A battery cascade device

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a battery cascade device. The device comprises a first battery module, a second battery module,..., an N-1th battery module and an Nth battery module; each battery module is connected in cascade; wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; each battery module comprises a first identification unit and a second identification unit; the first identification unit is used for identifying the master-slave identity of the battery module according to a received first voltage signal; the second identification unit is used for identifying whether the battery module is the last-stage battery module according to a received second voltage signal; the N-1th battery module is used for sending the first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the Nth battery module; and the Nth battery module is used for sending the second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the N-1th battery module. The application realizes automatic completion of the identification of the master-slave identity and the identification of whether the battery module is the last-stage battery module in the installation process of each battery module with the same hardware structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery management technology, and more particularly to a battery cascading device. Background Technology

[0002] In today's world, with increasingly scarce energy resources and escalating environmental pollution, all industries are facing enormous challenges in product retention and technological innovation. As a traditional energy storage and power supply device, batteries have a wide range of applications across various industries.

[0003] When a large number of power batteries are connected in series, the differences in battery characteristics necessitate enhanced identification and management of each series-connected battery pack. Current technology involves manual identification of the battery pack's master / slave status based on its identification code or DIP switch. However, since the actual number of battery packs is unlimited, manual identification can lead to errors, resulting in unprofessional installation or incorrect master / slave installation. Furthermore, given the unlimited number of battery packs and the different hardware structures of each master / slave device, the subsequent master / slave installation process is complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a battery cascading device and battery management system, which enables battery modules with the same hardware structure to automatically complete the identification of master and slave and whether it is the last stage battery module during the installation process, without the need for manual identification of the master according to the identification code; at the same time, the hardware structure of each battery module is the same, which simplifies and flexibly improves the installation process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery cascading device, the device comprising: a first battery module, a second battery module, ..., an (N-1)th battery module and an Nth battery module; the first battery module, the second battery module, ..., the (N-1)th battery module and the Nth battery module are cascaded sequentially; wherein, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; each battery module includes a first identification unit and a second identification unit;

[0006] The first identification unit is used to identify the master / slave identity of the battery module based on the received first voltage signal;

[0007] The second identification unit is used to identify whether the battery module is the last stage battery module based on the received second voltage signal;

[0008] The (N-1)th battery module is used to send the first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the Nth battery module;

[0009] The Nth battery module is used to send the second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the (N-1)th battery module.

[0010] Optionally, each of the battery modules further includes a wake-up unit, a battery control unit, and a signal processing unit;

[0011] The wake-up unit is used to output a wake-up signal;

[0012] The battery control unit is electrically connected to the wake-up unit and the signal processing unit respectively, and is used to output a drive signal according to the wake-up signal output by the wake-up unit;

[0013] The signal processing unit is configured to output a wake-up control signal for the next level according to the driving signal so that the next level wake-up unit receives the wake-up control signal, and output a wake-up signal according to the wake-up control signal.

[0014] Optionally, each of the battery modules further includes a first interface and a second interface; each pin of the second interface of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to each pin of the first interface of the Nth battery module; each pin includes a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin;

[0015] The first identification unit is electrically connected to the first pin of the first interface in the battery module; the second identification unit is electrically connected to the second pin of the second interface in the battery module.

[0016] The first pin of the second interface of the battery module and the third pin of the second interface of the battery module share a common ground; the second pin of the first interface of the battery module and the third pin of the first interface of the battery module share a common ground.

[0017] Optionally, each of the battery modules further includes a first interface and a second interface; the fourth pin of the second interface of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface of the Nth battery module in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0018] The wake-up unit is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface of the battery module; the signal processing unit is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the second interface of the battery module.

[0019] Optionally, the first identification unit includes: a first disconnecting switch, a first current-limiting resistor, and a second current-limiting resistor;

[0020] The first and fourth terminals of the first disconnect switch are both electrically connected to a voltage source; the second terminal of the first disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the first current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the first pin of the first interface of the battery module; the third terminal of the first disconnect switch is grounded.

[0021] The second current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the first isolating switch and the voltage source; the fourth terminal of the first isolating switch serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

[0022] Alternatively, the second current-limiting resistor can be connected in series between the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch and ground; the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

[0023] Optionally, the first identification unit further includes: a first voltage divider component and a third current limiting resistor;

[0024] The first voltage divider component is connected in series between the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor and the voltage source;

[0025] The first end of the third current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the fourth end of the first disconnecting switch, and the second end of the third current-limiting resistor serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

[0026] Alternatively, the first end of the third current-limiting resistor can be electrically connected to the third end of the first isolating switch, and the second end of the third current-limiting resistor can serve as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

[0027] Optionally, the second identification unit includes: a second disconnect switch, a fourth current-limiting resistor, and a fifth current-limiting resistor;

[0028] The first and fourth terminals of the second disconnect switch are both electrically connected to a voltage source; the second terminal of the second disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the second pin of the second interface of the battery module; the third terminal of the second disconnect switch is grounded.

[0029] The fifth current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the second disconnecting switch and the voltage source; the fourth terminal of the second disconnecting switch serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

[0030] Alternatively, the fifth current-limiting resistor can be connected in series between the third terminal of the second disconnecting switch and ground; the third terminal of the second disconnecting switch serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

[0031] Optionally, the second identification unit further includes: a second voltage divider component and a sixth current-limiting resistor;

[0032] The second voltage divider component is connected in series between the first terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor and the voltage source;

[0033] The first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the fourth end of the second disconnecting switch, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

[0034] Alternatively, the first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor can be electrically connected to the third end of the second disconnecting switch, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor can serve as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

[0035] Optionally, the signal processing unit includes: a third isolating switch, a seventh current-limiting resistor, and an eighth current-limiting resistor;

[0036] The first terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor receives the drive signal; the second terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third disconnect switch; the second terminal of the third disconnect switch is grounded; the fourth terminal of the third disconnect switch is electrically connected to the voltage source through the eighth current-limiting resistor; and the third terminal of the third disconnect switch is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the second interface of the battery module.

[0037] Optionally, the wake-up unit includes: a fourth isolation switch, a first filter capacitor, a first filter resistor, and a ninth current-limiting resistor;

[0038] The first terminal of the fourth disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first filter resistor and the first terminal of the first filter capacitor; the second terminal of the first filter resistor is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface in the battery module; the second terminal of the fourth disconnect switch and the second terminal of the first filter capacitor are both grounded.

[0039] The third terminal of the fourth isolating switch is grounded; the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor serves as the wake-up signal output terminal.

[0040] Alternatively, the third terminal of the fourth isolating switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor is grounded; the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch serves as the wake-up signal output terminal.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, a first battery module, a second battery module, ..., an (N-1)th battery module, and an Nth battery module are cascaded together in sequence. The upper-level battery module sends a first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the lower-level battery module. The first identification unit in each battery module identifies the master / slave status of each battery module based on the received first voltage signal. Specifically, since the first identification unit in the first battery module cannot receive the first voltage signal sent by the upper-level battery module (i.e., the first identification unit in the first battery module is floating), the first identification unit in the first battery module identifies the first battery module as the master. However, the first identification unit in the Nth battery module (where N is 2, 3, ..., N) can receive the first voltage signal sent by the upper-level battery module, so the first identification unit in the Nth battery module (N≥2) identifies each battery module as a slave based on the received first voltage signal.

[0042] Simultaneously, the first battery module, the second battery module, ..., the (N-1)th battery module, and the Nth battery module are cascaded in sequence. The lower-level battery module sends a second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the upper-level battery module. The second identification unit in each battery module identifies whether the battery module is the last-level battery module based on the received second voltage signal. Specifically, since the second identification unit in the Nth battery module cannot receive the second voltage signal sent by the lower-level battery module, that is, the second identification unit in the Nth battery module is floating, the second identification unit in the Nth battery module identifies the Nth battery module as the last-level battery module. However, the second identification unit in the Nth battery module (where N is 1, 2, ..., N-1) can receive the second voltage signal sent by the lower-level battery module, so the second identification unit in the Nth battery module (where N is 1, 2, ..., N-1) identifies each battery module as not the last-level battery module based on the received second voltage signal. In this way, the solution can automatically identify the master and slave units and whether it is the last-stage battery module during the cascading installation of battery modules with the same hardware structure, without the need for manual identification of the master unit according to the identification code. At the same time, the identical hardware structure of each battery module in this solution simplifies the cascading installation process and can be adapted to multi-level installation, making it highly flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a specific circuit structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a specific circuit structure of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a specific circuit structure of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the device includes: a first battery module 10, a second battery module 20, ..., an (N-1)th battery module and an Nth battery module 30; the first battery module 10, the second battery module 20, ..., the (N-1)th battery module and the Nth battery module 30 are cascaded in sequence; wherein, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; each battery module includes a first identification unit 11 and a second identification unit 12; the first identification unit 11 is used to identify the master / slave identity of the battery module according to the received first voltage signal; the second identification unit 12 is used to identify whether the battery module is the last stage battery module according to the received second voltage signal; the (N-1)th battery module is used to send a first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the Nth battery module; the Nth battery module is used to send a second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the (N-1)th battery module.

[0051] The master-slave identification principle of each battery module in the battery cascade device is as follows: the first battery module, the second battery module, ..., the (N-1)th battery module and the Nth battery module are cascaded in sequence. The first identification unit in the Nth battery module can receive the first voltage signal sent by the upper-level N-1 battery module. Then, the first identification unit in the Nth battery module (N≥2) identifies each battery module as a slave based on the received first voltage signal. Since the first identification unit in the first battery module cannot receive the first voltage signal sent by the upper-level battery module, that is, the first identification unit in the first battery module is empty, the first identification unit in the first battery module identifies the first battery module as the master.

[0052] The principle for identifying whether each battery module in this battery cascade device is the final stage battery module is as follows: the first battery module, the second battery module, ..., the (N-1)th battery module and the Nth battery module are cascaded sequentially. The second identification unit in the Nth battery module (where N is 1, 2, ..., N-1) receives the second voltage signal sent by the upper-level N-1 battery module. Based on the received second voltage signal, the second identification unit in the Nth battery module (where N is 1, 2, ..., N-1) identifies each battery module as not being the final stage battery module. If the battery module cannot receive the second voltage signal sent by the next-level N-1 battery module, meaning the second identification unit in the Nth battery module is floating, then the second identification unit in the Nth battery module identifies the Nth battery module as the last-level battery module. Thus, this solution automatically completes the identification of the master and slave devices and whether it is the last-level battery module during the cascading installation of battery modules with the same hardware structure, without the need for manual identification of the master and last-level battery modules according to the identification code. At the same time, this solution simplifies the cascading installation process because all battery modules have the same hardware structure, and it can be adapted to multi-level installations, offering high flexibility.

[0053] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, further optimizations can be made. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, each battery module also includes a wake-up unit 13, a battery control unit 14, and a signal processing unit 15; the wake-up unit 13 is used to output a wake-up signal; the battery control unit 14 is electrically connected to the wake-up unit 13 and the signal processing unit 15 respectively, and is used to output a drive signal according to the wake-up signal output by the wake-up unit; the signal processing unit 15 is used to output a wake-up lower-level control signal according to the drive signal so that the lower-level wake-up unit receives the wake-up lower-level control signal, and output a wake-up signal according to the wake-up lower-level control signal.

[0054] In this system, the battery control unit 14 within each battery module serves as the BMS management unit. The cascade wake-up principle of each battery module in the cascaded battery device is as follows: When the first identification unit 11 identifies the host battery module, the wake-up unit 13 within the host battery module outputs a wake-up signal, thus waking up the battery control unit 14 within the host battery module. The battery control unit 14 within the host battery module then outputs a drive signal based on the wake-up signal output by the wake-up unit 13. The signal processing unit 15 within the host battery module outputs a wake-up control signal for the next level based on the drive signal. Since the battery modules are cascaded, the wake-up unit 13 within the second-level battery module receives the wake-up control signal for the next level and outputs a wake-up signal based on the wake-up control signal for the next level. The process involves several steps: First, the battery control unit 14 in the second-level battery module is woken up. Then, the wake-up process is repeated. When the second-level battery module is woken up, the battery control unit 14 in the second-level battery module outputs a drive signal according to the wake-up signal output by the wake-up unit 13. The signal processing unit 15 in the second-level battery module outputs a wake-up control signal for the next level based on the drive signal. The wake-up unit 13 in the third-level battery module receives the wake-up control signal for the next level and outputs a wake-up signal according to the wake-up control signal for the next level, thus waking up the third-level battery module. This process is repeated until the Nth-level battery module is woken up. Therefore, based on the above embodiment, this embodiment also achieves the effect that when battery modules are cascaded, only the host battery module needs to be woken up, and all cascaded battery modules can be automatically woken up.

[0055] Optional, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a specific structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, each battery module also includes a first interface 16 and a second interface 17; each pin of the second interface 17 of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to each pin of the first interface 16 of the Nth battery module; each pin includes a first pin PIN1, a second pin PIN2, and a third pin PIN3; the first identification unit 11 is electrically connected to the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the battery module; the second identification unit 12 is electrically connected to the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 in the battery module; the first pin PIN1 and the third pin PIN3 of the second interface 17 in each battery module share a common ground; the second pin PIN2 and the third pin PIN3 of the first interface 16 in each battery module share a common ground.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the N-1 battery module sends a first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the Nth battery module as follows: the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17 of the upper-level N-1 battery module is connected to the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the lower-level Nth battery module. Thus, the upper-level N-1 battery module can send a first voltage signal (at this time, the first voltage signal is a zero voltage signal) to the first identification unit 12 in the lower-level Nth battery module through the first pin PIN1 of its second interface 17 and the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the lower-level Nth battery module. The first identification unit in the lower-level Nth battery module then identifies the Nth battery module as a slave based on the received first voltage signal. Since the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the first battery module is not connected to the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17 of the upper-level battery module, the first identification unit 12 in the first battery module is left floating. The first identification unit 12 identifies the first battery module as the host. Additionally, it can be understood that when the upper-level (N-1)th battery module sends a first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the lower-level (N-1)th battery module, the grounding safety of the first voltage signal must be ensured. This means ensuring that the first identification unit in the N-1th battery module, through its first interface 16 (PIN1), the upper-level (N-1)th battery module (PIN1), and the upper-level (N-1)th battery module (PIN3) share a common ground; and that the lower-level (N-1)th battery module (PIN3) and the upper-level (N-1)th battery module (PIN3) are connected to each other, form a grounding closed loop.

[0057] Specifically, the Nth battery module sends a second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the (N-1)th battery module as follows: the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 of the lower-level Nth battery module is connected to the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 of the upper-level (N-1)th battery module. The lower-level Nth battery module sends a second voltage signal (at this time, the second voltage signal is a zero voltage signal) to the second identification unit 13 in the (N-1)th battery module through the second pin PIN2 of its first interface 16 and the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 of the upper-level (N-1)th battery module. Then, the second identification unit 12 in the (N-1)th battery module identifies the (N-1)th battery module as not being the last-level battery module based on the received second voltage signal. Since the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 of the Nth battery module is not connected to the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 of the lower-level battery module, the second identification unit 12 in the (N-1)th battery module identifies the N-1th battery module as not being the last-level battery module. When pin PIN2 is connected, the second identification unit 12 in the Nth battery module is left floating, and the second identification unit 12 in the Nth battery module identifies the Nth battery module as the last stage battery module. Similarly, it can be understood that when the lower-level Nth battery module sends the second voltage signal to the second identification unit 12 in the N-1th battery module, the grounding safety of the second voltage signal must be ensured. That is, the second identification unit 12 in the N-1th battery module forms a grounding closed loop through the second pin PIN2 of its second interface 17, the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 in the lower-level Nth battery module, the third pin PIN3 of the second interface 17 in the lower-level Nth battery module, and the third pin PIN3 of the second interface 17 of the upper-level Nth battery module. In addition, this embodiment also avoids mutual interference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

[0058] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 3 The fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16 of the Nth battery module in a one-to-one correspondence; the wake-up unit 13 is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16 in the battery module; and the signal processing unit 15 is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 in the battery module.

[0059] In some specific embodiments, taking the wake-up of the first slave battery module by the host battery module as an example, the wake-up unit 13 is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16, and the signal processing unit 15 is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17. When the host battery module is woken up, the signal processing unit 14 in the host battery module sends a wake-up lower-level control signal to the wake-up unit 13 in the first slave battery module through the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 and the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16 in the first slave battery module to wake up the first slave battery module. The wake-up steps are repeated until the Nth level battery module is woken up. It is understood that this embodiment also avoids mutual interference between the first voltage signal, the second voltage signal, and the wake-up lower-level control signal.

[0060] The following describes the specific circuit structure of each unit within the battery module; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific circuit structure of a battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the first identification unit 11 in each battery module of the battery cascade device includes a first disconnect switch U1, a first current-limiting resistor R1, and a second current-limiting resistor R2; the first and fourth terminals of the first disconnect switch U1 are electrically connected to the voltage source VCC; the second terminal of the first disconnect switch U1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor R1, and the second terminal of the first current-limiting resistor R1 receives the first voltage signal sent by the upper-level battery module through the first PIN1 of the first interface 16 in this stage battery module and the first PIN1 of the second interface 17 in the upper-level battery module; the third terminal of the first disconnect switch U1 is grounded; the second current-limiting resistor R2 is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the first disconnect switch U1 and the voltage source VCC; the fourth terminal of the first disconnect switch U1 serves as the output terminal of the master-slave identification signal HOSTD.

[0061] Specifically, when the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17 in the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the Nth battery module (N is greater than or equal to 2), and the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17 in each battery module is grounded; the first current-limiting resistor R1 receives the zero-voltage signal of the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 through the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17, and transmits the zero-voltage signal to the second terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1. Since the first terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is connected to a voltage source, the second terminal and the first terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 are connected, the first disconnecting switch U1 is turned on, and the fourth terminal and the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 are connected (when the fourth terminal and the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 are connected). When the circuit is turned on, the second current-limiting resistor R2 near the voltage source limits the current of the conducting circuit. Then the voltage of the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is the same as that of the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1. The master-slave identification signal HOSTD output by the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is a low-level signal, so the battery module is a slave battery module. Since the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the first battery module is not connected to the first pin PIN1 of the second interface 17 in the upper-level battery module, the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the first battery module is floating. Then the first disconnecting switch U1 in the first battery module is turned off. Then the master-slave identification signal HOSTD output by the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is a high-level signal, so the battery module is a master battery module.

[0062] Optional, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the specific circuit structure of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the first identification unit 11 in each battery module of the battery cascade device also includes a first voltage divider component C1 and a third current-limiting resistor R3; the first voltage divider component C1 is connected in series between the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor R1 and the voltage source VCC; the first terminal of the third current-limiting resistor R3 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1, and the second terminal of the third current-limiting resistor R3 serves as the output terminal of the master-slave identification signal HOSTD; wherein, the first voltage divider component C1 can be a voltage divider resistor or a voltage divider capacitor, used to prevent the conduction current from being too large when the first terminal and the second terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 are turned on; when the first disconnecting switch U1 is turned off, since the master identification signal HOSTD is a high-level signal at this time, the third current-limiting resistor R3 can limit the current between the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 and the slave identification signal.

[0063] Optional, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the specific circuit structure of another battery cascade device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 6As shown, the second current-limiting resistor R2 in the first identification unit 11 can also be connected in series between the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 and ground; at this time, the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 serves as the output terminal of the slave identification signal HOSTD; wherein, when the first disconnecting switch U1 is turned on, the fourth and third terminals of the first disconnecting switch U1 are connected, and the second current-limiting resistor R2 near the ground terminal limits the current of the conducting circuit. The voltage of the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is the same. At this time, the master-slave identification signal HOSTD output by the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is a high-level signal, then the battery module is a slave module; while the first pin PIN1 of the first interface 16 in the first battery module is floating, then the first disconnecting switch U1 in the first battery module is turned off, and at this time, the master-slave identification signal HOSTD output by the fourth terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 is a low-level signal, then the battery module is a master battery module; in this embodiment, the slave identification signal is a high-level signal, and the master identification signal is a low-level signal; Figure 4-5 In the above embodiments, the slave identification signal is a low-level signal and the master identification signal is a high-level signal. It can be understood that this solution does not specifically limit the specific type of the level identification signal of the master battery module and the slave battery module.

[0064] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 6 The first terminal of the third current-limiting resistor R3 in the first identification unit 11 is also electrically connected to the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1, and the second terminal of the third current-limiting resistor R3 serves as the output terminal of the master-slave identification signal HOSTD. It is understood that when the first disconnecting switch U1 is turned on, since the slave identification signal is a high-level signal at this time, the third current-limiting resistor R3 can also limit the current between the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch U1 and the master-slave identification signal output terminal. This embodiment does not specifically limit the location of the third current-limiting resistor R3; the specific location of the third current-limiting resistor R3 can be determined according to the specific type of the level identification signal of the master battery module and the slave battery module.

[0065] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4The second identification unit 12 in each battery module of the battery cascade device includes: a second disconnect switch U2, a fourth current-limiting resistor R4, and a fifth current-limiting resistor R5; the first and fourth terminals of the second disconnect switch U2 are both electrically connected to the voltage source VCC; the second terminal of the second disconnect switch U2 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor R4, and the second terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor R4 receives the second voltage signal sent by the lower-level battery module through the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 in the lower-level battery module and the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 in the same-level battery module; the third terminal of the second disconnect switch U2 is grounded; the fifth current-limiting resistor R5 is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the second disconnect switch U2 and the voltage source VCC; the fourth terminal of the second disconnect switch U2 serves as the SLAVED signal output terminal for whether it is the final-level battery module.

[0066] In a specific embodiment, when the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 in the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected one-to-one with the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 in the Nth battery module (N is greater than or equal to 2), and the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 in each battery module is grounded; the second terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor R4 receives the zero-voltage signal of the second pin PIN2 of the first interface 16 through the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 of the battery module, and transmits the zero-voltage signal to the second terminal of the second isolating switch U2. Since the first terminal of the second isolating switch U2 is connected to the voltage source VCC, the second terminal and the first terminal of the second isolating switch U2 are connected, the second isolating switch U2 is turned on, and thus the second isolating switch U2 is activated. When the fourth and third terminals of switch U2 are connected (when the fourth and third terminals of the second isolating switch U2 are connected, the fifth current-limiting resistor R5 near the voltage source side limits the current of the conducting circuit), the voltage of the fourth terminal and the third terminal of the second isolating switch U2 are the same. If the output of the fourth terminal of the second isolating switch U2 is a low-level signal (SLAVED signal for the final stage battery module), then the battery module is not a final stage battery module. If the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 in the Nth battery module is floating, then the second isolating switch U2 in the Nth battery module is disconnected. If the output of the fourth terminal of the second isolating switch U2 is a high-level signal (SLAVED signal for the final stage battery module), then the battery module is a final stage battery module.

[0067] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 5The second identification unit 12 in each battery module of the battery cascade device further includes: a second voltage divider component C2 and a sixth current-limiting resistor R6; the second voltage divider component C2 is connected in series between the first end of the fourth current-limiting resistor R4 and the voltage source VCC; the first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 is electrically connected to the fourth end of the second disconnect switch U2, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 serves as the output terminal of the SLAVED signal indicating whether it is the final stage battery module; wherein, the second voltage divider component C2 can be a voltage divider resistor or a voltage divider capacitor, used to prevent the conduction current from being too large when the first and second ends of the second disconnect switch U2 are turned on; when the second disconnect switch U2 is turned off, since the SLAVED signal indicating whether it is the final stage battery module is at a high level at this time, the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 can limit the current between the fourth end of the second disconnect switch U2 and the output terminal of the SLAVED signal indicating whether it is the final stage battery module.

[0068] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 6 In the second identification unit 12, the first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 is electrically connected to the third end of the second disconnecting switch U2, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 serves as the output terminal of the SLAVED signal indicating whether it is a final-stage battery module. When the second disconnecting switch U2 is on, its fourth and third ends are connected, and the sixth current-limiting resistor R6, located near the ground terminal, limits the current in this conducting circuit. The voltages at the third and fourth ends of the second disconnecting switch U2 are the same, and the SLAVED signal output from the third end of the second disconnecting switch U2 is high, indicating that the battery module is not a final-stage battery module. However, if the second pin PIN2 of the second interface 17 in the Nth battery module is floating, the second disconnecting switch U2 within the Nth battery module is off, and the SLAVED signal output from the fourth end of the second disconnecting switch U2 is low, indicating that the battery module is a final-stage battery module. In this embodiment, the final-stage battery module identification signal is low, and the non-final-stage battery module identification signal is high. Figure 4-5 In the corresponding embodiment, the identification signal of the final stage battery module is a high-level signal, and the identification signal of the non-final stage battery module is a low-level signal. It can be understood that this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific type of the level identification signal of the final stage battery module and the non-final stage identification module.

[0069] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 6In the second identification unit 12, the first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 is electrically connected to the third end of the second disconnect switch U2, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 serves as the output terminal of the "whether it is the final stage battery module" signal SLAVED. Similarly, it can be understood that when the second disconnect switch U2 is on, since the "whether it is the final stage battery module" signal SLAVED output terminal is a high-level signal, the sixth current-limiting resistor R6 can also limit the current between the third end of the second disconnect switch U2 and the "whether it is the final stage battery module" signal SLAVED output terminal. This embodiment does not specifically limit the location of the sixth current-limiting resistor R6; its location can be determined according to the specific type of the level identification signal of the final stage battery module.

[0070] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4 The signal processing unit 15 in each battery module of the battery cascade device includes: a third disconnect switch U3, a seventh current-limiting resistor R7, and an eighth current-limiting resistor R8; the first terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor R7 receives the drive signal MCSON; the second terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor R7 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third disconnect switch U3; the second terminal of the third disconnect switch U3 is grounded; the fourth terminal of the third disconnect switch U3 is electrically connected to the voltage source VCC through the eighth current-limiting resistor R8; the third terminal of the third disconnect switch U3 outputs a wake-up control signal for the next stage through the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 in the battery module. The wake-up unit 13 includes: a fourth isolating switch U4, a first filter capacitor C10, a first filter resistor R10, and a ninth current-limiting resistor R9; the first end of the fourth isolating switch U4 is electrically connected to the first end of the first filter resistor R10 and the first end of the first filter capacitor C10; the second end of the first filter resistor R10 receives the wake-up control signal from the lower level through the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 in the upper-level battery module and the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16 in the same-level battery module; the second end of the fourth isolating switch U4 and the second end of the first filter capacitor C10 are both grounded; the third end of the fourth isolating switch U4 is grounded; the fourth end of the fourth isolating switch U4 is electrically connected to the first end of the ninth current-limiting resistor R9; the second end of the ninth current-limiting resistor R9 serves as the output terminal of the wake-up signal MCSON#.

[0071] When the wake-up unit 13 in the main battery module is activated, the output wake-up signal MCSON# is low. The battery control unit 14 outputs a high-level drive signal MCSON to the seventh current-limiting resistor R7 based on this wake-up signal MCSON# (since the drive signal MCSON is high, the seventh current-limiting resistor R7 limits the current flow between the drive signal output terminal and the first terminal of the third isolating switch U3). The first and second terminals of the third isolating switch U3 are connected, and the third isolating switch U3 conducts. Consequently, the third and fourth terminals of the third isolating switch U3 are connected (the eighth current-limiting resistor R8 limits the current flow when the third and fourth terminals of the third isolating switch U3 are connected). Since the fourth terminal of the third isolating switch U3 is connected to a voltage source, the third isolating switch U3... The third terminal of 3 outputs a high-level wake-up control signal to the lower-level module. When the fourth pin PIN4 of the second interface 17 in the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to the fourth pin PIN4 of the first interface 16 in the Nth battery module (N is greater than or equal to 2), the first terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 in the lower-level battery module receives the wake-up control signal and becomes a high-level signal. Since the second terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 is grounded, the first and second terminals of the fourth isolating switch U4 are connected, and the fourth isolating switch U4 is turned on. Consequently, the fourth and third terminals of the fourth isolating switch U4 are connected. Since the third terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 is grounded, the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 outputs a low-level wake-up signal MCSON#, thus waking up the lower-level wake-up unit 13. The above steps are repeated until the wake-up unit in the Nth battery module is woken up. In addition, the first filter capacitor C10 and the first filter resistor R10 in the wake-up unit 13 can filter out noise and prevent the wake-up unit in the battery module from being woken up by other signals.

[0072] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 5 The signal processing unit 15 further includes a third voltage divider component C3; the third voltage divider component C3 is connected in series between the first terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor R7 and ground. The third voltage divider component C3 can be a voltage divider resistor or a voltage divider capacitor, used to prevent excessive conduction current when the first and second terminals of the third disconnecting switch U3 are turned on.

[0073] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 6 In the wake-up unit 13, the third terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor R9, and the second terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor R9 is grounded; the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch U4 serves as the output terminal of the wake-up signal MCSON#. That is, when the fourth and third terminals of the fourth isolating switch U1 are connected, the ninth current-limiting resistor R9, which is close to the grounded side, limits the current of the conducting circuit. In this embodiment, the position of the ninth current-limiting resistor R9 is not specifically limited.

[0074] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the first disconnecting switch U1, the second disconnecting switch U2, the third disconnecting switch U3, and the fourth disconnecting switch U4 can be optocouplers, relays, etc. This embodiment does not specifically limit the type of each disconnecting switch; it only needs to achieve the functions of conduction / closure and isolation. Preferably, the first disconnecting switch U1, the second disconnecting switch U2, the third disconnecting switch U3, and the fourth disconnecting switch U4 can all be optocouplers, as battery cascade devices composed of optocouplers have higher reliability.

[0075] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery cascade device, characterized in that, include: A first battery module, a second battery module, ..., an (N-1)th battery module, and an Nth battery module; the first battery module, the second battery module, ..., the (N-1)th battery module, and the Nth battery module are cascaded in sequence; wherein, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; each battery module includes a first identification unit and a second identification unit; The first identification unit is used to identify the master / slave identity of the battery module based on the received first voltage signal; The second identification unit is used to identify whether the battery module is the last stage battery module based on the received second voltage signal; The (N-1)th battery module is used to send the first voltage signal to the first identification unit in the Nth battery module; The Nth battery module is used to send the second voltage signal to the second identification unit in the (N-1)th battery module.

2. The battery cascade device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules further includes a wake-up unit, a battery control unit, and a signal processing unit; The wake-up unit is used to output a wake-up signal; The battery control unit is electrically connected to the wake-up unit and the signal processing unit respectively, and is used to output a drive signal according to the wake-up signal output by the wake-up unit; The signal processing unit is configured to output a wake-up control signal for the next level according to the driving signal so that the next level wake-up unit receives the wake-up control signal, and output a wake-up signal according to the wake-up control signal.

3. The battery cascade device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules further includes a first interface and a second interface; each pin of the second interface of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to each pin of the first interface of the Nth battery module; each pin includes a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin; The first identification unit is electrically connected to the first pin of the first interface in the battery module; The second identification unit is electrically connected to the second pin of the second interface in the battery module; The first pin of the second interface of the battery module and the third pin of the second interface of the battery module share a common ground; the second pin of the first interface of the battery module and the third pin of the first interface of the battery module share a common ground.

4. The battery cascade device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules further includes a first interface and a second interface; the fourth pin of the second interface of the (N-1)th battery module is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface of the Nth battery module in a one-to-one correspondence. The wake-up unit is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface of the battery module; the signal processing unit is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the second interface of the battery module.

5. The battery cascade device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first identification unit includes: a first disconnecting switch, a first current-limiting resistor, and a second current-limiting resistor; The first and fourth terminals of the first disconnect switch are both electrically connected to a voltage source; the second terminal of the first disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the first current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the first pin of the first interface of the battery module; the third terminal of the first disconnect switch is grounded. The second current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the first isolating switch and the voltage source; the fourth terminal of the first isolating switch serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal. Alternatively, the second current-limiting resistor can be connected in series between the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch and ground; the third terminal of the first disconnecting switch serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

6. The battery cascade device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first identification unit further includes: a first voltage divider component and a third current limiting resistor; The first voltage divider component is connected in series between the first terminal of the first current-limiting resistor and the voltage source; The first end of the third current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the fourth end of the first disconnecting switch, and the second end of the third current-limiting resistor serves as the master-slave identification signal output terminal. Alternatively, the first end of the third current-limiting resistor can be electrically connected to the third end of the first isolating switch, and the second end of the third current-limiting resistor can serve as the master-slave identification signal output terminal.

7. The battery cascade device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second identification unit includes: a second disconnect switch, a fourth current-limiting resistor, and a fifth current-limiting resistor; The first and fourth terminals of the second disconnect switch are both electrically connected to a voltage source; the second terminal of the second disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the second pin of the second interface of the battery module; the third terminal of the second disconnect switch is grounded. The fifth current-limiting resistor is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the second disconnecting switch and the voltage source; the fourth terminal of the second disconnecting switch serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module. Alternatively, the fifth current-limiting resistor can be connected in series between the third terminal of the second disconnecting switch and ground; the third terminal of the second disconnecting switch serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

8. The battery cascade device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second identification unit further includes: a second voltage divider assembly and a sixth current-limiting resistor; The second voltage divider component is connected in series between the first terminal of the fourth current-limiting resistor and the voltage source; The first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the fourth end of the second disconnecting switch, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor serves as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module. Alternatively, the first end of the sixth current-limiting resistor can be electrically connected to the third end of the second disconnecting switch, and the second end of the sixth current-limiting resistor can serve as the signal output terminal for whether it is the final stage battery module.

9. The battery cascade device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal processing unit includes: a third isolating switch, a seventh current-limiting resistor, and an eighth current-limiting resistor; The first terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor receives the drive signal; the second terminal of the seventh current-limiting resistor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third disconnect switch; the second terminal of the third disconnect switch is grounded; the fourth terminal of the third disconnect switch is electrically connected to the voltage source through the eighth current-limiting resistor; and the third terminal of the third disconnect switch is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the second interface of the battery module.

10. The battery cascade device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wake-up unit includes: a fourth isolation switch, a first filter capacitor, a first filter resistor, and a ninth current-limiting resistor; The first terminal of the fourth disconnect switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first filter resistor and the first terminal of the first filter capacitor; the second terminal of the first filter resistor is electrically connected to the fourth pin of the first interface in the battery module; the second terminal of the fourth disconnect switch and the second terminal of the first filter capacitor are both grounded. The third terminal of the fourth isolating switch is grounded; the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor serves as the wake-up signal output terminal. Alternatively, the third terminal of the fourth isolating switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor, and the second terminal of the ninth current-limiting resistor is grounded; the fourth terminal of the fourth isolating switch serves as the wake-up signal output terminal.

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