Large-current throw load protection circuit of starting battery and power supply device

Abstract

The utility model provides a large-current throw load protection circuit of a starting battery and a power supply device. The throw load protection circuit is connected in series between a battery bus cathode and a battery bus anode of the starting battery. The throw load protection circuit comprises a one-way switch unit and an energy storage unit which are connected in series; the cathode of the energy storage unit is connected to the cathode of a battery bus of the starting battery, and the anode of the one-way switch unit is connected to the anode of the battery bus of the starting battery, so that the charging switch is switched off when the starting battery is overvoltage; the one-way switch unit comprises a small-current one-way switch unit and a large-current one-way switch unit which are connected in parallel; the low-current one-way switch unit is used for a follow current path when the current in the follow current loop is low current; and the large-current one-way switch unit is used for a follow current path when the current in the follow current loop is large current. According to the scheme of the utility model, the cost is reduced, and the starting battery does not participate in the follow current process of the load throwing protection when the load throwing protection is carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power supply device technology, specifically to a high current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery and a power supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries have advantages such as high energy density, small size, and long lifespan. Currently, automakers widely use lithium-ion batteries (especially lithium iron phosphate batteries) instead of lead-acid batteries for vehicle starting. After the vehicle starts, the onboard alternator supplies power to the vehicle's equipment and simultaneously charges the starting battery. During charging, a protection board is required to prevent overcharging. When the starting battery is fully charged, the protection board will activate overcharge protection and shut off the charging switch to prevent overcharging from causing overvoltage in individual cells. After the overcharge protection board activates, an induced high voltage will be generated between the output buses P+ and P- due to the disconnected charging switch. This can not only cause the alternator to experience load shedding, but the excessively high alternator output voltage can also affect the normal operation of the onboard equipment and even damage it.

[0003] Currently, to prevent generator load dumping, the mainstream solution for making a starter battery protection board is to add a series of supercapacitors between the positive and negative terminals of the starter battery, which has a relatively high application cost.

[0004] Unlike the mainstream solution, a utility model patent document published on December 10, 2024, with authorization announcement number CN 222147192 U, discloses a high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery and a power supply device for new energy vehicles. This includes a freewheeling circuit formed in series between the load dump protection circuit and the starting battery at the moment the charging switch is turned off, where an energy storage unit absorbs energy, thereby stabilizing the voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery bus below a preset threshold. In this patent document's solution, during load dump protection, both the starting battery and the energy storage unit capacitor of the load dump protection circuit participate in the freewheeling process; that is, the starting battery must participate in the freewheeling process during load dump protection.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a high-current load dump protection circuit and power supply device for starting batteries, thus solving the problem of excessive cost; it also provides a new approach to designing load dump protection circuits, solving the problem that starting batteries must participate in the freewheeling process during load dump protection.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery, wherein a control circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal of the starting battery and the negative terminal of the battery bus, and the control circuit includes a charging switch.

[0008] The load dumping protection circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the starting battery bus.

[0009] The load dump protection circuit includes a unidirectional switching unit and an energy storage unit connected in series.

[0010] The negative terminal of the energy storage unit is connected to the negative terminal of the starting battery bus, and the positive terminal of the one-way switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the starting battery bus, so that:

[0011] When the starting battery is charging normally, the load dump protection circuit does not work;

[0012] When the starting battery is overvoltaged, the charging switch is turned off and the starting battery is disconnected. The load dump protection circuit is then connected in series with the generator to form a freewheeling circuit. The energy storage unit absorbs the energy in the freewheeling circuit and stabilizes the voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery bus below a preset threshold.

[0013] The unidirectional switching unit includes a low-current unidirectional switching unit and a high-current unidirectional switching unit connected in parallel.

[0014] The low-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a low current.

[0015] The high-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a high current.

[0016] Based on the above, the low-current unidirectional switching unit includes a Zener diode, and the high-current unidirectional switching unit includes a transistor.

[0017] The negative terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the collector of the transistor and serves as the positive terminal of the unidirectional switching unit. The positive terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the base of the transistor, and the emitter of the transistor serves as the negative terminal of the unidirectional switching unit.

[0018] Based on the above, the unidirectional switching unit further includes a current-limiting resistor and a pull-down resistor;

[0019] The current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the positive terminal of the Zener diode and the base of the transistor;

[0020] The pull-down resistor is connected in series between the base of the transistor and the negative terminal of the battery bus.

[0021] Based on the above, the load dump protection circuit also includes a discharge resistor connected in parallel with the energy storage unit.

[0022] Based on the above, the load dump protection circuit also includes a reverse connection protection device, which is connected in series between the positive terminal of the unidirectional switch unit and the positive terminal of the battery bus of the starting battery.

[0023] Based on the above, the reverse connection protection device is a diode.

[0024] Based on the above, the energy storage unit is a supercapacitor or is formed by multiple electrolytic capacitors connected in parallel.

[0025] Based on the above, the control circuit also includes a discharge switch.

[0026] Based on the above, the starting battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0027] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this utility model provides a power supply device for a new energy vehicle, including a starter battery, a discharge switch, a charging switch, a control module, and a load dump protection circuit; the control module is used to monitor the voltage of the starter battery and to control the opening and closing of the discharge switch and the charging switch; the load dump protection circuit is the high-current load dump protection circuit for the starter battery described in any of the above embodiments.

[0028] This utility model has substantial features and advancements compared to the prior art, specifically:

[0029] (1) When the charging switch is turned off, the charging circuit between the generator and the starting battery is disconnected in the load dumping protection circuit of this utility model. Only the load dumping protection circuit and the generator form a freewheeling circuit, and the energy is absorbed through the energy storage unit, thus avoiding the generator from dumping load.

[0030] (2) The energy storage unit in the load dump protection circuit of this utility model only requires one supercapacitor or multiple electrolytic capacitors. Compared with the traditional solution of adding a string of supercapacitors between the positive and negative terminals of the starting battery when making a starting battery protection board, the solution of this utility model reduces the cost.

[0031] (3) The load dump protection circuit of this utility model is connected in series between the negative terminal of the battery bus and the positive terminal of the battery bus of the starting battery. When the load dump protection is performed, the starting battery does not participate in the freewheeling process during the load dump protection. Only the freewheeling circuit is formed between the load dump protection circuit and the generator, which isolates the starting battery and makes it safer.

[0032] (4) The unidirectional switch unit in the load dump protection circuit of this utility model is provided with two types of freewheeling circuits, namely, the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is small and the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is large, which can be applied to higher induced voltage between the negative terminal of the battery bus and the positive terminal of the battery bus. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery according to this utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle of Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle of a high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery according to this utility model.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a power supply device for a new energy vehicle according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0040] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Example 1

[0041] As attached Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides an implementation method for a power supply device for a new energy vehicle.

[0042] A high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery, wherein a control circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal of the starting battery and the negative terminal of the battery bus, and the control circuit includes a charging switch;

[0043] The load dumping protection circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the starting battery bus.

[0044] The load dump protection circuit includes a unidirectional switching unit and an energy storage unit connected in series.

[0045] The negative terminal of the energy storage unit is connected to the negative terminal of the starting battery bus, and the positive terminal of the one-way switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the starting battery bus, so that:

[0046] When the starting battery is charging normally, the load dump protection circuit does not work;

[0047] When the starting battery is overvoltaged, the charging switch is turned off and the starting battery is disconnected. The load dump protection circuit is then connected in series with the generator to form a freewheeling circuit. The energy storage unit absorbs the energy in the freewheeling circuit and stabilizes the voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery bus below a preset threshold.

[0048] The unidirectional switching unit includes a low-current unidirectional switching unit and a high-current unidirectional switching unit connected in parallel.

[0049] The low-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a low current.

[0050] The high-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a high current.

[0051] It should be noted that this embodiment describes one method for implementing load dump protection in the high-current load dump protection circuit for the starting battery:

[0052] In this implementation, the on-state voltage of the low-current unidirectional switch unit is less than the on-state voltage of the high-current unidirectional switch unit, which is less than the overvoltage protection voltage.

[0053] Close the charging switch to start the vehicle's generator and charge the starter battery;

[0054] When the voltage of the starting battery is less than the conduction voltage of the low-current unidirectional switch unit, the load dump protection circuit does not work, the charging switch is in the closed state, and a charging circuit is formed between the generator and the starting battery through the charging switch.

[0055] The starting battery continues to be charged. When the voltage of the starting battery is greater than the conduction voltage of the small current unidirectional switch unit but less than the conduction voltage of the large current unidirectional switch unit, both the small current unidirectional switch unit and the large current unidirectional switch unit are turned on, and current flows through the load dump protection circuit. The load dump protection circuit absorbs energy through the energy storage unit. At the same time, the charging switch remains closed, and a charging circuit is still formed between the generator and the starting battery through the charging switch.

[0056] The starting battery continues to be charged. When the voltage of the starting battery is greater than the conduction voltage of the high-current unidirectional switch unit and less than the overvoltage protection voltage, both the low-current unidirectional switch unit and the high-current unidirectional switch unit are turned on, and current flows through the load dump protection circuit. The load dump protection circuit absorbs energy through the energy storage unit. At the same time, the charging switch is still in the closed state, and a charging circuit is still formed between the generator and the starting battery through the charging switch.

[0057] As the voltage of the starting battery increases, when it exceeds or equals the overvoltage protection voltage, the charging switch opens, breaking the conduction circuit between the generator and the starting battery. Both the low-current and high-current unidirectional switching units conduct, leaving only the generator and the load dump protection circuit forming a freewheeling circuit. This prevents the generator from dumping load (i.e., avoids the induced high voltage between the positive and negative output terminals of the generator at the moment the charging switch opens). If the large induced high voltage generated between the positive and negative output terminals of the generator at the moment the charging switch opens causes the low-current unidirectional switching unit to break down and fail, the parallel high-current unidirectional switching unit maintains the freewheeling circuit.

[0058] This embodiment presents another method for implementing load dump protection in the high-current load dump protection circuit for starting the battery:

[0059] In this implementation, the high-current unidirectional switching unit > the turn-on voltage of the low-current unidirectional switching unit > the overvoltage protection voltage.

[0060] Close the charging switch to start the vehicle generator to charge the starter battery; when the voltage of the starter battery is lower than the overvoltage protection voltage, the load dump protection circuit does not work, the charging switch is in the closed state, and a charging circuit is formed between the generator and the starter battery through the charging switch.

[0061] When the voltage of the starting battery reaches the overvoltage protection voltage, the charging switch is turned off, the conduction circuit between the generator and the starting battery is broken, and only the generator and the load dump protection circuit form a freewheeling circuit, which avoids the generator from dumping load (that is, it avoids the generation of induced high voltage between the positive and negative output terminals of the generator at the moment the charging switch is turned off, where the induced high voltage is much greater than the conduction voltage of the high current unidirectional switching unit).

[0062] In this embodiment, the load dump protection circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the starting battery bus. When load dump protection is performed, the starting battery does not participate in the freewheeling process during load dump protection. Only the load dump protection circuit and the generator form a freewheeling loop, which isolates the starting battery and provides higher safety.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy storage unit is a supercapacitor or formed by multiple electrolytic capacitors connected in parallel. Compared to the traditional approach of adding a string of supercapacitors between the positive and negative terminals of the start-up battery when making a start-up battery protection board, the energy storage unit in the load dump protection circuit of this embodiment only requires one supercapacitor or multiple electrolytic capacitors, which greatly reduces the cost of use.

[0064] The unidirectional switching unit in the load dump protection circuit of this utility model is equipped with two types of freewheeling circuits: a freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is small and a freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is large, which can be applied to higher induced voltages between the negative and positive terminals of the battery bus.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] As attached Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The charging switch is an N-channel MOSFET Q3, B- is the negative terminal of the battery, B+ is the positive terminal of the battery, P+ is the positive terminal of the battery bus, P- is the negative terminal of the battery bus, D2 is a Zener diode, and Q1 is an NPN transistor.

[0067] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that it provides specific implementation methods for the small current unidirectional switching unit and the large current unidirectional switching unit.

[0068] The low-current unidirectional switching unit includes a Zener diode, and the high-current unidirectional switching unit includes a transistor.

[0069] The negative terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the collector of the transistor and serves as the positive terminal of the unidirectional switching unit. The positive terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the base of the transistor, and the emitter of the transistor serves as the negative terminal of the unidirectional switching unit.

[0070] It should be noted that after the Zener diode D2 is turned on, if the NPN transistor Q1 meets the conduction condition, then the NPN transistor Q1 will be turned on, and current will flow through the load dump protection circuit, allowing the energy storage unit to absorb energy.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, resistor R1 is a current-limiting resistor, resistor R2 is a pull-down resistor, and capacitor C1 is an energy storage unit.

[0073] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that the unidirectional switching unit further includes a current-limiting resistor and a pull-down resistor;

[0074] The current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the positive terminal of the Zener diode and the base of the transistor;

[0075] The pull-down resistor is connected in series between the base of the transistor and the negative terminal of the battery bus.

[0076] The current-limiting resistor is used to prevent damage to the Zener diode D2 and the charging switch Q3.

[0077] Example 4

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, resistor R3 is a bleed resistor.

[0079] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that the high current load dump protection circuit of the starting battery also includes a discharge resistor connected in parallel with the energy storage unit.

[0080] The energy in the energy storage unit is quickly released by the discharge resistor.

[0081] Example 5

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, diode D1 is a reverse connection protection device. Capacitor C1, bleeder resistor R3, Zener diode D2, resistor R1, resistor R2, NPN transistor Q1 and diode D1 together form the high current load dump protection circuit of the starting battery.

[0083] This embodiment provides a specific implementation of a high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 4 is that the high-current load dump protection circuit for the starting battery further includes a reverse connection protection device, which is connected in series between the positive terminal of the unidirectional switching unit and the positive terminal of the starting battery bus.

[0084] It should be noted that the function of the reverse connection protection device is to prevent the load dump protection circuit from working when the positive terminal of the reverse connection protection device is connected to the negative terminal of the battery bus.

[0085] The reverse connection protection device is a diode.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment: the Zener diode D2 has a regulated voltage of 28 volts; the normal operating voltage of the starting battery is approximately 26 volts;

[0087] The load dump protection principle in this embodiment is as follows:

[0088] When the voltage regulation voltage of Zener diode D2 is less than the overvoltage protection voltage, the voltage of the starting battery is less than the voltage regulation voltage of Zener diode D2 (28 volts) when the starting battery is first charged. As the charging time increases, the voltage of the starting battery will gradually increase.

[0089] During the charging process of the starting battery, when the voltage of the starting battery is less than the voltage regulation voltage (28 volts) of the Zener diode D2, the load dump protection circuit does not work, the charging switch is in the closed state, and a charging circuit is formed between the generator and the starting battery through the charging switch.

[0090] As the starting battery continues to charge, its voltage will increase further, gradually reaching the voltage regulated by Zener diode D2. When the starting battery voltage is greater than the Zener diode D2's voltage, but the voltage between the base and emitter of transistor Q1 is less than the turn-on voltage of transistor Q1, Zener diode D2 conducts, while transistor Q1 does not conduct. Current flows through the load dump protection circuit, and the generator forms a circuit with diode D1, Zener diode D2, current-limiting resistor R1, and pull-down resistor R2. At the same time, the charging switch remains closed, and a charging circuit is still formed between the generator and the starting battery through the charging switch.

[0091] As the starting battery continues to charge, its voltage will increase further. When the starting battery voltage exceeds the voltage regulation of Zener diode D2 and the voltage between the base and emitter of transistor Q1 exceeds the turn-on voltage of transistor Q1 but is less than the overvoltage protection voltage, Zener diode D2 and transistor Q1 will conduct, allowing current to flow through the load dump protection circuit. The generator will form a circuit with diode D1, Zener diode D2, current-limiting resistor R1, and pull-down resistor R2, as well as with diode D1, transistor Q1, and capacitor C1. Simultaneously, the charging switch remains closed, maintaining a charging circuit between the generator and the starting battery.

[0092] As the voltage of the starting battery increases, when the starting battery voltage exceeds or equals the overvoltage protection voltage, the overvoltage protection trips the charging switch, disconnecting the charging circuit between the starting battery and the generator. Both Zener diode D2 and transistor Q1 conduct, and the load dump protection circuit continues to maintain the generator's load. Only the load dump protection circuit and the generator form a freewheeling circuit. Capacitor C1 absorbs energy, and resistor R1 dissipates energy, thus preventing load dumping. When a large induced high voltage is generated between the positive and negative terminals of the generator output at the instant the charging switch is opened, causing D2 to break down, the parallel-connected Q1 maintains the freewheeling circuit.

[0093] In one embodiment, the preset threshold is 28V.

[0094] Example 6

[0095] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that the control circuit further includes a discharge switch.

[0096] Once the starter battery is fully charged, it can be discharged via a discharge switch.

[0097] In one embodiment, the discharge switch is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0098] In some embodiments, the starting battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0099] Example 7

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a power supply device for a new energy vehicle, including a starter battery, a discharge switch, a charging switch, a control module, and a load dump protection circuit; the control module is used to monitor the voltage of the starter battery and to control the opening and closing of the discharge switch and the charging switch; the load dump protection circuit is the high current load dump protection circuit for the starter battery described in any of the above embodiments.

[0101] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.

[0102] It should be noted that when the starting battery voltage is lower than the overvoltage protection voltage, the control module controls the charging switch to close; when the starting battery voltage is greater than or equal to the overvoltage protection voltage, the control module controls the charging switch to open. When it is necessary to discharge the starting battery, the control module controls the charging switch to open and the discharging switch to close to allow discharge.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery, wherein a control circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal of the starting battery and the negative terminal of the battery bus, the control circuit including a charging switch; Its features are: The load dumping protection circuit is connected in series between the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the starting battery bus. The load dump protection circuit includes a unidirectional switching unit and an energy storage unit connected in series. The negative terminal of the energy storage unit is connected to the negative terminal of the starting battery bus, and the positive terminal of the one-way switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the starting battery bus, so that: When the starting battery is charging normally, the load dump protection circuit does not work; When the starting battery is overvoltaged, the charging switch is turned off and the starting battery is disconnected. The load dumping protection circuit is then connected in series with the generator to form a freewheeling circuit. The energy storage unit absorbs the energy in the freewheeling circuit and stabilizes the voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery bus below a preset threshold. The unidirectional switching unit includes a low-current unidirectional switching unit and a high-current unidirectional switching unit connected in parallel. The low-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a low current. The high-current unidirectional switch unit is used for the freewheeling circuit when the current in the freewheeling circuit is a high current.

2. The high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The low-current unidirectional switching unit includes a Zener diode, and the high-current unidirectional switching unit includes a transistor. The negative terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the collector of the transistor and serves as the positive terminal of the unidirectional switching unit. The positive terminal of the Zener diode is connected to the base of the transistor, and the emitter of the transistor serves as the negative terminal of the unidirectional switching unit.

3. A high current throw load protection circuit for a starting battery as defined in claim 2 wherein: The unidirectional switching unit also includes a current-limiting resistor and a pull-down resistor; The current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the positive terminal of the Zener diode and the base of the transistor; The pull-down resistor is connected in series between the base of the transistor and the negative terminal of the battery bus.

4. The high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The load dump protection circuit also includes a discharge resistor connected in parallel with the energy storage unit.

5. A high current throw load protection circuit for a starting battery as defined in claim 1 wherein: The load dump protection circuit also includes a reverse connection protection device, which is connected in series between the positive terminal of the unidirectional switch unit and the positive terminal of the battery bus of the starting battery.

6. A high current throw load protection circuit for a starting battery as defined in claim 5 wherein, The reverse connection protection device is a diode.

7. A high-current load dump protection circuit for a starting battery according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The energy storage unit is a supercapacitor or is formed by multiple electrolytic capacitors connected in parallel.

8. A high current throw-off load protection circuit for a starting battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The control circuit also includes a discharge switch.

9. A high current throw off load protection circuit for a starting battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that: The starting battery is a lithium-ion battery.

10. A power supply device for a new energy vehicle, characterized in that: It includes a starter battery, a discharge switch, a charging switch, a control module, and a load dump protection circuit; the control module is used to monitor the voltage of the starter battery and to control the opening and closing of the discharge switch and the charging switch; the load dump protection circuit is a high-current load dump protection circuit for the starter battery as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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