A battery circuit protection structure, battery module and control method

Abstract

The present invention proposes a battery circuit protection structure, a battery module and a control method, which include a battery and a bus, wherein the battery and the bus are electrically connected, and the battery and the bus are detachable structures; further comprising a power distribution unit, a detection unit and an execution unit, wherein the power distribution unit is electrically connected to the bus; the detection unit is arranged on the power distribution unit and electrically connected to the power distribution unit, and is used to detect the charge and discharge power of the battery; the execution unit is arranged on the power distribution unit and electrically connected to the detection unit, and is used to disconnect the battery from the bus when the battery power is abnormal. As shown in the above structure, the battery circuit protection structure can perform a circuit breaker protection operation by detecting the input and output power of the battery before the battery abnormally heats up and thermal runaway occurs, which has the advantages of timely and efficient protection and is conducive to reducing losses; and the execution unit has an independent driving power supply, which can still operate when the circuit is abnormal, thereby improving the stability of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery modules, and in particular to a battery circuit protection structure, a battery module and a control method. Background Art

[0002] New energy vehicles (NEVs) often rely on battery modules to supply power, propelling the vehicle electrically. These modules primarily consist of cells and a bracket for securing them. A battery management system (BMS) monitors battery health and distributes power. In the event of circuit anomalies, the BMS initiates safety actions to ensure circuit safety.

[0003] The invention patent with the existing authorization announcement number CN211428258U discloses an external short-circuit protection structure for a lithium-ion battery, including a battery cell and a busbar. The battery cell is provided with a conductive electrode ear, and the conductive electrode ear is adjacent to the busbar. Under the action of an external force, the busbar and the conductive electrode ear are in contact or separation to achieve the conduction or disconnection of the electrical connection between the two. The busbar is provided with an elastic bending portion. Under the action of the cover plate, the elastic bending portion of the busbar and the conductive electrode ear are in contact or separation to achieve the conduction or disconnection of the electrical connection between the two. As in the above technical solution, it uses a thermal fuse to achieve circuit protection. Mainly, when the circuit short circuit heats up, the heat is used to soften or decompose the clamping column, and the clamping column cannot clamp the conductive electrode ear of the battery cell, thereby separating the conductive electrode ear of the battery cell from the busbar.

[0004] Another invention patent, with authorization publication number CN110112341B, discloses a thermally expandable material for a battery module and a battery module. The thermally expandable material is installed in the battery module. When the battery overheats abnormally, the thermally expandable material will break the secondary busbar between the battery cell and the main busbar, thereby stopping the battery cell's power supply. Another invention patent application, with application publication number CN114914641A, discloses a battery, an electrical device, a battery manufacturing method, and equipment therefor. The battery includes a battery cell and a charging connector. In this solution, when the battery thermally runs away, the emissions generated by the thermal runaway will push the main body of the charging structure away from the battery cell, thereby disconnecting the charging connector from the battery cell.

[0005] As in the aforementioned technical solutions, which primarily utilize abnormal battery temperature rise and thermal runaway emissions for circuit disconnection protection, before abnormal battery temperature rise and thermal runaway occur, the battery module circuit will first exhibit abnormalities, namely, unstable charge and discharge current and voltage, and abnormal charge and discharge power. Circuit protection operations based on temperature rise and thermal runaway are relatively delayed, significantly impacting the battery module and failing to mitigate losses in a timely manner. Furthermore, the aforementioned safety protection structure is susceptible to external high temperatures, causing malfunctions of the melting or expansion components, making effective circuit disconnection protection impossible, and the protection structure cannot be reused. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention proposes a battery circuit protection structure, battery module and control method that are timely and efficient in disconnecting the circuit, are less affected by external factors and are reusable, which can reduce the losses caused by battery module circuit abnormalities.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a battery circuit protection structure, comprising a battery and a bus, wherein the battery and the bus are electrically connected and are detachable; and further comprising a power distribution unit, a detection unit, and an execution unit, wherein:

[0009] The power distribution unit is electrically connected to the busbar and is used for battery charge and discharge management;

[0010] A detection unit, provided on the power distribution unit and electrically connected to the power distribution unit, for detecting the charge and discharge power of the battery;

[0011] The execution unit is arranged on the power distribution unit, has an independent driving power supply, and is electrically connected to the detection unit, and is used to disconnect the battery from the bus when the battery power is abnormal.

[0012] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the battery includes a battery body and a pole, and the busbar includes a busbar body and a buckle, wherein,

[0013] The pole is arranged on the battery body and has a slot;

[0014] The busbar body is arranged on the power distribution unit and is electrically connected to the power distribution unit;

[0015] The buckle is elastic, fixed on the busbar body, and engaged with the slot to electrically connect the pole.

[0016] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the execution unit includes a driving member and a push plate, wherein,

[0017] A driving member, arranged on the power distribution unit;

[0018] The push plate is an insulating member and is arranged on the driving member. The driving member can drive the push plate to perform telescopic displacement to selectively push the buckle to make the buckle fall out of the slot.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the end face of the pole faces the busbar body, the slot is provided on the side face of the pole, and the push plate is located between the end face of the pole and the busbar body.

[0020] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the buckle includes a U-shaped frame and an elastic sheet, wherein:

[0021] The U-shaped frame is connected with the card slot;

[0022] One end of the elastic sheet is connected to the U-shaped frame, and the other end is connected to the busbar body.

[0023] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the clip further includes a connecting plate, which is elastic and connected to the busbar body. The elastic sheet is formed by cutting and bending the connecting plate, and the elastic sheet and the connecting plate are connected as one.

[0024] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, a round chamfer is provided on a side of the pole facing the driving member.

[0025] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the driving member is an electric push rod or a magnetostrictive rod.

[0026] On the other hand, the present invention provides a battery module, including the above-mentioned battery circuit protection structure, and also including multiple batteries and multiple bus bars, the multiple batteries are arranged in parallel, and each is connected to a distribution unit through a bus bar, and the multiple batteries and the multiple bus bars are disconnected by an execution unit.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling the battery circuit protection structure, comprising the following steps:

[0028] S1. When the battery is working, charging and discharging are managed through the power distribution unit;

[0029] S2. When the battery is working, the detection unit synchronously detects the charging and discharging power of the battery. If the charging and discharging power of the battery is abnormal, the next step is executed;

[0030] S3: The battery charge and discharge power is abnormal, and the execution unit operates. Among them, the driving part works, driving the push plate to move, pushing the buckle out of the slot of the pole to separate the battery and the busbar, completing the power outage.

[0031] The battery circuit protection structure, battery module, and control method of the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0032] (1) The battery is connected to the distribution unit via a bus to perform bus and power distribution on the battery, and a detection unit is provided on the distribution unit for detecting the charge and discharge power of the battery, and an execution unit is provided for disconnecting the battery from the bus when the charge and discharge power of the battery is abnormal. In this way, in the early stage of abnormal temperature rise and thermal runaway of the battery, when the battery circuit protection structure detects unstable current and voltage, it can disconnect the power supply of the battery. Compared with the existing structure that relies on heat and thermal runaway to cut off the power, it has the advantages of timely and efficient protection, which is conducive to reducing losses; and the execution unit has an independent driving power supply, which can still operate when the circuit is abnormal, thereby improving the stability of operation.

[0033] (2) In the present battery circuit protection structure, the battery pole and the bus body are connected by a snap. When a circuit abnormality occurs, the driving part of the execution unit will drive the push plate to make the snap detach from the pole, thereby disconnecting the battery from the bus to achieve circuit protection. Compared with the existing fuse or thermal expansion circuit-breaking structure, this structure is not easily affected by external factors and has the advantage of a stable opening structure. After the battery pole is disconnected from the bus, only the abnormal battery needs to be replaced, and the bus body and the snap can be reused, which is conducive to reducing maintenance costs.

[0034] (3) In the execution unit, the driving part adopts an electric push rod or a magnetostrictive rod, which can achieve precise stroke control and avoid the problem of damaging the buckle due to excessive displacement or the buckle being too small to fall out of the slot, thereby ensuring the stability of the circuit breaker protection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view of the battery circuit protection structure of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Structure diagram of point A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the power distribution unit and execution unit of the battery circuit protection structure of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Structure diagram of point B;

[0040] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of a battery module of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Structure diagram of point C in the middle;

[0042] Figure 7 A top view of the battery module of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 is a side view of a battery module of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 An exploded view of the battery module of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a second embodiment of a battery module of the present invention;

[0046] In the figure: battery 1, battery body 11, terminal 12, slot 101, fillet 102, bus 2, bus body 21, buckle 22, U-shaped frame 221, elastic sheet 222, connecting plate 223, power distribution unit 3, heat dissipation hole 301, detection unit 4, execution unit 5, driving member 51, push plate 52, positioning member 6, screw 61, nut 62, cable tie 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the battery circuit protection structure of the present invention includes a battery 1, a bus 2, a power distribution unit 3, a detection unit 4 and an execution unit 5.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] Battery 1 is used to store and release electrical energy. Battery 1 is electrically connected to bus 2, and the battery 1 and bus 2 are detachable structures. Bus 2 is connected to distribution unit 3, and the two are electrically connected, so that the electrical energy of battery 1 can be transmitted to distribution unit 3 for electrical energy distribution. Distribution unit 3 has an electrical interface for connecting to a charger, and distribution unit 3 is connected to the charger via the electrical interface to charge battery 1. In electric vehicles, the distribution unit 3 mainly integrates switching devices such as contactors and fuses, which are used to transmit electrical energy to components such as the drive motor, central control module, and air conditioner, as well as for charging management of battery 1. Of course, this distribution unit 3 can also be a circuit board.

[0051] In order to achieve the separation of battery 1 and bus 2 for circuit protection, in this battery circuit protection structure, a detection unit 4 and an execution unit 5 are provided for protection operations. The detection unit 4 is provided on the distribution unit 3 and is electrically connected to the distribution unit 3 to detect the charge and discharge power of the battery 1. The battery power is divided into input power and output power. When the battery 1 is charged and discharged through the bus 2, the detection unit 4 can perform detection. If the detection unit 4 detects power anomalies, mainly because the current and voltage of the battery 1 charge and discharge are inconsistent with expectations, and when the current and voltage of the battery 1 during charging and discharging exceed the normal values, the execution unit 5 will execute the disconnection operation of the battery 1 and the bus 2. The normal value of the current and voltage of the battery 1 during charging and discharging serves as a control threshold, which will vary depending on the model of the battery 1 and can be set according to the model of the battery 1 during production.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to prevent the distribution unit 3 from affecting the battery due to heat, thereby causing inaccurate detection by the detection unit 4, a heat dissipation hole 301 is opened on the distribution unit 3 to make the distribution unit 3 have a frame-like structure. When used in this way, cooling by air cooling can take away the heat generated by the distribution unit 3 more quickly to avoid affecting the detection of the distribution unit 3.

[0053] Detection unit 4 may employ a current sensor and a voltage sensor to detect abnormalities in the current and voltage of battery 1. If abnormalities are detected, execution unit 5 disconnects battery 1 from bus 2. To prevent accidental disconnection, execution unit 5 can delay the operation, with the delay time determined by a built-in program.

[0054] The execution unit 5 is provided on the power distribution unit 3, has an independent driving power supply, and is electrically connected to the detection unit 4. It is used to disconnect the battery 1 from the bus 2 when the power of the battery 1 is abnormal. As shown in the above structure, the execution unit 5 directly disconnects the battery 1 from the bus 2. In this way, the losses caused by the circuit abnormality can be minimized. During maintenance, only the abnormal battery 1 needs to be replaced, which can reduce maintenance costs. The execution unit 5 has an independent driving power supply. When the circuit abnormality cannot supply power, the independent driving power supply is used to supply energy to the execution unit 5 so that the execution unit 5 can perform the disconnection operation.

[0055] Preferably, the independent power supply of the execution unit 5 is provided with an independent switch for controlling the independent power supply to supply power to the execution unit 5 during maintenance, thereby performing a reset or debugging operation of the execution unit 5 .

[0056] Specifically, the battery 1 includes a battery body 11 and a pole 12, and the busbar 2 includes a busbar body 21 and a clip 22, wherein the pole 12 is provided on the battery body 11 and has a clip slot 101; the busbar body 21 is provided on the power distribution unit 3 and is electrically connected to the power distribution unit 3; the clip 22 is elastic, fixed to the busbar body 21, and snap-connected with the clip slot 101 to electrically connect the pole 12. As shown in the above structure, the pole 12 of the battery 1 is snap-connected with the clip 22 of the busbar 2. After the execution unit 5 separates the pole 12 from the clip 22, it is only necessary to replace the abnormal battery 1 and then connect the clip 22 to the new battery. This protective structure will not cause damage to other components except for abnormal damage to the battery 1 itself, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0057] The execution unit 5 includes a driver 51 and a push plate 52. The driver 51 is mounted on the power distribution unit 3; the push plate 52 is an insulating member mounted on the driver 51. The driver 51 can drive the push plate 52 to telescopically move, selectively pushing the latch 22 out of the slot 101. As described above, when the detection unit 4 detects a circuit anomaly, it outputs an execution signal to the execution unit 5. At this point, the driver 51 in the execution unit 5 drives the push plate 52 to move, pushing the latch 22 out of the slot 101, thereby separating the battery 1 from the bus 2. Signal transmission between the detection unit 4 and the execution unit 5 can be controlled by a single-chip microcomputer.

[0058] Furthermore, the driving member 51 can adopt a telescopic mechanism with a double-output shaft, and a push plate 52 is set in both directions. In this way, when targeting square batteries, the battery circuit protection structure can simultaneously disconnect the positive and negative poles of the square battery from the bus.

[0059] The end face of the pole 12 faces the busbar body 21. A slot 101 is defined on the side of the pole 12, and the push plate 52 is positioned between the end face of the pole 12 and the busbar body 21. As described above, the slot 101 is located on the side of the pole 12. This allows the buckle 22 to engage the pole 12 from the side, and the push plate 52 to be positioned between the end face of the pole 12 and the busbar body 21. When the driver 51 drives the push plate 52 to move, the buckle 22 can be easily pushed out of the slot 101.

[0060] In order to facilitate the push plate 52 to move smoothly between the end face of the pole 12 and the busbar body 21 during installation, a round chamfer 102 is provided on the side of the pole 12 facing the driving member 51. This facilitates the movement of the push plate 52 and improves the convenience of installation.

[0061] Specifically, the buckle 22 includes a U-shaped frame 221 and an elastic sheet 222. The U-shaped frame 221 is engaged with the slot 101, and the two ends are connected to the bus body 21 through the elastic sheet 222. When the push plate 52 pushes the buckle 22, the buckle 22 is deformed through the elastic sheet 222 to allow the U-shaped frame 221 to escape from the slot 101.

[0062] Since the connection between the elastic sheet 222 and the busbar body 21 requires welding, but the welds are prone to failure, in order to ensure the stability of the connection between the buckle 22 and the busbar body 21, the buckle 22 is provided with a connecting plate 223. The connecting plate 223 is elastic and connected to the busbar body 21. The elastic sheet 222 is formed by cutting and bending the connecting plate 223, and the elastic sheet 222 and the connecting plate 223 are connected as a whole. As shown in the above structure, the elastic sheet 222 and the connecting plate 223 are an integrated structure. The elastic sheet 222 is part of the connecting plate 223 and is formed by bending. Therefore, it has good structural stability. The connection to the busbar body 21 through the connecting plate 223 has a large welding area, and the welds are not prone to failure, which can improve the stability of the connection between the buckle 22 and the busbar body 21.

[0063] Since the driving member 51 is the power source of the push plate 52, the control of its displacement stroke is particularly important. Preferably, the driving member 51 adopts an electric push rod or a magnetostrictive rod, which can achieve precise stroke control, thereby avoiding the problem of damaging the buckle 22 due to excessive displacement or the problem of the buckle 22 being too small to fall out of the slot 101 due to displacement, thereby ensuring the stability of the circuit breaker protection.

[0064] The battery module of the present invention includes the above-mentioned battery circuit protection structure, which is used for circuit protection of the battery module.

[0065] The battery module includes a plurality of batteries 1 and a plurality of bus bars 2. The plurality of batteries 1 are arranged in parallel and are each connected to a distribution unit 3 via a bus bar 2. The plurality of batteries 1 and the plurality of bus bars 2 are disconnected via an execution unit 5. As in the above structure, when a circuit abnormality is detected, the execution unit 5 will disconnect the plurality of batteries 1 from the plurality of bus bars 2. Since the cost of setting up an execution unit 5 for a single battery 1 will be very high, and the weight of the battery module will increase, which will affect the energy density of the battery module, the setting of this structure is conducive to reducing costs and increasing the energy density of the battery module. Since a number of battery modules will be arranged in the battery box, the power outage of a single battery module will not affect the normal operation of the electric vehicle.

[0066] Example 2:

[0067] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that: Figure 10 As shown, a positioning member 6 is provided between the battery 1 and the power distribution unit 3 . The positioning member 6 includes a screw 61 and a nut 62 , and is used to guide and limit the power distribution unit 3 when the execution unit 5 separates the battery 1 from the pole 12 .

[0068] Specifically, multiple batteries 1 are secured by cable ties 7, which are a common method for securing batteries. Of course, multiple batteries 1 can also be secured by other methods. One end of a screw 61 is secured to a battery 1 in the battery module, and the other end passes through the power distribution unit 3. A nut 62 is then used to connect the screw 61, which passes through one end of the power distribution unit 3. As described above, after the clip 22 is disengaged from the slot 101, the power distribution unit 3, the detection unit 4, and the execution unit 5 can be prevented from falling off the battery module. Under the positioning action of the positioning member 6, the overall structure is stable. As long as the push plate 52 is always between the pole 12 and the busbar 2, the clip 22 of the busbar 2 will not contact the pole 12, thereby ensuring the safety of the circuit breaker.

[0069] Specific implementation steps:

[0070] The buckle 22 of the busbar 2 is engaged with the slot 101 of the battery 1. When the battery 1 is charging or discharging, the detection unit 4 can detect the charge and discharge power of the battery 1, mainly focusing on current and voltage detection. When an abnormality is detected, the execution unit 5 is activated, and the driving member 51 drives the push plate 52 to push the buckle 22, so that the buckle 22 is disengaged from the slot 101, completing the circuit breaker.

[0071] The specific control methods are as follows:

[0072] When S1, battery 1 is working, charging and discharging are managed through the power distribution unit 3;

[0073] S2, when the battery 1 is working, the detection unit 4 synchronously detects the charging and discharging power of the battery 1. If the charging and discharging power of the battery 1 is abnormal, the next step is executed;

[0074] S3, the charge and discharge power of the battery 1 is abnormal, and the execution unit 5 is actuated, wherein the driving member 51 works, driving the push plate 52 to move, pushing the buckle 22 out of the slot 101 of the pole 12 to separate the battery 1 and the bus 2, completing the power off.

[0075] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery circuit protection structure, comprising a battery (1) and a busbar (2), characterized in that: The battery (1) is electrically connected to the busbar (2), and the battery (1) and the busbar (2) are detachable structures; It also includes a power distribution unit (3), a detection unit (4) and an execution unit (5), wherein: The power distribution unit (3) is electrically connected to the busbar (2) and is used for charge and discharge management of the battery (1); The detection unit (4) is arranged on the power distribution unit (3) and is electrically connected to the power distribution unit (3) and is used to detect the charge and discharge power of the battery (1); The execution unit (5) is provided on the power distribution unit (3), has an independent driving power supply, and is electrically connected to the detection unit (4), and is used to disconnect the battery (1) from the busbar (2) when the power of the battery (1) is abnormal; The battery (1) comprises a battery body (11) and a pole (12); the busbar (2) comprises a busbar body (21) and a buckle (22), wherein the pole (12) is arranged on the battery body (11) and is provided with a slot (101); the busbar body (21) is arranged on the power distribution unit (3) and is electrically connected to the power distribution unit (3); the buckle (22) is elastic, fixed on the busbar body (21), and is engaged and connected with the slot (101) to electrically connect the pole (12); The execution unit (5) includes a driving member (51) and a push plate (52), wherein the driving member (51) is arranged on the power distribution unit (3); the push plate (52) is an insulating member, which is arranged on the driving member (51); the driving member (51) can drive the push plate (52) to perform telescopic displacement to selectively push the buckle (22) so that the buckle (22) is disengaged from the slot (101); The driving member (51) is an electric push rod or a magnetostrictive rod.

2. The battery circuit protection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The end face of the pole (12) faces the busbar body (21), the slot (101) is provided on the side face of the pole (12), and the push plate (52) is located between the end face of the pole (12) and the busbar body (21).

3. The battery circuit protection structure according to claim 2, wherein: The buckle (22) includes a U-shaped frame (221) and an elastic sheet (222), wherein: The U-shaped frame (221) is engaged and connected with the card slot (101); One end of the elastic sheet (222) is connected to the U-shaped frame (221), and the other end is connected to the busbar body (21).

4. The battery circuit protection structure according to claim 3, wherein: The buckle (22) further includes a connecting plate (223), which is elastic and connected to the busbar body (21), and the elastic sheet (222) is formed by cutting and bending the connecting plate (223), and the elastic sheet (222) and the connecting plate (223) are connected as a whole.

5. The battery circuit protection structure according to claim 2, wherein: A rounded chamfer (102) is provided on a side of the pole (12) facing the driving member (51).

6. A battery module, characterized in that: The battery circuit protection structure comprises a battery circuit protection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of batteries (1) and a plurality of buses (2), wherein the plurality of batteries (1) are arranged in parallel and each is connected to the power distribution unit (3) via a bus (2), and a disconnection operation is performed between the plurality of batteries (1) and the plurality of buses (2) via a single execution unit (5).

7. The control method of the battery circuit protection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steps include: S1, when the battery (1) is in operation, charging and discharging management is performed through the power distribution unit (3); S2, the detection unit (4) synchronously detects the charging and discharging power of the battery (1) when the battery (1) is working, and if the charging and discharging power of the battery (1) is abnormal, the next step is executed; S3: The charge and discharge power of the battery (1) is abnormal, and the execution unit (5) is actuated, wherein the driving member (51) operates to drive the push plate (52) to move, and the buckle (22) is ejected from the slot (101) of the pole (12) to separate the battery (1) and the busbar (2), thereby completing power off.

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