Systems and methods for de-energizing battery packs
First Claim
1. A battery de-energizer system, comprising:
- a battery de-energizer circuit configured to electrically couple to service disconnect receptacles of a battery pack for a vehicle that receives at least a portion of its motive power from electricity provided by the battery pack, and wherein the battery de-energizer circuit is configured to discharge electrical energy stored in the battery pack; and
a battery management unit that monitors one or more sensors and electrically couples the battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack to discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack based on signals supplied by the one or more sensors, wherein the battery management unit causes one or more battery de-energizer contactors to close to electrically couple the battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for de-energizing battery packs in vehicles that receive at least a portion of their motive power from electricity generated from a battery are provided. By way of example, one embodiment includes a battery de-energizer that is configured to electrically couple to a port or receptacle, such as the service disconnect receptacle, on the vehicle and discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack. Another embodiment includes a battery management unit (BMU) designed to monitor one or more sensors to determine if a crash has occurred. If a crash is determined, the BMU electrically couples a battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack to discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A battery de-energizer system, comprising:
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a battery de-energizer circuit configured to electrically couple to service disconnect receptacles of a battery pack for a vehicle that receives at least a portion of its motive power from electricity provided by the battery pack, and wherein the battery de-energizer circuit is configured to discharge electrical energy stored in the battery pack; and a battery management unit that monitors one or more sensors and electrically couples the battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack to discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack based on signals supplied by the one or more sensors, wherein the battery management unit causes one or more battery de-energizer contactors to close to electrically couple the battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A battery pack comprising:
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a service disconnect receptacle configured to form an open circuit between a plurality of battery modules when a service disconnect plug is electrically decoupled from the service disconnect receptacle; a battery de-energizer configured to electrically couple to the service disconnect receptacles and discharge electrical energy stored in the plurality of battery modules; and a battery management unit configured to monitor one or more sensors and electrically couple the battery de-energizer to the plurality of battery modules by causing one or more battery de-energizer contactors to close based on signals from the one or more sensors. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for discharging a battery pack of a vehicle that receives at least a portion of its motive power from electricity generated from the battery pack comprising:
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monitoring one or more sensors to determine if a crash has occurred; and sending a signal to electrically couple a battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack if the crash has occurred to discharge electrical energy stored in the battery pack, wherein electrically coupling the battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack comprises causing one or more battery de-energizer contactors to close. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification