Abstract: This disclosure relates to an access cover detection circuit for an electrified vehicle component and a corresponding method. An exemplary component of an electrified vehicle includes an access cover configured to selectively open and close relative to the component, and a circuit configured to indicate whether the access cover is open. The circuit includes a light sensitive electronic component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery pack having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, a coolant source to cool the battery pack, and a proportional valve in communication with the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and in communication with the coolant source. A battery control module controls the proportional valve such that a direction of flow is switchable at the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet based on temperatures at the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to provide bi-directional cooling flow through the battery pack. The battery control module directly connects the coolant outlet to the coolant inlet via the proportional valve to bypass the coolant source in response to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A busbar assembly includes a mesh busbar configured to electrically couple a first component to a second component. An electrical coupling method including securing a mesh busbar to a first component and a second component to electrical couple the first component to the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery pack having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, a coolant source to cool the battery pack, and a proportional valve in communication with the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and in communication with the coolant source. A battery control module controls the proportional valve such that a direction of flow is switchable at the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet based on temperatures at the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to provide bi-directional cooling flow through the battery pack. The battery control module directly connects the coolant outlet to the coolant inlet via the proportional valve to bypass the coolant source in response to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an access cover detection circuit for an electrified vehicle component and a corresponding method. An exemplary component of an electrified vehicle includes an access cover configured to selectively open and close relative to the component, and a circuit configured to indicate whether the access cover is open. The circuit includes a light sensitive electronic component.

Abstract: An off-board battery charger for a vehicle may include a high-voltage connector having first, second and power supply connector ports. The first connector port connects to a vehicle controller via a first cable. The second connector port connects to a vehicle battery via a second cable. And, the power supply connector port is electrically connected with the second port and receives power via a power supply cable from a separate and external power supply.

Abstract: A busbar assembly includes a mesh busbar configured to electrically couple a first component to a second component. An electrical coupling method including securing a mesh busbar to a first component and a second component to electrical couple the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a battery, an inverter, and a flexible circuit. The electric machine is configured to propel the vehicle. The inverter is configured to convert direct current from the battery into alternating current. The flexible circuit has a sensor embedded therein that is configured to measure a first phase of the alternating current. The sensor is secured to an output terminal of the inverter that is connected to a first winding phase of the electric machine.

Abstract: A vehicle charging includes a housing, a sensor system configured to detect if a vehicle is parked near the housing, and a notification system configured to communicate an alert if the vehicle is parked near the housing and charging has not been initiated within a threshold amount of time. The alert indicates improper usage of the vehicle charging station to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery cell includes an electrode, a terminal, and a current-interrupt device configured to electrically isolate the terminal from the electrode. The current-interrupt device includes a plate connected to the electrode and defining a hole, and a diaphragm connected to the terminal and joined to the plate forming a ceiling of the hole. A cover of the current-interrupt device is joined to the plate forming a floor of the hole. A dielectric fluid is disposed in the hole. The diaphragm and cover are configured to move toward the terminal, in response to pressure within the cell exceeding a threshold, to separate the diaphragm from the plate forming a gap therebetween and to release the fluid into the gap preventing current from arching across the gap.

Abstract: A charging system for a high voltage battery includes a pair of contactors each electrically connected to one of positive and negative terminals of the battery and configured to enable charging of the battery when closed; and a controller programmed to generate a notification indicating that one of the contactors is welded closed based on port voltage values achieved while issuing a predetermined sequence of open and close commands to the contactors after charge completion.

Abstract: A battery cell includes an electrode, a terminal, and a current-interrupt device configured to electrically isolate the terminal from the electrode. The current-interrupt device includes a plate connected to the electrode and defining a hole, and a diaphragm connected to the terminal and joined to the plate forming a ceiling of the hole. A cover of the current-interrupt device is joined to the plate forming a floor of the hole. A dielectric fluid is disposed in the hole. The diaphragm and cover are configured to move toward the terminal, in response to pressure within the cell exceeding a threshold, to separate the diaphragm from the plate forming a gap therebetween and to release the fluid into the gap preventing current from arching across the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle charging includes a housing, a sensor system configured to detect if a vehicle is parked near the housing, and a notification system configured to communicate an alert if the vehicle is parked near the housing and charging has not been initiated within a threshold amount of time. The alert indicates improper usage of the vehicle charging station to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The system may include an electrical contactor including a pair of plates arranged to scissor between open and closed positions. The plates may have magnets embedded therein such that in the closed position, a subset of the magnets having opposite polarity are aligned to encourage touching of electrical contacts of the plates, and in the open position, a subset of the magnets having same polarity are aligned to encourage separation of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an interpack switch configured to connect portions of a traction battery when closed to transfer electric charge therebetween, and a controller configured to, responsive to a request, operate the switch to disconnect the portions and to initiate transfer of electric charge to each of the portions in parallel and at a same time.

Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The system may include an electrical contactor including a pair of plates arranged to scissor between open and closed positions. The plates may have magnets embedded therein such that in the closed position, a subset of the magnets having opposite polarity are aligned to encourage touching of electrical contacts of the plates, and in the open position, a subset of the magnets having same polarity are aligned to encourage separation of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An integrated contactor/service disconnect assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a stationary contact, a movable contact selectively movable relative to the stationary contact and a service disconnect unit configured to block the movable contact from contacting the stationary contact.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an interpack switch configured to connect portions of a traction battery when closed to transfer electric charge therebetween, and a controller configured to, responsive to a request, operate the switch to disconnect the portions and to initiate transfer of electric charge to each of the portions in parallel and at a same time.

Abstract: An off-board battery charger for a vehicle may include a high-voltage connector having first, second and power supply connector ports. The first connector port connects to a vehicle controller via a first cable. The second connector port connects to a vehicle battery via a second cable. And, the power supply connector port is electrically connected with the second port and receives power via a power supply cable from a separate and external power supply.

Abstract: A hybrid battery system of an automotive vehicle provides power to various features without running an internal combustion engine.