Relay protection module, distribution box, battery pack and method, vehicle and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a relay protection module, a distribution box, a battery pack and method, a vehicle and a control method.The relay protection module is used for the battery pack, the battery pack is provided with a first battery pack and a second battery pack which are stacked, and the relay protection module comprises static contacts including a first static contact and a second static contact; the first static contact is used for being electrically connected with a first battery pack, and the second static contact is used for being electrically connected with a second battery pack; the movable contact can move and is provided with a first position and a second position, and the movable contact is in contact with the first static contact and the second static contact at the first position; and at the second position, the movable contact and at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact are arranged at an interval. According to the relay protection module, electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack can be achieved, the thermal runaway ignition speed is slowed down, the thermal runaway severity degree is reduced, and safety and reliability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a relay protection module, a distribution box, a battery pack and method, a vehicle and a control method. Background Art

[0002] In the related technologies, as the popularity of electric vehicles increases, people have higher and higher requirements for the range of electric vehicles. In order to improve the range and space utilization, the battery energy density is usually increased or the number of modules is increased, thus selecting double-layer modules. However, when one layer of the double-layer module experiences thermal runaway, the speed of thermal runaway fire is accelerated due to the series connection between the two layers of modules, further increasing the danger. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the serious problem of thermal runaway of stacked battery packs in the prior art, the present invention proposes a relay protection module.

[0004] The present invention also provides a distribution box, which includes the above-mentioned relay protection module.

[0005] In order to solve the serious problem of thermal runaway of stacked battery packs in the prior art, the present invention also proposes a distribution box.

[0006] The present invention also provides a battery pack, which includes the above-mentioned distribution box.

[0007] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a battery pack, wherein the battery pack is the battery pack mentioned above.

[0008] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising the above-mentioned battery pack.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is the above-mentioned vehicle.

[0010] A relay protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a battery pack, which has a first battery group and a second battery group arranged in a stacked manner, and the relay protection module includes: a static contact, which includes a first static contact and a second static contact, the first static contact is used to electrically connect to the first battery group, and the second static contact is used to electrically connect to the second battery group; a moving contact, which is movable and has a first position and a second position, in the first position, the moving contact is in contact with both the first static contact and the second static contact; in the second position, the moving contact is spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact.

[0011] According to the relay protection module of the embodiment of the present invention, the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact is controlled to be in contact with or spaced apart from the static contact. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, thereby achieving electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0012] In addition, the relay protection module according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0013] In some embodiments, the relay protection module further includes: a shell, at least parts of the first static contact and the second static contact are disposed in the shell, and the movable contact is movably disposed in the shell.

[0014] In some embodiments, the relay protection module also includes: a driving member, which is connected to the moving contact and is used to drive the moving contact to move; a second control board, which is arranged in the shell, and the second control board is electrically connected to the driving member and is used to control the driving member to drive the moving contact to move.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first temperature sensor is provided on at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact, and the first temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the first static contact or the second static contact. The first temperature sensor is connected to the second control board, and the second control board is configured to control the driving member to drive the moving contact to move according to information from the first temperature sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact includes a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a bending portion connected in sequence, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged in parallel, the first connection portion is connected to the first battery pack or the second battery pack, when the moving contact is located at the first position, the second connection portion is in contact with the moving contact, and the first temperature sensor is arranged between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first connection portion is located outside the shell, the second connection portion is located inside the shell, and along the length direction of the relay protection module, the length of the first connection portion is greater than the length of the second connection portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the relay protection module also includes: a second temperature sensor, which is arranged on the outer wall of the shell, and the second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the second control board for detecting the gas temperature at the location of the relay protection module in the battery pack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the relay protection module further includes: an air pressure sensor, wherein the air pressure sensor is disposed in the housing, and the air pressure sensor is electrically connected to the second control board.

[0020] In some embodiments, the relay protection module further includes: a gas sensor, wherein the gas sensor is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to the second control board.

[0021] In some embodiments, an air intake grille is disposed on the shell, and the gas sensor is disposed inside the air intake grille and opposite to the air intake grille.

[0022] The present invention also provides a distribution box having the above embodiment.

[0023] According to the distribution box of the embodiment of the present invention, by being provided with the above-mentioned relay protection module, the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact is controlled to be in contact with or spaced apart from the static contact. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, thereby realizing the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0024] In addition, the distribution box according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0025] In some embodiments, the distribution box further includes: a first control board, the relay protection module further includes a driving member, the driving member is connected to the moving contact and is used to drive the moving contact to move, and the first control board is connected to the driving member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the relay protection module includes a second control board, the second control board is connected to the first control board, the driving element is directly connected to the second control board and indirectly connected to the first control board, the first control board is the main control board, and the second control board is the slave control board.

[0027] A distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a battery pack, the battery pack having a first battery group and a second battery group arranged in a stacked manner, the distribution box comprising: a relay protection unit, the relay protection unit comprising a static contact and a moving contact, the static contact comprising a first static contact and a second static contact, the first static contact and the second static contact being electrically connected to the first battery group and the second battery group, respectively, the moving contact being movable and having a first position and a second position, in the first position, the moving contact is in contact with both the first static contact and the second static contact, and in the second position, the moving contact is spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact.

[0028] According to the distribution box of the embodiment of the present invention, the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact is controlled to be in contact with or spaced apart from the static contact. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, thereby realizing the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0029] In addition, the distribution box according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0030] In some embodiments, the distribution box further includes: a first control board, and the relay protection unit further includes a driving member, and the driving member is connected to the moving contact and the first control board for driving the moving contact to move.

[0031] In some embodiments, the relay protection unit also includes a second control board, which is connected to the first control board, the driving element is directly connected to the second control board and indirectly connected to the first control board, the first control board is a main control board, and the second control board is a slave control board.

[0032] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first battery group and a second battery group, wherein the first battery group and the second battery group are stacked; and the above-mentioned distribution box.

[0033] According to the battery pack of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned distribution box, the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery group and the second battery group arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact and the static contact are controlled to be in contact or spaced arrangement. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, realize the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery group and the second battery group, slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0034] According to the control method of the battery pack of an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack is the battery pack mentioned above, and the control method includes: obtaining the environmental parameters in the battery pack; determining that the environmental parameters exceed the preset environmental parameter values; and controlling the moving contact to move to the second position.

[0035] According to the control method of the battery pack of an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack is the battery pack mentioned above, which is electrically connected to the first battery group and the second battery group arranged in a stacked manner through the first static contact and the second static contact respectively, and the moving contact is controlled to contact or be spaced apart with the static contact. It can realize electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery group and the second battery group on the basis of increasing energy density, improving space utilization and cruising range of the battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0036] In addition, the control method of the battery pack according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0037] In some embodiments, the environmental parameter includes the gas temperature T around the distribution box, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes: determining that the gas temperature T around the distribution box exceeds the set temperature T0 or the rate of change ΔT of the gas temperature around the distribution box exceeds the set temperature change rate ΔT0.

[0038] In some embodiments, the environmental parameter includes the pressure P inside the battery pack, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: determining that the pressure P inside the battery pack exceeds a set pressure P0 or that the rate of change ΔP of the pressure P inside the battery pack exceeds a set pressure change rate ΔP0.

[0039] In some embodiments, the environmental parameter includes a hydrogen content H in the battery pack, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: determining that the hydrogen content H in the battery pack exceeds a set hydrogen content H0.

[0040] In some embodiments, the environmental parameters include the gas temperature T around the distribution box, the pressure P in the battery pack and the hydrogen content H in the battery pack, the battery pack has a thermal runaway level, and the thermal runaway level M is: M=K1×XT+K2×XP+K3×XH; wherein, K1, K2 and K3 are temperature coefficient, pressure coefficient and hydrogen coefficient, respectively, XT is the voltage corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box, XP is the voltage corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack, XH is the voltage corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes: determining that the thermal runaway level M exceeds the preset level M0.

[0041] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: obtaining a contact temperature T1 of at least one of the first static contact and the second static contact; determining that the contact temperature T1 exceeds a preset contact temperature T2; and controlling the moving contact to move to the second position.

[0042] In some embodiments, the distribution box further includes a second control board, and the second control board is used to receive signals and control the movement of the moving contact.

[0043] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the above embodiment.

[0044] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned battery pack, the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact and the static contact are controlled to be in contact or spaced arrangement. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, thereby achieving electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0045] According to the vehicle control method of an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is the above-mentioned vehicle, and the control method includes: obtaining a disconnection instruction of the first battery pack and the second battery pack; and controlling the moving contact to move to the second position.

[0046] According to the vehicle control method of an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is the above-mentioned vehicle, and the first static contact and the second static contact are electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact and the static contact are controlled to be in contact or spaced relationship. This can increase the energy density, improve the space utilization rate and the cruising range of the battery pack, thereby achieving electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0047] In addition, the vehicle control method according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0048] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes an airbag assembly, the distribution box also includes a second control board, the second control board is communicatively connected to the airbag assembly, and the disconnection instruction includes: the airbag assembly receives a collision signal.

[0049] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a vehicle controller, and the disconnect instruction includes: obtaining a signal to shut down the vehicle through the vehicle controller.

[0050] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a relay protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 is an exploded view from an angle of a relay protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 is an exploded view from another angle of the relay protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 is an electrical architecture diagram of a relay protection module and a first battery pack and a second battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 is an electrical architecture diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a control method for a distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Fig.12 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Fig.13 is a three-dimensional diagram of a distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Fig.14 is a three-dimensional view of a distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention at an angle, wherein the housing is not shown;

[0066] Fig.15 is a three-dimensional view from another angle of a distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing is not shown;

[0067] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0068] Reference numerals:

[0069] 1000, battery pack;

[0070] 100. Distribution box;

[0071] 10. Relay protection module;

[0072] 1. Shell; 11. Shell body; 111. Air intake grille; 112. Upper cover; 113. Base; 114. Fixing groove; 12. Protective cover;

[0073] 2. static contact; 21. first static contact; 211. first temperature sensor; 22. second static contact; 221. first connection part; 222. second connection part; 223. bending part;

[0074] 3. Moving contact;

[0075] 4. Second control board; 41. Low voltage control interface;

[0076] 5. Air pressure sensor;

[0077] 6. Gas sensor; 61. First grid;

[0078] 7. Driving parts;

[0079] 8. A second temperature sensor;

[0080] 20. Fuse;

[0081] 30. First battery pack; 301. First total current input pole; 302. First total current output pole;

[0082] 40, second battery pack; 401, second current total output pole; 402, second current total input pole;

[0083] 91. First control board; 92. Airbag assembly; 93. Current transformer; 94. High-voltage monitoring module; 95. Main negative relay; 96. Main positive relay; 97. Pre-charge relay; 98. Pre-charge resistor; 99. Casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0085] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0086] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0087] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0088] The relay protection module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the relay protection module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a battery pack 1000, and the battery pack 1000 has a first battery group 30 and a second battery group 40 arranged in a stacked manner. The first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are connected in series, and the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 each include a plurality of battery cells. The stacking of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can increase the number of battery cells, increase the energy density of the battery pack 1000, improve the space utilization of the battery pack 1000, and thereby improve the cruising range.

[0090] In a specific example, the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 are arranged in a height direction of the relay protection module 10 (see the attached Figure 1 The first battery pack 30 is stacked in the up-down direction (as shown in the figure), and the second battery pack 40 is located on the upper side.

[0091] Optionally, the battery cell can be a short battery cell or a long battery cell. It should be noted that short battery cells and long battery cells have clear definitions in this field. A short battery cell is a battery cell whose length does not exceed a first preset value, and a long battery cell is a battery cell whose length exceeds a second preset value. The above-mentioned first preset value and second preset value may be equal or unequal, and even the first preset value may be greater than the second preset value. Exemplarily, the length of a short battery cell may be 400mm-900mm, and the length of a long battery cell may be 600mm-1200mm.

[0092] For example, the multiple battery cells of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can be arranged in a single row, and the length of each battery cell can be 600mm-1200mm, that is, each battery cell can be a long battery cell to increase the arrangement density of the battery cells; the multiple battery cells of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can also be arranged in multiple rows, and the length of each battery cell can be 400mm-900mm, that is, each battery cell can be a short battery cell, and the multiple rows of battery cells located in the first battery group 30 or the second battery group 40 are arranged side by side to increase the arrangement density of the battery cells.

[0093] It should be noted that the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 may be modules or module-free battery packs using CTP (module-free power battery pack) technology.

[0094] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the relay protection module 10 includes a static contact 2 and a moving contact 3, the static contact 2 includes a first static contact 21 and a second static contact 22, the first static contact 21 is used to electrically connect to the first battery pack 30, and the second static contact 22 is used to electrically connect to the second battery pack 40, the moving contact 3 is movable and has a first position and a second position, in the first position, the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 is connected to the first static contact 21, the first battery pack 30, the second static contact 22 and the second battery pack 40; in the second position, the moving contact 3 is spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 is disconnected from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22.

[0095] It should be noted that when the moving contact 3 is in the second position, the moving contact 3 can be spaced apart from the first static contact 21 only and in contact with the second static contact 22; it can also be spaced apart from the second static contact 22 only and in contact with the first static contact 21; it can also be spaced apart from both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22.

[0096] It can be understood that when the relay protection module 10 receives a high-level signal (typical value 5V), the moving contact 3 is controlled to move to the first position in the direction close to the static contact 2, and the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22. The moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are closed, and the first battery group 30, the first static contact 21, the moving contact 3, the second static contact 22 and the second battery group 40 are connected to achieve the electrical connection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40; when the relay protection module 10 receives a low-level signal (typical value 0V), the moving contact 3 is controlled to move to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, and the moving contact 3 is spaced from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are disconnected, and the electrical connection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 is actively disconnected. When thermal runaway or electrolyte leakage occurs, a current loop cannot be formed, which can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0097] It should be noted that the relay protection module 10 of the embodiment of the present invention can be flexibly arranged according to the space in the battery pack 1000, has no direct impact on the structural assembly of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40, and is easy to implement.

[0098] According to the relay protection module 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the stacked first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to be in contact with or spaced apart from the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density and improving the space utilization and cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the relay protection module 10 also includes a shell 1, at least part of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are arranged in the shell 1, and the moving contact 3 is movably arranged in the shell 1. The shell 1 can protect the internal structure of the relay protection module 10 to prevent the internal structure of the relay protection module 10 from being damaged during assembly or transportation, thereby ensuring the reliability and safety of the relay protection module 10 and improving the safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the relay protection module 10 also includes a driving member 7 and a second control board 4, and the driving member 7 is connected to the moving contact 3 to drive the moving contact 3 to move. It can be understood that when the relay protection module 10 receives a high-level signal (typical value 5V), the driving member 7 drives the moving contact 3 to move to the first position in the direction close to the static contact 2, and the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 is closed with the static contact 2, and the first battery pack 30, the first static contact 21, the moving contact 3, the second static contact 22 and the second battery pack 40 are connected, so as to realize the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40; when the relay protection module 10 receives a low-level signal When the signal (typical value is 0V), the driving voltage of the driving member 7 is disconnected, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2. The moving contact 3 is spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are disconnected, and the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 is actively disconnected. When thermal runaway or electrolyte leakage occurs, a current loop cannot be formed, which can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0101] Further, see Attachment Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the second control board 4 is arranged in the housing 1, and the second control board 4 can be used to receive and transmit the data in the relay protection module 10 and analyze and process it, so as to obtain the relevant parameters of the relay protection module 10 in time and take corresponding measures. Figure 3 As shown, the second control board 4 is electrically connected to the driving member 7, and is used to control the driving member 7 to drive the moving contact 3 to move. It can be understood that the second control board 4 can receive a high-level signal or a low-level signal, drive the driving member 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driving member 7, thereby controlling the closing and disconnection between the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and further realizing the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40.

[0102] Further, in conjunction with the reference Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the shell 1 includes a shell body 11 and a protective cover 12, the moving contact 3 and the driving member 7 are arranged in the shell body 11, at least a part of the static contact 2 is arranged in the shell body 11, the protective cover 12 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the shell body 11 by fasteners, and a protective cavity is defined between the protective cover 12 and the outer peripheral wall of the shell body 11. The second control board 4 is arranged in the protective cavity. The protective cover 12 can protect the second control board 4 and separate the second control board 4 from the static contact 2, the moving contact 3 and the driving member 7 to ensure the reliability of the second control board 4.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 is provided with a first temperature sensor 211, and the first temperature sensor 211 is used to detect the temperature of the first static contact 21 or the second static contact 22. The first temperature sensor 211 is connected to the second control board 4, and the second control board 4 is configured to control the driving member 7 to drive the moving contact 3 to move according to the information of the first temperature sensor 211. When the first temperature sensor 211 detects that the temperature of the first static contact 21 or the second static contact 22 is too high, the voltage signal formed by the overtemperature is sent to the second control board 4, and the second control board 4 shuts off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, which can prevent the static contact 2 from sintering due to overheating, avoid functional failure, and improve functional stability.

[0104] It should be noted that, the first temperature sensor 211 may be provided only on the first static contact 21, and the first temperature sensor 211 is used to detect the temperature of the first static contact 21; the first temperature sensor 211 may be provided only on the second static contact 22, and the first temperature sensor 211 is used to detect the temperature of the second static contact 22; or the first temperature sensor 211 may be provided on both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the two first temperature sensors 211 are used to detect the temperature of the first static contact 21 and the temperature of the second static contact 22, respectively.

[0105] Preferably, the first temperature sensor 211 is a temperature-sensitive element NTC, which can detect the temperature of the first static contact 21 or the second static contact 22 in real time.

[0106] It should be noted that a sintering detection line is also provided on the relay protection module 10. The sintering detection line is the most basic detection protection of the relay protection module 10. It can provide timely feedback on whether sintering has occurred and determine the current safety level. The setting of the first temperature sensor 211 can further optimize the relay protection module 10 for sintering detection. By real-time monitoring the temperature of the static contact 2, a signal is emitted when the static contact 2 is overheated, and the power is adjusted to avoid sintering, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the relay protection module 10, so that the relay protection module 10 can continue to be used after inspection and maintenance, thereby extending the service life of the relay protection module 10 and reducing the use cost of the relay protection module 10.

[0107] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown in the attached reference Figure 1 and attached Figure 4 At least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 includes a first connection part 221, a second connection part 222 and a bending part 223 connected in sequence, the first connection part 221 and the second connection part 222 are arranged in parallel, the first connection part 221 is connected to the first battery pack 30 or the second battery pack 40, when the moving contact 3 is in the first position, the second connection part 222 contacts the moving contact 3, which can facilitate the contact between the second connection part 222 and the moving contact 3, improve the reliability of the connection between the static contact 2 and the moving contact 3, and ensure the stability of the circuit, the first temperature sensor 211 is arranged between the first connection part 221 and the second connection part 222, which can improve the accuracy and real-time performance of the first temperature sensor 211 in detecting the temperature of the static contact 2, further prevent the static contact 2 from sintering due to overheating, improve the reliability of the relay protection module 10, and extend the service life of the relay protection module 10.

[0108] Further, in conjunction with the reference Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As shown, the first connection portion 221 is located outside the housing 1, and the second connection portion 222 is located inside the housing 1, along the length direction of the relay protection module 10 (refer to the attached Figure 2 In the direction a shown in the figure, the length of the first connecting part 221 is greater than the length of the second connecting part 222, which can better electrically connect with the first battery pack 30 or the second battery pack 40, improve the reliability of the connection between the static contact 2 and the first battery pack 30 or the second battery pack 40, and ensure the stability of the circuit.

[0109] In a specific example, see the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 each include a first connection portion 221, a second connection portion 222 and a bending portion 223 connected in sequence. The first connection portion 221 of the first static contact 21 is connected to the first battery pack 30, and the first connection portion 221 of the second static contact 22 is connected to the second battery pack 40.

[0110] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Fig.16 As shown, the relay protection module 10 also includes a second temperature sensor 8, which is arranged on the outer wall of the shell 1. The second temperature sensor 8 is electrically connected to the second control board 4 and is used to detect the gas temperature at the location of the relay protection module 10 in the battery pack 1000. During the use of the battery pack 1000, if needle puncture, stone strike or collision deformation occurs, the battery cell short-circuit and heat up, and high-temperature and high-pressure gas is formed inside the battery pack 1000 in a short time. After the second temperature sensor 8 detects the gas temperature in the battery pack 1000, it compares it with the temperature threshold and identifies the temperature change rate, forms a voltage signal and sends it to the second control board 4. The second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0111] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 2 and attached Fig.16 As shown, a fixing groove 114 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the shell 1, and the second temperature sensor 8 is arranged in the fixing groove 114. The fixing groove 114 plays a role in positioning and fixing the second temperature sensor 8, which facilitates the assembly of the second temperature sensor 8.

[0112] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the relay protection module 10 also includes an air pressure sensor 5, which is arranged in the shell 1. The air pressure sensor 5 is electrically connected to the second control board 4 and is used to detect the air pressure at the position of the relay protection module 10 in the battery pack 1000. After the battery pack 1000 is sealed, the air pressure in the battery pack 1000 is within a normal range. During the use of the battery pack 1000, if needle puncture, stone strike or collision deformation occurs, the battery cell short-circuit and heat up, and the air pressure inside the battery pack 1000 changes rapidly, the air pressure sensor 5 forms a voltage signal after identification and sends it to the second control board 4. The second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0113] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the shell body 11 includes an upper cover 112 and a base 113, and the upper cover 112 and the base 113 are arranged and connected in the height direction of the relay protection module 10. An installation cavity is defined between the upper cover 112 and the base 113. At least part of the static contact 2 is located in the installation cavity. The moving contact 3 is in the installation cavity and is movable along the height direction of the relay protection module 10. When the moving contact 3 moves to the second position, the moving contact 3 overlaps with the side of the base 113 facing the upper cover 112. The driving member 7 is arranged in the base 113. The air pressure sensor 5 is arranged in the installation cavity and supported on the base 113. The air pressure sensor 5 is connected to the base 113 by fasteners.

[0114] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the relay protection module 10 also includes a gas sensor 6, which is arranged in the shell 1. The gas sensor 6 is electrically connected to the second control board 4 and is used to detect the hydrogen content in the battery pack 1000. During the use of the battery pack 1000, if needle puncture, stone impact or collision deformation occurs, the electrolyte leaked from the battery cell evaporates or chemically reacts to produce hydrogen and other gases. After identification, the gas sensor 6 forms a voltage signal and sends it to the second control board 4. The second control board 4 shuts off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0115] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As shown, the housing 1 is provided with an air intake grille 111, and the gas sensor 6 is arranged inside the air intake grille 111 and opposite to the air intake grille 111, so that the gas can pass through the air intake grille 111 and directly enter the gas sensor 6, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of the gas sensor 6 in identifying the gas, and further improving the safety and reliability. Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, a first grille 61 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the gas sensor 6, and at least a portion of the first grille 61 is arranged opposite to the air intake grille 111. A gas sensor chip is provided inside the gas sensor 6. The gas in the battery pack 1000 can enter the relay protection module 10 through the air intake grille 111, and then enter the gas sensor 6 through the first grille 61 to be sensed by the gas sensor chip.

[0116] The present invention further provides a distribution box 100 having the relay protection module 10 of the above embodiment.

[0117] According to the distribution box 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, by being provided with the above-mentioned relay protection module 10, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to be in contact with or spaced from the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density, improving the space utilization and the cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and attached Fig.15 As shown, the distribution box 100 also includes a first control board 91, which is used to collect various data in the battery pack 1000. The relay protection module 10 also includes a driver 7, which is connected to the moving contact 3 and is used to drive the moving contact 3 to move. The first control board 91 is connected to the driver 7. The first control board 91 sends a high-level signal or a low-level signal to drive the driver 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driver 7.

[0119] It should be noted that the driver 7 may be directly connected to the first control board 91 , and a high level signal or a low level signal may be sent through the first control board 91 to drive the driver 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driver 7 .

[0120] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the relay protection module 10 includes a second control board 4, which can be used to collect and transmit data in the relay protection module 10 and analyze and process it, so as to obtain relevant parameters of the relay protection module 10 in a timely manner and take corresponding measures. Fig.14 and attached Fig.15 As shown, the second control board 4 is connected to the first control board 91, the driving component 7 is directly connected to the second control board 4 and indirectly connected to the first control board 91, the first control board 91 is the main control board, and the second control board 4 is the slave control board, so that the data collected by the second control board 4 can be transmitted to the first control board 91, and a high level signal or a low level signal can be sent to the second control board 4 through the first control board 91 to drive the driving component 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driving component 7.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of battery cell collectors are provided on the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40, which are used to collect voltage and temperature points of multiple battery cells and transmit the data to the distribution box 100. If data abnormality or data loss occurs during the collection process, the abnormality can be identified in time, and it can be analyzed and determined whether the thermal runaway point is located in the first battery group 30 or the second battery group 40.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig.14 and attached Fig.15 As shown, the distribution box 100 is provided with a fuse 20 and a fuse maintenance compartment. The fuse 20 serves as an insurance. The fuse 20 is arranged in the fuse maintenance compartment. The fuse maintenance compartment includes a maintenance compartment cover and a fixed bracket. The fixed bracket is used to support and fix the fuse 20. The maintenance compartment cover can facilitate the maintenance and replacement of the fuse 20. When replacing the fuse 20, the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be disconnected by the relay protection module 10, so as to increase the safety and reliability of after-sales maintenance and improve the maintenance efficiency of the distribution box 100. In addition, by providing a sintering detection line, it can be timely known when the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are sintered, and the situation of high-voltage arcing when replacing the fuse 20 is completely avoided.

[0123] It should be noted that the reference Fig.13 As shown, the distribution box 100 has a housing 99, which can protect the internal structure of the distribution box 100, prevent the internal structure of the distribution box 100 from being damaged during assembly or transportation, and ensure the reliability and safety of the distribution box 100. Fig.13 and attached Fig.14As shown, the relay protection module 10, the first control board 91 and the fuse 20 are arranged in the shell 99, and the shell 99 also includes a current transformer 93, a high-voltage monitoring module 94, a main negative relay 95, a main positive relay 96, a pre-charge relay 97 and a pre-charge resistor 98. The high-voltage monitoring module 94 is electrically connected to the first control board 91 and is welded to the current transformer 93. The voltage and current in the circuit can be monitored by the current transformer 93 to make corresponding judgments, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1000. The pre-charge relay 97 is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor 98 and then connected in parallel with the main positive relay 96.

[0124] In such Figure 4 In the example shown, the first total current input pole 301 of the first battery group 30 is electrically connected to the first static contact 21, the first total current output pole 302 is connected to the main positive relay 96, the second total current output pole 401 of the second battery group 40 is electrically connected to the second static contact 22, and the second total current input pole 402 is connected to the main negative relay 95.

[0125] It is understandable that, referring to the Fig.14 and attached Fig.15 As shown, the current flows from the negative electrode of the battery pack 1000 into the current transformer 93, and the high-voltage monitoring module 94 monitors the voltage and current of the loop in real time. The current flows from the second current total input electrode 402 of the second battery pack 40 into the second battery pack 40 through the main negative relay 95 to power the battery cells of the second battery pack 40, and then flows from the second current total output electrode 401 of the second battery pack 40 to the second static contact 22. When the moving contact 3 is in the first position, the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, connecting the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22. The contact 21 and the second static contact 22 allow the current to flow into the first battery pack 30 from the first current total input pole 301 of the first battery pack 30 through the first static contact 21 to power the battery cells of the first battery pack 30, and then flow from the first current total output pole 302 of the first battery pack 30 to the main positive relay 96. The current flowing out of the first current total output pole 302 of the first battery pack 30 can also flow to the branch in series of the pre-charging relay 97 and the pre-charging resistor 98, and finally flow out from the positive pole of the battery pack 1000 through the fuse 20.

[0126] The present invention also provides a distribution box 100 .

[0127] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the distribution box 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used for a battery pack 1000, and the battery pack 1000 has a first battery group 30 and a second battery group 40 arranged in a stacked manner, and the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are connected in series. The stacking of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can increase the number of cells, increase the energy density of the battery pack 1000, improve the space utilization of the battery pack 1000, and thus improve the driving range. In a specific example, the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are stacked in the height direction of the relay protection module 10, and the first battery group 30 is located on the upper side of the second battery group 40.

[0128] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 3 As shown, the distribution box 100 includes a relay protection unit, which includes a static contact 2 and a moving contact 3. The static contact 2 includes a first static contact 21 and a second static contact 22. The first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 respectively. The moving contact 3 is movable and has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 is connected to the first static contact 21, the first battery group 30, the second static contact 22 and the second battery group 40. In the second position, the moving contact 3 is spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and the moving contact 3 is disconnected from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22.

[0129] It can be understood that when the relay protection unit receives a high-level signal sent by the first control board 91, the moving contact 3 moves to the first position in the direction close to the static contact 2, the moving contact 3 contacts both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are closed, the first battery group 30, the first static contact 21, the moving contact 3, the second static contact 22 and the second battery group 40 are connected, and the electrical connection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 is realized; when the relay protection module 10 receives a low-level signal sent by the first control board 91, the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, the moving contact 3 is spaced from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are disconnected, and the electrical connection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 is actively disconnected, which can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0130] It should be noted that the relay protection module 10 includes a shell 1, which can accommodate components inside the relay protection module 10, so that the relay protection module 10 forms an independent individual, which can well protect the internal structure of the relay protection module 10, simplify the assembly process of the distribution box 100, and facilitate the assembly of the relay protection module 10 into the distribution box 100; while the relay protection unit does not have a shell and is not a separate module. The distribution of the relay protection unit in the distribution box 100 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the assembly flexibility is higher.

[0131] According to the distribution box 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the stacked first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to contact or be spaced with the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density and improving the space utilization and cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0132] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and attached Fig.15 As shown, the distribution box 100 also includes a first control board 91, which is used to collect various data in the battery pack 1000. The relay protection unit also includes a driver 7, which is connected to the moving contact 3 and the first control board 91 and is used to drive the moving contact 3 to move. The first control board 91 sends a high-level signal or a low-level signal to drive the driver 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driver 7.

[0133] It should be noted that the driver 7 may be directly connected to the first control board 91 , and a high level signal or a low level signal may be sent through the first control board 91 to drive the driver 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driver 7 .

[0134] It can be understood that when the relay protection unit receives a high-level signal sent by the first control board 91, the driving member 7 drives the moving contact 3 to move to the first position in the direction close to the static contact 2, and the moving contact 3 is in contact with both the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, the moving contact 3 is closed with the static contact 2, and the first battery pack 30, the first static contact 21, the moving contact 3, the second static contact 22 and the second battery pack 40 are connected, so as to realize the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40; when the relay protection module 10 receives a low-level signal sent by the first control board 91, the driving voltage of the driving member 7 is disconnected, the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, the moving contact 3 is spaced from at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, the moving contact 3 is disconnected from the static contact 2, and the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 is actively disconnected, which can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the relay protection unit also includes a second control board 4, which can be used to collect and transmit data in the relay protection module 10 and analyze and process it, so as to obtain relevant parameters of the relay protection module 10 in a timely manner and take corresponding measures. Further, the second control board 4 is connected to the first control board 91, the driving member 7 is directly connected to the second control board 4 and indirectly connected to the first control board 91, the first control board 91 is the main control board, and the second control board 4 is the slave control board, so that the data collected by the second control board 4 can be transmitted to the first control board 91, and a high level signal or a low level signal can be sent to the second control board 4 through the first control board 91 to drive the driving member 7 or disconnect the driving voltage of the driving member 7.

[0136] The present invention also provides a battery pack 1000 having the distribution box 100 of the above embodiment.

[0137] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 As shown, the battery pack 1000 includes a first battery group 30, a second battery group 40 and a distribution box 100. The first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are stacked, and the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are connected in series. The first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 each include a plurality of battery cells. The stacking of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can increase the number of battery cells, increase the energy density of the battery pack 1000, improve the space utilization of the battery pack 1000, and thereby increase the cruising range.

[0138] In a specific example, the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 are stacked in a height direction of the relay protection module 10 , and the first battery group 30 is located on an upper side of the second battery group 40 .

[0139] Optionally, the battery cell can be a short battery cell or a long battery cell. It should be noted that short battery cells and long battery cells have clear definitions in this field. A short battery cell is a battery cell whose length does not exceed a first preset value, and a long battery cell is a battery cell whose length exceeds a second preset value. The above-mentioned first preset value and second preset value may be equal or unequal, and even the first preset value may be greater than the second preset value. Exemplarily, the length of a short battery cell may be 400mm-900mm, and the length of a long battery cell may be 600mm-1200mm.

[0140] For example, the multiple battery cells of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can be arranged in a single row, and the length of each battery cell can be 600mm-1200mm, that is, each battery cell can be a long battery cell to increase the arrangement density of the battery cells; the multiple battery cells of the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can also be arranged in multiple rows, and the length of each battery cell can be 400mm-900mm, that is, each battery cell can be a short battery cell, and the multiple rows of battery cells located in the first battery group 30 or the second battery group 40 are arranged side by side to increase the arrangement density of the battery cells.

[0141] According to the battery pack 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned distribution box 100, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to be in contact with the static contact 2 or to be arranged at intervals. On the basis of increasing the energy density, improving the space utilization and the cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0142] The present invention also provides a control method for a battery pack 1000, wherein the battery pack 1000 is the battery pack 1000 described above, such as Figure 6 As shown, the control method includes:

[0143] Obtain environmental parameters in the battery pack 1000, monitor the environmental parameters in the battery pack 1000 in real time, and promptly discover potential safety hazards and take corresponding measures;

[0144] Determine that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value. When the collected environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value, the second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving element 7 at a low level;

[0145] The control drive member 7 drives the moving contact 3 to move to the second position, disconnects the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnects the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40. This can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0146] According to the control method of the battery pack 1000 of an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1000 is the above-mentioned battery pack 1000. By providing the above-mentioned battery pack 1000, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are respectively electrically connected to the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 arranged in a stacked manner, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to contact or be spaced with the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density, improving the space utilization and the cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7 As shown, the environmental parameter includes the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes:

[0148] Determine whether the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 exceeds the set temperature T0 or the rate of change ΔT of the gas temperature around the distribution box 100 exceeds the set temperature change rate ΔT0, monitor the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 or the rate of change ΔT of the gas temperature around the distribution box 100 in real time, when the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 exceeds the set temperature T0 or the rate of change ΔT of the gas temperature around the distribution box 100 exceeds the set temperature change rate ΔT0, generate a voltage signal and send it to the second control board 4, the second control board 4 shuts off the driving voltage of the driving element 7 at a low level, the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnects the moving contact 3 from the static contact 2, and actively disconnects the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 8 As shown, the environmental parameter includes the pressure P in the battery pack 1000, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes:

[0150] Determine whether the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set pressure P0 or the rate of change ΔP of the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set pressure change rate ΔP0, monitor the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 or the rate of change ΔP of the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 in real time, and when the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set pressure P0 or the rate of change ΔP of the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set pressure change rate ΔP0, generate a voltage signal and send it to the second control board 4, the second control board 4 shuts off the driving voltage of the driving element 7 at a low level, the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnects the moving contact 3 from the static contact 2, and actively disconnects the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0151] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig. 9 As shown, the environmental parameter includes the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000, and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes:

[0152] Determine whether the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set hydrogen content H0, monitor the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 in real time, and when the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 exceeds the set hydrogen content H0, form a voltage signal and send it to the second control board 4, the second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig.10 As shown, the environmental parameters include the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100, the pressure P inside the battery pack 1000, and the hydrogen content H inside the battery pack 1000. By collecting the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100, the pressure P inside the battery pack 1000, and the hydrogen content H inside the battery pack 1000, it is possible to make a judgment through multiple variables, reduce the probability of false triggering, and increase accuracy. The battery pack 1000 has a thermal runaway level, and the thermal runaway level M is:

[0154] M = K1×XT+K2×XP+K3×XH;

[0155] Among them, K1, K2 and K3 are temperature coefficient, pressure coefficient and hydrogen coefficient respectively, XT is the voltage corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100, XP is the voltage corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack 1000, XH is the voltage corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000, and the priority of the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100, the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 and the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 can be written through the low-voltage control interface 41 of the second control board 4. By setting the relay protection module 10 in different positions in the battery pack 1000, the temperature coefficient K1, the pressure coefficient K2 and the hydrogen coefficient K3 are changed to flexibly deal with the problem of different priorities caused by the relay protection module 10 in different positions in the battery pack 1000.

[0156] For example, if the relay protection module 10 is disposed in the first battery pack 30 or the second battery pack 40, the voltage XT corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 and the voltage XH corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 are generated faster than the voltage XP corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack 1000, then the temperature coefficient K1 and the hydrogen coefficient K3 should be increased accordingly, and the pressure coefficient K2 should be reduced;

[0157] If the relay protection module 10 is set at a position far away from the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, the voltage XP corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack 1000 is generated faster than the voltage XT corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 and the voltage XH corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000, then the pressure coefficient K2 should be increased accordingly, and the temperature coefficient K1 and the hydrogen coefficient K3 should be reduced;

[0158] If the relay protection module 10 is arranged on the smoke exhaust channel side, the voltage XH corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack 1000 is generated faster than the voltage XT corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box 100 and the voltage XP corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack 1000, then the hydrogen coefficient K3 should be increased accordingly, and the temperature coefficient K1 and the pressure coefficient K2 should be reduced.

[0159] For example, when K1=0.3, K2=0.2, K3=0.5, M=0.3×XT+0.2×XP+0.5×XH.

[0160] Determining that the environmental parameter exceeds the preset environmental parameter value includes:

[0161] Determine whether the thermal runaway level M exceeds the preset level M0, monitor the thermal runaway level M in real time, and when the thermal runaway level M exceeds the preset level M0, form a voltage signal and send it to the second control board 4, the second control board 4 shuts off the driving voltage of the driving component 7 at a low level, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0162] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig.11 As shown, the control method also includes:

[0163] Acquire a contact temperature T1 of at least one of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22, and monitor the contact temperature T1 of the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 in real time, so as to timely discover potential safety hazards and take corresponding measures;

[0164] Determine that the contact temperature T1 exceeds the preset contact temperature T2. When the contact temperature T1 of the first static contact 21 or the second static contact 22 exceeds the preset contact temperature T2, a voltage signal formed by overtemperature is sent to the second control board 4, and the second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving member 7 at a low level.

[0165] The driving member 7 is controlled to drive the moving contact 3 to move to the second position, disconnecting the moving contact 3 from the stationary contact 2, thereby preventing the stationary contact 2 from sintering due to overheating, avoiding functional failure, and improving functional stability.

[0166] It is understandable that the relay protection module 10 can be controlled in conjunction with various protection strategies of the distribution box 100 to monitor multiple data simultaneously, thereby ensuring safety and reliability from multiple aspects.

[0167] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the distribution box 100 also includes a second control board 4, the driving member 7 is directly connected to the second control board 4, and the second control board 4 is connected to the first control board 91. The second control board 4 is used to receive signals and directly control the driving member 7 to drive the moving contact 3 to move, and the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2 are closed or disconnected by driving the driving member 7 or disconnecting the driving voltage of the driving member 7, so as to connect or disconnect the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, which can slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire to a certain extent, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, and improve safety and reliability.

[0168] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the battery pack 1000 of the above embodiment.

[0169] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned battery pack 1000, the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to be in contact with or spaced from the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density, improving the space utilization and the cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery group 30 and the second battery group 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0170] The present invention also provides a vehicle control method, the vehicle is the above-mentioned vehicle, such as Fig.12 As shown, the control method includes:

[0171] Obtain disconnection instructions for the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40. When the user removes the vehicle key, the second control board 4 turns off the driving voltage of the driving element 7 at a low level;

[0172] The control drive member 7 drives the moving contact 3 to move to the second position, disconnects the moving contact 3 from the static contact 2, and actively disconnects the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40. This can, to a certain extent, slow down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reduce the severity of thermal runaway, improve safety and reliability, and reduce the withstand voltage of insulating components and reduce leakage current.

[0173] According to the vehicle control method of an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is the above-mentioned vehicle, and the first static contact 21 and the second static contact 22 are electrically connected to the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 arranged in a stacked manner respectively, and the moving contact 3 is controlled to contact or be spaced with the static contact 2. On the basis of increasing the energy density and improving the space utilization and cruising range of the battery pack 1000, the electrical connection or active disconnection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be achieved, thereby slowing down the speed of thermal runaway fire, reducing the severity of thermal runaway, and improving safety and reliability.

[0174] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig.12 As shown, the vehicle includes an airbag assembly 92, the distribution box 100 also includes a second control board 4, the driving member 7 is connected to the second control board 4, the second control board 4 is communicatively connected to the airbag assembly 92, and the disconnection instruction includes:

[0175] The airbag assembly 92 receives a collision signal. When the airbag assembly 92 receives the collision signal, the airbag gunpowder will be ignited through the lead to quickly generate gas to fill the airbag, thereby preventing the user from being injured or killed by collisions. The airbag assembly 92 is directly connected to the second control board 4. When the airbag assembly 92 receives a collision signal, the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 can be simultaneously cut off, thereby reducing further short circuit deterioration of the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, providing feasibility for the rapid shutdown of the battery pack 1000, prolonging the time of thermal runaway fire, increasing the time for people in the vehicle to escape, and improving safety.

[0176] In some embodiments of the present invention, Fig.12 As shown, the vehicle includes a vehicle controller, the first control board 91 is connected to the vehicle controller, and the disconnection instruction includes:

[0177] The vehicle controller obtains a signal to shut down the vehicle. For example, when the user pulls out the vehicle key, the vehicle controller sends a power-off signal to the distribution box 100, and the distribution box 100 sends a low-level signal to the relay protection module 10, disconnecting the drive voltage of the drive member 7, and the moving contact 3 moves to the second position in the direction away from the static contact 2, disconnecting the moving contact 3 and the static contact 2, and actively disconnecting the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0178] It should be noted that the vehicle controller may indirectly send a low-level signal to the second control board 4 of the relay protection module 10 through the distribution box 100; the vehicle controller may directly send a low-level signal to the second control board 4 of the relay protection module 10; or the vehicle controller and the first control board 91 of the distribution box 100 may be the same component to achieve all-in-one control of the vehicle and directly send a low-level signal to the second control board 4 of the relay protection module 10.

[0179] It should be noted that when the user inserts the vehicle key to start the vehicle, the vehicle controller sends a power-on signal to the distribution box 100, the distribution box 100 sends a high-level signal (typical value 5V) to the relay protection module 10, and the driving member 7 drives the moving contact 3 to move to the first position in the direction close to the static contact 2, and the moving contact 3 is closed with the static contact 2, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40.

[0180] Other structures and operations of the relay protection module 10, the distribution box 100 and the method, the battery pack 1000, the vehicle and the control method according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0181] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0182] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A relay protection module, characterized in that: Used in a battery pack (1000), the battery pack (1000) having a first battery group (30) and a second battery group (40) arranged in a stacked manner, the relay protection module (10) comprising: A stationary contact (2), the stationary contact (2) comprising a first stationary contact (21) and a second stationary contact (22), the first stationary contact (21) being used for electrically connecting to the first battery pack (30), and the second stationary contact (22) being used for electrically connecting to the second battery pack (40); A moving contact (3), the moving contact (3) being movable and having a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the moving contact (3) is in contact with both the first stationary contact (21) and the second stationary contact (22); and in the second position, the moving contact (3) is spaced apart from at least one of the first stationary contact (21) and the second stationary contact (22).

2. The relay protection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A housing (1), wherein at least parts of the first stationary contact (21) and the second stationary contact (22) are arranged in the housing (1), and the movable contact (3) is movably arranged in the housing (1).

3. The relay protection module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: a driving member (7), the driving member (7) being connected to the moving contact (3) and being used for driving the moving contact (3) to move; A second control board (4), the second control board (4) is arranged in the housing (1), the second control board (4) is electrically connected to the driving member (7), and is used to control the driving member (7) to drive the moving contact (3) to move.

4. The relay protection module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first temperature sensor (211) is provided on at least one of the first static contact (21) and the second static contact (22); the first temperature sensor (211) is used to detect the temperature of the first static contact (21) or the second static contact (22); the first temperature sensor (211) is connected to the second control board (4); the second control board (4) is configured to control the driving member (7) to drive the moving contact (3) to move according to information from the first temperature sensor (211).

5. The relay protection module according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one of the first static contact (21) and the second static contact (22) comprises a first connecting portion (221), a second connecting portion (222) and a bending portion (223) which are connected in sequence; the first connecting portion (221) and the second connecting portion (222) are arranged in parallel; the first connecting portion (221) is connected to the first battery pack (30) or the second battery pack (40); when the moving contact (3) is located at the first position, the second connecting portion (222) is in contact with the moving contact (3); and the first temperature sensor (211) is arranged between the first connecting portion (221) and the second connecting portion (222).

6. The relay protection module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first connection portion (221) is located outside the shell (1), and the second connection portion (222) is located inside the shell (1); along the length direction of the relay protection module (10), the length of the first connection portion (221) is greater than the length of the second connection portion (222).

7. The relay protection module according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A second temperature sensor (8), the second temperature sensor (8) is arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the shell (1), the second temperature sensor (8) is electrically connected to the second control board (4), and is used to detect the gas temperature at the location of the relay protection module (10) in the battery pack (1000).

8. The relay protection module according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: An air pressure sensor (5), wherein the air pressure sensor (5) is arranged in the housing (1), and the air pressure sensor (5) is electrically connected to the second control board (4).

9. The relay protection module according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A gas sensor (6), wherein the gas sensor (6) is disposed in the housing (1), and the gas sensor (6) is electrically connected to the second control board (4).

10. The relay protection module according to claim 9, characterized in that: An air intake grille (111) is provided on the housing (1), and the gas sensor (6) is arranged inside the air intake grille (111) and opposite to the air intake grille (111).

11. A distribution box, characterized in that: It comprises a relay protection module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The distribution box according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: A first control board (91), the relay protection module (10) further comprising a driving member (7), the driving member (7) being connected to the moving contact (3) and used for driving the moving contact (3) to move, the first control board (91) being connected to the driving member (7).

13. The distribution box according to claim 12, characterized in that: The relay protection module (10) comprises a second control board (4), the second control board (4) is connected to the first control board (91), the driving member (7) is directly connected to the second control board (4) and indirectly connected to the first control board (91), the first control board (91) is a main control board, and the second control board (4) is a slave control board.

14. A distribution box, characterized in that: For a battery pack (1000), the battery pack (1000) having a first battery group (30) and a second battery group (40) arranged in a stacked manner, the distribution box (100) comprising: A relay protection unit, the relay protection unit comprising a static contact (2) and a moving contact (3), the static contact (2) comprising a first static contact (21) and a second static contact (22), the first static contact (21) and the second static contact (22) being electrically connected to the first battery pack (30) and the second battery pack (40) respectively, the moving contact (3) being movable and having a first position and a second position, in the first position, the moving contact (3) being in contact with both the first static contact (21) and the second static contact (22), in the second position, the moving contact (3) being spaced apart from at least one of the first static contact (21) and the second static contact (22).

15. The distribution box according to claim 14, characterized in that: Also includes: A first control board (91), the relay protection unit further comprising a driving member (7), the driving member (7) being connected to the moving contact (3) and the first control board (91) and being used for driving the moving contact (3) to move.

16. The distribution box according to claim 15, characterized in that: The relay protection unit further comprises a second control board (4), the second control board (4) being connected to the first control board (91), the drive element (7) being directly connected to the second control board (4) and indirectly connected to the first control board (91), the first control board (91) being a main control board and the second control board (4) being a slave control board.

17. A battery pack, characterized in that: include: A first battery group (30) and a second battery group (40), wherein the first battery group (30) and the second battery group (40) are stacked; The distribution box (100) according to any one of claims 11-16.

18. A method for controlling a battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack (1000) is the battery pack (1000) according to claim 17, and the control method comprises: Acquiring environmental parameters within the battery pack (1000); Determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value; The moving contact (3) is controlled to move to the second position.

19. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The environmental parameter includes the gas temperature T around the distribution box (100), and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: It is determined that the gas temperature T around the distribution box (100) exceeds a set temperature T0 or the rate of change ΔT of the gas temperature around the distribution box (100) exceeds a set temperature change rate ΔT0.

20. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The environmental parameter includes the pressure P inside the battery pack (1000), and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: It is determined that the pressure P in the battery pack (1000) exceeds a set pressure P0 or that a change rate ΔP of the pressure P in the battery pack (1000) exceeds a set pressure change rate ΔP0.

21. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The environmental parameter includes a hydrogen content H in the battery pack (1000), and determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: It is determined that the hydrogen content H in the battery pack (1000) exceeds the set hydrogen content H0.

22. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The environmental parameters include the gas temperature T around the distribution box (100), the pressure P in the battery pack (1000) and the hydrogen content H in the battery pack (1000), and the battery pack (1000) has a thermal runaway level, and the thermal runaway level M is: M = K1×XT+K2×XP+K3×XH; wherein K1, K2 and K3 are respectively the temperature coefficient, the pressure coefficient and the hydrogen coefficient, XT is the voltage corresponding to the gas temperature T around the distribution box (100), XP is the voltage corresponding to the pressure P in the battery pack (1000), XH is the voltage corresponding to the hydrogen content H in the battery pack (1000), Determining that the environmental parameter exceeds a preset environmental parameter value includes: It is determined that the thermal runaway level M exceeds a preset level M0.

23. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: Acquiring a contact temperature T1 of at least one of the first stationary contact (21) and the second stationary contact (22); Determining that the contact temperature T1 exceeds a preset contact temperature T2; The moving contact (3) is controlled to move to the second position.

24. The control method of the battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The distribution box (100) further comprises a second control board (4), wherein the second control board (4) is used to receive signals and control the movement of the moving contact (3).

25. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the battery pack (1000) according to claim 17.

26. A vehicle control method, characterized in that: The vehicle is the vehicle according to claim 25, and the control method comprises: Obtaining disconnection instructions for the first battery pack (30) and the second battery pack (40); The moving contact (3) is controlled to move to the second position.

27. The vehicle control method according to claim 26, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises an airbag assembly (92), the distribution box (100) further comprises a second control panel (4), the second control panel (4) is communicatively connected to the airbag assembly (92), and the disconnection instruction comprises: The airbag assembly (92) receives a collision signal.

28. The vehicle control method according to claim 26, characterized in that: The vehicle includes a vehicle controller, and the disconnection instruction includes: A signal for shutting down the vehicle is obtained through the vehicle controller.

Images