). Here, x can be a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and can be a value stored in the BMS 200 that is predetermined as the maximum number of additional increases in the first sensing voltage VS1.

[0119] If the number of times the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first critical voltage in step S701 is less than x, then step S700 can be executed.

[0120] If the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first threshold voltage more than x times in step S701, then MCU210 can notify external device 2 that an inspection is required (S702).

[0121] If it is determined in step S700 that the first sensing voltage VS1 exceeds the first threshold voltage, then MCU 210 can generate a high-level switch control signal SCS to perform the reset control of the operation section (S800).

[0122] After step S800, if the sensing switch SW_DT is turned on by the reset control of the operation section, the operation sensing circuit 223 can stop its operation, causing the level of the second sensing voltage VS2 to be switched to a low level. Therefore, the operation switch SW_DR2 can be turned off, causing the operation of the operation section 221 to stop (S900).

[0123] After step S900, MCU 210 can confirm that the first sensed voltage VS1 is within the normal voltage range (S1000).

[0124] While this disclosure is described in conjunction with what is now considered to be a practical implementation, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed implementation; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery system, the battery system comprising: Battery; A resettable fuse is connected between a first node connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, and closes after a predetermined recovery time after the resettable fuse is disconnected; A fuse compensation circuit includes an operating switch connected between a first node and a second node and a sensing switch connected between a third node and ground. The fuse compensation circuit provides a voltage to the third node based on a comparison of the voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage, and generates a first sensing voltage by resistive distribution of the voltage of the second node. as well as A main control unit (MCU) controls the switching operation of the sensing switch based on the first sensed voltage. The fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch based on a second sensed voltage corresponding to the voltage of the third node.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing switch includes: Source terminal, which is connected to the third node; Drain terminal, the drain terminal being connected to the ground; and A gate terminal that receives a switch control signal from the main control unit.

3. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The operating switch includes a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode connected to the cathode and the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor. The fuse compensation circuit further includes another switch, which includes a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, a second source terminal connected to ground, and a second gate terminal for receiving the second sensed voltage.

4. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The fuse compensation circuit further includes a comparator that provides a comparator voltage with a high level to the third node if the voltage of the second node drops below the reference voltage.

5. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, After the first sensing voltage increases to the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, the main control unit generates a switch control signal to turn on the sensing switch. If the sensing switch is turned on, the second sensing voltage has a low level and the operating switch is turned off, and the normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

6. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, After the first sensing voltage increases to the normal voltage range, as a result of checking whether the first sensing voltage exceeds a predetermined first critical voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, more than a predetermined number of times, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage is less than or equal to the first critical voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, the main control unit performs a check notification operation on the external device connected to the external connection terminal, and the normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

7. A system control method for resettable fuse loss based on a battery system, the battery system comprising: Battery; The system control method includes the following steps: A resettable fuse is connected between a first node connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, and closes after a predetermined recovery time after the resettable fuse is opened. The comparator compares the negative input terminal voltage corresponding to the voltage of the second node with the positive input terminal voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference voltage, and the comparator provides a voltage to the third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator according to the comparison result; A fuse compensation circuit, comprising an operating switch connected between the first node and the second node and a sensing switch connected between the third node and ground, generates a first sensing voltage by resistively distributing the voltage of the second node. The fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch based on a second sensed voltage corresponding to the voltage of the third node. The main control unit (MCU) controls the switching operation of the sensing switch connected between the third node and the ground based on the first sensing voltage; and The fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch based on the second sensed voltage.

8. The system control method according to claim 7, wherein, The sensing switch includes: Source terminal, which is connected to the third node; Drain terminal, the drain terminal being connected to the ground; and A gate terminal that receives a switch control signal from the main control unit.

9. The system control method according to claim 7, wherein, The operating switch includes a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode connected to the cathode and the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor. The second sensed voltage is input to the second gate terminal of another switch, which includes a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor and a second source terminal connected to ground.

10. The system control method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of the comparator providing a voltage to a third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator based on the result of the comparison includes the following steps: if the voltage of the second node drops below the reference voltage, then a comparator voltage with a high level is provided to the third node.

11. The system control method according to claim 7, wherein, The steps of controlling the switching operation of the sensing switch by the main control unit include the following steps: after the first sensing voltage increases to a normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage exceeds a predetermined first critical voltage as the upper limit of the normal voltage range, a switching control signal is generated to turn on the sensing switch, and the normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first sensing voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

12. The system control method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: After the first sensing voltage increases to the normal voltage range, as a result of checking whether the first sensing voltage exceeds the first critical voltage more than a predetermined number of times, if it is determined that the first sensing voltage is less than or equal to the first critical voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, then the main control unit performs a check notification operation on the external device connected to the external connection terminal.

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