Contactor weld releasing systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for releasing welded-shut contactors of a contactor system. An exemplary contactor system may include a contactor and a controller. The controller may be programmed to command a vibration across portions of the contactor as part of a weld release control strategy when the contactor is welded closed. The vibration may be achieved by repeatedly alternating between energizing and de-energizing a coil of the contactor in order to mechanically shock/vibrate a welded contact of the contactor.
1. A contactor system, comprising:
a contactor; and
a controller programmed to command a vibration across portions of the contactor as part of a weld release control strategy when the contactor is welded closed.
2. The contactor system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the contactor includes a stationary contact, a movable contact, an armature shaft, and a coil.
3. The contactor system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the weld release control strategy includes repeatedly alternating between energizing and de-energizing the coil of the contactor to apply the vibration.
4. The contactor system as recited in claim 3 , wherein energizing and de-energizing the coil is configured to move the armature shaft to apply the vibration.
5. The contactor system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the movable contact is connected to the armature shaft.
6. The contactor system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the controller is further programmed to command a second contactor to an open position as part of the weld release control strategy.
7. The contactor system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the vibration is configured to mechanically shock a contact of the contactor.
8. The contactor system as recited in claim 7 , wherein the contact is a movable contact, a stationary contact, or both.
9. The contactor system as recited in claim 1 , comprising a sensor system operably coupled to the controller and configured to monitor a characteristic of the contactor.
10. The contactor system as recited in claim 9 , wherein the controller is further programmed to infer that the contactor is welded closed based on feedback from the sensor system.
11. A traction battery pack comprising the contactor system of claim 1 .
12. An electrified vehicle comprising the traction battery pack of claim 11 .
13. A method, comprising:
monitoring whether a contactor of a contactor system is welded closed; and
mechanically shocking the contactor when the contactor is welded closed.
14. The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein the monitoring includes measuring a voltage across the contactor and a second contactor while the contactor is in a closed position and the second contactor is in an open position.
15. The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein mechanically shocking the contactor includes vibrating a contact of the contactor.
16. The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein mechanically shocking the contactor includes:
energizing a coil of the contactor; and
de-energizing the coil of the contactor.
17. The method as recited in claim 16 , comprising:
repeatedly alternating between the energizing and the de-energizing for a predefined number of cycles to mechanically shock the contactor.
18. The method as recited in claim 16 , wherein the energizing and the de-energizing moves an armature shaft of the contactor in order to mechanically shock the contactor.
19. The method as recited in claim 13 , comprising:
determining whether the contactor remains welded closed subsequent to mechanically shocking the contactor.
20. The method as recited in claim 13 , comprising:
notifying a user of a servicing need subsequent to mechanically shocking the contactor.