Reverse connection protection and diagnosis device

Abstract

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device comprises: a power supply unit to which a power supply device is connected to provide power; a signal transmission unit for changing a signal transmission path in accordance with the connection direction of the power supply device; a protection unit, to which an electronic device is connected, for controlling the voltage applied to the electronic device in accordance with the signal transmission path; and a diagnosis unit for generating a diagnosis signal in accordance with the signal transmission path.

Description

Reverse connection protection and diagnostic device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document claim the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0082139, filed on June 26, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device.

[0005] The components that make up the circuit are distinguished by forward voltage and reverse voltage, and can operate normally under forward voltage, but not only is it difficult to operate normally under reverse voltage, but damage may also occur to the components.

[0006] Therefore, to prevent malfunctions and damage caused by reverse voltage, protection devices are typically installed to prevent reverse connection of power. However, typical reverse connection protection devices simply protect against reverse connection and have the problem of not being able to notify of a reverse connection status.

[0007] Additionally, general reverse polarity protection devices are difficult to use in high-current circuits, and there is a problem that the voltage drop generated by the protection device can affect the performance of electronic devices.

[0008] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device capable of protecting an electronic device from reverse connection and simultaneously diagnosing whether or not a reverse connection has occurred.

[0009] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that can be applied to a high-current circuit or a high-voltage environment and can solve the problem of voltage drop by implementing circuit insulation using a photocoupler.

[0010] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the descriptions below.

[0011] According to an embodiment disclosed in this document, a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device may include a power supply unit to which a power supply device is connected to provide power, a signal transmission unit that varies a signal transmission path in response to a connection direction of the power supply device, a protection unit to which an electronic device is connected and that controls a voltage applied to the electronic device in response to the signal transmission path, and a diagnostic unit that generates a diagnostic signal in response to the signal transmission path.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the signal transmission unit can determine the signal transmission path to the protection unit when the power device is normally connected, and can determine the signal transmission path to the diagnosis unit when the power device is reversely connected.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the protection unit may apply voltage to the electronic device when receiving a signal from the signal transmission unit.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the protection unit may include a switch whose on / off state is controlled by applying a voltage and a zener diode connected in parallel with the switch.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the switch may be turned on when a signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit, thereby applying voltage to the electronic device.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic unit includes a controller, and the controller can generate the diagnostic signal based on signal transmission from the signal transmission unit.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic unit includes a sensing element, and the sensing element can be turned on when a signal is transmitted from the signal transmitting unit.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the signal transmission unit may include a light-emitting unit connected to the power unit and a light-receiving unit connected to the protection unit and the diagnosis unit, and may be set to transmit a signal when the light-emitting unit is turned on.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that are connected in opposite directions to the power unit and whose on-off is controlled based on the connection direction of the power device, 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 diagnosis unit, and 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.

[0020] According to an embodiment, 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 device.

[0021] According to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, a reverse connection protection and diagnosis device includes a power circuit connected to a first terminal, a second terminal and an input terminal of a photocoupler, and a power device connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, a switch connected to an output terminal of the photocoupler, a protection circuit to which an electronic device is connected, and a diagnosis circuit including at least one of a controller and a detection element connected to an output terminal of the photocoupler, wherein the photocoupler includes a light-emitting circuit connected to the power circuit through the input terminal and a light-receiving circuit connected to the protection circuit and the diagnosis circuit through the output terminal, and the light-receiving circuit can receive a light-emitting signal of the light-receiving circuit.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the light-emitting circuit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element connected in opposite directions to the power 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 corresponding to the first light-emitting element, the second light-receiving element corresponding 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 a normal connection direction of the power device.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the protection circuit includes the switch and the zener diode connected to one of the cathode and the anode and the output terminal of the photocoupler, and the switch and the zener diode can be connected in parallel.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic circuit includes a second power source, the controller, and the sensing element, wherein the sensing element can be connected to an output terminal of the photocoupler and the second power source.

[0025] The protection and diagnostic circuit according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can protect against reverse voltage to an electronic device and simultaneously diagnose whether a power supply is reversely connected.

[0026] In addition, the protection and diagnostic circuit according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can be used in a high-current power supply circuit or an environment where the voltage of the input terminal is high by transmitting a signal through a photocoupler.

[0027] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a power supply device being normally connected in a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a power supply being reversely connected in a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0033] In this document, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, 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" may each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding element from other corresponding elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0034] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) described in this document may include one or more entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0035] The term "module" or "part" used in this document may include a unit 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 an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs 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).

[0036] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program or an application) including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., memory). For example, a processor of the device may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (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 in the storage medium.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 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).

[0040] A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device can prevent reverse voltage to an electronic device due to reverse connection of a power supply, and at the same time, can diagnose whether the power supply is reversed.

[0041] The power supply unit (100) can provide power by connecting a power device. The power supply unit can be connected between the positive and negative terminals connected to the power supply unit (100). The power supply unit can be connected to the power supply unit (100) to provide power (voltage) between the positive and negative terminals. The power supply unit can include various devices capable of supplying power, such as a dry cell, a secondary cell, a battery, or a storage battery.

[0042] The power supply unit (100) can transmit power provided from a power device to a configuration connected to the power supply unit (100). For example, the power supply unit (100) can be connected to an input terminal of a signal transmission unit (200), and when a power device is connected to the power supply unit (100), the power supply unit (100) can provide power to the signal transmission unit (200).

[0043] The signal transmission unit (200) can transmit the input signal of the power supply unit (100) as an output signal. The signal transmission unit (200) can receive an electric signal (e.g., current, etc.) from the power supply unit (100) and transmit an output signal corresponding to the input electric signal through an output terminal. For example, the output terminal of the signal transmission unit (200) can be connected to the protection unit (300) and the diagnosis unit (400), and the signal transmission unit (200) can transmit the output signal to at least one of the protection unit (300) and the diagnosis unit (400).

[0044] The signal transmission unit (200) transmits an output signal to at least one of the protection unit (300) and the diagnosis unit (400), so that the operation of the protection unit (300) and the diagnosis unit (400) can be controlled. For example, the signal transmission unit (200) can output an output current (corresponding to an output signal) corresponding to a current (corresponding to an input signal) input to the input terminal to the output terminal.

[0045] The signal transmission unit (200) can vary the signal transmission path in response to the connection direction of the power device. In an embodiment, the signal transmission unit (200) can vary the signal transmission path to either the protection unit (300) or the diagnosis unit (400) in response to the connection direction of the power device. For example, the signal transmission unit (200) can determine the signal transmission path to the protection unit (300) when the power device is normally connected. That is, the signal transmission unit (200) can transmit the output signal to the protection unit (300) when the power device is in the normal connection direction. Conversely, the signal transmission unit (200) can determine the signal transmission path to the diagnosis unit (400) when the power device is reversely connected.

[0046] The signal transmission unit (200) may include a photocoupler. A photocoupler is a circuit element that couples an electrical signal into light, and may refer to an element that transmits an electrical signal of an input terminal to an output terminal as an optical signal. In addition, a photocoupler may refer to a circuit element that can transmit an electrical signal using light while electrically insulating the circuits of the input terminal and the output terminal. It goes without saying that the signal transmission unit (200) may be implemented with various elements that enable selective connection / disconnection of the circuit in addition to the photocoupler.

[0047] When the signal transmission unit (200) includes a photo coupler, the circuits of the input and output terminals are insulated, so that it can be applied even in an environment where the input voltage is higher than the rated voltage of the electronic device. In addition, it can be applied to a high-current circuit and the voltage drop effect that may occur when using an electrically connected circuit element (e.g., a transistor) can be reduced. Hereinafter, for the convenience of understanding and explanation, the signal transmission unit (200) will be described as a photo coupler.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the photo coupler (200) may include a light emitting unit (210) and a light receiving unit (220). The light emitting unit (210) may be connected to a power supply unit (100), and the light receiving unit (220) may be connected to a protection unit (300) and a diagnosis unit (400). For example, the light emitting unit (210) may be configured at an input terminal of the photo coupler (200), and the light receiving unit (220) may be configured at an output terminal of the photo coupler (200).

[0049] The photo coupler (200) may be set to turn on the light receiving unit (220) and transmit a signal when the light emitting unit (210) is turned on. When the photo coupler (200) receives an input signal from the power supply unit (100) at the input terminal, the light emitting unit (210) may be turned on. At this time, the light receiving unit (220) may be turned on by receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit (210). The light receiving unit (220) may be turned on by receiving light, thereby providing an output signal to the output terminal. For example, the light emitting unit (210) may be turned on and emit light when power is applied to the photo coupler (200) by the power supply unit (100) and current flows, and in this case, the light receiving unit (220) may be turned on by receiving light, thereby causing an output current corresponding to the input current to flow to the output terminal of the photo coupler (200).

[0050] According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit (210) may include a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element connected in opposite directions to the power supply unit (200). In addition, 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 diagnosis unit (400). At this time, 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 may mean 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.

[0051] In an embodiment, the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element 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 light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element 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 normally connected, and the second light-emitting element can be turned on when the power supply is reversely connected. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element can be photodiodes in which current can flow in only one direction.

[0052] In an embodiment, the second light-emitting element may be connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply. Here, the normal connection direction of the power supply may mean a direction in which a forward voltage is applied between the positive and negative terminals (i.e., a direction in which the positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power supply is connected to the negative terminal). In addition, the fact that the second light-emitting element is connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply may mean that the second light-emitting element is connected so that current flows when the power supply is reversely connected. For example, when the second light-emitting element is a photodiode, the second light-emitting element may be connected such that the anode faces the negative terminal and the cathode faces the positive terminal.

[0053] The photo coupler (200) may be a dual-channel photo coupler, or may be composed of two single-channel photo couplers. When the photo coupler (200) is a dual-channel photo coupler, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a first light-receiving element, and a second light-receiving element may be provided in one photo coupler, wherein the first light-emitting element and the first light-receiving element may constitute a first channel, and the second light-emitting element and the second light-receiving element may constitute a second channel. When the photo coupler (200) is composed of two single-channel photo couplers, the photo coupler (200) may include a first photo coupler and a second photo coupler that are physically separated. In this case, a first light-emitting element and a first light-receiving element may constitute a first photo coupler, and a second light-emitting element and a second light-receiving element may constitute a second photo coupler. The number of channels and the number of single-channel photo couplers provided in the photo coupler (200) are not limited thereto.

[0054] The protection unit (300) can be connected to an electronic device. The electronic device can be connected between the positive and negative terminals connected to the protection unit (300). The positive and negative terminals connected to the protection unit (300) may be the same as or different from the positive and negative terminals connected to the power supply unit (100). In addition, the reference potential between the positive and negative terminals connected to the protection unit (300) may be the same as or different from the reference potential between the positive and negative terminals connected to the power supply unit (100).

[0055] The protection unit (300) can control the voltage applied to the electronic device in response to the signal transmission path. For example, the protection unit (300) can apply or block the voltage to the electronic device in response to the signal transmission path. For example, if the signal transmission path by the photo coupler (200) is determined to be the protection unit (300), the protection unit (300) can apply the voltage to the electronic device. The protection unit (300) can control the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electronic device in response to an output signal corresponding to the input signal. Conversely, if the signal transmission path by the photo coupler (200) is determined to be the diagnostic unit (400), the protection unit (300) can block the voltage to the electronic device.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the protection unit (200) may include a switch whose on / off state is controlled by applying voltage and a zener diode that applies voltage to the switch.

[0057] The switch can be turned on and off by applying voltage. The switch can form a closed circuit with respect to the electronic device depending on whether it is turned on or off. For example, when the switch is turned on, the protection unit (200) forms a closed circuit with the electronic device, so that voltage can be applied to the electronic device. Conversely, when the switch is turned off, the connection between the protection unit (200) and the electronic device is severed, thereby blocking the voltage to the electronic device.

[0058] A Zener diode can be connected in parallel with a switch to provide voltage to the switch. The Zener diode can provide a constant voltage to the switch. A Zener diode is a type of diode and can refer to a circuit element that provides a constant voltage by utilizing the Zener effect. The Zener effect refers to a phenomenon in which reverse current rapidly increases when a reverse voltage higher than the breakdown voltage is applied to the diode, and this can be used to maintain a constant voltage even when the current changes rapidly. For this purpose, the Zener diode can be set to have a lower breakdown voltage than a general diode. The Zener diode can be connected in the reverse direction with respect to the output terminal of the photocoupler (200), for example, it can be connected so that the anode faces the cathode and the cathode faces the anode.

[0059] The diagnostic unit (400) can generate a diagnostic signal corresponding to the signal transmission path. For example, if the signal transmission path of the photo coupler (200) is determined to be the diagnostic unit (400), the diagnostic unit (400) can receive an output signal from the photo coupler (200) and generate a diagnostic signal.

[0060] The diagnostic unit (400) may include a controller that generates a diagnostic signal. The controller may generate the diagnostic signal based on a signal transmission from the photocoupler (200). The diagnostic signal may include a digital signal, an audio signal, an optical signal, etc. For example, if the signal transmission path of the signal transmission unit (200) is the diagnostic unit (400), current may flow in the diagnostic unit (400), and the controller may detect the current and generate the diagnostic signal. For example, the controller may generate a digital signal of 1 when current is detected, and may generate a digital signal of 0 when no current is detected. In this case, the controller may determine that the power supply is reversed if the digital signal is 1, and may determine that the power supply is normally connected if the digital signal is 0. In addition, the user of the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device may be able to determine whether the power supply is reversed based on the signal from the controller, and in some cases, the controller may provide an additional alarm based on the diagnostic signal.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic unit (400) may include a sensing element. The sensing element may be turned on when a signal is transmitted from the photo coupler (200). The sensing element may be turned on by a current flowing when the diagnostic unit (400) receives a signal from the photo coupler (200). The sensing element may include an optical element such as a diode or an audio element that emits sound. For example, when the sensing element is an LED element, the LED may be turned on to express a light signal.

[0062] In this way, the diagnostic unit (400) can diagnose reverse connection of the power supply through digital signals, optical signals, voice signals, etc.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram of a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the reverse connection protection and diagnostic device can diagnose whether a power supply is reversed and prevent reverse voltage from being applied to an electronic device.

[0065] The power supply unit (100) may be composed of a power circuit. The power circuit may be connected to a first terminal (positive terminal), a second terminal (negative terminal), and an input terminal of a photo coupler (200). At this time, a power device may be connected between the first terminal and the second terminal to provide power. The power circuit may include a first resistor (110) for controlling a current flowing to the photo coupler (200). The first resistor (110) may be connected between either the first terminal or the second terminal and the input terminal of the photo coupler (200).

[0066] The photo coupler (200) can have an input terminal connected to a power circuit and an output terminal connected to a protection circuit and a diagnostic circuit. The photo coupler (200) can vary the signal transmission path in response to the connection direction of the power device.

[0067] The photocoupler (200) may include a light-emitting circuit connected to a power circuit through an input terminal and a light-receiving circuit connected to a protection circuit and a diagnostic circuit through an output terminal. The light-emitting circuit and the light-receiving circuit may be electrically insulated. The light-receiving circuit may receive a light-emitting signal from the light-emitting circuit. That is, the photocoupler (200) may convert an input signal applied from the power circuit into an optical signal and output it to the output terminal.

[0068] When the light-emitting circuit receives an input signal from the power circuit, the light-emitting element (210) included in the light-emitting circuit can be turned on. The light-receiving circuit can receive 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.

[0069] The light-emitting circuit may include a first light-emitting element (211) and a second light-emitting element (213). In an embodiment, the first light-emitting element (211) and the second light-emitting element (213) may be connected to a power source in opposite directions. For example, the first light-emitting element (211) and the second light-emitting element (213) may be photodiodes, and the first light-emitting element (211) may be connected such that the anode faces the first terminal and the cathode faces the second terminal. Conversely, the second light-emitting element (213) may be connected such that the anode faces the second terminal and the cathode faces the first terminal. The first light-emitting element (211) and the second light-emitting element (213) may be connected in parallel with each other.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the second light emitting element (223) may be connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power supply. That is, the second light emitting element (223) may be connected to be turned on when the power supply is reversely connected.

[0071] The light-receiving circuit may include a first light-receiving element (221) connected to a protection circuit and a second light-receiving element (223) connected to a diagnostic circuit. In an embodiment, the first light-receiving element (221) may correspond to the first light-emitting element (211), and the second light-receiving element (223) may correspond to the second light-emitting element (213). That is, the first light-receiving element (221) may receive light emitted from the first light-emitting element (211), and the second light-receiving element (223) may receive light emitted from the second light-emitting element (213).

[0072] The first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) may be transistors. For example, the first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) may be phototransistors configured to receive light at their bases. When the first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) each receive light through their bases, current may flow from the collector to the emitter if the first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) are npn transistors, and current may flow from the emitter to the collector if the first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) are pnp transistors. That is, when the first light-receiving element (221) and the second light-receiving element (223) receive light, current may flow.

[0073] In this way, the photocoupler (200) can have a variable signal transmission path corresponding to the connection direction of the power supply. For example, when the power supply is normally connected, the first light-emitting element (211) is turned on and the first light-receiving element (221) receives light, thereby causing current to flow in the protection circuit. When the power supply is reversely connected, the second light-emitting element (213) is turned on and the second light-receiving element (223) receives light, thereby causing current to flow in the diagnosis circuit.

[0074] The input terminal of the photo coupler (200) may include a first input terminal and a second input terminal, and the output terminal may include a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first input terminal may be connected to a first light-emitting element (211), and the second input terminal may be connected to a second light-emitting element (213). Similarly, the first output terminal may be connected to a first light-receiving element (221), and the second output terminal may be connected to a second light-receiving element (223).

[0075] The protection unit (300) may be configured with a protection circuit. The protection circuit includes a switch (310) connected to the output terminal of the photo coupler (200), and an electronic device may be connected thereto. 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.

[0076] The protection circuit can be connected to the first light-receiving element (221) through the first output terminal of the photocoupler (200). At this time, the first light-receiving element (221) can be connected so that a forward current (flowing from the third terminal to the fourth terminal) flows to the protection circuit when receiving light. For example, if the first light-receiving element (221) 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 light-receiving element (221) is a pnp transistor, it can be connected so that the emitter faces the third terminal and the collector faces the fourth terminal.

[0077] The protection circuit may include a switch (310) and a zener diode (320) connected to either the third terminal or the fourth terminal and the first output terminal.

[0078] The switch (310) can be turned on or off to control the voltage applied to the electronic device. The switch (310) can be turned on when voltage is applied, and turned off when voltage is not applied. For example, when the power supply is normally connected and the first light-receiving element (221) receives light, current flows through the protection circuit and voltage is applied to the switch (310), so that voltage can be applied to the electronic device. Conversely, when the power supply is reversely connected, the first light-receiving element (221) cannot receive light, so that current does not flow to the protection circuit and the switch (310) can be turned off, so that voltage is not applied to the electronic device.

[0079] In an 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 the switch (310) is connected to the fourth terminal (negative terminal), it may be an NMOS FET.

[0080] A zener diode (320) can be connected in parallel with a switch (310) to provide a voltage to the switch (310). The zener diode (320) can provide a constant voltage to the switch (310). For example, the zener diode (320) can be connected such that the anode faces the negative terminal and the cathode faces the positive terminal to provide a constant voltage to the switch (310) by applying a reverse voltage.

[0081] The protection circuit may include a second resistor (330) connected in parallel with the switch (310) and the zener diode (320), and may include a third resistor (340) connected to a terminal opposite to the terminal to which the first output terminal and the switch (310) are connected. When the first light-receiving element (221) receives light and current flows in the protection circuit, a breakdown voltage may be applied to the zener diode (320) as current flows in the second resistor (330). The third resistor (340) may control the current flowing in the protection circuit.

[0082] The diagnostic unit (400) may be configured with 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 source (410) that provides a reference terminal voltage. Since the diagnostic circuit is not connected to the first to fourth terminals, a second power source (410) may be required to provide the reference terminal voltage. The diagnostic circuit may include a fourth resistor (420) for controlling current. The fourth resistor (420) may be connected to the second power source (410).

[0083] The diagnostic circuit may include at least one of a controller (440) and a sensing element (430) connected to an output terminal of a photocoupler (200).

[0084] The sensing element (430) can be connected to the second output terminal of the photo coupler (200) and the fourth resistor (420). The sensing element (430) can be turned on when it receives a signal from the photo coupler (200). The sensing element (430) can be, for example, an LED, an acoustic element, etc.

[0085] The controller (440) may be connected to the second output terminal of the photo coupler (200). The controller (440) may receive a signal transmitted from the photo coupler (200) and generate a diagnostic signal. For example, the controller (440) may generate a digital signal depending on whether current is detected through the diagnostic circuit. The controller (440) may be an information processing device such as an MCU or CPU.

[0086] The diagnostic circuit can diagnose whether the power supply is reverse-connected based on the on / off of the detection element (430) and / or a diagnostic signal generated from the controller (440).

[0087] The first to fourth resistors may be current-limiting resistors. Current-limiting resistors may be referred to by various terms, such as pull-down resistors, and may be resistors used to regulate the current flowing in a circuit connected to the resistors.

[0088] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply device in a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document when the power supply device is normally connected. Referring to FIG. 3, the circuit driven when the power supply device is normally connected is represented by a bold line.

[0089] When the power supply is normally connected, forward current flows through the first light-emitting element (211), so that the first light-emitting element (211) can be turned on. Conversely, only reverse current below a threshold value flows through the second light-emitting element (213), so that the second light-emitting element (213) can be turned off.

[0090] The first light-receiving element (221) receives light from the first light-emitting element (211), 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 positive voltage is applied to the switch (310) by the Zener diode (320), so that the switch (310) can be turned on. Accordingly, the electronic device and the protection circuit form a closed circuit, and a forward voltage can be applied to the electronic device.

[0091] The second light-receiving element (223) may not allow current to flow through the diagnostic circuit because the second light-emitting element (213) is turned off and light is not received. Accordingly, the sensing element (430) may be turned off, and the controller (440) may generate a diagnostic signal indicating that no current is detected.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply being reversed in a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to FIG. 4, the circuit driven when the power supply is reversed is represented by a bold line.

[0093] When the power supply is reversely connected, forward current flows through the second light-emitting element (213), so the second light-emitting element (213) can be turned on. Conversely, only reverse current below a threshold value flows through the first light-emitting element (211), so the first light-emitting element (211) can be turned off.

[0094] Since the first light-emitting element (211) is turned off and light is not received, no current may flow through the protection circuit. Accordingly, no voltage may be applied to the switch (310), and the switch (310) may be turned off to block voltage application to the electronic device.

[0095] The second light-receiving element (223) receives light from the second light-emitting element (213), and current can flow through the diagnostic circuit. Accordingly, the sensing element (430) is turned on, and the controller (440) can generate a diagnostic signal indicating that current is detected. Accordingly, a user of the electronic device can determine that the power supply is reversely connected based on the status of the sensing element (430) and the diagnostic signal from the controller (440).

[0096]

[0097] Although all components constituting the embodiments disclosed in this document have been described as being combined or operating in combination as one, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document, all of the components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times.

[0098] In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the corresponding component can be included, and therefore should be interpreted to include other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted to be consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0099] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea disclosed in this document, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the embodiments disclosed in this document, but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical idea disclosed in this document should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document.

Claims

1. A power supply unit that provides power by connecting a power device; A signal transmission unit that changes a signal transmission path in response to the connection direction of the power device; A protection unit that controls a voltage applied to an electronic device in response to a signal transmission path to which the electronic device is connected; and A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device comprising a diagnostic unit for generating a diagnostic signal corresponding to the above signal transmission path.

2. In paragraph 1, The above signal transmission unit, If the above power device is connected normally, the signal transmission path is determined to the above protection unit, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that determines the signal transmission path to the diagnostic unit when the power device is reversely connected.

3. In paragraph 2, The above protection part, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that applies voltage to the electronic device when a signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit.

4. In paragraph 3, The above protection part, A switch whose on / off is controlled by applying voltage; and A reverse polarity protection and diagnostic device comprising a zener diode connected in parallel with the above switch.

5. In paragraph 4, The above switch is, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that is turned on when a signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit and causes voltage to be applied to the electronic device.

6. In paragraph 2, The above diagnostic unit includes a controller, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, wherein the controller generates the diagnostic signal based on signal transmission from the signal transmission unit.

7. In paragraph 2, The above diagnostic unit includes a sensing element, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device in which the detection element is turned on when a signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit.

8. In paragraph 1, The above signal transmission unit, A light emitting unit connected to the power supply unit; and Including a light receiving unit connected to the above protection unit and the above diagnosis unit, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, wherein the light receiving unit is set to be turned on and transmit a signal when the light emitting unit is turned on.

9. In paragraph 8, The light emitting unit includes a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element that are connected in opposite directions to the power supply unit and whose on / off 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 protection unit and a second light receiving element connected to the diagnosis unit, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, 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. In paragraph 9, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, characterized in that the second light-emitting element is connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power device.

11. A power circuit connected to the first terminal, the second terminal and the input terminal of the photo coupler, and a power supply connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; A protection circuit including a switch connected to the output terminal of the photo coupler and to which an electronic device is connected; and A diagnostic circuit including at least one of a controller and a sensing element connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler, The above photo coupler, A light-emitting circuit connected to the power circuit through the input terminal; and It includes a light receiving circuit connected to the protection circuit and the diagnostic circuit through the output terminal, The above light-receiving circuit is a reverse connection protection and diagnostic device that receives a light-emitting signal of the above light-emitting circuit.

12. In paragraph 11, The light emitting circuit includes a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element connected in opposite directions to the power circuit, The above 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, and the second light-receiving element corresponds to the second light-emitting element. A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, characterized in that the second light-emitting element is connected in a direction opposite to the normal connection direction of the power device.

13. In paragraph 11, The above protection circuit, Including the switch and zener diode connected to one of the cathode and anode terminals and the output terminal of the photocoupler, A reverse-connection protection and diagnostic device, wherein the above switch and the above zener diode are connected in parallel.

14. In paragraph 11, The above diagnostic circuit, Second power; the above controller; and including the above sensing element, A reverse connection protection and diagnostic device, wherein the above detection element is connected to the output terminal of the photocoupler and the second power source.

Images