Ladevorrichtung, kit und verfahren

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging connector for a battery pack of a new energy vehicle. The battery pack comprises multiple sub-battery packs (11, 12, 13). The charging connector (31, 32) comprises: a connection wire (312), connected to connection points (25, 26) between two adjacent charging circuits; and a connection plug (311), connected to the connection wire (312) and having a first connection terminal (611) and a second connection terminal (612) connected to the connection wire (312). The connection plug (311) is connected between two adjacent sub-battery packs (11,12), such that the adjacent two sub-battery packs (11,12) are electrically connected to each other and are electrically connected to the connection wire (312). Also disclosed is a charging device and kit comprising the charging connector and a charging method. The charging connector (31, 32) is obtained by simple modification of an existing intermediate switch plug and improves charging efficiency and stability of high-voltage battery packs connected in series.

Description

Charging connector, charging device, kit and charging method TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of charging new energy vehicle battery packs, and more particularly, to a method of charging a new energy vehicle battery pack (especially a high-voltage battery pack) and related devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] A battery pack, especially a high-voltage battery pack (such as 1000V or higher), is generally composed of multiple sub-battery packs connected in series, and the sub-battery packs in turn include multiple battery cells. The voltage of the battery pack is equal to the product of the voltage of a single battery cell and the number of series connections. In design, the battery pack is designed with one or more intermediate connectors or intermediate switches (also commonly referred to as maintenance switches) according to actual conditions and use needs. When the intermediate connector is removed, the entire battery pack is divided into multiple sub-battery packs with lower voltage according to the series connection, and the entire battery pack is electrically cut off, so that the positive and negative electrodes of the battery pack have no voltage output, thereby increasing the safety of the entire battery pack during maintenance.

[0003] The voltage of the battery pack is designed to consider the operating voltage range of the electrical execution equipment, and also needs to consider the current-carrying capacity, insulation capacity of the cable used in the entire electrical system, and the weight of the entire system. Generally speaking, the higher the voltage of the battery pack, the higher the insulation capacity of the electrical system used, and the lower the current-carrying capacity of the cable and the weight of the entire system. Therefore, high-power battery packs generally use high-voltage systems.

[0004] In the case where the charging voltage requirement of the battery pack is greater than the voltage of a single charging circuit, one charging method is to connect multiple charging circuits in series to charge the entire battery pack. When multiple charging circuits are connected in series, the output voltage of each charging circuit needs to be balanced and equal to ensure stable operation of the charging circuit. The advantages of this method are simple operation and short charging time; the disadvantages are that the output voltage of the charging circuit may be inconsistent due to inconsistent operating points, thereby affecting the efficiency, service life and safety of the charging circuit. Another charging method is to use charging circuits suitable for sub-battery packs to charge the sub-battery packs respectively. When charging, the charging circuit is used to complete the charging of the sub-battery packs one by one. The advantages of this method are that the charging voltage of the charging circuit is low, the cost of the device is low, it is easy to purchase, and the circuit is mature; the disadvantages are that the charging time is long and the manual operation is complex.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] The present application aims to solve or at least alleviate the problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present application provides a stable and reliable high-voltage battery pack charging method and device which is simple to operate.

[0008] In one aspect, a charging connector for a new energy vehicle battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising a plurality of sub-battery packs, the charging connector comprising:

[0009] a connection wire connected to a connection point between two adjacent charging circuits;

[0010] a connection plug in communication with the connection wire, the connection plug having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal in communication with the connection wire, the connection plug being connectable between two adjacent sub-battery packs such that the two adjacent sub-battery packs are electrically connected to each other and to the connection wire.

[0011] In another aspect, a charging device for a new energy vehicle battery pack is provided, comprising a plurality of charging circuits connected in series, characterized in that a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present application is provided at a connection point between at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of charging circuits connected in series.

[0012] In another aspect, a kit of a new energy vehicle battery pack and a charging device is provided, comprising:

[0013] a battery pack comprising a plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series;

[0014] a charging device comprising a plurality of charging circuits connected in series corresponding to the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series, a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present application being provided at a connection point between at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of charging circuits connected in series, a connection plug of the charging connector being connectable between two corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs.

[0015] In yet another aspect, a method of charging a new energy vehicle battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising a plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series, the method comprising:

[0016] providing a plurality of charging circuits connected in series corresponding to the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series;

[0017] connecting two poles of the plurality of charging circuits connected in series to two poles of the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series;

[0018] connecting a connection point of adjacent charging circuits to two corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs.

[0019] The charging device and method according to embodiments of the present application have high charging efficiency and stable performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The principles of the application will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to an embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a view of an intermediate switch socket according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a top side view of a charging connector according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 4 shows a bottom side view of a charging connector according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a charging connector according to a first embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a charging connector according to a second embodiment; and

[0027] Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a charging connector according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] It is easily understood that, according to the technical solution of the present application, a person skilled in the art can propose various structural modes and implementation modes which can be replaced with each other without changing the essential spirit of the present application. Therefore, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are only exemplary illustrations of the technical solution of the present application, and should not be regarded as the whole or as the limitation or restriction of the technical solution of the present application.

[0029] In the present specification, the orientation terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front side, back side, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or possibly mentioned are defined with respect to the configuration shown in the drawings, and they are relative concepts, so they can be changed accordingly according to different positions and different use states. Therefore, these or other orientation terms should not be interpreted as limiting terms.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, it shows a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the charging method according to the present application. The new energy vehicle power battery pack comprises a plurality of sub-battery packs 11, 12, 13 connected in series. Each sub-battery pack comprises battery cells 111, 112 connected in series, and an intermediate switch can be provided between the sub-battery packs, which can comprise an intermediate switch socket 15, 16 and an intermediate switch plug (removed during charging). The intermediate switch plug is installed in the intermediate switch socket 15, 16 in the normal state, so that the sub-battery packs 11, 12, 13 are connected in series with each other, and is removed when the battery pack is inspected or repaired. Since the sub-battery packs 11, 12, 13 have a high voltage, for example 1000V, when connected in series, it is difficult and high cost to use a single charging circuit. Therefore, in the embodiment, a plurality of charging circuits 21, 22, 23 connected in series corresponding to the plurality of sub-battery packs 11, 12, 13 connected in series are used. During charging, the two poles 20, 24 of the plurality of charging circuits connected in series are connected to the two poles 10, 14 of the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series; and the connection points 25, 26 of adjacent charging circuits are connected between the corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs, i.e. between the sub-battery packs 11 and 12 and between the sub-battery packs 12 and 13. It should be understood that only three sub-battery packs and three charging circuits are shown in the figure by way of example, and in other embodiments, the number of sub-battery packs and charging circuits can be changed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the charging connectors 31, 32 according to the embodiment of the present application to be described below are connected to the intermediate switch sockets 15, 16 between the corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs, so as to achieve the connection of the connection points of adjacent charging circuits to the corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs. The charging connectors 31, 32 comprise a connection wire 312 leading from the charging circuit connection point and a connection plug 311 combined with the connection wire 312. By the method according to the present application, the series potential points of the sub-battery packs and the charging circuit series potential points of the charging circuits are connected by wires, so that the series potential points of the sub-battery packs and the charging circuit series potential points are at the same point, thereby ensuring that the output voltage of each charging circuit is balanced and equal, ensuring stable operation of the charging circuit. In addition, the present application realizes the above-mentioned function by means of the intermediate switch possessed by the battery pack itself, so that the connection during charging is more convenient to operate.

[0032] The specific structure of the charging connector and the corresponding intermediate switch socket will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 2-5. The charging connector for the new energy vehicle battery pack includes a connecting wire 312 connected to a connecting point 25 between two adjacent charging circuits 21, 22, a connecting plug 311 in communication with the connecting wire 312, the connecting plug 311 having a first connecting terminal 611 and a second connecting terminal 612 in communication with the connecting wire 312, and the connecting plug 311 being connectable to between two adjacent sub-battery packs 11, 12, such that the two adjacent sub-battery packs 11, 12 are electrically connected to each other and to the connecting wire 312. In some embodiments, the connecting plug 311 is connected to an intermediate switch socket 15 between the two adjacent sub-battery packs 11, 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate switch socket 15 has features to mate with the first and second connecting terminals, such as a pair of opposing spring-loaded slots 151 and 152 corresponding to the first and second connecting terminals, for example, the slots 151 and 152 can be arranged in parallel. In addition, the intermediate switch socket 15 also has other features for engaging with the connecting plug 311. In alternative embodiments, the connecting plug 311 is connected to other forms of wires between the two adjacent sub-battery packs 11, 12.

[0033] The first embodiment of the charging connector will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5. The connecting plug 311 can include a housing 41, a conductive sheet 61 in the housing 41, an embedded fixing member 42 to hold the conductive sheet 61 in place, and an operating handle 43 to facilitate the mating of the connecting plug 311 with the corresponding intermediate switch socket. The first and second connecting terminals 611 and 612 are exposed at a first end of the housing 41.

[0034] In some embodiments, the conductive sheet 61 can adopt a Z-shaped form, which is formed by bending the two ends 611, 612 of the metal sheet in opposite directions, the bent two ends 611, 612 of the metal sheet constitute the first and second connection terminals, and the middle part of the metal sheet has a connection hole 62 and is arranged in the middle part of the shell of the connection plug. The connection wire 312 has a wire body 81 and a wire connection terminal 82. In this embodiment, the wire connection terminal 82 has a front-end flat hole structure, and the bolt 71 can pass through the bushing 72, the wire connection terminal 82 and the connection hole 62 in the middle part of the conductive sheet 61 in sequence and is received by the nut 73, thereby being connected to the conductive sheet 61. Subsequently, the conductive sheet with the connection wire can be inserted into the slot in the shell and held in place by the inlaid fixing member 42, so that the two ends of the conductive sheet are exposed and constitute the first connection terminal 611 and the second connection terminal 612, respectively. In addition, the bottom cover 411 at the other end of the shell 41 has an opening, and the ferrule 51 is sleeved on the wire body 81 and fixed to the bottom cover 411 with the opening. The ferrule 51 can be made of an insulating material, such as plastic, which fixes the connection wire to the shell and insulates the wire terminal from the external accessible part

[0035] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the electrical connector. Compared with the embodiment of Figures 2-4, the conductive sheet in Figure 5 includes a first V-shaped conductive sheet 63 and a second V-shaped conductive sheet 64, which are arranged in the corresponding slots of the shell such that one end 631 of the first V-shaped conductive sheet 63 constitutes the first connection terminal, and one end 641 of the second V-shaped conductive sheet 64 constitutes the second connection terminal, and the other ends of the first and second V-shaped conductive sheets 63, 64 are overlapped and connected to the connection wire 312. More specifically, the other ends of the first and second V-shaped conductive sheets 63, 64 have a connection hole 65, and the connection wire 312 is also connected to the two conductive sheets by a bolt and connects the two conductive sheets and the connection wire together.

[0036] Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the electrical connector, in which a U-shaped conductive sheet 66 is adopted. The U-shaped conductive sheet 66 is formed by bending the two ends of the metal sheet in the same direction, the bent two ends 661, 662 of the metal sheet constitute the first and second connection terminals, and the middle part of the metal sheet has a connection hole 67 and is arranged in the middle part of the shell of the connection plug and connected to the connection wire. When the conductive sheet 66 is inserted into the slot of the shell, the two ends 661, 662 of the U-shaped conductive sheet constitute the first and second connection terminals, respectively, and the threaded first end 741 of the contact bolt 74 and the nut 73 are matched to be connected to the middle connection hole 67 of the U-shaped conductive sheet 66, and the other end 742 of the contact bolt 74 is connected to the connection wire 312. The other end 742 of the contact bolt 74 can be connected to the connection wire 312 by pressure welding, riveting or welding, etc.

[0037] Another aspect of the present application provides a charging device for a new energy vehicle battery pack, comprising: a plurality of charging circuits connected in series, and a charging connector according to various embodiments is arranged at a connection point between at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of charging circuits connected in series.

[0038] Another aspect of the present application provides a kit of a new energy vehicle battery pack and a charging device, comprising: a battery pack comprising a plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series; and a charging device comprising a plurality of charging circuits connected in series corresponding to the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series, and a charging connector according to various embodiments is arranged at a connection point between at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of charging circuits connected in series, and a connecting plug of the charging connector is connected between the corresponding two sub-battery packs. Preferably, an intermediate switch is arranged between the plurality of sub-battery packs connected in series, and the intermediate switch has an intermediate switch plug and an intermediate switch socket, and during charging, the connecting plug of the charging connector is connected to the corresponding intermediate switch socket instead of the intermediate switch plug.

[0039] The charging connector of the present application only needs to be simply modified from the existing intermediate switch plug, and the charging efficiency and stability of the series high-voltage battery pack are improved.

[0040] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are exemplary but not limiting, and various modifications or variations of the above described specific embodiments made by those skilled in the art under the concept of the present application shall be within the legal protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A charging connector for a battery pack in a new energy vehicle, the battery pack comprising multiple sub-battery packs, characterized in that, The charging connector includes: A connecting wire, which connects to a connection point between two adjacent charging circuits; A connector plug connected to the connecting wire, the connector plug having a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal connected to the connecting wire, the connector plug being able to connect between two adjacent sub-battery packs, such that the two adjacent sub-battery packs are electrically connected to each other and electrically connected to the connecting wire.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector plug is connected to the intermediate switch socket between the two adjacent sub-battery packs.

3. The charging connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The intermediate switch socket has a pair of spring-loaded slots corresponding to the first and second connection terminals of the connector plug.

4. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a housing, a conductive plate within the housing, and an embedded retainer for holding the conductive plate in place.

5. The charging connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two ends of the conductive sheet form a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and the connecting wire is connected to the middle of the conductive sheet.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conductive sheet is U-shaped and is formed by bending both ends of a metal sheet in the same direction. The two ends of the bent metal sheet constitute the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The middle part of the metal sheet is arranged in the middle of the housing of the connector plug and is connected to the connecting wire.

7. The charging connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conductive sheet is Z-shaped, and the Z-shaped conductive sheet is formed by bending the two ends of the metal sheet in opposite directions. The two ends of the bent metal sheet constitute the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The middle part of the metal sheet is arranged in the middle of the housing of the connector plug and is connected to the connecting wire.

8. The charging connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conductive sheet includes a first V-shaped conductive sheet and a second V-shaped conductive sheet. The first V-shaped conductive sheet and the second V-shaped conductive sheet are arranged in corresponding slots in the housing such that one end of the first V-shaped conductive sheet forms the first connection terminal and one end of the second V-shaped conductive sheet forms the second connection terminal. The other ends of the first V-shaped conductive sheet and the second V-shaped conductive sheet overlap and are connected to the connecting wire.

9. The charging connector according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The conductive sheet has a connection hole, and the connecting wire is fixed to the conductive sheet by bolts.

10. A charging device for a battery pack of a new energy vehicle, comprising: A plurality of charging circuits connected in series, characterized in that at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of charging circuits connected in series are provided with a charging connector as described in any one of claims 1-9 at the connection point.

11. A kit for a new energy vehicle battery pack and charging device, comprising: A battery pack, which includes multiple sub-cell packs connected in series; A charging device includes a plurality of charging circuits connected in series with respect to the plurality of series-connected sub-battery packs, wherein a charging connector as described in any one of claims 1-9 is provided at the connection point between at least two adjacent charging circuits in the plurality of series-connected charging circuits, and the connector plug is connected between the corresponding two sub-battery packs.

12. The kit for a new energy vehicle battery pack and charging device according to claim 11, characterized in that, An intermediate switch is provided between the multiple series-connected sub-battery packs. The intermediate switch has an intermediate switch plug and an intermediate switch socket. During charging, the connection plug of the charging connector replaces the intermediate switch plug and connects to the corresponding intermediate switch socket.

13. A method for charging a battery pack for a new energy vehicle, the battery pack comprising multiple sub-battery packs connected in series, the method comprising: Provide multiple charging circuits connected in series corresponding to the multiple series-connected sub-battery packs; Connect the two poles of the multiple series-connected charging circuits to the two poles of the multiple series-connected sub-battery packs; Connect the connection points of adjacent charging circuits to the corresponding adjacent sub-battery packs.

14. The method for charging a battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes connecting the connection points of adjacent charging circuits to the corresponding adjacent sub-battery groups by connecting the charging connector as described in any one of claims 1-9 to the intermediate switch socket between the corresponding adjacent sub-battery groups.