Device and method for maintaining operation state of contactor, and battery pack

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for maintaining an operation state of a contactor, and a battery pack. The technical problem to be solved is to present a mechanism for maintaining an operation state of a contactor even in an abnormal state of a control unit for controlling the contactor. To this end, the present disclosure provides a configuration capable of outputting a retention signal for a set time by operating or resetting a retention timer on the basis of a safety detection signal.

Description

Device and method for maintaining contactor operating state, battery pack

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for maintaining the operating state of a contactor and a battery pack.

[0002]

[0003] Today, along with the development of electric vehicles and energy storage devices, battery pack-related technologies are steadily advancing, and these battery packs are being designed with higher voltages and capacities to power devices.

[0004] Such battery packs are connected to electronic devices driven by the battery pack through contactors; however, if a malfunction occurs in the electronic device, the control signal controlling the contactor cannot be maintained, which can lead to a major accident.

[0005] For example, in a battery-powered electric vehicle, if the controller controlling the contactor is reset due to a malfunction, the electrical connection between the battery pack and the vehicle body may be unintentionally disconnected. Assuming the vehicle is traveling at high speed, such disconnection could lead to a fatal accident.

[0006] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0007]

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a contactor operating state maintenance device and method, and a battery pack, which can maintain the operating state of a contactor even in an abnormal state of a controller controlling the contactor.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0010]

[0011] A contactor operating state maintenance device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises: a control unit that outputs a contactor control signal for controlling the operation of a contactor; a system base unit that monitors the state of the control unit and outputs a safety detection signal; an operation maintenance unit that operates or resets a retention timer based on the safety detection signal and outputs a retention signal for a set time; and a contactor driving unit that outputs a contactor driving signal based on at least one of the contactor control signal and the retention signal.

[0012] In the present invention, the operation maintenance unit is characterized by resetting the timer when a safety detection signal is input from the system base unit a second or later during the operation of the retention timer, and outputting a retention signal for the set time from the point in time when the retention timer is reset.

[0013] In the present invention, the operation maintenance unit comprises: a first delay unit that outputs a safety detection signal from the system base unit to the retention timer after a first time delay; the retention timer that outputs a retention timer signal to output the retention signal for a set time when the safety detection signal is input from the first delay unit; a timer reset unit that determines whether the retention timer is operating when the safety detection signal is input from the system base unit, and resets the retention timer if the retention timer is operating; a timer output unit that outputs a retention timer signal output from the retention timer; and a retention unit that outputs the retention signal based on the retention timer signal output from the timer output unit.

[0014] In the present invention, the retention timer is characterized by outputting a retention timer signal for a set time when a rising edge of a safety detection signal from the first delay unit is detected.

[0015] In the present invention, the retention timer is reset by the timer reset unit during the output of the retention timer signal, and when a rising edge of a new safety detection signal is detected, it outputs the retention timer signal for the set time from the time when the new safety detection signal is detected.

[0016] In the present invention, the timer output unit is characterized by including a second delay unit that delays the retention timer signal from the retention timer by a second time, and an operation unit that outputs the result of an OR logical operation between the retention timer signal from the retention timer and the retention timer signal from the second delay unit.

[0017] In the present invention, the contactor driving unit is characterized by maintaining the operating state of the contactor when the retention signal is at a maintenance level, and changing the operating state of the contactor according to the contactor control signal when the retention signal is not at a maintenance level.

[0018] A method for maintaining a contactor operating state according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: an operating maintenance unit operating a retention timer based on a safety detection signal to output a retention signal for a set time; and a contactor driving unit controlling a contactor based on at least one of the retention signal and a contactor control signal.

[0019] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising a plurality of battery modules, a contactor directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of battery modules, and a battery management system (BMS) that controls the ON / OFF operation of the contactor and maintains the operating state of the contactor for a set time even in an abnormal state of the control unit controlling the contactor.

[0020]

[0021] According to the present invention, reliability can be improved by maintaining the operating state of the contactor even in an abnormal state of the controller controlling the contactor, thereby preventing unintended off (or open) of the contactor.

[0022] According to the present invention, even if a safety detection signal is repeatedly requested, the retention timer is reset, and the operating state of the contactor is maintained for a set time from the time the safety detection signal is input, thereby preventing accidents that may occur due to a failure of the contactor.

[0023] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0024]

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a contactor operating state maintenance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a contactor operating state maintenance device according to an improved embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of a contactor operating state maintenance device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Furthermore, as used in this specification, "comprise" or "include" and / or "comprising" or "including" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, "may" and "may be" may include "one or more embodiments of the present invention."

[0032] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0033] The statement that two subjects of comparison are 'identical' means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0034] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0035] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0036] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0037] Furthermore, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while said components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Additionally, when it is stated that a part is electrically coupled with another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected but also cases where they are connected with another component in between.

[0038] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or any combination of the enumerated items. "C to D" means C or more and D or less, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a structure that can be electrically connected to an external device through a positive terminal (P(+)) and a negative terminal (P(-)).

[0042] The external device (10) may be a load that receives power from the battery pack (100) or a charging device that supplies power to the battery pack (100) to charge a plurality of battery modules (110). When the external device is a load, the battery pack (100) operates as a power source that supplies power to the load and is discharged. The external device (10) operating as a load may be, for example, an electronic device or a means of transportation, and the means of transportation may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or smart mobility.

[0043] The battery pack (100) may include at least one battery module (110), a contactor (140), and a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as 'BMS', 120). In various embodiments, the battery pack (100) may include additional components.

[0044] A battery module (110) may include a plurality of cells connected to each other in series or in parallel. A plurality of battery modules (110) may be connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0045] The contactor (140) is connected between at least one of the plurality of pack terminals (P+, P-) and the battery module (110) to block / allow electrical connection between the battery module (110) and the external device (10). The switch (140) may be installed in the current path for charging and discharging the battery module (110).

[0046] The contactor (140) can control the electrical connection between the battery pack (100) and the external device (10). When the contactor (140) is turned on, the battery pack (100) and the external device (10) are electrically connected so that charging or discharging can be performed. When the contactor (140) is turned off, the battery pack (100) and the external device (10) can be electrically disconnected. That is, when the contactor (140) is turned on, power can be supplied from the battery module (110) to the external device (10) or from the external device (10) to the battery module (110). While the contactor (140) is turned off, the charging and discharging of the battery module (110) can be stopped. At this time, the contactor (140) can be turned on or off by the control of the BMS (120).

[0047] These contactors (140) can be implemented as mechanical relays that are turned on / off by the magnetic force of a coil, or semiconductor switches such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors).

[0048] The BMS (120) can monitor the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery module (110), calculate the Status Of Charge (SOC) based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0049] The BMS (120) monitors the battery module (110), reads the cell voltage, and can transmit it to another system connected to the battery module (110).

[0050] Additionally, the BMS (120) can transmit status data of at least one electrical component constituting the battery system to another system by monitoring it. To this end, the BMS (120) may include a communication module for communicating with another system within the device included in the battery system.

[0051] The BMS (120) balances the charge of the battery module (110) evenly to extend the life of the battery system.

[0052] To perform such operations, the BMS (120) may include various components such as fuses, current sensing elements, thermistors, switches, and balancers, and may further include an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or BMIC (Battery Monitoring Integrated Chip) for interlocking and controlling them.

[0053] The battery pack configured as described above is connected to electronic devices driven by the battery pack through a contactor (140). If an abnormality occurs in an electronic device, the control signal controlling the contactor (140) may not be maintained, which could lead to a major accident. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the operating state of the contactor (140) even in an abnormal state of the control unit (134) controlling the contactor (140).

[0054] Accordingly, the BMS (120) may include a contactor operating state maintenance device (130). The contactor operating state maintenance device (130) is provided as a component of the BMS (120) to maintain the operating state of the contactor (140). In this embodiment, the contactor (140) may correspond to, for example, the contactor (140) for controlling the charging and discharging of a battery module as shown in FIG. 1. That is, a switch element that constitutes the BMS (120) and operates on / off (e.g., a balancing switch, or a relay that controls the electrical connection between the battery terminal and the external device (10)) may correspond to the contactor (140) of this embodiment. A detailed description of the contactor operating state maintenance device (130) will be provided with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a contactor operating state maintenance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a contactor operating state maintenance device (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a system base unit (132), a control unit (134), an operating maintenance unit (150), and a contactor driving unit (160), and each component may constitute a BMS, and the contactor operating state maintenance device (130) may constitute a battery pack together with a contactor (140).

[0058] The system base unit (132) can supply power to the control unit (134) and the operation maintenance unit (150). Additionally, the system base unit (132) can monitor the status of the control unit (134) and notify the operation maintenance unit (150) if an abnormality occurs. In some examples, an abnormality in the control unit (134) may mean that the control unit (134) self-resets due to an internal error. In some examples, the system base unit (132) may be implemented in the form of an IC called an SBC (System Basis Chip) that combines a voltage power supply, a communication bus interface, and a monitoring function. Additionally, the system base unit (132) can monitor the status of the control unit (134) and output a safety detection signal.

[0059] The control unit (134) may be a means for controlling the contactor (140) according to a predetermined control algorithm. The control unit (134) may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by code or instructions included in a program, for example. The control unit (134) may encompass processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0060] The control unit (134) can output a contactor control signal for controlling the contactor (140). The contactor control signal output from the control unit (134) can be transmitted to the operation maintenance unit (150) and the contactor driving unit (160). Here, the contactor control signal may include both an open signal and a close signal of the contactor (140).

[0061] In some examples, the control unit (134) may be reset by itself due to internal errors, etc., in which case the control unit (134) is unable to output a contactor control signal. At this time, the system base unit (132) can detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the control unit (134) and operate the operation maintenance unit (150).

[0062] The operation maintenance unit (150) can be electrically connected to the system base unit (132) and the control unit (134). The operation maintenance unit (150) can maintain the operating state of the contactor (140) for a set period of time even if an abnormality occurs in the control unit (134). When the operation maintenance unit (150) receives a safety detection signal from the system base unit (132) indicating that the control unit (134) is in an abnormal state, it can output a retention signal to the contactor driving unit (160) to maintain the driving state of the contactor (140).

[0063] The operation maintenance unit (150) may include a signal delay unit (152), a retention timer (154), and a retention unit (156).

[0064] When the retention timer (154) receives a safety detection signal from the system base unit (132), it can output a retention timer (154) signal for a set time. The retention timer (154) can start operation based on the safety detection signal.

[0065] When the retention timer (154) starts operation by the safety detection signal, it outputs the retention timer signal at a high level, and when the set time elapses, it outputs the retention timer signal at a low level.

[0066] The signal delay unit (152) can delay the safety detection signal for a preset period of time and output it to the retention unit (156).

[0067] The retention unit (156) can output a retention signal based on a retention timer signal, a safety detection signal, and a contactor control signal.

[0068] The retention unit (156) can output a retention signal to maintain the state of the contactor control signal when a safety detection signal is input and a high-level retention timer signal is input. That is, when the retention timer signal is at a high level, the retention unit (156) can maintain the state of the contactor control signal by outputting a high-level retention signal.

[0069] The contactor driving unit (160) can drive the contactor (140) by receiving output signals from the control unit (134) and the operation maintaining unit (150). The contactor driving unit (160) can drive the contactor (140) when a signal is received from at least one of the control unit (134) or the operation maintaining unit (150).

[0070] The operating state of the contactor (140) can be changed by the contactor driving unit (160).

[0071] The contactor operating state maintenance device (130) configured as above uses a safety detection signal during the initial operation of the retention timer (154) and during the operation of the retention unit (156).

[0072] The retention timer (154) can operate based on the rising edge trigger of the safety detection signal. When the retention timer (154) is operated once by the safety detection signal, the retention timer (154) can output a retention timer signal that maintains a high level for a set time (e.g., 3 seconds).

[0073] Meanwhile, a new safety detection signal may be input during the operation of the retention timer (154). In this case, since the retention timer (154) is not reset, there is a problem in that the retention timer (154) cannot output a high-level retention timer signal for a set time during operation due to the new safety detection signal.

[0074] The following describes an embodiment in which the retention timer (154) can output a high-level retention timer signal for a set time even if the safety detection signal is repeatedly requested.

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a contactor operating state maintenance device according to an improved embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, a contactor operating state maintenance device (200) according to an improved embodiment of the present invention may include a system base unit (210), a control unit (220), an operating maintenance unit (230), and a contactor driving unit (240), and each component may constitute a BMS, and the contactor operating state maintenance device (200) may constitute a battery pack together with a contactor (140).

[0078] The system base unit (210) can supply power to the control unit (220) and the operation maintenance unit (230). Additionally, the system base unit (210) can monitor the status of the control unit (220) and notify the operation maintenance unit (230) if an abnormality occurs.

[0079] In some examples, an abnormality in the control unit (220) may mean that the control unit (220) resets itself due to an internal error. In some examples, the system base unit (210) may be implemented in the form of an IC called an SBC (System Basis Chip) that combines a voltage power supply, a communication bus interface, and a monitoring function. Additionally, the system base unit (210) may monitor the status of the control unit (220) and output a safety detection signal.

[0080] The control unit (220) may be a means for controlling the contactor (140) according to a predetermined control algorithm. The control unit (220) may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by code or instructions included in a program, for example. The control unit (220) may encompass processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] The control unit (220) can output a contactor control signal for controlling the contactor (140). The contactor control signal output from the control unit (220) can be transmitted to the operation maintenance unit (230) and the contactor driving unit (240). Here, the contactor control signal may include both an open signal and a close signal of the contactor (140).

[0082] In some examples, the control unit (220) may be self-reset due to internal errors, etc., in which case the control unit (220) is unable to output a contactor control signal. At this time, the system base unit (210) can detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the control unit (220) and operate the operation maintenance unit (230).

[0083] The operation maintenance unit (230) can be electrically connected to the system base unit (210) and the control unit (220). The operation maintenance unit (230) serves to maintain the operating state of the contactor (140) for a set period of time even if an abnormality occurs in the control unit (220). When the operation maintenance unit (230) receives a safety detection signal from the system base unit (210) indicating that the control unit (220) is in an abnormal state, it can output a retention signal to the contactor driving unit (240) to maintain the driving state of the contactor (140).

[0084] The operation maintenance unit (230) can operate or reset the retention timer (233) based on the safety detection signal to output a retention signal for a set time. Here, the retention signal may be a maintenance level. At this time, the operation maintenance unit (230) may output a retention timer signal for a set time to output a retention signal for a set time. The retention timer signal may be a maintenance level. For convenience of explanation, the maintenance level will be described as a high level below.

[0085] The operation maintenance unit (230) may include a first delay unit (231), a timer reset unit (232), a retention timer (233), a timer output unit (234), and a retention unit (237).

[0086] The first delay unit (231) can delay the safety detection signal from the system base unit (210) by a first time and output it to the retention timer (233). Here, the first time is a time that can be changed to an arbitrarily set time.

[0087] The timer reset unit (232) determines whether the retention timer (233) is operating when a safety detection signal is input from the system base unit (210), and if the retention timer (233) is operating, it can reset the retention timer (233). That is, when the safety detection signal is repeatedly requested, the timer reset unit (232) can reset the retention timer (233).

[0088] When a safety detection signal is input from the first delay unit (231), the retention timer (233) can operate and output a retention timer signal for a set time. That is, when the retention timer (233) starts operating due to the safety detection signal, it outputs a high-level retention timer signal, and after the set time has passed, it outputs a low-level retention timer signal.

[0089] The retention timer (233) can be operated by a safety detection signal. That is, when the rising edge of the safety detection signal from the first delay unit (231) is detected, the retention timer (233) can output a high-level retention timer signal for a set time.

[0090] The retention timer (233) can be reset by the timer reset unit (232). That is, when a safety detection signal is input to the retention timer (233) during the output of the retention timer signal, the retention timer (233) can be reset by the timer reset unit (232).

[0091] When a safety detection signal is repeatedly requested in this manner, the retention timer (233) can be reset by the timer reset unit (232). However, even if the retention timer (233) is reset, the operation maintenance unit (230) must be able to output a high-level retention timer signal for a set time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the time the retention timer (233) is reset.

[0092] To this end, the operation maintenance unit (230) may include a timer output unit (234) that enables the output of a retention timer signal for a set time from the time the retention timer (233) is reset by a repeated request of a safety detection signal.

[0093] The timer output unit (234) may include a second delay unit (235) and an operation unit (236).

[0094] The second delay unit (235) can delay the retention timer signal output from the retention timer (233) for a second time and output it to the operation unit (236).

[0095] The operation unit (236) can output the retention timer signal output from the retention timer (233) and the retention timer signal delayed in the second delay unit (235) by performing an OR logic operation. Here, the operation unit (236) may include an OR logic element.

[0096] The timer output unit (234) can output a high-level retention timer signal for a set time from the time the retention timer (233) is reset by performing an OR logic operation on the retention timer signal output from the retention timer (233) and the retention timer signal delayed in the second delay unit (235) and outputting the result.

[0097] The retention unit (237) can output a retention signal based on the retention timer signal output from the timer output unit (234).

[0098] The retention unit (237) can output a retention signal to maintain the operating state of the contactor control signal when a high-level retention timer signal is input. That is, when the retention timer signal is at a high level, the retention unit (237) can maintain the operating state of the contactor control signal by outputting a high-level retention signal.

[0099] The contactor driving unit (240) can drive the contactor (140) by receiving output signals from the control unit (220) and the operation maintaining unit (230). The contactor driving unit (240) can drive the contactor (140) when a signal is received from at least one of the control unit (220) or the operation maintaining unit (230).

[0100] In other words, the contactor driving unit (240) includes an OR logic element and can perform an OR logic operation on the contactor control signal and the retention signal. In some examples, the contactor driving unit (240) can drive (close) the contactor (140) if at least one of the contactor control signal or the retention signal is at a high level. Additionally, the contactor driving unit (240) can stop (open) the driving of the contactor (140) if both the contactor control signal and the retention signal are at a low level.

[0101] The operating state of the contactor (140) can be changed by the contactor driving unit (240).

[0102] The contactor driving unit (240) can change the operating state of the contactor based on the contactor control signal of the control unit (220) or the retention signal of the operation maintenance unit (230). That is, when the retention signal is at the maintenance level, the contactor driving unit (240) can maintain the operating state of the contactor (140). When the retention signal is not at the maintenance level, the contactor driving unit (240) can change the operating state of the contactor (140) according to the contactor control signal.

[0103] The contactor (140) may refer to various forms of switching means for controlling the electrical connection between two nodes. For example, the contactor (140) may include a relay, which is a low-speed switch, as well as a FET or other type of transistor, which is a high-speed switch.

[0104] Additionally, in the present invention, the contactor (140) may have an open state and a closed state. The open state may mean a state in which the electrical connection between the two contacts to which the contactor (140) is connected is released, i.e., an OFF state. Additionally, the closed state may mean a state in which the two contacts to which the contactor (140) is connected are electrically connected, i.e., an ON state (or conduction, short circuit). The two nodes connected to the contactor (140) may be a power supply node of an electronic device and a load node of an electronic device. In other words, the contactor (140) may be placed on a high-current path of an electronic device and used to control a high current.

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 4 is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of a contactor operating state maintenance device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, at time t1, if an abnormality occurs in the control unit (220), the first safety detection signal can be switched from a low level to a high level.

[0108] When the retention timer (233) detects the rising edge of the first safety detection signal of the first delay unit (231) at time t2, the retention timer (233) can output a high-level retention timer signal. At this time, the timer output unit (234) can output the high-level retention timer signal output from the retention timer (233). If the retention timer signal is at a high level, the retention unit (237) can output a high-level retention signal according to the retention timer signal. Time t2 may refer to the time when the occurrence of an abnormality in the control unit (220) ends.

[0109] If an abnormality occurs in the control unit (220) at time t3, the second safety detection signal is switched from a low level to a high level, and the retention timer (233) can be reset. That is, the retention timer (233) can output a retention timer signal that has been switched from a high level to a low level. However, the timer output unit (234) can output a high-level retention timer signal by the second delay unit (235). If the retention timer signal is at a high level, the retention unit (237) can output a high-level retention signal according to the retention timer signal.

[0110] Time point t4 may refer to the time point when the occurrence of an abnormality in the control unit (220) ends. When the retention timer (233) detects the rising edge of the second safety detection signal of the first delay unit (231) at time point t4, the retention timer (233) may output a high-level retention timer signal. The timer output unit (234) may output the high-level retention timer signal output from the retention timer (233). If the retention timer signal is at a high level, the retention unit (237) may output a high-level retention signal according to the retention timer signal.

[0111] The operation maintenance unit (230) can output a high-level retention timer signal and a retention signal from time t4 to the set time t5. In this case, even if the contactor control signal is at a low (open) level, if the retention signal is at a high (close) level, the contactor driving unit (240) can maintain the contactor driving signal at a high (close) level to continuously maintain the driving state of the contactor (140) in a closed state.

[0112] The operation maintenance unit (230) can output a low-level retention timer signal and a retention signal after the set time t5. In this case, since the contactor control signal is at a low (open) level and the retention signal is at a low (open) level, the contactor driving unit (240) can change the driving state of the contactor (140) to an open state.

[0113]

[0114] As such, according to the present invention, reliability can be improved by maintaining the operating state of the contactor even in an abnormal state of the control unit controlling the contactor, thereby preventing unintended off (or open) of the contactor.

[0115] According to the present invention, even if a safety detection signal is repeatedly requested, the retention timer is reset, and the operating state of the contactor is maintained for a set time from the time the safety detection signal is input, thereby preventing accidents that may occur due to a failure of the contactor.

[0116] As used herein, the term “part” 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. The “part” may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the “part” may be implemented in the form of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0117] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as methods or processes, devices, software programs, data streams, or signals. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., devices or programs). Devices may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. Methods may be implemented in devices such as processors, which generally refer to processing devices including, for example, computers, microprocessors, integrated circuits, or programmable logic devices. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A control unit that outputs a contactor control signal for controlling the operation of the contactor; A system base unit that monitors the state of the above-mentioned control unit and outputs a safety detection signal; An operation maintenance unit that operates or resets a retention timer based on the above safety detection signal and outputs a retention signal for a set time; and A contactor driving unit that outputs a contactor driving signal based on at least one of the contactor control signal and the retention signal; A contactor operating state maintaining device characterized by including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above operation maintaining unit is, A contactor operating state maintenance device characterized by resetting the timer when a safety detection signal is input from the system base unit a second or more times during the operation of the retention timer, and outputting a retention signal for the set time from the point in time when the retention timer is reset.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above operation maintaining unit is, A first delay unit that outputs a safety detection signal from the system base unit to the retention timer after a first time delay; When a safety detection signal is input from the first delay unit, the retention timer outputs a retention timer signal to output the retention signal for the set time; A timer reset unit that, when a safety detection signal is input from the system base unit, determines whether the retention timer is operating, and if the retention timer is operating, resets the retention timer; A timer output unit that outputs a retention timer signal output from the above retention timer; and A contactor operating state maintaining device characterized by including a retention unit that outputs a retention signal based on a retention timer signal output from the timer output unit.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above retention timer is, A contactor operating state maintaining device characterized by outputting a retention timer signal for the set time when a rising edge of a safety detection signal from the first delay unit is detected.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above retention timer is, A contactor operating state maintaining device characterized by being reset by the timer reset unit during the output of the retention timer signal, and when a rising edge of a new safety detection signal is detected, outputting the retention timer signal for the set time from the time when the new safety detection signal is detected.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above timer output unit is, A second delay unit that delays the retention timer signal from the above retention timer by a second time; and A contactor operating state maintenance device characterized by including an operation unit that outputs an OR logic operation between a retention timer signal from the retention timer and a retention timer signal from the second delay unit.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above contactor driving unit is, A contactor operating state maintaining device characterized by maintaining the operating state of the contactor when the retention signal is at a maintenance level, and changing the operating state of the contactor according to the contactor control signal when the retention signal is not at a maintenance level.

8. A step in which the operation maintenance unit operates a retention timer based on a safety detection signal and outputs a retention signal for a set time; and A step in which a contactor driving unit controls a contactor based on at least one of the retention signal and the contactor control signal; A method for maintaining a contactor operating state characterized by including 9. In Paragraph 8, The step of outputting the retention signal above is, When the above safety detection signal is input, the step of determining whether the operation maintaining unit is in operation of the retention timer; If the retention timer is not in operation, the operation maintaining unit delays the safety detection signal by a first time and outputs the retention timer signal for the set time through the retention timer; and A method for maintaining a contactor operating state, characterized by including the step of the above-described operation maintaining unit outputting a retention signal to maintain the state of the contactor based on the retention timer signal.

10. In Paragraph 9, A method for maintaining a contactor operating state, characterized in that when the retention timer is operating, the operation maintaining unit resets the retention timer, delays the safety detection signal by a first time, and outputs the retention timer signal for the set time through the retention timer.

11. In Paragraph 8, In the step of controlling the above contactor, A method for maintaining a contactor operating state, characterized in that the contactor driving unit maintains the operating state of the contactor when the retention signal is at a maintenance level, and changes the state of the contactor according to the contactor control signal when the retention signal is not at a maintenance level.

12. Multiple battery modules; A contactor directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of battery modules above; and A battery management system (BMS) that controls the ON / OFF operation of the contactor and maintains the operating state of the contactor for a set period of time even in an abnormal state of the control unit controlling the contactor; A battery pack characterized by including 13. In Paragraph 12, The above battery management system is, A control unit that outputs a contactor control signal for controlling the operation of the above contactor; A system base unit that monitors the state of the above-mentioned control unit and outputs a safety detection signal; An operation maintenance unit that operates or resets a retention timer based on the above safety detection signal and outputs a retention signal for a set time; and A battery pack characterized by including a contactor driving unit that outputs a contactor driving signal based on at least one of the contactor control signal and the retention signal.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above operation maintaining unit is, A first delay unit that outputs a safety detection signal from the system base unit to the retention timer after a first time delay; When a safety detection signal is input from the first delay unit, the retention timer outputs a retention timer signal to output the retention signal for the set time; A timer reset unit that, when a safety detection signal is input from the system base unit, determines whether the retention timer is operating, and if the retention timer is operating, resets the retention timer; A timer output unit that outputs a retention timer signal output from the above retention timer; and A battery pack characterized by including a retention unit that outputs a retention signal based on a retention timer signal output from the timer output unit.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above retention timer is, A battery pack characterized by outputting a retention timer signal for the set time when a rising edge of a safety detection signal from the first delay unit is detected.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above retention timer is, A battery pack characterized by being reset by the timer reset unit during the output of the retention timer signal, and outputting the retention timer signal for the set time from the time when the new safety detection signal is detected when the rising edge of the new safety detection signal is detected.

17. In Paragraph 14, The above timer output unit is, A second delay unit that delays the retention timer signal from the above retention timer by a second time; and A battery pack characterized by including an operation unit that outputs an OR logic operation between a retention timer signal from the retention timer and a retention timer signal from the second delay unit.

18. In Paragraph 14, The above contactor driving unit is, A battery pack characterized by maintaining the current state of the contactor when the retention signal is at a maintenance level, and changing the state of the contactor according to the contactor control signal when the retention signal is not at a maintenance level.

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