Relay diagnostic device and battery pack including same

Abstract

A relay diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for diagnosing a positive relay and a negative relay provided in a battery pack, and includes: a first switch having one end connected between a positive electrode of a battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between a negative electrode of the battery and one end of the negative relay; a second switch having one end connected between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between the other end of the positive relay and the other end of the negative relay; and a power supply unit having one end connected between the negative electrode of the battery and one end of the negative relay and the other end connected between the other end of the second switch and the other end of the negative relay.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay diagnostic device and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a relay diagnostic device for diagnosing the state of a relay and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0117098, filed on September 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, a battery pack may include a positive relay connected to a positive terminal of the battery and a negative relay connected to a negative terminal of the battery, for example, the positive relay may be connected between the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the battery pack, and the negative relay may be connected between the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the battery pack.

[0004] If a problem such as an inrush current flows through such a relay, the relay may fail. For example, when an overcurrent flows through a relay, the heat generated melts the contacts, causing the relay to weld. If the relay welds, the relay's operating state cannot be properly controlled, which can lead to a problem in which the battery pack voltage cannot be cut off. Therefore, technology for diagnosing the state of the relay installed in the battery pack is important for safety. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0068895 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0061637 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0034889 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0139005 [Patent Document 5] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0051228

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a conventional battery pack.

[0006] 1, the battery pack may include a battery BAT, a positive relay PR, and a negative relay NR, and may also include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, and a fourth switch SW4.

[0007] In the following, the node between the positive electrode of the battery BAT and the positive electrode relay PR is referred to as the A node, the node between the positive electrode relay PR and the positive electrode terminal P+ of the battery pack is referred to as the B node, the node between the negative electrode of the battery BAT and the negative electrode relay NR is referred to as the G node, and the node between the negative electrode relay NR and the negative electrode terminal P- of the battery pack is referred to as the H node.

[0008] The state of the positive relay PR can be diagnosed based on the voltage difference between the A node and the B node. The voltage corresponding to the A node can be measured at point ADC_A, and the voltage corresponding to the B node can be measured at point ADC_B. The state of the positive relay PR can then be diagnosed based on the difference between the measured voltages. Here, to measure the voltages at points ADC_A and ADC_B, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a number of resistors are required.

[0009] Similarly, the state of the negative relay NR can be diagnosed based on the voltage difference between the G node and the H node. The voltage corresponding to the G node is the ground voltage of the battery pack, and the voltage corresponding to the H node can be measured at point ADC_H. The state of the negative relay NR can then be diagnosed based on the difference between the ground voltage and the measured voltage. Here, to measure the voltage at point ADC_H, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and multiple resistors are required.

[0010] That is, the conventional battery pack has a problem in that it requires multiple switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to diagnose the status of the relays PR and NR. Therefore, a compact diagnostic circuit for diagnosing the status of the relays in the battery pack is required, which can be expected to have a cost-saving effect. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a relay diagnostic device capable of diagnosing the state of a relay in a battery pack, and a battery pack including the same.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A relay diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention can diagnose a positive relay and a negative relay provided in a battery pack.

[0014] The relay diagnostic device may include a first switch configured to have one end connected between a positive electrode of a battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between a negative electrode of the battery and one end of the negative relay; a second switch configured to have one end connected between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between the other end of the positive relay and the other end of the negative relay; and a power supply unit configured to have one end connected between the negative electrode of the battery and one end of the negative relay and the other end connected between the other end of the second switch and the other end of the negative relay.

[0015] A relay diagnostic device according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a first resistor located between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the first switch, one end connected to the positive electrode of the battery and the other end connected to the one end of the first switch, and a second resistor located between the negative electrode of the battery and the other end of the first switch, one end connected to the other end of the first switch and the other end connected to the negative electrode of the battery.

[0016] A relay diagnostic device according to yet another aspect of the present invention may further include a third resistor located between the other end of the second switch and the other end of the positive relay, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second switch and the other end of which is connected between the other end of the positive relay and the other end of the power supply unit, and a fourth resistor one end of which is connected between the other end of the second switch and one end of the third resistor, and the other end of which is connected between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the negative relay.

[0017] A relay diagnostic device according to yet another aspect of the present invention may further include a fifth resistor located between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the power supply unit, one end of which is connected between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the positive relay, and a sixth resistor located between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the power supply unit, one end of which is connected to the other end of the fifth resistor and the other end of the power supply unit.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device may further include a seventh resistor located between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the fourth resistor, one end of which is connected to the other end of the power supply unit, and an eighth resistor located between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the fourth resistor, one end of which is connected to the other end of the seventh resistor and the other end of the fourth resistor.

[0019] A relay diagnostic device according to yet another aspect of the present invention may further include a processor configured to measure a first voltage at the other end of the first switch, measure a second voltage between the second switch and the other end of the power supply unit, and measure a third voltage between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the negative pole relay.

[0020] The processor may be configured to calculate a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and diagnose a condition of the positive relay based on the calculated voltage difference.

[0021] The processor may be configured to calculate a voltage difference between the third voltage and a ground voltage, and diagnose a condition of the negative relay based on the calculated voltage difference.

[0022] The processor may be configured to control the operational states of the positive relay, the negative relay, and the second switch to a turned-off state, and measure the first voltage and the second voltage while controlling the operational state of the first switch to a turned-on state.

[0023] The processor may be configured to measure the third voltage while controlling the operational states of the positive relay, the negative relay, the first switch, and the second switch to a turned-off state.

[0024] A battery pack according to yet another aspect of the present invention may include a relay diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device has a compact and simplified structure, which is advantageous in that it can significantly reduce production costs.

[0026] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device includes fewer switches for diagnosing the state of the relay than conventional devices, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous diagnosis due to switch failure.

[0027] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects of the present invention not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a conventional battery pack. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0032] Furthermore, if a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, that description will be omitted.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. are used to distinguish one of various components from the rest, and do not limit the components.

[0034] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it may further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0035] Furthermore, throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "coupled" to another part, this includes not only "directly coupled" but also "indirectly coupled" via another element in between.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 2 , the battery pack 1 may include a battery 10, a positive electrode relay 20, and a negative electrode relay 30. Specifically, the positive electrode of the battery 10 may be connected to one end of the positive electrode relay 20. The other end of the positive electrode relay 20 may be connected to the positive electrode terminal P+ of the battery pack 1. The negative electrode of the battery 10 may be connected to one end of the negative electrode relay 30. The other end of the negative electrode relay 30 may be connected to the negative electrode terminal P− of the battery pack 1.

[0039] Although not shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack 1 may further include electrical components (relays, fuses, etc.), a case, and the like.

[0040] Here, battery 10 refers to a single, independent cell that has a negative terminal and a positive terminal and can be physically separated. As an example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery may be considered as battery 10. Battery 10 may also refer to a battery module in which multiple cells are connected in series and / or parallel. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, battery 10 may be a battery module including multiple battery cells.

[0041] One end of the load 2 may be connected to the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1, and the other end may be connected to the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1. Therefore, the positive terminal of the battery 10, the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1, the load 2, the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1, and the negative terminal of the battery 10 may be electrically connected.

[0042] For example, the load 2 may be a charging / discharging device, such as a motor of an electric vehicle powered by the battery 10. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the load 2 may be a motor of an electric vehicle including an inverter.

[0043] A relay diagnostic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to diagnose the positive electrode relay 20 and the negative electrode relay 30 provided in the battery pack 1. Specifically, the relay diagnostic device 100 may diagnose the states of the positive electrode relay 20 and the negative electrode relay 30. For example, the relay diagnostic device 100 may determine whether the positive electrode relay 20 and the negative electrode relay 30 are in a welded state.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the relay diagnostic device 100 may include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a power supply unit VCC.

[0045] The first switch SW1 may be configured such that one end is connected between the positive electrode of the battery 10 and one end of the positive electrode relay 20, and the other end is connected between the negative electrode of the battery 10 and one end of the negative electrode relay 30.

[0046] Specifically, the first switch SW1 may be connected in parallel with the battery 10. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, one end of the first switch SW1 may be connected to the A node, and the other end of the first switch SW1 may be connected to the G node.

[0047] The second switch SW2 may be configured such that one end is connected between the positive electrode of the battery 10 and one end of the positive electrode relay 20, and the other end is connected between the other end of the positive electrode relay 20 and the other end of the negative electrode relay 30.

[0048] Specifically, the other end of the second switch SW2 may be connected between the other end of the positive electrode relay 20 and the positive electrode terminal P+ of the battery pack 1. In addition, the other end of the second switch SW2 may be connected between the other end of the negative electrode relay 30 and the negative electrode terminal P- of the battery pack 1. Therefore, the other end of the second switch SW2 may be connected between the other end of the positive electrode relay 20 and the other end of the negative electrode relay 30.

[0049] 2, one end of the second switch SW2 may be connected to the A node, and the other end of the second switch SW2 may be connected to the B node. The other end of the second switch SW2 may also be connected to the H node. That is, the line connected to the other end of the second switch SW2 may be branched, and one of the branch lines may be connected to the B node, and the remaining branch lines may be connected to the H node.

[0050] The power supply unit VCC may be configured such that one end is connected between the negative electrode of the battery 10 and one end of the negative electrode relay 30, and the other end is connected between the other end of the second switch SW2 and the other end of the negative electrode relay 30.

[0051] Here, the power supply unit VCC is configured to supply a predetermined power supply, and one end of the power supply unit VCC may be negative and the other end of the power supply unit VCC may be positive.

[0052] Specifically, the other end of the power supply unit VCC may be connected to a branch line connecting the other end of the second switch SW2 and the other end of the negative relay 30. The other end of the power supply unit VCC may be connected to the other end of the second switch SW2. The other end of the power supply unit VCC may also be connected between the other end of the positive relay 20 and the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1. The other end of the power supply unit VCC may also be connected between the other end of the negative relay 30 and the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1. In other words, one end of the negative relay 30, one end of the power supply unit VCC, the other end of the power supply unit VCC, and the other end of the negative relay 30 may form a closed circuit.

[0053] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, one end of the power supply unit VCC may be connected to the G node, and one end of the power supply unit VCC may be connected to the B node and the H node.

[0054] 2, a first voltage corresponding to the A node may be measured at point ADC_A. A second voltage corresponding to the B node may be measured at point ADC_B. A third voltage corresponding to the H node may be measured at point ADC_H. A voltage corresponding to the G node may be the ground voltage of the battery pack 1.

[0055] That is, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the relay diagnostic device 100 of the present invention can significantly reduce the number of switches for measuring voltages corresponding to the B node and the H node.

[0056] Therefore, the relay diagnostic device 100 has an advantage of being compact and having a simplified structure, which allows for a significant reduction in production costs. Furthermore, the relay diagnostic device 100 includes fewer switches for diagnosing the status of the relays (positive pole relay 20 and negative pole relay 30) than conventional devices, which reduces the possibility of misdiagnosis due to switch failure.

[0057] For example, referring to FIG. 1, if any one of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 fails, the state of the relays PR and NR may be incorrectly diagnosed. That is, in the past, a large number of switches that needed to be maintained in a normal state in order to diagnose the relays PR and NR were included. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 2, the relay diagnostic device 100 includes the minimum number of switches SW1 and SW2 required to diagnose the relays 20 and 30, thereby reducing production costs and significantly reducing the possibility of incorrect diagnosis of the state of the relays 20 and 30.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device 100 may further include a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2.

[0059] The first resistor R1 may be configured to be located between the positive terminal of the battery 10 and one end of the first switch SW1. Specifically, the first resistor R1 may be configured so that one end is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 10 and the other end is connected to one end of the first switch SW1.

[0060] 2, one end of the first resistor R1 may be connected between the positive terminal of the battery 10 and one end of the positive terminal relay 20. The other end of the first resistor R1 may be connected to one end of the first switch SW1.

[0061] The second resistor R2 may be configured to be located between the negative terminal of the battery 10 and the other end of the first switch SW1. Specifically, the second resistor R2 may be configured to have one end connected to the other end of the first switch SW1 and the other end connected to the negative terminal of the battery 10.

[0062] 2, one end of the second resistor R2 may be connected to the other end of the first switch SW1, and the other end of the second resistor R2 may be connected between the negative terminal of the battery 10 and one end of the negative terminal relay 30.

[0063] That is, one end of the first resistor R1 may be connected to the A node, and the other end of the second resistor R2 may be connected to the G node. As a result, the battery 10, the first resistor R1, the first switch SW1, and the second resistor R2 may form a closed circuit. Then, a first voltage corresponding to the A node may be measured at a point ADC_A between the first switch SW1 and the second resistor R2.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device 100 may further include a third resistor R3 and a fourth resistor R4.

[0065] The third resistor R3 may be configured to be located between the other end of the second switch SW2 and the other end of the positive relay 20. Specifically, the third resistor R3 may be configured so that one end is connected to the other end of the second switch SW2 and the other end is connected between the other end of the positive relay 20 and the other end of the power supply unit VCC.

[0066] 2, one end of the third resistor R3 may be connected to the other end of the second switch SW2. The other end of the third resistor R3 may be connected between the other end of the positive relay 20 and the other end of the power supply VCC. That is, the positive relay 20, the third resistor R3, and the second switch SW2 may form a closed circuit.

[0067] The fourth resistor R4 can be configured so that one end is connected between the other end of the second switch SW2 and one end of the third resistor R3, and the other end is connected between the other end of the power supply unit VCC and the other end of the negative pole relay 30.

[0068] 2, the fourth resistor R4 may be connected between the node between the second switch SW2 and the third resistor R3 and the H node. That is, one end of the fourth resistor R4 may be connected between the other end of the second switch SW2 and one end of the third resistor R3. The other end of the fourth resistor R4 may be connected between the other end of the power supply VCC and the other end of the negative relay 30.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device 100 may further include a fifth resistor R5 and a sixth resistor R6.

[0070] The fifth resistor R5 may be configured to be located between the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the power supply VCC. Specifically, the fifth resistor R5 may be configured so that one end is connected between the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the positive relay 20.

[0071] 2, the fifth resistor R5 may be located between the other end of the second switch SW2 and the other end of the power supply VCC. Preferably, the fifth resistor R5 may be located between the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the power supply VCC.

[0072] One end of the fifth resistor R5 may be connected to the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the positive relay 20. That is, one end of the fifth resistor R5 may be connected between the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the positive relay 20. The other end of the fifth resistor R5 may be connected to one end of the sixth resistor R6.

[0073] The sixth resistor R6 may be configured to be located between the other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the power supply VCC. Specifically, the sixth resistor R6 may be configured to have one end connected to the other end of the fifth resistor R5 and the other end connected to the other end of the power supply VCC.

[0074] For example, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the sixth resistor R6 may be located between the other end of the fifth resistor R5 and the other end of the power supply VCC. One end of the sixth resistor R6 may be connected to the other end of the fifth resistor R5. The other end of the sixth resistor R6 may be connected to the other end of the power supply VCC.

[0075] A second voltage corresponding to the B node can then be measured at point ADC_B between the fifth resistor R5 and the sixth resistor R6.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relay diagnostic device 100 may further include a seventh resistor R7 and an eighth resistor R8.

[0077] The seventh resistor R7 may be configured to be located between the other end of the power supply unit VCC and the other end of the fourth resistor R4. Specifically, the seventh resistor R7 may be configured so that one end is connected to the other end of the power supply unit VCC.

[0078] 2, the seventh resistor R7 may be located between the other end of the power supply VCC and the other end of the negative relay 30. Preferably, the seventh resistor R7 may be located between the other end of the power supply VCC and the other end of the fourth resistor R4.

[0079] One end of the seventh resistor R7 may be connected to the other end of the power supply VCC. That is, one end of the seventh resistor R7 may be connected between the other end of the power supply VCC and the other end of the sixth resistor R6. The other end of the seventh resistor R7 may be connected to one end of the eighth resistor R8.

[0080] The eighth resistor R8 may be configured to be located between the other end of the power supply unit VCC and the other end of the fourth resistor R4. Specifically, the eighth resistor R8 may be configured to have one end connected to the other end of the seventh resistor R7 and the other end connected to the other end of the fourth resistor R4.

[0081] 2, the eighth resistor R8 may be located between the other end of the seventh resistor R7 and the other end of the negative relay 30. Preferably, the eighth resistor R8 may be located between the other end of the seventh resistor R7 and the other end of the fourth resistor R4.

[0082] One end of the eighth resistor R8 may be connected to the other end of the seventh resistor R7. The other end of the eighth resistor R8 may be connected to the other end of the negative pole relay 30. That is, the other end of the eighth resistor R8 may be connected between the other end of the fourth resistor R4 and the other end of the negative pole relay 30.

[0083] Then, a third voltage corresponding to the H node can be measured at a point ADC_H between the seventh resistor R7 and the eighth resistor R8.

[0084] Additionally, the third resistor R3, the fifth resistor R5, the sixth resistor R6, the seventh resistor R7, the eighth resistor R8, and the fourth resistor R4 can form a closed circuit.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the relay diagnostic device 100 may further include a processor P.

[0087] Here, the processor P can control the operating states of the positive pole relay 20, the negative pole relay 30, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2, and can measure the voltage at a predetermined point.

[0088] The processor P may be configured to measure a first voltage at the other end of the first switch SW1, measure a second voltage between the second switch SW2 and the other end of the power supply unit VCC, and measure a third voltage between the other end of the power supply unit VCC and the other end of the negative pole relay 30.

[0089] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the processor P may measure a first voltage corresponding to the A node by measuring the voltage at point ADC_A. The processor P may also measure a second voltage corresponding to the B node by measuring the voltage at point ADC_B. The processor P may also measure a third voltage corresponding to the H node by measuring the voltage at point ADC_H. Finally, the processor P may measure the ground voltage of the battery pack 1 by measuring the voltage at node G. However, the processor P may also receive information related to the ground voltage of the battery pack 1 without directly measuring the voltage at node G.

[0090] An embodiment in which the processor P diagnoses the states of the positive electrode relay 20 and the negative electrode relay 30 will be described below.

[0091] The processor P may be configured to calculate a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0092] Specifically, the processor P may calculate the difference between a first voltage at point ADC_A and a second voltage at point ADC_B.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation configuration of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The processor P may be configured to measure the first voltage while controlling the operating states of the positive relay 20, the negative relay 30, and the second switch SW2 to a turned-off state and controlling the operating state of the first switch SW1 to a turned-on state.

[0095] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the processor P may control the operation state of the first switch SW1 to a turned-on state. In this case, the battery 10, the first resistor R1, the first switch SW1, and the second resistor R2 may be electrically connected. The processor P may then control the operation states of the positive relay 20, the negative relay 30, and the second switch SW2 to a turned-off state. The processor P may then measure the voltage at the ADC_A point as a first voltage and the voltage at the ADC_B point as a second voltage.

[0096] The processor P may be configured to diagnose the condition of the positive relay 20 based on the calculated voltage difference.

[0097] For example, assume that the positive relay 20 is in a normal state. When the positive relay 20 is in a turned-off state, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage may correspond to the voltage of the battery 10. When the positive relay 20 is in a turned-on state, the first voltage and the second voltage may correspond to the voltage of the battery 10.

[0098] Meanwhile, assume that the positive relay 20 is in a welded state. Because the contacts of the positive relay 20 are welded, the positive relay 20 may remain in a turned-on state even if the processor P attempts to control the positive relay 20 to a turned-off state. In this case, the first voltage and the second voltage may correspond to the voltage of the battery 10. That is, the processor P may diagnose the state of the positive relay 20 based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0099] Specifically, the processor P can diagnose the state of the positive electrode relay 20 based on the result of comparing the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage with the voltage of the battery 10.

[0100] For example, if the voltage difference corresponds to the voltage of the battery 10, the processor P can diagnose the state of the positive relay 20 as normal. In other words, if the operating state of the positive relay 20 is controlled to the turned-off state, the voltage difference can correspond to the voltage of the battery 10. Therefore, the processor P can diagnose the state of the positive relay 20 as normal.

[0101] In another example, if the difference between the voltage difference and the voltage of the battery 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical value, the processor P may diagnose the state of the positive relay 20 as being in a welded state. That is, if the operating state of the positive relay 20 is maintained in a turned-on state (in a welded state), the voltage difference may be close to 0 V. Therefore, the processor P may diagnose the state of the positive relay 20 as being in a welded state.

[0102] The processor P may be configured to calculate a voltage difference between the third voltage and the ground voltage.

[0103] The processor P may be configured to measure the third voltage while controlling the operational states of the positive pole relay 20, the negative pole relay 30, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2 to be turned off.

[0104] For example, the processor P may control the positive relay 20, the negative relay 30, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2 to a turn-off state. The processor P may then measure the voltage at the ADC_H point as the third voltage. In the example of FIG. 2, if the negative relay 30 is normally controlled to a turn-off state, the third voltage may correspond to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC.

[0105] The processor P may be configured to diagnose the condition of the negative pole relay 30 based on the calculated voltage difference.

[0106] For example, assume that the negative relay 30 is in a normal state. When the negative relay 30 is in a turned-off state, the voltage difference between the third voltage and the ground voltage may correspond to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC. When the negative relay 30 is in a turned-on state, the voltage difference between the third voltage and the ground voltage may correspond to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC.

[0107] Meanwhile, assume that the negative relay 30 is in a welded state. Because the contacts of the negative relay 30 are welded, even if the processor P attempts to turn the negative relay 30 off, the negative relay 30 may remain turned on. In this case, the third voltage and the ground voltage may correspond to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC. That is, the processor P may diagnose the state of the negative relay 30 based on the voltage difference between the third voltage and the ground voltage.

[0108] Specifically, the processor P can diagnose the state of the negative electrode relay 30 based on the result of comparing the voltage difference between the third voltage and the ground voltage with the voltage of the power supply unit VCC.

[0109] For example, if the voltage difference corresponds to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC, the processor P can diagnose the state of the negative relay 30 as normal. That is, if the operating state of the negative relay 30 is controlled to the turned-off state, the voltage difference can correspond to the voltage of the power supply unit VCC. Therefore, the processor P can diagnose the state of the negative relay 30 as normal.

[0110] In another example, if the difference between the voltage difference and the voltage of the power supply unit VCC is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical value, the processor P may diagnose the state of the negative relay 30 as being in a welded state. That is, if the operating state of the negative relay 30 is maintained in a turned-on state (in a welded state), the voltage difference may be close to 0 V. Therefore, the processor P may diagnose the state of the negative relay 30 as being in a welded state.

[0111] Below, we will explain examples of the second voltage and the third voltage according to the operating configuration of the battery pack 1. Specifically, we will explain the second voltage and the third voltage measured for each operating state of the battery pack 1 when the voltage of the battery 10 is 800V.

[0112] 5 to 8 are diagrams that schematically show the operational configuration of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Fig. 5 shows an example in which the operating state of the second switch SW2 is controlled to be turned on in the example of Fig. 2. The second voltage was measured to be 399.5V, and the third voltage was also measured to be 399.5V.

[0114] Fig. 6 shows an example in which the second switch SW2 and the negative pole relay 30 are controlled to be turned on in the example of Fig. 2. The second voltage was measured to be 399.5V and the third voltage was measured to be 1.2V.

[0115] Fig. 7 shows an example in which the second switch SW2 and the positive relay 20 are controlled to be turned on in the example of Fig. 2. The second voltage was measured to be 799.7V, and the third voltage was measured to be 399.5V.

[0116] 8 shows an example in which the second switch SW2, the positive electrode relay 20, and the negative electrode relay 30 are controlled to be turned on in the example of FIG. 2. The second voltage was measured to be 799.7 V, and the third voltage was measured to be 1.2 V.

[0117] The present invention has an advantage that it is possible to measure the voltages at points ADC_B and ADC_H connected to the second switch SW2 even in an environment in which the positive relay 20 and the negative relay 30 are controlled to be turned off.

[0118] Meanwhile, the processor P according to the present invention can be applied to a BMS (Battery Management System). That is, the BMS according to the present invention may include the above-described processor P. In such a configuration, at least some of the components of the processor P may be implemented by complementing or adding functions of the components included in a conventional BMS.

[0119] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 900 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] 9, a battery pack 910 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in a vehicle 900, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV). The battery pack 910 may drive the vehicle 900 by supplying power to a motor via an inverter provided in the vehicle 900.

[0121] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the scope of the claims.

[0122] Furthermore, since the above-mentioned present invention can be variously replaced, modified, and changed by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the technical concept of the present invention, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and the attached drawings, and can be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment to make various modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1 battery pack 10 Battery 20 Positive relay 30 Negative relay 100 Relay diagnostic device SW1 First switch SW2 Second switch R1~R8 1st resistor to 8th resistor VCC power supply section P processor

Claims

1. A relay diagnostic device for diagnosing a positive electrode relay and a negative electrode relay provided in a battery pack, a first switch having one end connected between a positive terminal of a battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between a negative terminal of the battery and one end of the negative relay; a second switch having one end connected between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the positive relay and the other end connected between the other end of the positive relay and the other end of the negative relay; a power supply unit having one end connected between the negative terminal of the battery and one end of the negative relay, and the other end connected between the other end of the second switch and the other end of the negative relay.

2. a first resistor located between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the first switch, one end of which is connected to the positive electrode of the battery and the other end of which is connected to one end of the first switch; 2. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second resistor located between the negative terminal of the battery and the other end of the first switch, one end of the second resistor connected to the other end of the first switch and the other end of the second resistor connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

3. a third resistor located between the other end of the second switch and the other end of the positive relay, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second switch and the other end of which is connected between the other end of the positive relay and the other end of the power supply; 2. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth resistor having one end connected between the other end of the second switch and one end of the third resistor and the other end connected between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the negative relay.

4. a fifth resistor located between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the power supply unit, and having one end connected between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the positive relay; 4. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 3, further comprising: a sixth resistor located between the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the power supply unit, one end of the sixth resistor connected to the other end of the fifth resistor and the other end of the power supply unit.

5. a seventh resistor located between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the fourth resistor, one end of which is connected to the other end of the power supply unit; 4. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 3, further comprising: an eighth resistor located between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the fourth resistor, one end connected to the other end of the seventh resistor and the other end connected to the other end of the fourth resistor.

6. 2. The relay diagnostic device of claim 1, further comprising a processor that measures a first voltage at the other end of the first switch, measures a second voltage between the second switch and the other end of the power supply unit, and measures a third voltage between the other end of the power supply unit and the other end of the negative pole relay.

7. The processor:

7. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 6, further comprising: a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a diagnosis of the state of the positive relay based on the calculated voltage difference.

8. The processor:

7. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 6, further comprising: a voltage difference between the third voltage and a ground voltage; and a diagnosis of the state of the negative relay based on the calculated voltage difference.

9. The processor:

7. The relay diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are measured while the positive relay, the negative relay, and the second switch are controlled to be in a turned-off state and while the first switch is controlled to be in a turned-on state.

10. The processor: The relay diagnostic device according to claim 6 , wherein the third voltage is measured while the positive relay, the negative relay, the first switch, and the second switch are controlled to be in a turned-off state.

11. A battery pack comprising the relay diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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