Battery pack charging control method and device, battery pack, and charging and swapping system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack charging control method and device, a battery pack, and a battery swapping system. The method comprises: receiving a detection signal output by a first battery compartment in-place detection sensor; in the case where the detection signal jumps from a second state to a first state, sending a compartment position activation signal of the first battery compartment to a battery pack in the first battery compartment to trigger a charging preparation operation of the battery pack; sending the compartment position activation signal to a charging device as a starting condition of a charging output; and sending the compartment position activation signal to a cooling device as a starting condition of a liquid cooling output; receiving a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment returned by the battery pack according to the compartment position activation signal; and in response to the connection confirmation message, performing a set starting operation. The method can achieve independent control of plug-and-charge without user triggering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of charging control technology for battery packs, and more specifically, to a charging control method, a charging control device, a battery pack, and a charging / swapping system for a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Battery swapping stations are equipped with charging and swapping systems. These systems provide fully charged battery packs to vehicles to replace low-charged packs and charge the replaced low-charged packs. However, with existing systems, operators must manually set and trigger batch start commands through the system's human-machine interface to initiate a unified charging process for all battery packs, even when multiple low-charged packs are inserted in various battery compartments. This manual method of triggering batch start commands not only impacts charging and swapping efficiency but also increases maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging control scheme that automatically starts the charging process for the battery pack after the battery pack is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a charging control method for a battery pack is provided. This method is implemented by a charging control device of a charging / swapping system, the charging / swapping system further comprising a charging device, a cooling device, and a plurality of battery compartments for accommodating the battery pack, each battery compartment being equipped with a positioning detection sensor. For a first battery compartment among the plurality of battery compartments, the method includes:

[0005] The system receives a detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor of the first battery compartment; wherein, when the detection signal is in a first state, it indicates that there is a battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment, and when the detection signal is in a second state, it indicates that there is no battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment.

[0006] When the detection signal changes from the second state to the first state, a compartment activation signal is sent to the battery pack in the first battery compartment to trigger the battery pack to perform a set charging preparation operation; the compartment activation signal is sent to the charging device as a start condition for the charging device to output charging to the battery pack; and the compartment activation signal is sent to the cooling device as a start condition for the cooling device to output liquid cooling to the battery pack.

[0007] Receive the connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment returned by the battery pack based on the compartment activation signal;

[0008] In response to the connection confirmation message, a set startup operation is executed; wherein, the startup operation includes a cooling control operation that controls the cooling device to perform liquid cooling output on the battery pack, and a charging control operation that controls the charging device to perform charging output on the battery pack.

[0009] Optionally, after sending the compartment activation signal to the battery pack, the charging device, and the cooling device, the method further includes:

[0010] The state of the detection signal is acquired at a set frequency;

[0011] When the state of the detection signal is the first state, a connection hold signal is sent to the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack;

[0012] When the detection signal is in the second state, the connection holding signal is stopped being sent to the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack, so as to trigger the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack to perform the set protection operation respectively.

[0013] Optionally, the battery pack undergoes a charging preparation process, including:

[0014] A second cooling pipe connects to the inside of the battery pack;

[0015] When the connection time of the second cooling pipeline reaches the set time, a charging request message and a battery information message are sent to the charging control device, and the second charging line inside the battery pack is connected; wherein, the charging request message is used to initiate the charging control operation.

[0016] Optionally, the step of performing a predefined startup operation in response to the connection confirmation message includes:

[0017] In response to the connection confirmation message, the cooling control operation is performed on the cooling device.

[0018] Receive the compartment cooling start message returned by the cooling device according to the cooling control operation;

[0019] In response to the charging request message and the compartment cooling start message, the charging control operation is performed on the charging device.

[0020] Optionally, performing the cooling control operation on the cooling device includes:

[0021] Send a compartment cooling request message corresponding to the first battery compartment to the cooling device to trigger the cooling device to start compartment cooling for the first battery compartment;

[0022] The cooling device for activating compartment cooling of the first battery compartment includes: responding to the compartment activation signal and the compartment cooling demand message, connecting the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment; after connecting the first cooling pipe, sending a compartment cooling activation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device, and outputting liquid cooling to the battery pack.

[0023] Optionally, performing the charging control operation on the charging device includes:

[0024] Send a charging request message for the first battery compartment and a battery information message to the charging device to trigger the charging device to start charging for the first battery compartment.

[0025] The charging device for activating compartment charging of the first battery compartment includes: responding to the compartment activation signal and the compartment charging request message, connecting to the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment; after connecting the first charging line, sending a compartment charging activation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device, and outputting charging to the battery pack according to the battery information message;

[0026] Receive the compartment charging start message sent by the charging device;

[0027] In response to the charging start message of the compartment, the charging status message sent by the battery pack is sent to the charging device for monitoring the charging process.

[0028] Optionally, after performing the set startup operation in response to the connection confirmation message, the method further includes:

[0029] Receive the charging end message sent by the battery pack;

[0030] The charging completion message is sent to the charging device and the cooling device to trigger the charging device to close the charging compartment of the first battery compartment and to trigger the cooling device to close the cooling compartment of the first battery compartment.

[0031] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a charging control method for a battery pack is also provided, the method being implemented by the battery pack, the method comprising:

[0032] The charging and swapping system receives a compartment activation signal sent by the charging and swapping system; wherein, the first battery compartment of the charging and swapping system that houses the battery pack is equipped with a positioning detection sensor, and when the detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor changes from a second state to a first state, the charging and swapping system outputs the compartment activation signal to the battery pack, wherein the first state indicates that there is a battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment, and the second state indicates that there is no battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment.

[0033] In response to the compartment activation signal, a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment is sent to the charging and swapping system to trigger the charging and swapping system to output liquid cooling and connect the second cooling pipe inside the battery pack to receive the liquid cooling output.

[0034] When the connection time of the second cooling pipeline reaches the set time, a charging request message is sent to the charging and swapping system, and the second charging line inside the battery pack is connected to receive the charging output of the charging and swapping system to the first battery compartment based on the charging request message.

[0035] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a charging control device for a battery pack is also provided, including a memory and a processor, the memory storing executable instructions for controlling the processor to operate in order to perform the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is also provided, comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing executable instructions for controlling the processor to operate in order to perform the method according to a second aspect of this disclosure; the battery pack further comprises a second charging interface, a second cooling interface, and a second communication interface for establishing a charging circuit with a charging / swapping system, wherein the second charging interface is for establishing a charging circuit between the battery pack and the charging / swapping system, the second cooling interface is for establishing a liquid cooling circuit between the battery pack and the charging / swapping system, and the second communication interface is for establishing a communication connection between the battery pack and the charging / swapping system.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a charging and swapping system is also provided, which includes a charging control device, a charging device, a cooling device, and a plurality of battery compartments for accommodating a battery pack according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure. The battery compartments are provided with a position detection sensor, a first charging interface corresponding to a second charging interface of the battery pack, a first cooling interface corresponding to a second cooling interface of the battery pack, and a first communication interface corresponding to a second communication interface of the battery pack.

[0038] The charging control device is connected to the charging device, the cooling device, the first communication interface, and the position detection sensor;

[0039] The first charging interface of the battery compartment is connected to the charging device through a corresponding first charging line; wherein, the first charging lines corresponding to the multiple battery compartments are independent of each other;

[0040] The first cooling interface of the battery compartment is connected to the cooling device through a corresponding first cooling line; wherein the first cooling lines corresponding to different battery compartments are independent of each other.

[0041] One beneficial effect of this embodiment is that, in the charging control method of this embodiment, each battery compartment of the charging and swapping system is equipped with an independent positioning detection sensor. The charging control device of the charging and swapping system receives the detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor and determines the state of the corresponding battery compartment based on the change of the detection signal, that is, determines whether there is a battery pack inserted in the corresponding battery compartment. Then, based on the change of the detection signal, the charging process for the battery pack in the corresponding battery compartment is automatically started, including the cooling process and the charging process, etc., thereby unlocking each battery compartment from each other, realizing independent control of plug-and-charge without user triggering, which is beneficial to improving charging and swapping efficiency and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of a charging and swapping system to which the charging control method of the present disclosure embodiment can be applied;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a charging control device according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a charging control method for a battery pack according to some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a charging control method for a battery pack according to other embodiments;

[0048] Figure 5 This is an interactive flowchart of a battery pack charging control method according to some other embodiments;

[0049] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a battery pack according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0051] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0052] Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the specification.

[0053] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0054] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0055] <Application Scenarios and Hardware Configuration>

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a charging and swapping system to which the charging control method of this disclosure embodiment can be applied. The charging and swapping system 100 can be applied as a whole to scenarios where replaced battery packs are charged at a battery swapping station.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the charging and swapping system 100 includes a charging control device 110, a charging device 120, a cooling device 130, and multiple battery compartments 140. The battery compartments 140 are used to house the battery pack 200. These battery compartments 140 can be formed in a cabinet to save space.

[0058] The charging control device 110 is connected to the charging device 120 and the cooling device 130 via wired or wireless means.

[0059] Each battery compartment 140 has a substantially identical configuration and is used in conjunction with the battery pack 200. The battery compartment 140 is equipped with a first connecting device 141 and a sensing device 142. The battery pack 200 is equipped with a second connecting device 241 corresponding to the first connecting device 141. Thus, when the battery pack 200 is inserted into the battery compartment 140, the first connecting device 141 and the second connecting device 241 connect accordingly, establishing a communication line between the battery pack 200 and the charging control device 110, a liquid cooling circuit between the battery pack 200 and the cooling device 130, and a charging circuit between the battery pack 200 and the charging device 120.

[0060] The sensing device 142 includes a positioning detection sensor, which outputs a detection signal. The state of this detection signal reflects whether a battery pack has been inserted into the corresponding battery compartment. The signal output terminal of the positioning detection sensor is connected to the signal input terminal of the charging control device 110 to output the detection signal to the charging control device 110. Different positioning detection sensors for different battery compartments correspond to different signal input terminals of the charging control device 110. In this way, the charging control device 110 can determine the state of the corresponding battery compartment 140 based on the state of the detection signals from different signal input terminals.

[0061] The first connecting device 141 mentioned above may include a first cooling interface 141a, which is connected to the cooling device 130 via a first cooling pipe. The cooling device 130 is equipped with a solenoid valve or other switch on the first cooling pipe. Here, the first cooling interface 141a should include a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The corresponding first cooling pipe may be equipped with an inlet solenoid valve and an outlet solenoid valve, and the on / off state of the solenoid valve is controlled by the cooling device 130. Correspondingly, the second connecting device 241 of the battery pack 200 may include a second cooling interface 241a corresponding to the first cooling interface 141a. The second cooling interface 241a is connected to a second cooling pipe inside the battery pack 200. The second cooling pipe may also be equipped with a solenoid valve, which is controlled by the battery management system (BMS) chip inside the battery pack. Thus, after the battery pack 200 is inserted into the battery compartment 140 and is in place, the first cooling interface 141a and the second cooling interface 241a will be connected accordingly, and the battery pack 200 and the cooling device 130 can establish a liquid cooling circuit through the first cooling interface 141a and the second cooling interface 241a.

[0062] The first connecting device 141 may further include a first charging interface 141b, which is connected to the charging device 120 via a first charging line. The charging device 120 has a contactor or other switch on the first charging line, and the switching state of the contactor is controlled by the charging device 120. This first charging line is a high-voltage line. Here, the first charging interface 141b should include a positive interface and a negative interface. Correspondingly, the second connecting device 241 of the battery pack 200 may include a second charging interface 241b corresponding to the first charging interface 141b. The second charging interface 241b is connected to the second charging line inside the battery pack 200. The battery pack may also have a contactor or other switch on the second charging line, which is controlled by the BMS. Thus, after the battery pack 200 is inserted into the battery compartment 140 and is in place, the first charging interface 141b and the second charging interface 241b will be connected accordingly, and the battery pack 200 and the charging device 120 can establish a charging circuit through the first charging interface 141b and the second charging interface 241b.

[0063] The first connecting device 141 may further include a first communication interface 141c, with the charging control device 110 connected to the first communication interface 141c. Correspondingly, the second connecting device 241 of the battery pack may include a second communication interface 241c corresponding to the first communication interface 141c, which is connected to the BMS. Thus, after the battery pack 200 is inserted into the battery compartment 140 and is in place, the first communication interface 141c and the second communication interface 241c will connect accordingly, and the battery pack 200 and the charging control device 110 can establish a communication connection through the first communication interface 141c and the second communication interface 241c.

[0064] The cooling device 130 of the battery swapping station has multiple outputs, which are connected to the first cooling interface of each battery compartment 140. The cooling device 130 can precisely control the opening of the solenoid valve on the first cooling pipe of each battery compartment 140 according to the instructions of the charging control device 110, so that the coolant can circulate in the battery pack 200 and achieve the purpose of exhausting the cooling circuit.

[0065] The charging device 120 provides multiple power outputs, with cables leading from the power distribution box to the first charging interface of the battery compartment 140. According to the instructions of the charging control device 110, the charging device 120 outputs charging current to the battery compartment 140 containing the battery pack 200, achieving multi-threaded operation.

[0066] To improve the accuracy of the fitting connection between the battery pack 200 and the battery compartment 140, the battery compartment 140 can be equipped with a guide plate and a limiting plate. The battery pack 200 can be inserted into an empty battery compartment 140 by an automated robotic arm or a manually operated forklift or other transfer equipment. At this time, the battery pack 200 will move along the guide plate in the battery compartment 140 until it contacts the limiting plate and triggers the positioning detection sensor. At this time, the battery pack 200 has been inserted into place, and the state of the detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor will change. The second connecting device 241 of the battery pack 200 will connect to the first connecting device 141 of the battery compartment 140, thereby enabling the battery pack 200 to establish a communication connection with the charging control device 110, establish a liquid cooling circuit with the cooling device 130, and establish a charging circuit with the charging device 120.

[0067] The charging control device 110 described above can be a local server, etc. The charging control device 110, charging device 120, and cooling device 130 can each be equipped with their own processor and memory. The processor is used to execute a computer program, which can be written using an instruction set of architectures such as x86, Arm, RISC, MIPS, SSE, etc. The memory 1200 includes, for example, ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory such as a hard disk. For any device 110, 120, or 130, its memory is used to store a computer program that controls its processor to operate and execute the charging control method according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can design this computer program according to the disclosed scheme. How the computer program controls the processor to operate is well known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the charging control device 110 may include a processor 1101 and a memory 1102, the memory 1102 being used to store a computer program for controlling the processor 1101 to operate in order to execute a charging control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Based on similar Figure 1 The present invention discloses a charging control scheme for a charging system 100 in which the charging control device 110 automatically starts the charging process for the battery pack after the battery pack is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0070] <First Method Implementation>

[0071] The first method embodiment is implemented by the charging control device of the charging and swapping system, for example by... Figure 1 The charging control device 110 is implemented in the middle.

[0072] Figure 3A flowchart of a charging control method for a charging / swapping system according to some embodiments is shown, followed by a description of a method by... Figure 1 The charging control device 110 in the embodiment executes the method of this embodiment for the first battery compartment among the plurality of battery compartments 140. The charging control method of this embodiment is described by way of example. The first battery compartment can be any one of the plurality of battery compartments 140.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the charging control method includes the following steps S310 to S340:

[0074] Step S310: Receive the detection signal output by the position detection sensor of the first battery compartment.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the detection signal is in the first state, it indicates that a battery pack 200 is inserted into the first battery compartment 140; when the detection signal is in the second state, it indicates that a battery pack 200 is not inserted into the first battery compartment 140. The position corresponding to "inserted into place" refers to the position that triggers the position detection sensor to change the state of the detection signal. This position corresponds precisely to the position where the second connecting device 241 of the battery pack 200 can connect to the first connecting device 141 of the first battery compartment 140.

[0076] In some examples, the positioning detection sensor can be a limit switch, and the corresponding detection signal is a switch signal. The first state can be a high-level state or a low-level state, and the second state is a level state opposite to the first state. The charging control device 110 can determine whether there is a battery pack 200 inserted in the first battery compartment 140 based on the level change of the detection signal.

[0077] In step S320, when the detection signal changes from the second state to the first state, a compartment activation signal is sent to the battery pack in the first battery compartment to trigger the battery pack to perform a set charging preparation operation; the compartment activation signal is sent to the charging device as a start condition for the charging device to output charging to the battery pack; and the compartment activation signal is sent to the cooling device as a start condition for the cooling device to output liquid cooling to the battery pack.

[0078] In step S320, when the detection signal changes from the second state to the first state, it indicates that the battery pack 200 has been inserted into the first battery compartment 140. At this time, the charging control device 110 sends a compartment activation signal for the first battery compartment to the battery pack 200, the charging device 120, and the cooling device 130. That is, the compartment activation signal can carry a compartment identifier corresponding to the first battery compartment. In this way, when the charging control device 110 interacts with the charging device 120 and the cooling device 130, the compartment identifier can be used to indicate the target of the message. When the charging control device 110 interacts with the battery pack 200, the compartment identifier can also be used to indicate the target of the message, thereby realizing independent control of the battery compartment.

[0079] Firstly, the compartment activation signal is used to trigger the battery pack 200 to perform a set charging preparation operation. That is, after receiving the compartment activation signal, the battery pack 200 will perform the charging preparation operation. The accurate charging operation includes, for example, connecting the second cooling pipe and connecting the second charging line, so as to do accurate work for charging.

[0080] In some examples, the battery pack 200 performs a charging preparation process, which may include the following steps: connecting a second cooling pipe inside the battery pack 200; and, when the connection time of the second cooling pipe reaches a set time, sending a charging request message and a battery information message to the charging control device 110, and connecting a second charging line inside the battery pack 200.

[0081] In these examples, the battery pack 200 can be connected to the second cooling pipe 200 by opening a switch such as a solenoid valve on the second cooling pipe 200.

[0082] In these examples, the battery pack 200 can connect the second charging line by engaging a switch such as a contactor on the second charging line.

[0083] The charging request message sent by the battery pack 200 is used to start the charging control device 110 to perform charging control operations, so as to control the charging device 120 to charge the battery pack 200.

[0084] In these examples, the battery pack 200 is first connected to the cooling pipe to allow the coolant to circulate and vent air. After a set interval, the second charging line is then connected, which is beneficial for the smooth cooling of the liquid and the charging process.

[0085] Secondly, the compartment activation signal is the starting condition for the charging device 120 to charge the battery pack 200. In other words, the charging device 120 will only start the charging process when it receives the compartment activation signal; otherwise, it will not output charging current to the first charging interface 141b of the first battery compartment 140.

[0086] Thirdly, the compartment activation signal is the starting condition for the cooling device 130 to output liquid cooling to the battery pack 200. In other words, the cooling device 130 will only start the cooling process when it receives the compartment activation signal; otherwise, it will not supply coolant to the first cooling interface 141a of the first battery compartment 140.

[0087] Step S330: Receive the connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment returned by the battery pack based on the compartment activation signal.

[0088] After receiving the compartment activation signal sent by the charging control device 110 in step S320, the battery pack 200 will return a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device 110. The battery pack 200's ability to receive this compartment activation signal indicates a reliable connection between the first communication interface 141c and the second communication interface 241c, and that the positioning detection sensor of the first battery compartment 140 has been triggered. This means that a reliable connection can also be established between the first cooling interface 141a and the second cooling interface 241a, and between the first charging interface 141b and the second charging interface 241b. Therefore, after receiving the compartment activation signal, the battery pack 200 can directly return a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device 110. This connection confirmation message can contain any content agreed upon by both parties, or it can be a data-content message sent to the charging control device 110, including basic information such as battery model, battery voltage, and remaining battery power.

[0089] Of course, after receiving the compartment activation signal, the battery pack 200 can also first detect whether each interface is connected through internal circuit settings, and after confirming that each interface is connected, return a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device 110. This is not limited here.

[0090] In step S340, in response to the connection confirmation message, the set startup operation is executed.

[0091] In step S340, the start-up operation includes a cooling control operation that controls the cooling device 130 to perform liquid cooling output on the battery pack 200, and a charging control operation that controls the charging device 120 to perform charging output on the battery pack 200.

[0092] In some examples, liquid venting can be performed before charging output, which facilitates the smooth progress of both the charging and cooling processes. In these examples, the pre-defined startup operation performed in step S340 in response to the connection confirmation message may include the following steps S3401 and S3402:

[0093] Step S3401: In response to the connection confirmation message, perform cooling control operation for the cooling device.

[0094] During the cooling control operation performed by the charging control device 110 on the cooling device 130, the cooling device 130 will return a compartment cooling start message to the charging control device 110 after connecting the first cooling pipe of the corresponding first battery compartment 140.

[0095] In some examples, the cooling control operation performed on the cooling device in step S3401 may include: sending a compartment cooling demand message corresponding to the first battery compartment to the cooling device to trigger the cooling device to start compartment cooling for the first battery compartment.

[0096] The cooling device 130 may activate compartment cooling for the first battery compartment 140 in response to a compartment activation signal and a compartment cooling request message sent by the charging control device 110, by connecting a first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment; and after connecting the first cooling pipe, by sending a compartment cooling activation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device 110 and by outputting liquid cooling to the battery pack 200.

[0097] After the cooling device 130 outputs liquid cooling to the battery pack, a coolant circulation channel can be formed between the cooling device 130 and the battery pack 200 to control the temperature of the battery pack 200 within the required range and prevent the battery pack 200 from overheating during charging.

[0098] Step S3402: Receive the compartment cooling start message returned by the cooling device according to the cooling control operation.

[0099] In step S3403, in response to the charging request message sent by the battery pack and the cooling start message sent by the cooling device for the compartment, a charging control operation is performed on the charging device.

[0100] The charging control operation includes controlling the charging device 120 to connect to the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment 140, and forwarding the charging status message provided by the battery pack 200 to the charging device 120.

[0101] During the charging control operation performed by the charging control device 110 on the charging device 120, the charging device 120 will connect to the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment 140 and return a compartment charging start message to the charging control device 110 corresponding to the first battery compartment 140. After receiving the compartment charging start message, the charging control device 110 can forward the charging status message sent by the battery pack 200 to the charging device 120, so that the charging device 120 can adjust the charging strategy according to the charging status message of the battery pack 200, thereby achieving the purpose of charging according to the needs of the battery pack 200.

[0102] In some examples, the charging control operation performed on the charging device in step S3403 may include the following steps S3403-1 to S3403-3:

[0103] Step S3403-1: Send a charging request message and a battery information message for the corresponding first battery compartment to the charging device to trigger the charging device to start charging for the first battery compartment.

[0104] The charging device 120 may initiate compartment charging for the first battery compartment by: responding to a compartment activation signal and a compartment charging request message sent by the charging control device 110, connecting a first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment; after connecting the first charging line, sending a compartment charging start message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device 110, and charging output to the battery pack 200 according to the battery information message sent by the charging control device 110.

[0105] The battery information message contains battery information such as battery model, total battery voltage, and remaining capacity, so that the charging device 120 can determine a charging strategy that is compatible with the battery pack 200 based on the battery information, such as determining the charging current based on the battery information.

[0106] Step S3403-2: Receive the charging start message for the compartment sent by the charging device.

[0107] Step S3403-3: In response to the charging start message of the compartment, the charging status message sent by the battery pack is sent to the charging device for charging process monitoring.

[0108] After receiving the charging start message, the charging control device 110 forwards the charging status message of the battery pack obtained through interaction with the battery pack 200 to the charging device 120 for monitoring the charging process, such as adjusting the charging strategy according to changes in the charging status of the battery pack. The charging status information involved in this charging status message may include remaining power, battery voltage, battery temperature, etc.

[0109] As can be seen from the above steps S310 to S340, in the charging control method of this embodiment, the charging control device can determine whether there is a battery pack inserted in the corresponding battery compartment based on the change of the detection signal output by the battery compartment positioning detection sensor, and then automatically start the charging process for the battery pack in the corresponding battery compartment, thereby unlocking each battery compartment to achieve independent control of plug-and-charge without user triggering, which is beneficial to improve charging and swapping efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

[0110] To improve the protection level of the battery pack 200 and the charging / swapping system 100, the status of the detection signal output by the position detection sensor can be monitored during the liquid cooling output and charging output of the battery pack 200 by the charging / swapping system 100, and a set protection operation can be executed when a change in the detection signal is detected. Therefore, in some embodiments, after sending the position activation signal to the battery pack 200, the charging device 120 and the cooling device 130 in step S320, the method may further include the following steps:

[0111] The state of the detection signal is acquired at a set frequency; when the state of the detection signal remains in the first state, a connection holding signal is sent to the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200; when the state of the detection signal is in the second state, the sending of the connection holding signal to the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200 is stopped, so as to trigger the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200 to perform the set protection operation respectively.

[0112] In these embodiments, when the detection signal remains in the first state, it indicates that the connection between the battery pack 200 and the first battery compartment 140 is normal, the coolant can circulate normally, and the charging current can be output normally. When the detection signal changes to the second state, it indicates that the battery pack 200 has deviated from the position that allows each interface to connect. If liquid cooling output and charging output continue at this time, it will cause coolant overflow and even cause electric shock hazard. Therefore, in this case, the charging control device will stop sending the connection holding signal to the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200. At this time, if the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200 have not received the connection holding signal sent by the charging control device 110 for a set time interval (corresponding to the set frequency above), they will each perform the set protection operation.

[0113] For the charging device 120, the protection operation may include disconnecting the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment, such as disconnecting the contactor on the first charging line.

[0114] For the cooling device 130, the protection operation may include disconnecting the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment, such as closing the solenoid valve on the first cooling pipe.

[0115] For the battery pack 200, the protection operation may include: disconnecting the internal second charging line and disconnecting the internal second cooling line, for example, disconnecting the contactor on the second charging line and closing the solenoid valve on the second cooling line.

[0116] In these embodiments, the charging control device 110 monitors the state of the detection signal and, when the state remains in the first state, sends a connection holding signal to the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200 at set time intervals. This enables the charging device 120, the cooling device 130, and the battery pack 200 to monitor the connection status between the battery pack 200 and the first battery compartment 140. Furthermore, when an abnormal connection is detected, a set protection operation is executed, thereby improving the protection level of the battery pack 200 and the charging and swapping system 100.

[0117] After the charging and swapping system 100 outputs liquid cooling and charging power to the battery pack 200, the battery pack 200 monitors its own charging status in real time. Upon completion of charging, it sends a charging completion message to the charging control device 110. At this time, the charging control device 100 can, based on the charging completion message, notify the charging device 120 to stop charging output and notify the cooling device 130 to stop liquid cooling output, thereby completing the entire charging process. Therefore, in some embodiments, after the above step S340 responds to the connection confirmation message and executes the set start operation, the method may further include: receiving the charging completion message sent by the battery pack 200; and sending the charging completion message to the charging device 120 to trigger the charging device 120 to charge the first battery compartment in the closed compartment, and sending the charging completion message to the cooling device 130 to trigger the cooling device 130 to cool the first battery compartment in the closed compartment.

[0118] <Second Method Implementation>

[0119] The second method embodiment is implemented using a battery pack. Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of a charging control method for a battery pack according to some embodiments is shown. Next, a method will be described using... Figure 1 Taking the charging and swapping system 100 shown charging the battery pack 200 as an example, the charging control method implemented by the battery pack 200 is explained.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, the charging control method includes the following steps S410 to S440:

[0121] Step S410: Receive the bay activation signal sent by the charging and swapping system.

[0122] The charging and swapping system 100 has a first battery compartment 140 for accommodating the battery pack 200 equipped with a positioning detection sensor. When the detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor changes from a second state to a first state, the charging and swapping system 100 outputs a compartment activation signal corresponding to the first battery compartment 140 to the battery pack 200. The first state indicates that there is a battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment, and the second state indicates that there is no battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment.

[0123] In step S420, in response to the compartment activation signal, a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment is sent to the charging and swapping system 100 to trigger the charging and swapping system 100 to output liquid cooling and connect the second cooling pipe inside the battery pack to receive the liquid cooling output.

[0124] In step S430, when the connection time of the second cooling pipe reaches the set time, a charging request message is sent to the charging and swapping system 100, and the second charging line inside the battery pack 200 is connected to receive the charging output of the charging and swapping system 100 to the first battery compartment 140 based on the charging request message.

[0125] In this embodiment, after connecting the second cooling pipe, the connection time of the second cooling pipe can be recorded so as to determine in step S430 whether the connection time has reached the set time.

[0126] <Example>

[0127] Figure 5 The passage according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 1 The diagram shows the interactive process of the charging and swapping system 100 charging the battery pack 200; wherein, the battery pack 200 is inserted into the first battery compartment 140 of the charging and swapping system 100, and the first battery compartment 140 can be any battery compartment of the charging and swapping system 100.

[0128] like Figure 5 As shown, the charging control method may include the following steps:

[0129] In step S5111, the charging control device 110 receives the detection signal output by the position detection sensor of the first battery compartment, and when the detection signal changes from the second state to the first state, it sends the position activation signal of the first battery compartment to the charging device 120, the cooling device 130 and the battery pack 200.

[0130] In step S5112, upon receiving a connection confirmation message from the battery pack 200, the charging control device 110 sends a compartment cooling demand message to the cooling device 130.

[0131] In step S5131, after receiving the activation signal and cooling demand message of the compartment, the cooling device 130 connects the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment, for example, by opening the inlet and outlet solenoid valves on the first cooling pipe and starting to output coolant to the first battery compartment.

[0132] In step S5132, after the cooling device 130 connects to the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment, it sends a compartment cooling start message to the control device 110.

[0133] In step S5201, after receiving the compartment activation signal, the battery pack 200 connects to the second cooling pipe inside the battery pack 200 to receive the coolant output from the cooling device 130. After the connection to the first cooling pipe reaches a set time, the battery pack 200 sends a charging request message to the control device 110 and connects to the second charging line inside the battery pack 200 to wait for charging.

[0134] In step S5113, when the charging control device 110 receives the compartment cooling start message sent by the cooling device 130 and the charging request message sent by the battery pack 200, it sends a charging demand message to the charging device 120.

[0135] In step S5121, when the charging device 120 receives the compartment activation signal and charging demand message sent by the charging control device 110, it connects the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment and sends a compartment charging start message back to the charging control device 110.

[0136] In step S5114, after receiving the compartment charging start message, the charging control device 110 sends a compartment charging start message to the battery pack 200.

[0137] In step S5202, after receiving the charging start message, the battery pack 200 sends a charging status message to the charging control device 110.

[0138] In step S5115, the charging control device 110 forwards the charging status message to the charging device 120.

[0139] In step S5122, the charging device 120 provides charging current to the battery pack 200 according to the charging status information in the charging status message.

[0140] In step S5203, after the battery pack 200 has completed charging, it sends a charging end message to the charging control device 110 and disconnects the internal second charging line and second cooling pipe.

[0141] In step S5116, the charging control device 110 sends a charging completion message to the charging device 120 and the cooling device 130.

[0142] In step S5123, after receiving the charging end message, the charging device 120 disconnects the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment and sends a compartment charging close message back to the charging control device 110.

[0143] In step S5133, after receiving the charging end message, the cooling device 130 disconnects the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment and sends a compartment cooling shutdown message back to the charging control device 110.

[0144] In step S5117, after receiving the compartment charging shutdown message and the compartment cooling shutdown message, the charging control device 110 detects that the detection signal has changed from the first state to the second state, and ends the processing of the battery pack 200 in the first battery compartment.

[0145] As can be seen from the above steps in this example, the charging control method of this embodiment can automatically and independently start the charging process for the battery pack inside each battery compartment, thereby unlocking each battery compartment from each other and realizing independent control of plug-and-charge without user triggering.

[0146] <Battery Pack Example>

[0147] This disclosure also provides a battery pack, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the battery pack 200 includes a memory 220 and a processor 210. The memory 220 stores a computer program that controls the processor 210 to operate in order to execute the method according to Method Embodiment 2.

[0148] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery pack 200 also includes a second charging interface 241b, a second cooling interface 241a, and a second communication interface 241c for establishing a charging circuit with the charging and swapping system 100. The second charging interface 241b is used for establishing a charging circuit between the battery pack 200 and the charging and swapping system 100. The second cooling interface 241a is used for establishing a liquid cooling circuit between the battery pack 200 and the charging and swapping system 100. The second communication interface 241c is used for establishing a communication connection between the battery pack 200 and the charging and swapping system 100.

[0149] This invention can be a system, method, and / or computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions loaded thereon for causing a processor to implement various aspects of the invention.

[0150] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example—but not limited to—electrical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, such as punch cards or recessed protrusions storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable storage media used herein are not to be construed as transient signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0151] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from computer-readable storage media to various computing / processing devices, or downloaded via a network, such as the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network, to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards them to the computer-readable storage media in the respective computing / processing device.

[0152] The computer program instructions used to perform the operations of this invention may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving a remote computer, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry, such as programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), is personalized by utilizing state information from the computer-readable program instructions. This electronic circuitry can execute the computer-readable program instructions to implement various aspects of the invention.

[0153] Various aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0154] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, they create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that causes a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to operate in a particular manner; thus, the computer-readable medium storing the instructions comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0155] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby causing the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to perform the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0156] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of an instruction, which contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. It is well known to those skilled in the art that implementation in hardware, implementation in software, and implementation using a combination of software and hardware are equivalent.

[0157] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging control method for a battery pack, characterized in that, The method is implemented by a charging control device of a charging and swapping system, which further includes a charging device, a cooling device, and multiple battery compartments for accommodating the battery pack. Each battery compartment is equipped with a positioning detection sensor. For a first battery compartment among the multiple battery compartments, the method includes: The system receives a detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor of the first battery compartment; wherein, when the detection signal is in a first state, it indicates that there is a battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment, and when the detection signal is in a second state, it indicates that there is no battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment. When the detection signal changes from the second state to the first state, a compartment activation signal is sent to the battery pack in the first battery compartment to trigger the battery pack to perform a set charging preparation operation; the compartment activation signal is sent to the charging device as a start condition for the charging device to output charging to the battery pack; and the compartment activation signal is sent to the cooling device as a start condition for the cooling device to output liquid cooling to the battery pack. Receive the connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment returned by the battery pack based on the compartment activation signal; In response to the connection confirmation message, a set startup operation is executed; wherein, the startup operation includes a cooling control operation that controls the cooling device to perform liquid cooling output on the battery pack, and a charging control operation that controls the charging device to perform charging output on the battery pack.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After sending the compartment activation signal to the battery pack, the charging device, and the cooling device, the method further includes: The state of the detection signal is acquired at a set frequency; When the state of the detection signal is the first state, a connection hold signal is sent to the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack; When the detection signal is in the second state, the connection holding signal is stopped being sent to the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack, so as to trigger the charging device, the cooling device, and the battery pack to perform the set protection operation respectively.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack undergoes a charging preparation process, including: A second cooling pipe connects to the inside of the battery pack; When the connection time of the second cooling pipeline reaches the set time, a charging request message and a battery information message are sent to the charging control device, and the second charging line inside the battery pack is connected; wherein, the charging request message is used to initiate the charging control operation.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of performing a predefined startup operation in response to the connection confirmation message includes: In response to the connection confirmation message, the cooling control operation is performed on the cooling device. Receive the compartment cooling start message returned by the cooling device according to the cooling control operation; In response to the charging request message and the compartment cooling start message, the charging control operation is performed on the charging device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The execution of the cooling control operation for the cooling device includes: Send a compartment cooling request message corresponding to the first battery compartment to the cooling device to trigger the cooling device to start compartment cooling for the first battery compartment; The cooling device for activating compartment cooling of the first battery compartment includes: responding to the compartment activation signal and the compartment cooling demand message, connecting the first cooling pipe corresponding to the first battery compartment; after connecting the first cooling pipe, sending a compartment cooling activation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device, and outputting liquid cooling to the battery pack.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The execution of the charging control operation for the charging device includes: Send a charging request message for the first battery compartment and a battery information message to the charging device to trigger the charging device to start charging for the first battery compartment. The charging device for activating compartment charging of the first battery compartment includes: responding to the compartment activation signal and the compartment charging request message, connecting to the first charging line corresponding to the first battery compartment; after connecting the first charging line, sending a compartment charging activation message for the first battery compartment to the charging control device, and outputting charging to the battery pack according to the battery information message; Receive the compartment charging start message sent by the charging device; In response to the charging start message of the compartment, the charging status message sent by the battery pack is sent to the charging device for monitoring the charging process.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After responding to the connection confirmation message and performing the set startup operation, the method further includes: Receive the charging end message sent by the battery pack; The charging completion message is sent to the charging device and the cooling device to trigger the charging device to close the charging compartment of the first battery compartment and to trigger the cooling device to close the cooling compartment of the first battery compartment.

8. A charging control method for a battery pack, characterized in that, Implemented by the battery pack, including: The charging and swapping system receives a compartment activation signal sent by the charging and swapping system; wherein, the first battery compartment of the charging and swapping system that houses the battery pack is equipped with a positioning detection sensor, and when the detection signal output by the positioning detection sensor changes from a second state to a first state, the charging and swapping system outputs the compartment activation signal to the battery pack, wherein the first state indicates that there is a battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment, and the second state indicates that there is no battery pack inserted in the first battery compartment. In response to the compartment activation signal, a connection confirmation message for the first battery compartment is sent to the charging and swapping system to trigger the charging and swapping system to output liquid cooling and connect the second cooling pipe inside the battery pack to receive the liquid cooling output. When the connection time of the second cooling pipeline reaches the set time, a charging request message is sent to the charging and swapping system, and the second charging line inside the battery pack is connected to receive the charging output of the charging and swapping system to the first battery compartment based on the charging request message.

9. A charging control device for a battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing executable instructions for controlling the processor to operate in order to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing executable instructions for controlling the processor to perform the method according to claim 8; the battery pack further includes a second charging interface, a second cooling interface, and a second communication interface for establishing a charging circuit with the charging and swapping system, wherein the second charging interface is for establishing a charging circuit between the battery pack and the charging and swapping system, the second cooling interface is for establishing a liquid cooling circuit between the battery pack and the charging and swapping system, and the second communication interface is for establishing a communication connection between the battery pack and the charging and swapping system.

11. A charging / swapping system, characterized in that, The device includes the charging control device, charging device, cooling device, and multiple battery compartments for accommodating the battery pack of claim 10, as described in claim 9. Each battery compartment is provided with a positioning detection sensor, a first charging interface corresponding to the second charging interface of the battery pack, a first cooling interface corresponding to the second cooling interface of the battery pack, and a first communication interface corresponding to the second communication interface of the battery pack. The charging control device is connected to the charging device, the cooling device, the first communication interface, and the position detection sensor; The first charging interface of the battery compartment is connected to the charging device through a corresponding first charging line; wherein, the first charging lines corresponding to the multiple battery compartments are independent of each other; The first cooling interface of the battery compartment is connected to the cooling device through a corresponding first cooling line; wherein the first cooling lines corresponding to different battery compartments are independent of each other.

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