Reverse connection protection and diagnostic device

Abstract

According to embodiments disclosed herein, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device may include a power supply unit to which a power supply device is connected and which provides power; a signal transmission unit that varies the signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply device; a protection unit to which an electronic device is connected and which controls the voltage applied to the electronic device in accordance with the signal transmission path; and a diagnostic unit that generates a diagnostic signal in accordance with the signal transmission path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification claim the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0082139 filed on June 26, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device.

Background Art

[0003] Devices constituting a circuit are classified into forward voltage and reverse voltage. They can operate normally under forward voltage, but it is not only difficult to operate normally under reverse voltage but also there is a possibility of damage to the device.

[0004] Therefore, generally, in order to prevent malfunction and damage caused by reverse voltage, a protection device for preventing reverse connection of the power supply is provided. However, a general reverse connection protection device only serves to protect against reverse connection and has a problem that it cannot notify the reverse connection state.

[0005] In addition, a general reverse connection protection device is difficult to use in a large current conduction circuit, and there is a problem that the voltage drop generated in the protection device may affect the performance of the electronic device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the embodiments disclosed in this specification is to provide a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that protects against reverse connection of an electronic device and can diagnose whether it is reversely connected.

[0007] One objective of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that can be applied to high-current circuits or high-voltage environments and can solve the problem of voltage drop by achieving circuit isolation using a photocoupler.

[0008] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those described herein, and any further technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device may include a power supply unit to which a power supply device is connected and which provides power; a signal transmission unit that varies the signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply device; a protection unit connected to an electronic device and controlling the voltage applied to the electronic device in accordance with the signal transmission path; and a diagnostic unit that generates a diagnostic signal in accordance with the signal transmission path.

[0010] According to the embodiment, the signal transmission unit can determine the signal transmission path to be the protection unit when the power supply unit is connected normally, and can determine the signal transmission path to be the diagnostic unit when the power supply unit is connected in reverse.

[0011] According to the embodiment, when the protection unit receives a signal from the signal transmission unit, it can apply a voltage to the electronic device.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the protection unit may include a switch to which a voltage is applied to control its on / off state, and a Zener diode connected in parallel with the switch.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the switch can be turned on when it receives a signal from the signal transmitting unit, thereby applying a voltage to the electronic device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic unit includes a controller, which can generate the diagnostic signal based on a signal transmission from the signal transmission unit.

[0015] According to the embodiment, the diagnostic unit includes a detection element, and when it receives a signal from the signal transmission unit, the detection element can be turned ON.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the signal transmitting unit includes a light-emitting unit connected to the power supply unit, and a light-receiving unit connected to the protection unit and the diagnostic unit, and can be configured to turn on the light-receiving unit and transmit a signal when the light-emitting unit is turned on.

[0017] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element connected to the power supply unit in opposite directions and whose on / off state is controlled based on the connection direction of the power supply unit, and the light-receiving unit includes a first light-receiving element connected to the protection unit and a second light-receiving element connected to the diagnostic unit, wherein the first light-receiving element corresponds to the first light-emitting element and the second light-receiving element corresponds to the second light-emitting element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the second light-emitting element may be connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply.

[0019] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device includes a power supply circuit connected to a first terminal, a second terminal and the input terminals of a photocoupler, to which a power supply device is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; a switch connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler; a protection circuit to which an electronic device is connected; and a diagnostic circuit connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler, to which a controller and at least one of a detection element are connected. The photocoupler includes a light-emitting circuit connected to the power supply circuit via the input terminal, and a light-receiving circuit connected to the protection circuit and the diagnostic circuit via the output terminal, the light-receiving circuit being able to receive the light-emitting signal of the light-emitting circuit.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the light emitting circuit includes a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element that are connected in opposite directions to the power supply circuit, the light receiving circuit includes a first light receiving element connected to the protection circuit and a second light receiving element connected to the diagnosis circuit, the first light receiving element corresponds to the first light emitting element, the second light receiving element corresponds to the second light emitting element, and the second light emitting element may be characterized in that it is connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply device.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the protection circuit includes one of a negative terminal and a positive terminal, and the switch and the Zener diode connected to the output end of the photocoupler, and the switch and the Zener diode can be connected in parallel.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the diagnosis circuit includes a second power supply, the controller, and the detection element, and the detection element can be connected to the output end of the photocoupler and the second power supply.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The protection and diagnosis device according to the embodiment disclosed in this specification can protect against reverse voltage to an electronic device and can diagnose whether the power supply device is reversely connected.

[0024] In addition, the protection and diagnosis device according to the embodiment disclosed in this specification transmits signals via a photocoupler and can be used even in an environment where a large current conducting circuit or the voltage at the input end is a high voltage.

[0025] In addition, various effects directly or indirectly grasped through this specification can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram of a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example when a power supply device is properly connected in a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example when a power supply device is reversely connected in a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] In this specification, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item can include one or more of the said items, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the relevant context. In this specification, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together with the corresponding phrase of the phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "primary" or "secondary" can be used simply to distinguish the said component from other said components, and do not limit the said component from other viewpoints (e.g., importance or order). When a certain (e.g., first) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" with another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively", it means that the said certain component can be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component, connected to the said other component.

[0029] Each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described herein may include one or more individuals. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the component may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such cases, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “module” or “...part” may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component configured as a whole, or the smallest unit or part thereof of such component performing one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] Various embodiments of this specification can be implemented as software (e.g., a program or application) containing one or more instruction words stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., memory). For example, the processor of the machine can invoke and execute at least one instruction from the one or more instruction words stored in the storage medium. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction word. The one or more instruction words may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0032] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device may include a power supply unit 100, a signal transmission unit 200, a protection unit 300, and a diagnostic unit 400.

[0034] The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device prevents reverse voltage to electronic devices due to reverse connection of the power supply and can diagnose whether the power supply is connected in reverse.

[0035] The power supply unit 100 can be connected to a power supply device to provide power. The power supply device can be connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the power supply unit 100. The power supply device is connected to the power supply unit 100 and can provide power (voltage) between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The power supply device can include various devices that can supply power, such as dry cell batteries, secondary batteries, batteries, and storage batteries.

[0036] The power supply unit 100 can transmit power supplied from a power supply device to a configuration connected to the power supply unit 100. For example, the power supply unit 100 can be connected to the input terminal of the signal transmission unit 200, and when a power supply device is connected to the power supply unit 100, the power supply unit 100 can supply power to the signal transmission unit 200.

[0037] The signal transmission unit 200 can transmit the input signal from the power supply unit 100 as an output signal. The signal transmission unit 200 can receive an electrical signal (e.g., current) from the power supply unit 100 and transmit an output signal corresponding to the input electrical signal via its output terminal. For example, the output terminal of the signal transmission unit 200 can be connected to the protection unit 300 and the diagnostic unit 400, and the signal transmission unit 200 can transmit an output signal to at least one of the protection unit 300 and the diagnostic unit 400.

[0038] The signal transmission unit 200 can control the operation of the protection unit 300 and the diagnostic unit 400 by transmitting an output signal to at least one of the protection unit 300 and the diagnostic unit 400. For example, the signal transmission unit 200 can output an output current (corresponding to an output signal) to the output terminal that corresponds to the current (corresponding to an input signal) input to the input terminal.

[0039] The signal transmission unit 200 can vary the signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply unit. In this embodiment, the signal transmission unit 200 can vary the signal transmission path to either the protection unit 300 or the diagnostic unit 400 in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply unit. For example, if the power supply unit is connected normally, the signal transmission unit 200 can determine the signal transmission path to the protection unit 300. That is, if the power supply unit is connected in the normal direction, the signal transmission unit 200 can transmit an output signal to the protection unit 300. Conversely, if the power supply unit is connected in reverse, the signal transmission unit 200 can determine the signal transmission path to the diagnostic unit 400.

[0040] The signal transmission unit 200 may include a photocoupler. A photocoupler is a circuit element that couples an electrical signal to light, and can be defined as an element that transmits an electrical signal at an input terminal as an optical signal to an output terminal. Furthermore, a photocoupler can be defined as a circuit element that can transmit an electrical signal using light while electrically isolating the input and output circuits. Needless to say, the signal transmission unit 200 can be implemented as various elements capable of selectively connecting / disconnecting circuits, in addition to a photocoupler.

[0041] When the signal transmission unit 200 includes a photocoupler, the circuitry at the input and output terminals is isolated, which has the advantage of being applicable even in environments where the input voltage is higher than the rated voltage of the electronic device. It can also be applied to high-current circuits and can reduce the voltage drop effect that may occur when using electrically connected circuit elements (e.g., transistors). In the following, for the sake of understanding and explanation, the signal transmission unit 200 will be described as a photocoupler.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the photocoupler 200 may include a light-emitting unit 210 and a light-receiving unit 220. The light-emitting unit 210 can be connected to the power supply unit 100, and the light-receiving unit 220 can be connected to the protection unit 300 and the diagnostic unit 400. For example, the light-emitting unit 210 can be configured at the input terminal of the photocoupler 200, and the light-receiving unit 220 can be configured at the output terminal of the photocoupler 200.

[0043] The photocoupler 200 can be configured so that when the light-emitting unit 210 is turned on, the light-receiving unit 220 is turned on and a signal is transmitted. When the photocoupler 200 receives an input signal from the power supply unit 100 at its input terminal, the light-emitting unit 210 can be turned on. At this time, the light-receiving unit 220 can be turned on by receiving the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 210. By being turned on by receiving the light, the light-receiving unit 220 can provide an output signal to the output terminal. For example, when power is applied to the photocoupler 200 by the power supply unit 100 and current flows, the light-emitting unit 210 can be turned on and emit light. In this case, the light-receiving unit 220 is turned on by receiving the light, allowing an output current corresponding to the input current to flow at the output terminal of the photocoupler 200.

[0044] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting unit 210 may include a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element connected to the power supply unit 200 in opposite directions. The light-receiving unit 220 may include a first light-receiving element connected to the protection unit 300 and a second light-receiving element connected to the diagnostic unit 400. In this case, the first light-receiving element may correspond to the first light-emitting element, and the second light-receiving element may correspond to the second light-emitting element. Here, the correspondence between the first light-receiving element and the first light-emitting element means that light emitted from the first light-emitting element can be received by the first light-receiving element. Similarly, light emitted from the second light-emitting element can be received by the second light-receiving element.

[0045] In the embodiment, the first and second light-emitting elements can be controlled to be turned on or off based on the connection direction of the power supply. For example, only one of the first and second light-emitting elements can be turned on depending on the connection direction of the power supply. For example, the first light-emitting element can be turned on when the power supply is connected normally, and the second light-emitting element can be turned on when the power supply is connected in reverse. The first and second light-emitting elements may be photodiodes in which current can flow in only one direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second light-emitting element can be connected in the direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply. Here, the normal connection direction of the power supply can mean the direction in which a forward voltage is applied between the positive terminal and the negative terminal (i.e., the direction in which the + terminal of the power supply is connected to the positive terminal and the - terminal of the power supply is connected to the negative terminal). Furthermore, connecting the second light-emitting element in the direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply can mean that the second light-emitting element is connected in such a way that current flows when the power supply is connected in reverse. For example, if the second light-emitting element is a photodiode, the second light-emitting element can be connected so that the anode faces the negative terminal and the cathode faces the positive terminal.

[0047] The photocoupler 200 may be a dual-channel photocoupler or may consist of two single-channel photocouplers. If the photocoupler 200 is a dual-channel photocoupler, the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the first photodetector, and the second photodetector may be provided within a single photocoupler, and the first light-emitting element and the first photodetector may constitute the first channel, and the second light-emitting element and the second photodetector may constitute the second channel. If the photocoupler 200 consists of two single-channel photocouplers, the photocoupler 200 may include a physically separated first photocoupler and a second photocoupler. In this case, the first light-emitting element and the first photodetector may constitute the first photocoupler, and the second light-emitting element and the second photodetector may constitute the second photocoupler. The number of channels provided in the photocoupler 200 and the number of single-channel photocouplers are not limited thereto.

[0048] An electronic device can be connected to the protection unit 300. The electronic device can be connected between the positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the protection unit 300. The positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the protection unit 300 may be the same as or different from the positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the power supply unit 100, respectively. Furthermore, the reference potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the protection unit 300 may be the same as or different from the reference potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal connected to the power supply unit 100.

[0049] The protection unit 300 can control the voltage applied to the electronic device in accordance with the signal transmission path. For example, the protection unit 300 can apply or cut off voltage to the electronic device depending on the signal transmission path. For instance, if the signal transmission path by the photocoupler 200 is determined to be the protection unit 300, the protection unit 300 can apply voltage to the electronic device. The protection unit 300 can control the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electronic device according to the output signal corresponding to the input signal. Conversely, if the signal transmission path by the photocoupler 200 is determined to be the diagnostic unit 400, the protection unit 300 can cut off voltage to the electronic device.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the protection unit 200 may include a switch to which a voltage is applied to control its on / off state, and a Zener diode that applies a voltage to the switch.

[0051] A switch can be controlled by applying a voltage to it to turn it on or off. Depending on whether the switch is on or off, it can form a closed circuit in relation to an electronic device. For example, when the switch is on, the protection unit 200 can form a closed circuit with the electronic device and apply a voltage to the electronic device. Conversely, when the switch is off, the connection between the protection unit 200 and the electronic device is broken, thereby interrupting the voltage to the electronic device.

[0052] A Zener diode can be connected in parallel with a switch to provide a voltage to the switch. A Zener diode can provide a constant voltage to a switch. A Zener diode is a type of diode and can be defined as a circuit element that utilizes the Zener effect to provide a constant voltage. The Zener effect refers to the phenomenon where, when a reverse voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage is applied to a diode, the reverse current increases rapidly. This can be used to maintain a constant voltage even with rapid changes in current. For this reason, Zener diodes can have a lower breakdown voltage than general diodes. A Zener diode can be connected in the reverse direction to the output terminal of the photocoupler 200, for example, with the anode facing the negative terminal and the cathode facing the positive terminal.

[0053] The diagnostic unit 400 can generate a diagnostic signal corresponding to the signal transmission path. For example, if the signal transmission path of the photocoupler 200 is determined to be the diagnostic unit 400, the diagnostic unit 400 can receive an output signal from the photocoupler 200 and generate a diagnostic signal.

[0054] The diagnostic unit 400 may include a controller that generates diagnostic signals. The controller can generate diagnostic signals based on signals transmitted from the photocoupler 200. Diagnostic signals may include digital signals, audio signals, optical signals, etc. For example, if the signal transmission path of the signal transmission unit 200 is the diagnostic unit 400, current can flow through the diagnostic unit 400, and the controller can detect the current and generate a diagnostic signal. As an example, the controller can generate a digital signal of 1 when current is detected, and a digital signal of 0 when no current is detected. In this case, the controller can determine that the power supply is reversed if the digital signal is 1, and that the power supply is properly connected if the digital signal is 0. Furthermore, the user of the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device can determine whether the power supply is reversed based on the controller's signal, and in some cases, the controller may also provide further alarms in response to the diagnostic signals.

[0055] According to the embodiment, the diagnostic unit 400 may include a detection element. The detection element can be turned on when it receives a signal from the photocoupler 200. The detection element can be turned on by current flowing when the diagnostic unit 400 receives a signal from the photocoupler 200. The detection element may include an optical element such as a diode, or an audio element that emits sound. For example, if the detection element is an LED element, the LED can be turned on to represent an optical signal.

[0056] In this way, the diagnostic unit 400 can diagnose reverse connection of the power supply unit via digital signals, optical signals, audio signals, etc.

[0057] Figure 2 shows an example of a circuit diagram of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device can diagnose whether the power supply is connected in reverse and prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the electronic device.

[0059] The power supply unit 100 can be composed of a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be connected to a first terminal (positive terminal), a second terminal (negative terminal), and the input terminal of the photocoupler 200. In this case, the power supply device can be connected between the first terminal and the second terminal to provide power. The power supply circuit can include a first resistor 110 for regulating the current flowing through the photocoupler 200. The first resistor 110 can be connected between either the first terminal or the second terminal and the input terminal of the photocoupler 200.

[0060] The photocoupler 200 can have its input terminal connected to a power supply circuit and its output terminal connected to protection and diagnostic circuits. The photocoupler 200 can vary the signal transmission path to correspond to the connection direction of the power supply.

[0061] The photocoupler 200 may include a light-emitting circuit connected to a power supply circuit via its input terminal, and a light-receiving circuit connected to a protection circuit and a diagnostic circuit via its output terminal. The light-emitting circuit and the light-receiving circuit can be electrically isolated. The light-receiving circuit can receive the light-emitting signal from the light-emitting circuit. That is, the photocoupler 200 can transmit the input signal applied from the power supply circuit as an optical signal to the output terminal.

[0062] When the light-emitting circuit receives an input signal from the power supply circuit, the light-emitting element 210 included in the light-emitting circuit can be turned on. The light-receiving circuit can receive the light emitted from the light-emitting circuit. When the light-receiving circuit receives light, an output signal can be transmitted through the light-receiving circuit.

[0063] The light-emitting circuit may include a first light-emitting element 210_1 and a second light-emitting element 210_2. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 210_1 and the second light-emitting element 210_2 may be connected to the power supply in opposite directions. For example, the first light-emitting element 210_1 and the second light-emitting element 210_2 may be photodiodes, and the first light-emitting element 210_1 may be connected with its anode facing the first terminal and its cathode facing the second terminal. Conversely, the second light-emitting element 210_2 may be connected with its anode facing the second terminal and its cathode facing the first terminal. The first light-emitting element 210_1 and the second light-emitting element 210_2 may be connected to each other in parallel.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the second light-emitting element 210_2 can be connected in the opposite direction to the normal connection direction of the power supply unit. That is, the second light-emitting element 210_2 may be connected so as to turn on when the power supply unit is connected in reverse.

[0065] The light-receiving circuit may include a first light-receiving element 220_1 connected to a protection circuit, and a second light-receiving element 220_2 connected to a diagnostic circuit. In this embodiment, the first light-receiving element 220_1 may correspond to a first light-emitting element 210_1, and the second light-receiving element 220_2 may correspond to a second light-emitting element 210_2. That is, the first light-receiving element 220_1 can receive light emitted from the first light-emitting element 210_1, and the second light-receiving element 220_2 can receive light emitted from the second light-emitting element 210_2.

[0066] The first light-receiving element 220_1 and the second light-receiving element 220_2 may be transistors. For example, the first light-receiving element 220_1 and the second light-receiving element 220_2 may be phototransistors configured to receive light at their bases. When the first light-receiving element 220_1 and the second light-receiving element 220_2 each receive light via their bases, if they are NPN transistors, current can flow from the collector to the emitter, and if they are PNP transistors, current can flow from the emitter to the collector. In other words, when the first light-receiving element 220_1 and the second light-receiving element 220_2 receive light, current can flow through them.

[0067] In this way, the photocoupler 200 can vary the signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply. For example, when the power supply is connected normally, the first light-emitting element 210_1 is turned on and the first light-receiving element 220_1 receives light, causing current to flow to the protection circuit. When the power supply is connected in reverse, the second light-emitting element 210_2 is turned on and the second light-receiving element 220_2 receives light, causing current to flow to the diagnostic circuit.

[0068] The input terminals of the photocoupler 200 may include a first input terminal and a second input terminal, and the output terminals may include a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first input terminal may be connected to a first light-emitting element 210_1, and the second input terminal may be connected to a second light-emitting element 210_2. Similarly, the first output terminal may be connected to a first photodetector 220_1, and the second output terminal may be connected to a second photodetector 220_2.

[0069] The protection unit 300 may consist of a protection circuit. The protection circuit includes a switch 310 connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler 200, to which an electronic device may be connected. The protection circuit may be connected to a third terminal (positive terminal) and a fourth terminal (negative terminal) for connecting an electronic device, and the electronic device may be connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0070] The protection circuit can be connected to the first photodetector 220_1 via the first output terminal of the photocoupler 200. In this case, the first photodetector 220_1 can be connected such that when it receives light, a forward current (flowing from the third terminal to the fourth terminal) flows to the protection circuit. For example, if the first photodetector 220_1 is an NPN transistor, it can be connected so that the collector faces the third terminal and the emitter faces the fourth terminal. Conversely, if the second photodetector 220_1 is a PNP transistor, it can be connected so that the emitter faces the third terminal and the collector faces the fourth terminal.

[0071] The protection circuit may include a switch 310 and a Zener diode 320 connected to either the third terminal or the fourth terminal, as well as the first output terminal.

[0072] Switch 310 can control the application of voltage to the electronic device depending on whether it is on or off. Switch 310 can be turned on when voltage is applied and turned off when no voltage is applied. For example, when the power supply is properly connected and the first photodetector 220_1 receives light, current flows through the protection circuit, voltage is applied to switch 310, and voltage is applied to the electronic device. Conversely, when the power supply is connected in reverse, the first photodetector 220_1 cannot receive light, so no current flows through the protection circuit, and switch 310 is turned off, preventing voltage from being applied to the electronic device.

[0073] In this embodiment, the switch 310 may be a FET switch. When the switch 310 is connected to the third terminal (positive terminal), it may be a PMOS FET, and when it is connected to the fourth terminal (negative terminal), it may be an NMOS FET.

[0074] The Zener diode 320 is connected in parallel with the switch 310 and can supply a voltage to the switch 310. The Zener diode 320 can supply a constant voltage to the switch 310. For example, the Zener diode 320 may be connected with its anode facing the negative terminal and its cathode facing the positive terminal so that a constant voltage is supplied to the switch 310 when a reverse voltage is applied.

[0075] The protection circuit may include a second resistor 330 connected in parallel with the switch 310 and the Zener diode 320, and a third resistor 340 connected to the terminal opposite to the first output terminal and the terminal to which the switch 310 is connected. When the first photodetector 220_1 receives light and current flows through the protection circuit, current flows through the second resistor 330, which can apply a breakdown voltage to the Zener diode 320. The third resistor 340 can regulate the current flowing through the protection circuit.

[0076] The diagnostic unit 400 may consist of a diagnostic circuit. The diagnostic circuit may be connected to the second output terminal of the photocoupler 200. The diagnostic circuit may include a second power supply 410 that provides a reference terminal voltage. Since the diagnostic circuit is not connected to the first to fourth terminals, a second power supply 410 may be required to provide a reference terminal voltage. The diagnostic circuit may include a fourth resistor 420 for regulating the current. The fourth resistor 420 may be connected to the second power supply 410.

[0077] The diagnostic circuit may include at least one of a controller 440 and a detection element 430, which are connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler 200.

[0078] The detection element 430 can be connected to the second output terminal of the photocoupler 200 and the fourth resistor 420. The detection element 430 can be turned on when it receives a signal from the photocoupler 200. The detection element 430 may be, for example, an LED, an acoustic element, or the like.

[0079] The controller 440 can be connected to the second output terminal of the photocoupler 200. The controller 440 can receive signals transmitted from the photocoupler 200 and generate diagnostic signals. For example, the controller 440 can generate a digital signal depending on whether or not current is detected via the diagnostic circuit. The controller 440 may be an information processing device such as an MCU or CPU.

[0080] The diagnostic circuit can diagnose whether the power supply is connected in reverse, depending on the on / off status of the detection element 430 and / or the diagnostic signal generated from the controller 440.

[0081] The first to fourth resistors may be current-limiting resistors. Current-limiting resistors can be referred to by various terms, such as pull-down resistors, and are resistors that regulate the current flowing through a circuit connected to them.

[0082] Figure 3 shows an example of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein, when the power supply is properly connected. Referring to Figure 3, the circuit that is driven when the power supply is properly connected is represented by a thick line.

[0083] When the power supply is properly connected, a forward current flows through the first light-emitting element 210_1, allowing it to be turned on. Conversely, only a reverse current below a threshold flows through the second light-emitting element 210_2, allowing it to be turned off.

[0084] The first light-receiving element 220_1 receives light from the first light-emitting element 210_1, and a forward current can flow through the protection circuit. At this time, a reverse voltage is applied to the Zener diode 320, and a constant voltage is applied to the switch 310 by the Zener diode 320, allowing the switch 310 to be turned on. As a result, the electronic device and the protection circuit are configured as a closed circuit, and a forward voltage can be applied to the electronic device.

[0085] The second light-receiving element 220_2 can prevent current from flowing to the diagnostic circuit because the second light-emitting element 210_2 is turned off and no light is received. As a result, the detection element 430 is turned off, and the controller 440 can generate a diagnostic signal in which no current is detected.

[0086] Figure 4 shows an example of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein, where the power supply is reverse-connected. Referring to Figure 4, the circuit that is driven when the power supply is reverse-connected is represented by a thick line.

[0087] If the power supply is reversed, a forward current flows through the second light-emitting element 210_2, allowing it to be turned on. Conversely, only a reverse current below a threshold flows through the first light-emitting element 210_1, allowing it to be turned off.

[0088] Since the first light-emitting element 210_1 is turned off and no light is received, no current can flow to the protection circuit of the first light-receiving element 220_1. As a result, no voltage is applied to the switch 310, and the switch 310 can be turned off, interrupting the voltage application to the electronic device.

[0089] The second light-receiving element 220_2 receives light from the second light-emitting element 210_2, and current can flow through the diagnostic circuit. This turns on the detection element 430, and the controller 440 can generate a diagnostic signal indicating that current has been detected. Therefore, the user of the electronic device can confirm that the power supply has been reversed from the state of the detection element 430 and the diagnostic signal from the controller 440.

[0090] In the foregoing, the fact that all components constituting the embodiments disclosed herein have been described as operating as a single unit or in combination does not necessarily mean that the embodiments disclosed herein are limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purposes of the embodiments disclosed herein, all components can also operate as one or more units in a selective combination.

[0091] Furthermore, terms such as "includes," "constitutes," or "possesses," as described above, mean that the component in question may be inherent, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, they should be interpreted as potentially including other components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as that generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0092] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept disclosed herein, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed herein is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed herein should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this specification.

Claims

1. A power supply unit to which a power supply device is connected and which provides power, A signal transmission unit that varies the signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply unit, An electronic device is connected to a protection unit that controls the voltage applied to the electronic device in accordance with the signal transmission path, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, comprising a diagnostic unit that generates a diagnostic signal corresponding to the signal transmission path.

2. The signal transmission unit is When the power supply unit is properly connected, the signal transmission path is determined to be the protection unit. The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission path is determined by the diagnostic unit when the power supply unit is connected in reverse.

3. The aforementioned protective part is The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein when a signal is received from the signal transmitting unit, a voltage is applied to the electronic device.

4. The aforementioned protective part is A switch whose on / off state is controlled by the application of voltage, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 3, further comprising a Zener diode connected in parallel with the switch.

5. The aforementioned switch is The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein when a signal is received from the signal transmitting unit, it is turned on and a voltage is applied to the electronic device.

6. The diagnostic unit includes a controller, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the controller generates the diagnostic signal based on the signal transmission from the signal transmission unit.

7. The diagnostic unit includes a detection element, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the detection element is turned ON when a signal is received from the signal transmission unit.

8. The signal transmission unit is A light-emitting unit connected to the aforementioned power supply unit, The protective unit and the light-receiving unit connected to the diagnostic unit are included, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein when the light-emitting unit is turned on, the light-receiving unit is set to turn on and transmit a signal.

9. The light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that are connected to the power supply unit in opposite directions and whose on / off state is controlled based on the connection direction of the power supply unit. The light-receiving unit includes a first light-receiving element connected to the protective unit and a second light-receiving element connected to the diagnostic unit. The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 8, wherein the first light-receiving element corresponds to the first light-emitting element, and the second light-receiving element corresponds to the second light-emitting element.

10. The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second light-emitting element is connected in the opposite direction to the normal connection direction of the power supply device.

11. A power supply circuit is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal and the input terminal of the photocoupler, and a power supply device is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal. A protective circuit to which an electronic device is connected includes a switch connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler, The diagnostic circuit includes at least one of a controller and a detection element connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler, The aforementioned photocoupler is A light-emitting circuit connected to the power supply circuit via the input terminal, It includes a light receiving circuit connected to the protection circuit and the diagnostic circuit via the output terminal, The light receiving circuit is a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that receives the light emission signal from the light emission circuit.

12. The light-emitting circuit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element connected to the power supply circuit in opposite directions from each other. The light receiving circuit includes a first light receiving element connected to the protection circuit and a second light receiving element connected to the diagnostic circuit. The first light-receiving element corresponds to the first light-emitting element, and the second light-receiving element corresponds to the second light-emitting element. The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second light-emitting element is connected in the opposite direction to the normal connection direction of the power supply device.

13. The aforementioned protection circuit is The system includes a switch and a Zener diode connected to either the negative terminal or the positive terminal and the output terminal of the photocoupler, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 11, wherein the switch and the Zener diode are connected in parallel.

14. The diagnostic circuit is, Second power supply and The controller and, The detection element includes, The reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to claim 11, wherein the detection element is connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler and the second power supply.

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