Battery system and system control method based on resettable fuse loss

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery system and a system control method based on a resettable fuse loss. The battery system includes: a battery; a resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to a positive electrode of the battery and a second node that is connected to an external connection terminal and closed after a predetermined recovery time after being opened; a fuse compensation circuit including an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node and a detection switch that is connected between a third node and ground, wherein a voltage according to a result of comparing a voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage is provided to the third node, and generating a first detection voltage by resistance-dividing the voltage of the second node; and a main control unit (MCU) that controls a switching operation of the detection switch on the basis of the first detection voltage, wherein the fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operation switch according to a second detection voltage according to the voltage of the third node.

Description

Method for controlling a system in the event of a battery system and resettable fuse loss

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

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

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery system and a method for controlling the system in response to loss of a resettable fuse.

[0004] Resettable fuses included in battery systems can significantly increase their resistance, interrupting the current flow when an overcurrent exceeds the trip current or when an external device connected to the battery system malfunctions. After this current flow is interrupted, the fuse gradually returns to its original state. However, since it takes a certain amount of time for the resistance to return to its original value after the current flow is interrupted, this function cannot be utilized from a circuit perspective, potentially resulting in loss.

[0005] Additionally, if the resettable fuse opens and the flow of current is interrupted, power will not be supplied to external devices, so a quick response is required to prevent the loss of the resettable fuse.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery system capable of operating the functions of external devices connected to the battery system even during the recovery time of a resettable fuse, and a method of controlling the system in the event of a resettable fuse loss.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a battery system includes a battery, a resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to a positive electrode of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal and which closes after a predetermined recovery time after being opened, an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node, and a detection switch connected between a third node and ground to which a voltage is provided according to a result of comparing a voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage, a fuse compensation circuit that generates a first detection voltage by resistively dividing the voltage of the second node, and a main control unit (MCU) that controls a switching operation of the detection switch based on the first detection voltage, wherein the fuse compensation circuit controls a switching operation of the operation switch based on a second detection voltage according to a voltage of the third node.

[0008] The above detection switch may include a source terminal connected to the third node, a drain terminal connected to the ground, and a gate terminal receiving a switch control signal from the MCU.

[0009] The above-described operating switch may include a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode whose cathode is connected to the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor, and the fuse compensation circuit may further include another switch including a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, a second source terminal connected to ground, and a second gate terminal receiving the second sensing voltage.

[0010] The above fuse compensation circuit may further include a comparator that supplies a high-level comparator voltage to the third node when the voltage of the second node decreases below the reference voltage.

[0011] The MCU generates a switch control signal for turning on the detection switch when it is determined that the first detection voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit value of the normal voltage range, after the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, and when the detection switch is turned on, the second detection voltage is at a low level and the operation switch is turned off, and the normal voltage range may be a voltage range of the first detection voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected.

[0012] The MCU compares whether the first detection voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit of the normal voltage range, a predetermined number of times or more after the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, and if it is determined that the first detection voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, performs a check notification operation on an external device connected to the external connection terminal, and the normal voltage range may be a voltage range of the first detection voltage when the resettable fuse is connected.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a system according to a loss of a resettable fuse in a battery system, the system comprising a first node connected to a positive electrode of the battery and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, the resettable fuse being opened and then closed after a predetermined recovery time, the method comprising: a step of a comparator comparing a negative input voltage corresponding to a voltage of the second node with a positive input voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference voltage, and providing a voltage according to the result of the comparison to a third node connected to an output terminal of the comparator; a step of a fuse compensation circuit including an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node and a detection switch connected between the third node and ground, the step of generating a first detection voltage by resistance-dividing the voltage of the second node; a step of the fuse compensation circuit controlling a switching operation of the operation switch according to a second detection voltage according to the voltage of the third node; a step of a main control unit (MCU) controlling a switching operation of the detection switch connected between the third node and ground based on the first detection voltage; and a step of the fuse The compensation circuit includes a step of controlling the switching operation of the operating switch according to the second detection voltage.

[0014] The above detection switch may include a source terminal connected to the third node, a drain terminal connected to the ground, and a gate terminal receiving a switch control signal from the MCU.

[0015] The above-described operating switch includes a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode whose cathode is connected to the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor, and the second sensing voltage can be input to a second gate terminal of another switch including a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor and a second source terminal connected to ground.

[0016] The step of providing a voltage according to the result of the comparison to a third node connected to an output terminal of the comparator may include a step of supplying a high level comparator voltage to the third node when the voltage of the second node decreases below the reference voltage.

[0017] The step of controlling the switching operation of the detection switch by the MCU includes the step of generating a switch control signal for turning on the detection switch when it is determined that the first detection voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit value of the normal voltage range, after the first detection voltage increases within a normal voltage range, and the normal voltage range may be a voltage range of the first detection voltage under a condition that the resettable fuse is in a connected state.

[0018] The above MCU may further include a step of performing a check notification operation on an external device connected to the external connection terminal when the first detection voltage is compared a predetermined number of times or more to determine whether the first detection voltage exceeds the first threshold voltage after the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, and the first detection voltage is determined to be lower than the first threshold voltage in each of the predetermined number of times.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the battery system can operate the system functions of an external device connected to it even during the recovery time after the resettable fuse opens. However, this may be difficult to apply in a situation where the load within the external device is in a permanent failure state.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, the MCU can determine the status of the fuse and load through the filter circuit of the operating unit.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, when a resettable fuse is opened, the operating unit can be quickly operated to supply power from a battery to an external device through the operating unit.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, when a resettable fuse closes after the operating unit is operated, the operating unit is reset, thereby supplying power from a battery to an external device through the resettable fuse. Accordingly, leakage current can be minimized and power can be operated efficiently.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the motion detection circuit compares the voltage of the second node with a reference voltage to turn on the motion switch connected between the first node and the second node, and the MCU can turn off the motion switch under a predetermined condition using the first detection voltage generated by the filter circuit. In this way, the motion detection circuit can turn on the motion switch based on the voltage comparison result of the comparator regardless of the control of the MCU. Therefore, compared to turning on the motion switch according to the control of the MCU, the present disclosure can more quickly supply power from the battery to the system connected to the BMS by accelerating the response time for turning on the motion switch after the resettable fuse opens.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, when a resettable fuse opens and the flow of current is cut off, power is not supplied to an external device, so that the operating unit can be operated quickly to minimize power supply interruption to an external system.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, the MCU can quickly respond to a resettable fuse failure by notifying an external device that a check is necessary if the resettable fuse does not close for a predetermined period of time after being opened.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a system control method according to a resettable fuse loss according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a system control method in which a repeat confirmation operation for reset control of an operating unit is added to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same or similar components will be given the same or similar drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] Among the configurations according to one embodiment, a configuration that controls another configuration under specific control conditions may be installed with a program implemented as a set of commands that embody the control algorithms necessary to control the other configuration. The control configuration may process input data and stored data according to the installed program to generate output data. The control configuration may include non-volatile memory for storing the program and memory for storing data.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery system (1) may include a battery (100) and a battery management system (BMS) (200).

[0036] The battery system (1) can be connected to an external device (2). The external device (2) can be a system of a vehicle, a sensor, etc. The two terminals (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) can be connected to the external device (2). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the two terminals (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) are referred to as external connection terminals.

[0037] The external device (2) may include a load (LD). In Fig. 1, the external device (2) is illustrated as including a load (LD), but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. The external device (2) may include a load and a charging device such as an inverter or a converter. When the external device (2) is a charger, both ends (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) are connected to the charger so that power can be supplied from the charger and charged. When the external device (2) is a load, both ends (P+, P-) of the battery system (1) are connected to the load so that power supplied by the battery pack (100) can be discharged through the load. The external device (2) may include a vehicle control unit (VCU) included in the vehicle.

[0038] The positive pole of the battery (100) may be connected to the BMS (200), and the negative pole of the battery (100) may be connected to the ground. The battery (100) may be an auxiliary battery of the vehicle.

[0039] The BMS (200) may include a main control unit (MCU) (210) and a fuse compensation circuit (220). The BMS (200) may include a fuse (FS) and a diode (D1).

[0040] The fuse (FS) may be a resettable fuse that is connected between nodes (ND1) and (ND2) and closes after a predetermined recovery time after being opened. The resettable fuse may cut off power supplied from the battery (100) to the load (LD) when an overcurrent exceeding the trip current occurs or in a malfunction situation. The resettable fuse may have a resistance that increases significantly when an overcurrent occurs or in a malfunction situation and may gradually return to its original state after the current flow is cut off. However, since the resettable fuse takes a certain amount of time to return the resistance to its original value, the function of the fuse cannot be utilized until the resistance returns.

[0041] One end of the fuse (FS) may be connected to a node (ND1), and the other end of the fuse (FS) may be connected to the anode of a diode (D1). The cathode of the diode (D1) may be connected to a node (ND2).

[0042] Node (ND1) is connected to the positive electrode of the battery (100), and node (ND2) can be connected to an external terminal (P+). One end of the load (LD) can be connected to the external terminal (P+), and the other end of the load (LD) can be connected to ground. Referring to Fig. 1, the voltage of node (ND2) can be referred to as an "output voltage (Vout)".

[0043] The fuse compensation circuit (220) may include an operation switch (SW_DR1) and a detection switch (SW_DT). The fuse compensation circuit (220) may monitor the operation of the fuse (FS) and provide a current path corresponding to the opening of the fuse (FS).

[0044] The fuse compensation circuit (220) can generate a first detection voltage (VS1) based on the voltage of the node (ND2). The voltage of the node (ND2) may be divided by two resistors (R3, R4) to determine the voltage of the node (ND6), and the voltage of the node (ND6) may be filtered by a resistor (R5) and a capacitor (C1) to determine the voltage of the node (ND4). That is, the fuse compensation circuit (220) can generate the first detection voltage (VS1) by resistor-dividing and filtering the voltage of the node (ND2).

[0045] The operation switch (SW_DR1) may be connected between the node (ND1) and the node (ND2). The detection switch (SW_DT) may be connected between the node (ND3) and the ground. The node (ND3) may provide a voltage according to the result of comparing the voltage of the node (ND2) with a predetermined reference voltage. Hereinafter, the predetermined reference voltage may be an upper limit value of the voltage range of the node (ND2) under the condition that the fuse (FS) is blown.

[0046] The fuse compensation circuit (220) may include an operating unit (221), a filter circuit (222), and an operating detection circuit (223).

[0047] The operating unit (221) can be connected between the node (ND1) and the node (ND2). The operating unit (221) provides a power path connecting the node (ND1) and the node (ND2) according to a second detection voltage (VS2) supplied from the motion detection circuit (223), and can block the power path according to a control signal supplied from the MCU (210). The second detection voltage (VS2) depends on the voltage of the node (ND3). The fuse compensation circuit (220) can control the switching operation of the motion switch (SW_DR1) according to the second detection voltage (VS2).

[0048] When the operation switch (SW_DR1) is turned on, the operation unit (221) can provide a power path connecting the node (ND1) and the node (ND2). In one embodiment, the operation unit (221) can provide a power path according to the second detection voltage (VS2). Compared to the MCU (210) detecting a specific voltage and controlling the switching operation of the operation switch (SW_DR1), in one embodiment, the operation unit (221) can quickly provide a power path after the fuse (FS) opens. For example, the operation unit (221) can provide a power path connecting the external device (2) from the battery (100) within 1 ms from the time when the fuse (FS) opens.

[0049] The filter circuit (222) is connected to the node (ND2) and can filter the voltage of the node (ND2) to generate a first detection voltage (VS1) according to the voltage of the node (ND2). The filter circuit (222) can convert the voltage of the node (ND2) into a voltage within the operating range of the MCU (210) to generate the first detection voltage (VS1). The first detection voltage (VS1) can represent the voltage of the node (ND4). The first detection voltage (VS1) can be supplied to the MCU (210).

[0050] The MCU (210) can control the switching operation of the detection switch (SW_DT) based on the first detection voltage (VS1). The MCU (210) can monitor the first detection voltage (VS1) and, based on the monitoring result, notify the external device (2) that inspection is necessary. For example, after the first detection voltage (VS1) is determined to have decreased below the lower limit of the normal voltage range and the fuse has opened, if the first detection voltage (VS1) returns to the normal voltage range, the MCU (210) can determine that the load (LD) has returned to a normal state from an abnormal state such as overcurrent. Hereinafter, the normal voltage range may be the voltage range of the first detection voltage (VS1) under the condition that the fuse (FS) is connected.

[0051] In this way, after the first detection voltage (VS1) returns to the normal voltage range, it is checked whether the first detection voltage (VS1) has further increased beyond the upper limit of the normal voltage range a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals, but if no further increase is detected, the MCU (210) can perform an inspection notification operation to the external device (2). This is because if the first detection voltage (VS1) does not further increase beyond the upper limit of the normal voltage range after returning to the normal voltage range, the fuse (FS) does not close again even after the recovery time, requiring inspection.

[0052] The operating unit (221) may include an operating switch (SW_DR1), an operating switch (SW_DR2), and a plurality of resistors (R1, R2).

[0053] In Fig. 1, the operating switch (SW_DR1) is illustrated as a p-channel MOSFET, but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. The operating switch (SW_DR1) can provide a current path through which current flows from the source terminal to the drain terminal when the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the source terminal is a voltage below a predetermined first threshold value.

[0054] The source terminal of the operating switch (SW_DR1) can be connected to the node (ND1) and one end of the resistor (R1). The drain terminal of the operating switch (SW_DR1) can be connected to the anode of the diode (D2). The other end of the resistor (R1), the gate terminal of the operating switch (SW_DR1), and one end of the resistor (R2) can be connected to the node (ND5). The cathode of the diode (D2) can be connected to the node (ND2).

[0055] In Fig. 1, the operating switch (SW_DR2) is illustrated as an n-channel MOSFET, but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. The operating switch (SW_DR2) can provide a current path through which current flows from the drain terminal to the source terminal when the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the source terminal is greater than a predetermined second threshold value.

[0056] The drain terminal of the action switch (SW_DR2) can be connected to the other terminal of the resistor (R2). The source terminal of the action switch (SW_DR2) can be connected to ground. The gate terminal of the action switch (SW_DR2) can receive a second detection voltage (VS2) from the action detection circuit (223).

[0057] The filter circuit (222) may include a plurality of resistors (R3-R5) and a capacitor (C1). One end of the resistor (R3) may be connected to a node (ND2). The other end of the resistor (R3), one end of the resistor (R4), and one end of the resistor (R5) may be connected to a node (ND6). The other end of the resistor (R4) may be connected to ground. The other end of the resistor (R5) and one end of the capacitor (C1) may be connected to the node (ND4). The other end of the capacitor (C1) may be connected to ground. The first detection voltage (VS1) may represent the voltage of the node (ND4) between the resistor (R5) and the capacitor (C1). The first detection voltage (VS1) may represent the voltage applied to one end of the capacitor (C1) by being distributed from the voltage of the node (ND6) by the resistor (R5) and the capacitor (C1). Multiple resistors (R3-R5) can be designed in megaohm units or more to minimize leakage current of the filter circuit (222).

[0058] The motion detection circuit (223) can generate a second detection voltage (VS2) that controls the switching operation of the operating unit (221) based on the voltage of the node (ND2) and the switch control signal (SCS) received from the MCU (210). The motion detection circuit (223) can include a plurality of resistors (R6-R11), a capacitor (C2), a comparator (COM1), a voltage source (VS), a transistor (TR1), a transistor (TR2), and a detection switch (SW_DT).

[0059] The comparator (COM1) can compare the negative input terminal (-) voltage and the positive input terminal (+) voltage and output a voltage to the output terminal. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the output terminal voltage of the comparator (COM1) is referred to as the "comparator voltage."

[0060] When the voltage of the node (ND2) is lower than a predetermined reference voltage, the negative input terminal (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) may be lower than the positive input terminal (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1). When the negative input terminal (-) voltage corresponding to the voltage of the node (ND2) decreases to be lower than the positive input terminal (+) voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference voltage, the comparator (COM1) may supply a high-level comparator voltage to the output terminal. The high-level comparator voltage may be a voltage level capable of turning on the transistor (TR1) and the transistor (TR2). The low-level comparator voltage may be a voltage level capable of turning off the transistor (TR1) and the transistor (TR2).

[0061] When a high-level comparator voltage is supplied to the output terminal of the comparator (COM1), the transistors (TR1) and (TR2) are turned on, so that when the voltage of the node (ND2) decreases below a predetermined reference voltage, the comparator (COM1) can supply a high-level comparator voltage to the node (ND3).

[0062] One end of the resistor (R6) can be connected to the node (ND2). The other end of the resistor (R6) and one end of the resistor (R7) can be connected to the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator (COM1). The other end of the resistor (R7) can be connected to the ground. The resistor (R8) can be connected between the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator (COM1) and the ground. The emitter terminal of the transistor (TR1) can be connected to the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator (COM1). The collector terminal of the transistor (TR2) can be connected to one end of the resistor (R9). A 5 V voltage can be provided to the node to which the other end of the resistor (R9) and one end of the resistor (R10) are connected. The other end of the resistor (R10) can be connected to the collector terminal of the transistor (TR2). The base terminal of the transistor (TR2) can be connected to the output terminal of the comparator (COM1). The emitter terminal of the transistor (TR2) can be connected to the node (ND3).

[0063] Hereinafter, the 5 V voltage connected to the node where the other end of the resistor (R9) and one end of the resistor (R10) are connected is referred to as a "5 V voltage source." In Fig. 1, a 5 V voltage source is illustrated as being connected between the resistor (R9) and the resistor (R10), but the voltage value of the 5 V voltage source is merely an example and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0064] The source terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT) can be connected to the node (ND3). The drain terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT) can be connected to ground. The gate terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT) can receive a switch control signal (SCS) from the MCU (210).

[0065] One end of a resistor (R11) may be connected to a node (ND3). A capacitor (C2) may be connected to the other end of the resistor (R11). A transistor (TR2) and a detection switch (SW_DT) may be connected to the node (ND3) to generate a second detection voltage (VS2) according to the voltage of the node (ND3). The second detection voltage (VS2) may represent the voltage of the node between the resistor (R11) and the capacitor (C2). The second detection voltage (VS2) may represent the voltage applied to one end of the capacitor (C2) by being distributed from the voltage of the node (ND3) by the resistor (R11) and the capacitor (C2).

[0066] The second detection voltage (VS2) can be supplied to the gate terminal of the operating switch (SW_DR2) of the operating unit (221).

[0067] In Fig. 1, transistors (TR1) and transistors (TR2) are illustrated as NPN transistors, but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. In Fig. 1, detection switch (SW_DT) is illustrated as an n-channel MOSFET, but this is for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. Detection switch (SW_DT) can provide a current path through which current flows from drain terminal to source terminal when the voltage difference between the gate terminal and source terminal is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold value.

[0068] Transistor (TR1) can provide a current path flowing from a 5 V voltage source to the positive input terminal (+) of comparator (COM1) when the comparator voltage is at a high level. Transistor (TR2) can provide a current path flowing from a 5 V voltage source to node (ND3) when the comparator voltage is at a high level.

[0069] When the voltage of the node (ND2) decreases below a predetermined reference voltage, the negative input terminal (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) may become lower than the positive input terminal (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1). When the negative input terminal (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) becomes lower than the positive input terminal (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1), a high-level comparator voltage may be generated at the output terminal of the comparator (COM1), so that the transistors (TR1) and (TR2) may be turned on.

[0070] Each of the transistors (TR1) and (TR2) can operate in saturation mode when turned on.

[0071] If the negative input (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) is higher than the positive input (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1), the output terminal of the comparator (COM1) may not generate a comparator voltage (for example, the comparator voltage is 0 V) ​​or may generate a low-level comparator voltage. If the negative input (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) is higher than the positive input (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1), the transistors (TR1) and (TR2) may not be turned on and may be maintained in an off state. Hereinafter, the operation of the motion detection circuit (223) indicates that the transistors (TR1) and (TR2) are turned on and the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned off.

[0072] When the voltage of the node (ND2) decreases below a predetermined reference voltage after the fuse (FS) is opened, a high-level comparator voltage is generated at the output terminal of the comparator (COM1), so that the motion detection circuit (223) can operate. When the motion detection circuit (223) operates, the second detection voltage (VS2) can be switched to a high level. When the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a high level, the motion switch (SW_DR2) that receives the second detection voltage (VS2) at the gate terminal can be turned on. The high-level second detection voltage (VS2) can be a voltage level that can turn on the motion switch (SW_DR2). The low-level second detection voltage (VS2) can be a voltage level that can turn off the motion switch (SW_DR2).

[0073] When the second detection voltage (VS2) is converted to a high level, the voltage of the node (ND3) can be held at a high level. Therefore, in order to convert the second detection voltage (VS2) to a low level after the second detection voltage (VS2) is converted to a high level, it is necessary to bypass the voltage of the node (ND3) to ground through the detection switch (SW_DT). In this specification, for the convenience of explanation, the operation of "resetting" the operating unit (221) may refer to an operation of bypassing the voltage of the node (ND3) to ground through the detection switch (SW_DT) after the second detection voltage (VS2) is converted to a high level.

[0074] When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned on, a current path connecting the resistor (R1), the resistor (R2), the operation switch (SW_DR2), and the ground can be formed. When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned on and a current path connecting the resistor (R1), the resistor (R2), the operation switch (SW_DR2), and the ground is formed, the operation switch (SW_DR1) can be turned on. When the operation switch (SW_DR1) is turned on, a power path including the node (ND1), the operation switch (SW_DR1), the diode (D2), and the node (ND2) can be formed. Therefore, when the operation detection circuit (223) is operated, the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the operation switch (SW_DR2) are turned on, and the operation unit (221) can provide a power path from the battery (100) to the external connection terminals (P+, P-) through the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the diode (D2).

[0075] Hereinafter, the operation of the operating unit (221) indicates that the operating switch (SW_DR1) and the operating switch (SW_DR2) are turned on. When the operating unit (221) operates, power supplied from the battery (100) can be supplied to the load (LD) through the fuse compensation circuit (220).

[0076] The MCU (210) can generate a switch control signal (SCS) based on the first detection voltage (VS1). The MCU (210) can generate a switch control signal (SCS) that controls the switching operation of the detection switch (SW_DT) according to the first detection voltage (VS1) and provide the switch control signal (SCS) to the fuse compensation circuit (220). The MCU (210) can transmit the switch control signal (SCS) to the gate terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT).

[0077] After the operating unit (221) operates, if it is determined that the fuse (FS) is closed and the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can generate a control signal for turning on the detection switch (SW_DT) as a switch control signal (SCS). The predetermined first threshold voltage may be an upper limit value of a normal voltage range, which is a voltage range of the first detection voltage (VS1) under the condition that the fuse (FS) is connected. At this time, a lower limit value of the normal voltage range may be referred to as a second threshold voltage. For example, when the normal voltage range is 3.9 V or more and 4.1 V or less, the first threshold voltage may be 4.1 V and the second threshold voltage may be 3.9 V.

[0078] When the voltage of the node (ND2) is a predetermined reference voltage, the first detection voltage (VS1) is referred to as the third threshold voltage. For example, the third threshold voltage may be 0.1 V. The predetermined reference voltage may be the maximum voltage that causes the output of the comparator (COM1) to become a high level. The third threshold voltage may be a voltage lower than the second threshold voltage.

[0079] After the operating unit (221) operates, if the first detection voltage (VS1) value increases within the normal voltage range, the MCU (210) can determine that the state of the load (LD) has returned from the overcurrent state to the normal state. In addition, if the operating unit (221) operates and the voltage increases within the normal voltage range and then exceeds the first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can determine that the fuse (FS) has closed after the recovery time of the fuse (FS). If the fuse (FS) closes after the recovery time has passed after being opened, the fuse (FS), not the operating unit (221), needs to provide a power path between the battery (100) and the external connection terminal (P+). Therefore, if the MCU (210) determines that the fuse (FS) has closed after the recovery time of the fuse (FS), it can turn on the detection switch (SW_DT) to stop the operation of the operating unit (221). For example, if it is determined that the first detection voltage (VS1) increases from 0 V to 4 V at a second point in time after the first point in time, and further increases from 4 V to 4.2 V at the second point in time, the MCU (210) may stop the operation of the motion detection circuit (223).

[0080] For the convenience of explanation below, the MCU (210) converting the switch control signal (SCS) to a high level may be referred to as “operation unit reset control.” The operation unit reset control may include an operation in which the operation detection circuit (223) transmits a signal that stops the operation of the operation unit (221), i.e., a low-level second detection voltage (VS2), to the operation unit (221).

[0081] A high level switch control signal (SCS) may be a voltage level capable of turning on the detection switch (SW_DT). A low level switch control signal (SCS) may be a voltage level capable of turning off the detection switch (SW_DT).

[0082] The MCU (210) can transmit a high-level switch control signal (SCS) to the gate terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT) to stop the operation of the motion detection circuit (223). When the MCU (210) transmits a high-level switch control signal (SCS) to the gate terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT), the detection switch (SW_DT) can be turned on.

[0083] When the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on, a current path connecting the node (ND3) to the ground can be formed. When the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on, the motion detection circuit (223) stops operating, so that the second detection voltage (VS2) can be switched to a low level. When the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a low level, the motion switch (SW_DR2) that receives the second detection voltage (VS2) at the gate terminal can be turned off.

[0084] When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned off, the current path connecting the resistor (R1), the resistor (R2), the operation switch (SW_DR2), and the ground may be blocked. When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned off and the current path connecting the resistor (R1), the resistor (R2), the operation switch (SW_DR2), and the ground is blocked, the operation switch (SW_DR1) may be turned off. When the operation switch (SW_DR1) is turned off, the power path including the node (ND1), the operation switch (SW_DR1), the diode (D2), and the node (ND2) may be blocked. Therefore, when the operation detection circuit (223) does not operate, the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the operation switch (SW_DR2) may be turned off, and the operation unit (221) may stop operating. For the convenience of explanation below, the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the operation switch (SW_DR2) being turned off may be referred to as “operation stop of the operation unit.”

[0085] When the operation of the operating unit (221) is stopped, the operating unit (221) can block the power path from the battery (100) to the external terminals (P+, P-) through the operating switch (SW_DR1) and the diode (D2). In other words, when the MCU (210) controls the reset of the operating unit, the operation of the operating unit (221) can be stopped.

[0086] The detection switch (SW_DT) can be kept on for a predetermined holding time from the time it is turned on, and can be turned off after the holding time has elapsed. Here, the predetermined holding time may be a sufficient time required from the time the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on until the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the operation switch (SW_DR2) are turned off. For example, the MCU (210) can change the switch control signal (SCS) to a low level at a time when a predetermined holding time has elapsed from the time the switch control signal (SCS) is changed to a high level.

[0087] After the operating unit (221) operates and the first detection voltage (VS1) value increases within the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first detection voltage (VS1) does not exceed the first threshold voltage even after checking a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals, the MCU (210) can perform an inspection notification operation to the external device (2).

[0088] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0089] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the level of the first detection voltage (VS1), the operation of the motion detection circuit (223), the level of the second detection voltage (VS2), and the level of the switch control signal (SCS) according to whether the fuse (FS) has tripped and whether the load (LD) is overcurrent are described.

[0090] At time T1, when the fuse (FS) is closed and the load (LD) is operating normally, the first detection voltage (VS1) may indicate a high level within the normal voltage range. For example, between time T1 and time T2, the first detection voltage (VS1) may indicate 4 V.

[0091] At time T2 or T3, if an overcurrent flows through the load (LD), the fuse (FS) opens, and accordingly, the first detection voltage (VS1) may exhibit a low level with a reduced voltage. Here, the low level may be lower than the third threshold voltage. For example, at the low level, the first detection voltage (VS1) may be 0 V.

[0092] In addition, at time T2 to time T3, the fuse (FS) is opened and the voltage of the node (ND2) decreases below a predetermined reference voltage, so that the negative input terminal (-) voltage of the comparator (COM1) becomes lower than the positive input terminal (+) voltage of the comparator (COM1), and accordingly, a high-level comparator voltage is generated at the output terminal of the comparator (COM1), so that the motion detection circuit (223) can operate. In addition, when the motion detection circuit (223) operates, the second detection voltage (VS2) can be switched to a high level. When the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a high level, the motion switch (SW_DR2) that receives the second detection voltage (VS2) at the gate terminal can be turned on.

[0093] When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned on, the operation switch (SW_DR1) is also turned on, and the operation unit (221) operates, and the operation unit (221) can provide a power path from the battery (100) to the external connection terminals (P+, P-) through the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the diode (D2). When the operation unit (221) operates, power supplied from the battery (100) can be supplied to the load (LD) through the fuse compensation circuit (220).

[0094] At time T4, when the load (LD) returns to normal operation, the first detection voltage (VS1) may again exhibit a high level within the normal voltage range. For example, between time T4 and time T5, the first detection voltage (VS1) may be 4 V.

[0095] At time T5 to time T6, when the fuse (FS) closes while the load (LD) is operating normally, the first detection voltage (VS1) may exceed the first threshold voltage. For example, at time T5 to time T9, the first detection voltage (VS1) may be 4.2 V.

[0096] After the first detection voltage (VS1) increases from a low level to a normal voltage range, if it is determined that it exceeds the first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range, at time T6, the MCU (210) can generate a high-level switch control signal (SCS). When the MCU (210) transmits the high-level switch control signal (SCS) to the gate terminal of the detection switch (SW_DT), the detection switch (SW_DT) can be turned on.

[0097] At time T6 or T7, when the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on, the motion detection circuit (223) may stop operating. When the motion detection circuit (223) stops operating, the second detection voltage (VS2) may be switched to a low level. When the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a low level, the operation switch (SW_DR2) may be turned off. When the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned off, the operation switch (SW_DR1) may also be turned off, so that the operation unit (221) may stop operating. When the operation of the operation unit (221) is stopped, the operation unit (221) may block the power path from the battery (100) to the external connection terminals (P+, P-) through the operation switch (SW_DR1) and the diode (D2).

[0098] At time T7 or time T8, the MCU (210) can switch the switch control signal (SCS) to a low level after a predetermined holding time has elapsed from the time at which the switch control signal (SCS) is switched to a high level. While the switch control signal (SCS) is at a high level, the detection switch (SW_DT) can remain on. When the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on by the high level switch control signal (SCS), the motion detection circuit (223) can stop operating, so that the second detection voltage (VS2) can be switched to a low level. When the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a low level, the operation unit (221) can stop operating.

[0099] At time T9, the first detection voltage (VS1) can be lowered from a voltage exceeding the first threshold voltage to a normal voltage range.

[0100] As described above, since the fuse (FS) closes after a predetermined recovery time from the time it is opened, power cannot be supplied to the load (LD) through the fuse (FS) while the fuse (FS) is open, and thus the operating unit (221) can operate under the control of the motion detection circuit (223) and the MCU (210).

[0101] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a system control method according to a resettable fuse loss according to one embodiment.

[0102] Below, in the description of each component of BMS (200), any explanation that overlaps with the previous description may be omitted.

[0103] Referring to Fig. 3, a temporary overcurrent may occur in the load (LD) (S100). In Fig. 3, it is described that a temporary overcurrent occurs in the load (LD), but this is only for convenience of explanation and the invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a case may be shown in which an overcurrent exceeding the trip current occurs in the load (LD) at step S100, or the resistance increases significantly due to a malfunction, etc.

[0104] Following step S100, the fuse (FS) may be tripped open (S200).

[0105] Following step S200, if the voltage of node (ND2) decreases below a predetermined reference voltage (e.g., in S300), the comparator (COM1) can generate a high-level comparator voltage to operate the motion detection circuit (S400). If the voltage of node (ND2) does not decrease below a predetermined reference voltage in step S300, step S300 can be repeated.

[0106] Following step S400, when the motion detection circuit (223) operates, the second detection voltage (VS2) is at a high level, so the motion unit (221) can operate (S500).

[0107] Following step S500, the MCU (210) can determine whether the first detection voltage (VS1) is within the normal voltage range (S600). If, following step S500, the MCU (210) determines in step S600 that the first detection voltage (VS1) has not increased within the normal voltage range, step S600 can be repeated.

[0108] At step S600, if the first detection voltage (VS1) is determined to be within the normal voltage range, the MCU (210) can determine whether the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range (S700). If at step S700, the first detection voltage (VS1) is determined to be lower than the first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can repeat step S700. The cycle at which step S700 is repeated may be a predetermined time interval.

[0109] At step S700, if it is determined that the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can generate a high-level switch control signal (SCS) to perform operation unit reset control (S800).

[0110] Following step S800, when the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on by the operation unit reset control, the operation detection circuit (223) stops operating, the second detection voltage (VS2) is switched to a low level, and accordingly, the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned off, so that the operation of the operation unit (221) can be stopped (S900).

[0111] Following step S900, the MCU (210) can confirm that the first detection voltage (VS1) is within the normal voltage range (S1000).

[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a system control method in which a repeat confirmation operation for reset control of an operating unit is added to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0113] Hereinafter, descriptions of each component of the BMS (200) that overlap with the previous description may be omitted. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the descriptions of steps S100 to S600 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be similarly applied to steps S100 to S600 illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4, in step S600, if the first detection voltage (VS1) is determined to be within the normal voltage range, the MCU (210) can determine whether the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage, which is the upper limit of the normal voltage range (S700).

[0115] If it is determined at step S700 that the first detection voltage (VS1) is lower than the first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can determine whether the number of times it has checked whether the first detection voltage (VS1) has exceeded the first threshold voltage is less than x (S701). Here, x is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and may be a value that is predetermined as the maximum number of times to check for an additional increase in the first detection voltage (VS1) and stored in the BMS (200).

[0116] If the number of times it is confirmed that the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage in step S701 is less than x, step S700 may be performed.

[0117] If the number of times it is confirmed that the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage in step S701 is x or more, the MCU (210) can notify the external device (2) that inspection is necessary (S702).

[0118] At step S700, if it is determined that the first detection voltage (VS1) exceeds the first threshold voltage, the MCU (210) can generate a high-level switch control signal (SCS) to perform operation unit reset control (S800).

[0119] Following step S800, when the detection switch (SW_DT) is turned on by the operation unit reset control, the operation detection circuit (223) stops operating, the second detection voltage (VS2) is switched to a low level, and accordingly, the operation switch (SW_DR2) is turned off, so that the operation of the operation unit (221) can be stopped (S900).

[0120] Following step S900, the MCU (210) can confirm that the first detection voltage (VS1) is within the normal voltage range (S1000).

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Battery; A resettable fuse connected between a first node connected to the positive electrode of the battery and a second node connected to an external terminal and which closes after a predetermined recovery time after being opened; A fuse compensation circuit including an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node, and a detection switch connected between a third node and ground to which a voltage is provided according to a result of comparing the voltage of the second node with a predetermined reference voltage, and which generates a first detection voltage by resistively dividing the voltage of the second node; and It includes a main control unit (MCU) that controls the switching operation of the detection switch based on the first detection voltage, The above fuse compensation circuit, Controlling the switching operation of the operation switch according to the second detection voltage according to the voltage of the third node. Battery system.

2. In paragraph 1, The above detection switch, A source terminal connected to the third node; A drain terminal connected to the above ground; and including a gate terminal that receives a switch control signal from the MCU; Battery system.

3. In paragraph 1, The above operation switch is, It includes a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode whose cathode is connected to the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor, The above fuse compensation circuit, Further comprising another switch including a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, a second source terminal connected to ground, and a second gate terminal receiving the second sensing voltage. Battery system.

4. In paragraph 1, The above fuse compensation circuit, Further comprising a comparator that supplies a high level comparator voltage to the third node when the voltage of the second node decreases below the reference voltage. Battery system.

5. In paragraph 1, The above MCU, After the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first detection voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit value of the normal voltage range, a switch control signal for turning on the detection switch is generated, When the above detection switch is turned on, The above second detection voltage is at a low level and the operation switch is turned off, The above normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first detection voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected. Battery system.

6. In paragraph 1, The above MCU, After the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, if the first detection voltage is compared a predetermined number of times or more to determine whether it exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit of the normal voltage range, and if it is determined that the first detection voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage in each of the predetermined number of times, a check notification operation is performed on an external device connected to the external connection terminal, The above normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first detection voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected. Battery system.

7. A method for controlling a system according to a loss of a resettable fuse of a battery system, the system including a resettable fuse connected between a battery, a first node connected to the positive electrode of the battery, and a second node connected to an external connection terminal, and which closes after a predetermined recovery time after being opened, A step in which a comparator compares a negative input terminal voltage corresponding to the voltage of the second node with a positive input terminal voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference voltage, and provides a voltage according to the result of the comparison to a third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator; A step of generating a first detection voltage by a fuse compensation circuit including an operation switch connected between the first node and the second node and a detection switch connected between the third node and ground, the fuse compensation circuit resistively dividing the voltage of the second node; A step in which the fuse compensation circuit controls the switching operation of the operating switch according to a second detection voltage according to the voltage of the third node; A step in which a main control unit (MCU) controls the switching operation of a detection switch connected between a third node and the ground based on the first detection voltage; and The above fuse compensation circuit comprises a step of controlling the switching operation of the operating switch according to the second detection voltage. method.

8. In paragraph 7, The above detection switch, A source terminal connected to the third node; A drain terminal connected to the above ground; and including a gate terminal that receives a switch control signal from the MCU; method.

9. In paragraph 7, The above operation switch is, It includes a first source terminal connected to the first node, a first drain terminal connected to the anode of a diode whose cathode is connected to the second node, and a first gate terminal connected to one end of a resistor, The above second detection voltage is, Input to the second gate terminal of another switch including a second drain terminal connected to the other end of the above resistor and a second source terminal connected to ground, method.

10. In paragraph 7, The step of providing the voltage according to the result of the comparison to the third node connected to the output terminal of the comparator is as follows: A step of supplying a high level comparator voltage to the third node when the voltage of the second node decreases below the reference voltage, method.

11. In paragraph 7, The step of controlling the switching operation of the detection switch by the above MCU is as follows: After the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, if it is determined that the first detection voltage exceeds a predetermined first threshold voltage, which is an upper limit value of the normal voltage range, a step of generating a switch control signal for turning on the detection switch is included. The above normal voltage range is the voltage range of the first detection voltage under the condition that the resettable fuse is connected. method.

12. In paragraph 11, The MCU further includes a step of performing a check notification operation on an external device connected to the external connection terminal when the first detection voltage is determined to be lower than the first threshold voltage in each of the predetermined number of times after the first detection voltage increases within the normal voltage range, comparing whether the first detection voltage exceeds the first threshold voltage. method.

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