Battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack which is detachably connected to an electric appliance and a charger, and the battery pack comprises a battery pack, a control module, a first terminal and a second terminal, the control module detects the type of the external equipment through the first terminal, if the external equipment is an electric appliance, the control module only executes over-discharge judgment in over-charge and over-discharge judgment, if over-discharge exists, an abnormal signal is output from the second terminal, and if the external equipment is a charger, the control module only executes over-charge judgment in over-charge and over-discharge judgment, and if over-discharge exists, an abnormal signal is output from the second terminal. The battery pack has the beneficial effects that the battery pack identifies the type of external equipment, shields over-discharge fault detection when the battery pack is a charger and shields over-charge fault detection when the battery pack is an electric appliance, so that the intelligent degree of the battery pack is improved, and the battery pack is more convenient to use.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the invention name of "A battery pack", application number 201910507372.6, filed by the applicant on June 12, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of power sources, and specifically to a battery pack. Background Art

[0003] In the field of power tools, high-energy-density battery packs are often used as portable power sources to supply power to power tools. The battery pack is composed of multiple batteries and has an interface unit that can realize connection with tools or chargers. When connected to a tool, the battery pack discharges to it, and when connected to a charger, the charger charges the batteries in the battery pack to achieve repeated use. With the development of technology, lithium battery packs composed of lithium batteries have gradually become the mainstream. Due to the advantages of large energy density and the like of lithium batteries, lithium battery packs have advantages such as large capacity and small volume, and provide energy for handheld power tools and even electric vehicles.

[0004] Generally, the battery pack has overcharge and over-discharge detection functions. When an overcharge fault or an over-discharge fault occurs in the battery pack, an abnormal signal indicating a fault occurs is output from the same port. When an external device receives the abnormal signal, it can know that the battery pack has a fault, but it cannot determine which kind of fault has occurred in the battery pack. As a result, when the battery pack has an over-discharge fault and is connected to a charger, the charger can only recognize the fault but cannot charge the battery pack. Such a battery pack cannot be charged and cannot be put into use again, which does not meet the requirement of the battery pack for repeated use. When the battery pack has an overcharge fault and is connected to a power tool, the power tool can only recognize the fault but cannot discharge the battery pack. The battery pack is fully charged but cannot be used on the tool, which is obviously unreasonable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, in view of the problems that the traditional battery pack cannot be charged when over-discharged and connected to a charger, and cannot be discharged when over-charged and connected to a tool, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack that is detachably connected to an external device for charging or discharging. The external device includes an electrical appliance and a charger. The battery pack includes: a battery pack, a control module, a first terminal, and a second terminal; the battery pack includes a plurality of series-connected battery cells; the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the control module and are connected to the external device; the control module is connected to each battery cell for collecting the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, and a first voltage and a second voltage are preset in the control module, and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage; the control module detects the type of the external device through the first terminal. When the external device is a charger, the control module compares the single-cell voltage with the first voltage and does not compare it with the second voltage. If the single-cell voltage of any battery cell is greater than the first voltage, it is determined that the battery pack is in an over-charged state, and the control module controls the second terminal to output an abnormal signal; when the external device is an electrical appliance, the control module compares the single-cell voltage with the second voltage and does not compare it with the first voltage. If the single-cell voltage is less than the second voltage, it is determined that the battery pack is in an over-discharged state, and the control module controls the second terminal to output the abnormal signal.

[0006] Further, the battery pack further includes a switch module. The switch module includes a control end, a first end, and a second end. The control end of the switch module is connected to the control module. The first end of the switch module is connected to the second terminal. The second end of the switch module is grounded; the control module controls the switch module to be turned on or off through the control end. When the switch module is turned off, the second terminal is disconnected from the ground, and the external device detects that the second terminal is floating, so that the second terminal outputs an abnormal signal.

[0007] Further, the battery pack further includes a temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the battery pack. One end of the temperature detection module is connected to the second terminal, and the other end is connected to the first end of the switch module; when the switch module is closed, the second terminal is grounded through the temperature detection module, and the external device obtains the temperature of the battery pack by detecting the temperature detection module through the second terminal, so that the second terminal outputs the temperature of the battery pack.

[0008] Further, the control module includes a communication unit connected to the first terminal. When the control module determines that the battery pack is in an over-charged state or an over-discharged state, the communication unit outputs an abnormal signal through the first terminal, and the external device receives the abnormal signal and stops charging or discharging.

[0009] Further, when the battery pack is connected to the external device, the control module is configured to detect whether a digital signal from the external device is received at the first terminal within a preset time; if so, the control module determines the type of the external device according to the digital signal; if not, the control module detects an analog signal at the first terminal and determines the type of the external device according to the analog signal; when it is determined that the external device is a charger, the battery pack is in a charging state; when it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack is in a discharging state.

[0010] Further, the control module includes a communication unit and a working state identification interface, and the communication unit includes a sending interface and a receiving interface; the sending interface, the receiving interface, and the working state interface are respectively connected to the first terminal, and the control module detects whether a digital signal from the external device is received at the first terminal through the receiving interface, and the control module detects an analog signal at the first terminal through the working state identification interface.

[0011] Further, the communication unit is a serial communication unit, and the first terminal is a half-duplex serial interface. The communication unit performs serial communication with the external device through the first terminal to receive the digital signal.

[0012] Further, the digital signal includes a first handshake signal and a second handshake signal; when the digital signal received by the control module is the first handshake signal, it is determined that the type of the external device is a charger; when the digital signal received by the control module is the second handshake signal, it is determined that the type of the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0013] Further, the digital signal includes a parameter reading instruction. When the control module receives the parameter reading instruction from the first terminal, it sends the working parameters and / or status parameters of the battery pack to the external device through the first terminal.

[0014] Further, when the external device is a charger, the working parameter includes any one of the maximum allowable charging voltage, the maximum allowable charging current, the maximum allowable charging temperature, and the minimum allowable charging temperature;

[0015] The status parameter includes any one of the overall package voltage, the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status.

[0016] Further, when the external device is an electrical appliance, the working parameter includes any one of the maximum allowable discharging voltage, the maximum allowable discharging current, the maximum allowable discharging temperature, and the minimum allowable discharging temperature; the status parameter includes any one of the overall package voltage, the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status.

[0017] Further, a preset value is stored in the control module. When the control module determines that the voltage state of the analog signal is greater than or equal to the preset value, the external device is a charger. When the control module determines that the voltage state of the analog signal is less than the preset value, it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0018] For the battery pack provided in the above embodiment of the present invention, its control module can determine the voltage state of the battery pack and can identify the type of the external device through the first terminal. When the control module identifies that the external is a charger, the over-discharge fault detection is shielded. When the control module identifies that the external is an electrical appliance, the over-charge fault detection is shielded. Then, after comprehensive judgment, the control module outputs a normal / abnormal signal from the second terminal, improving the intelligence level of the battery pack and making the use of the battery pack more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above-mentioned objects, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention can be realized through the following drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for identifying the working state of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in another embodiment of the present application. Specific Embodiments

[0030] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may also be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right", and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for identifying the working state of a battery pack. Among them, the battery pack is connected to an external device for charging or discharging. The external device includes an electrical appliance and a charger, and the working state includes a charging state and a discharging state. The battery pack includes a communication terminal that establishes communication with the external device when the battery pack is connected to the external device. The method includes the following steps:

[0034] S100: Detect whether the communication terminal of the battery pack receives a digital signal from the external device.

[0035] After the battery pack is powered on, the communication function is enabled to communicate with the external device. During the communication process, the external device acts as a host to send a digital signal, and the battery pack acts as a slave to receive the digital signal and reply. In this embodiment, the digital signal can be a handshake signal. First, the battery pack needs to determine whether the external device has a communication function, that is, after the battery pack is powered on, the control module in the battery pack detects whether it receives a digital signal sent by the external device within a certain period of time.

[0036] S300: If so, determine the type of the external device according to the digital signal.

[0037] Among them, the digital signal carries information of an external device, such as the type information of the external device. Different types of external devices can send different digital signals, and the battery pack can then identify the difference in the digital signals to determine whether the external device is an electrical appliance or a charger. For example, the digital signal can be a handshake signal sent by an external device with communication function. The source address information carried by the handshake signals sent by different external devices is also different. Therefore, after receiving the handshake signal, the battery pack can determine the type of the external device according to the source address of the handshake signal.

[0038] S500: If not, then detect the analog signal at the communication terminal of the battery pack and determine the type of the external device according to the analog signal.

[0039] If the battery pack does not receive a digital signal within a certain period of time, it is determined that the external device does not have communication function, that is, the battery pack cannot obtain data through the communication function to know the type of the external device. At this time, the control module of the battery pack turns off the communication function and detects the analog signal at the communication terminal of the battery pack to determine the type of the external device. In this embodiment, the analog signal can be the voltage state at the communication terminal. In other embodiments, the control module of the battery pack can also choose not to turn off the communication function, because the battery pack, as a communication slave, is default in the receiving state and does not actively send data to the communication terminal, and does not affect the detection of the analog signal of the communication terminal.

[0040] The communication terminal of the battery pack is used to connect an external device. The external device includes an electrical appliance or a charger. When the charger or the electrical appliance is respectively connected to the battery pack, the analog circuits formed by the charger or the electrical appliance and the communication terminal of the battery pack are different, which in turn leads to different analog signals reflected on the communication terminal. Therefore, the battery pack can determine the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal.

[0041] S700: When it is determined that the external device is a charger, the battery pack is in a charging state.

[0042] S900: When it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack is in a discharging state.

[0043] The method for identifying the working state of the battery pack and the battery pack provided in the above embodiments. The battery pack communicates with the external device by detecting the digital signal at the communication terminal to determine whether the external connection is a charger or an electrical appliance, and then determines whether to charge or discharge. When the external device does not have communication function, the battery pack can also determine the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal. That is, the battery pack can be used for both external devices without communication function and external devices with communication function. It has many usage scenarios, and the battery pack only needs one port to receive both digital signals and analog signals to determine the type of the external device. The number of ports is small and the integration degree is high.

[0044] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the digital signal includes a first handshake signal and a second handshake signal. Determining the type of the external device according to the digital signal includes:

[0045] S320: When the digital signal is the first handshake signal, it is determined that the external device is a charger.

[0046] When the handshake signal is the first handshake signal, after the battery pack receives the first handshake signal, it detects the source address of the first handshake signal, and then it can determine that the externally connected device is a charger. After the battery pack recognizes the first handshake signal, it replies to the first handshake signal. After the battery pack recognizes that the external device is a charger, the battery pack only performs overcharge judgment among overcharge judgment and over-discharge judgment. In this embodiment, the battery pack performing overcharge judgment means that the battery pack collects the voltage of the battery pack to judge whether it is overcharged. If it is overcharged, it outputs an abnormal signal. The charger receives the abnormal signal and stops charging. If there is no overcharge, it enters the charging state.

[0047] In other embodiments, after the battery pack receives the handshake signal, if it cannot recognize the handshake signal, it replies with a signal that cannot be recognized. At this time, the handshake between the external device and the battery pack fails, and the battery pack judges the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal.

[0048] S340: Receive the parameter reading instruction sent by the charger.

[0049] After the battery pack and the charger successfully shake hands, the battery pack can establish a communication relationship with the charger. During communication, the charger acts as the host to send commands, and the battery pack acts as the slave to receive commands. Every first preset time, the charger sends a parameter reading instruction, and the battery pack receives the parameter reading instruction from the charger every first preset time.

[0050] S360: Send the working parameters and / or status parameters of the battery pack according to the parameter reading instruction.

[0051] After the battery pack receives the parameter reading instruction, it parses the information carried by the parameter reading instruction and sends the corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the charger.

[0052] The working parameters are fixed parameters determined by the selection of battery pack cells, the series-parallel structure characteristics of the cells, etc., and reflect the boundary values allowed for the battery pack to operate. The working parameters have been pre-stored in the battery pack. In this embodiment, since the external device is a charger, the working parameters corresponding to charging include preset charging parameters, and the categories of the charging parameters include preset voltage information, preset current information, and preset temperature information. The preset voltage information can be the maximum allowable charging voltage of the battery pack, the preset current information can be the maximum allowable charging current, and the preset temperature information can be the maximum allowable charging temperature and the minimum allowable charging temperature. The state parameters are parameters that reflect the current state of the battery pack during operation and will change in real time, and are a variable quantity. In this embodiment, the state parameters include any one of the overall pack voltage, the single-cell voltage of the cells, the battery pack temperature, and the fault state. Among them, the fault state can be overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, over-temperature fault, imbalance fault, etc. The charger can adjust the charging state according to the received working parameters and / or state parameters.

[0053] S380: Receive the charging status notification instruction sent by the charger and enter the low-power mode, where the charging status notification instruction includes the fault information of the charger or the full charge information of the battery pack.

[0054] It can be understood that the battery pack has a normal power consumption mode and a low-power mode. Among them, the low-power mode has a first power consumption, the normal power consumption mode has a second power consumption, and the first power consumption is less than the second power consumption. The first power consumption or the second power consumption can be a value or a value range.

[0055] The charger can determine whether the battery pack is fully charged based on the overall pack voltage of the battery pack in the state parameters received through the communication terminal, or directly detect the overall pack voltage of the battery pack by the charger, or other judgment conditions. If the battery pack is fully charged, it sends a charging status notification instruction, and the full charge information of the battery pack is carried in the charging status notification instruction. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the battery pack knows that the battery pack is fully charged, and then the control module controls the battery pack to enter the low-power mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0056] In another embodiment, if the charger determines that it has a fault, it also sends a charging status notification instruction, and the fault information of the charger is carried in the charging status notification instruction. At the same time, the charger stops charging the battery pack. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the battery pack knows that the charger has a fault and cannot charge anymore, and then the battery pack enters the low-power mode.

[0057] Further, please continue to refer to Figure 1 , in one of the embodiments, after determining the type of the external device according to the digital signal, it further includes:

[0058] S310: When the digital signal is the second handshake signal, determine that the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0059] After the battery pack receives the second handshake signal, according to the source address carried in the second handshake signal, it can be determined that the externally connected device is an electrical appliance. The battery pack replies with the second handshake signal, and then the handshake is successful. After the battery pack recognizes that the external device is an electrical appliance, it only performs the over-discharge judgment in the overcharge judgment and over-discharge judgment. In this embodiment, for the battery pack to perform the over-discharge judgment means that the battery pack collects the voltage of the battery pack to judge whether it is over-discharged. If over-discharge occurs, an abnormal signal is output externally, and the electrical appliance receives the abnormal signal and stops discharging.

[0060] When the battery pack communicates with the electrical appliance, every preset time, the electrical appliance first sends a second handshake signal, and the battery pack replies with the second handshake signal every preset time. After the handshake is successful, the electrical appliance then sends a parameter reading instruction, that is, the electrical appliance will cycle through sending the second handshake signal and the parameter reading instruction. Of course, the electrical appliance can also only send the second handshake signal once, and after the handshake is successful, it will cycle through sending the parameter reading instruction.

[0061] In other embodiments, after the battery pack receives the second handshake signal, if it cannot recognize the second handshake signal, it replies with a signal indicating that it cannot be recognized. At this time, the handshake between the external device and the battery pack fails, and the battery pack judges the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal.

[0062] S330: Receive the parameter reading instruction from the electrical appliance.

[0063] Whenever the handshake between the battery pack and the electrical appliance is successful, the battery pack can receive and parse the parameter reading instruction sent by the electrical appliance.

[0064] S350: Send the operating parameters and / or status parameters of the battery pack according to the parameter reading instruction.

[0065] According to the parsed instruction information, the battery pack sends corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the electrical appliance. In this embodiment, the working parameters are fixed parameters determined by the selection of battery pack cells, the series-parallel structure characteristics of the cells, etc., which reflect the limit values allowed for the battery pack to work, and the working parameters have been pre-stored in the battery pack. In this embodiment, since the external device is an electrical appliance, the working parameters corresponding to discharging include preset discharging parameters, and the types of discharging parameters also include preset voltage information, preset current information, and preset temperature information. The preset voltage information can be the minimum allowable discharging voltage of the battery pack, the preset current information can be the maximum allowable discharging current, and the preset temperature information can be the maximum allowable discharging temperature and the minimum allowable discharging temperature. The status parameter is a parameter that reflects the current state of the battery pack during the working process of the battery pack and will change in real time, and it is a variable quantity. In this embodiment, the status parameter includes any one of the overall pack voltage, the single-cell voltage of the cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault state. Among them, the fault state can be overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, over-temperature fault, unbalance fault, etc. The electrical appliance can adjust its working state according to the received working parameters and / or status parameters.

[0066] For the method for identifying the working state of the battery pack provided in the above embodiment, the type of the external device can be determined by establishing a communication relationship with the external device and obtaining the digital signal number through the communication terminal, or the type of the external device can be identified by detecting the analog signal of the communication terminal. Therefore, for the method of the battery pack provided in this embodiment, by detecting the signals on the same terminal and using two different identification methods, not only the type of the external device with communication function can be detected, but also the type of the external device without communication function can be detected. This method is simple, has good effects, depends on a small number of hardware ports, has a high integration degree, and the battery pack applying this method is generally applicable to external devices of two different platforms with and without communication, has many usage scenarios, and has high versatility.

[0067] In another embodiment, if no digital signal is detected at the communication terminal of the battery pack for a period of time, it indicates that the external device does not have communication function, and the analog signal at the communication terminal is detected, and then the type of the external device is judged.

[0068] In this embodiment, the battery pack can determine the connection status between the communication terminal and the external device according to the analog signal. It should be noted that a charger without communication function has a port adapted to the communication terminal of the battery pack, while an electrical appliance without communication function does not have a port adapted to the communication terminal. Therefore, when the external device is a device without communication function, when the battery pack is connected to the charger and the electrical appliance respectively, the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal is different, and the connection state of the communication terminal is different. The battery pack can determine the type of the external device by detecting the voltage state of the analog voltage of the communication terminal or the connection state at the communication terminal. A preset voltage value is stored in the battery pack. If the battery pack detects that the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal is greater than or equal to the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal is connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is a charger. If the battery pack detects that the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal is less than the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal is not connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0069] In another embodiment, both the charger and the electrical appliance without communication function have ports adapted to the communication terminal, but the analog circuits at the ports where the charger and the electrical appliance are respectively connected to the communication terminal of the battery pack are different, and the voltage states of the analog signals shown on the communication terminal are different. Then the battery pack determines the type of the external device by detecting the magnitude of the analog signal at the communication terminal. If the voltage state of the analog signal is greater than or equal to the preset voltage value, it is determined that the external device is a charger. If the voltage state of the analog signal is less than the preset voltage value, it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance. For example, the charger provides a pull-up resistor with a resistance value of R1 and a pull-up voltage of 5V to the communication terminal of the battery pack, and the electrical appliance provides a pull-up resistor with a resistance value of R1 and a pull-up voltage of 3.3V. Then the voltage states when the communication terminal on the battery pack is connected to the charger and the electrical appliance are different.

[0070] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment can be used for both external devices with communication function and external devices without communication function. When used for external devices without communication function, it can be used for both external devices with ports adapted to the communication terminal and electrical appliances without ports adapted to the communication terminal, with a wide range of application scenarios.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 2 , Another embodiment of the present application provides a battery pack, including a control module 110 and a communication terminal 120. Among them, the communication terminal 120 is used to connect to an external device, and the types of external devices include electrical appliances and chargers. In this embodiment, the control module 110 can be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit, micro control unit).

[0072] After the battery pack is connected to an external device, the control module 110 is configured to detect whether a digital signal is received from the communication terminal 120 within a preset time. In this embodiment, the digital signal may be a handshake signal sent by the external device. When the control module 110 detects a digital signal through the communication terminal 120, the type of the external device can be determined according to the digital signal.

[0073] When the control module 110 does not detect a digital signal within the preset time, the control module 110 determines that the external device does not have a communication function. At this time, the control module 110 detects the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 to determine the type of the external device.

[0074] When the control module 110 determines that the external device is a charger, the battery pack is in a charging state. When it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack is in a discharging state.

[0075] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment communicates with the external device by detecting the digital signal at the communication terminal to determine whether the externally connected device is a charger or an electrical appliance, and then determines whether to charge or discharge. When the external device does not have a communication function, the battery pack can also determine the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal. That is, the battery pack can be used for both external devices without a communication function and external devices with a communication function, with a wide range of usage scenarios. Moreover, the battery pack only needs one port to receive both digital signals and analog signals to determine the type of the external device, with a small number of ports and high integration.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control module 110 further includes a communication unit 111 and a working state identification interface 119. Among them, the communication unit 111 includes a sending interface 112 and a receiving interface 113. The sending interface 112, the receiving interface 113, and the working state identification interface 119 are all connected to the communication terminal 120. The battery pack further includes a conversion module 130. One end of the conversion module 130 is connected to the sending interface 112, and the other end is connected to the communication terminal 120. The conversion module 130 is configured to transmit the signal sent by the communication unit 111 to the external device, and prevent the signal of the external device from flowing through the sending interface 112 to the communication unit 111, so that the signal sent by the external device can only flow through the communication terminal 120 and the receiving interface 113 to the communication unit 111. In this embodiment, the conversion module 130 may be a switch controlled by the communication unit 111.

[0077] The communication unit 111 can be set in a transmission state or a reception state. In the transmission state, the communication unit 111 sends the data to be transmitted outwards from the communication terminal 120 through the transmission interface 112. In the reception state, the communication unit 111 obtains data from the communication terminal 110 through the reception interface 113. It can be understood that the communication unit 111 also includes a register, which can be used to store the received digital signal or the digital signal to be sent. The control module 110 can determine whether an external digital signal is received by detecting the register of the communication unit 111. When a digital signal is received, the type of the external device can be determined according to the digital signal. If no digital signal is received, the control module 110 detects the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 to determine the type of the external device.

[0078] In this embodiment, the communication unit 111 can be a serial communication unit, and the communication terminal 120 can be a half-duplex serial interface. The communication unit 111 performs serial communication with an external device through the communication terminal 120 to receive the digital signal of the external device.

[0079] In one of the embodiments, if the communication unit 111 receives a digital signal within a preset time, the external device has a communication function, and the communication unit 111 can identify the type of the external device according to the digital signal. In this embodiment, the digital signal can be a handshake signal. The handshake signals sent by different types of external devices are also different. When the communication unit 111 receives the first handshake signal, by analyzing the source address carried in the first handshake signal, it can be determined that the external connection is a charger. When the communication unit 111 receives the second handshake signal, by analyzing the source address carried in the second handshake signal, it can be determined that the external connection is an electrical appliance. After the communication unit 111 receives the handshake signal and replies with consent, the handshake is successful, and the battery pack can enter the charging state or the discharging state, and perform real-time communication with the external device during the charging and discharging process. When the battery pack communicates with the external device, the communication terminal 120 is a terminal, which can both send and receive data, but cannot send and receive simultaneously. The communication unit 111 performs serial communication with the external device through the communication terminal 120.

[0080] In one of the embodiments, when the external device has a communication function, after the handshake between the external device and the battery pack is successful, the digital signal sent to the battery pack includes a parameter reading instruction. When the control module 110 of the battery pack receives the parameter reading instruction from the communication terminal 120, it sends the corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the charger to the external device through the communication unit 120. After the external device receives the working parameters and / or status parameters, it can control the charging process or the discharging process of the battery pack.

[0081] When the external device is a charger, the working parameters include preset charging parameters. The categories of the charging parameters include preset voltage information, preset current information, and preset temperature information. The preset voltage information may be the maximum allowable charging voltage of the battery pack, the preset current information may be the maximum allowable charging current, and the preset temperature information may be the maximum allowable charging temperature and the minimum allowable charging temperature. The status parameters include any one of the overall voltage of the battery pack, the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status.

[0082] When the external device is an electrical appliance, the working parameters include preset discharge parameters. The categories of the discharge parameters include preset voltage information, preset current information, and preset temperature information. The preset voltage information may be the maximum allowable discharge voltage of the battery pack, the preset current information may be the maximum allowable discharge current, and the preset temperature information may be the maximum allowable discharge temperature and the minimum allowable discharge temperature. The status parameters include any one of the overall voltage of the battery pack, the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status.

[0083] In the above embodiments, when the battery pack identifies different types of external devices, the battery pack will perform different controls. For example, the data transmitted outward through the communication terminal is different. In this way, the battery pack is more intelligent, avoiding redundant control actions of the battery pack and improving efficiency.

[0084] In one of the embodiments, when the external device is a charger with communication function, after the external device successfully shakes hands with the battery pack, the digital signal sent to the battery pack further includes a charging status notification instruction. After the charger receives the overall voltage of the battery pack from the communication terminal 120 or obtains the overall voltage of the battery pack by collecting the positive and negative poles of the battery pack, it can determine whether the battery pack is fully charged according to the preset full-charge cut-off voltage. When the charger determines that the battery pack is fully charged, the charger sends a charging status notification instruction, and this charging status notification instruction carries the full-charge information of the battery pack. When the charger detects its own fault, the charger sends a charging status notification instruction, and this charging status notification instruction carries the charger fault information and stops charging the battery pack. The battery pack has a low-power mode and a normal-power mode. The low-power mode has a first power consumption, the normal-power mode has a second power consumption, and the first power consumption is less than the second power consumption. The first power consumption or the second power consumption may be a value or a value range. When the control module 110 receives the charging status notification instruction from the communication terminal, it controls the battery pack to switch from the normal-power mode to the low-power mode, reducing the power consumption of the battery pack when it is not in use.

[0085] Specifically, please continue to refer to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the control module 110 can be an MCU, and the power switch 114 and the voltage stabilizing unit 115 are both arranged inside the MCU. One end of the power switch 114 is connected to the positive pole of the battery pack 150, and the other end is connected to the voltage stabilizing unit 115. The voltage stabilizing unit 115 is used to convert the voltage of the battery pack 150 into a working power supply. The working power supply supplies power to the MCU on the one hand and outputs through the pins of the MCU to supply power to other working circuits in the battery pack on the other hand. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the control module 110 controls the power switch 114 to disconnect, so that the voltage stabilizing unit 115 cannot output the working power supply. As a result, the MCU and other working circuits in the battery pack do not work, and the battery pack can enter the low-power mode from the normal power consumption mode. When the battery pack enters the low-power mode, since the battery of the battery pack always has self-discharge loss, the internal power consumption of the battery pack is close to 0.5 μA, almost zero. Therefore, entering the low-power mode after the battery pack is fully charged can reduce the power consumption of the battery pack and save energy.

[0086] Of course, in other embodiments, the power switch 114 and the voltage stabilizing unit 115 can also be arranged outside the MCU. The working power supply output by the voltage stabilizing unit 115 supplies power to the MCU and the peripheral working circuits of the battery pack. After the MCU receives the charging status notification instruction, it controls the power switch 114 to disconnect, so that the voltage stabilizing unit 115 cannot output the working power supply, then the MCU and other working circuits are powered off, and the power consumption in the battery pack is 0.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control module 110 can also send a battery pack type signal to an external device through the communication unit 111. After receiving the battery pack type signal, the external device identifies the type of the battery pack and adjusts the corresponding charging current or discharging current to adapt to the battery pack.

[0088] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a temperature detection module 140, which is connected to the control module 110 and is used to collect the temperature information of the battery pack and send the temperature information of the battery pack to the external device through the communication terminal 120. The external device can judge whether the battery pack is overheated according to the received temperature information. If the battery pack is overheated, the external device cuts off the connection with the battery pack, so that the battery pack stops charging and discharging.

[0089] In one embodiment, when the communication unit 111 does not receive a digital signal from the external device within a preset time, the control module 110 detects the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 to judge the type of the external device.

[0090] It should be noted that the charger without communication function has a port adapted to the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack, and a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor are provided at the port of the charger. When the charger is connected to the battery pack, the battery pack can detect an analog signal through the communication terminal 120. The electrical appliance without communication function does not have a port adapted to the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack. When the electrical appliance is connected to the battery pack, the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack is left floating. It can be seen that when the battery pack is connected to the charger and the electrical appliance respectively, the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal is different, and the connection state of the communication terminal is different. Therefore, the control module 110 can determine the type of the external device by detecting the voltage state of the analog voltage of the communication terminal or the connection state at the communication terminal 120. If the battery pack detects that the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 is greater than or equal to the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal 120 is connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is a charger. If the battery pack detects that the voltage state of the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 is less than the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal 120 is not connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0091] In another embodiment, both the charger and the electrical appliance without communication function have ports adapted to the communication terminal 120, but the analog circuits at the ports where the charger and the electrical appliance are respectively connected to the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack are different, and the voltage states of the analog signals shown on the communication terminal are different. Then the battery pack determines the type of the external device by detecting the magnitude of the analog signal at the communication terminal 120. If the voltage state of the analog signal is greater than or equal to the preset voltage value, it is determined that the external device is a charger. If the voltage state of the analog signal is less than the preset voltage value, it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance. For example, the charger provides a pull-up resistor with a resistance value of R1 and a pull-up voltage of 5V to the communication terminal of the battery pack, and the electrical appliance provides a pull-up resistor with a resistance value of R1 and a pull-up voltage of 3.3V. Then the voltage states when the communication terminal on the battery pack is connected to the charger and the electrical appliance are different.

[0092] Specifically, the battery pack further includes a type identification component 180, one end of which is connected to the communication terminal 120 and the other end is grounded. The type identification component 180 is preferably a resistor, representing the type information of the battery pack. The type identification components 180 of different types of battery packs are different and have different resistance values. The external device can detect the type identification component 180 through the communication terminal 120, so as to know the type of the battery pack.

[0093] The battery pack provided by the above embodiments can be used not only for external devices without communication functions, but also for external devices with communication functions, and has a wide range of universality. Moreover, the battery pack can identify the types of external devices with communication functions and external devices without communication functions through one port, with fewer ports and more functions. After the battery pack establishes communication with an external device with communication functions, the battery pack can transmit various data according to the parameter reading instruction of the inquiry data sent by the external device to guide the charging or discharging process when matching different external device platforms, with high versatility. It can also enter the low-power state according to the charging status notification instruction carried with the full charge information of the battery pack or the charger failure information fed back by the charger, thereby reducing the power consumption of the battery pack when not in use and saving energy.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 3 , in one of the embodiments, the battery pack includes a battery pack 150, a control module 110, a first terminal 120, and a second terminal 160. Among them, the first terminal 120 is the aforementioned communication terminal 120, and the second terminal 160 is the status indication terminal. The first terminal 120 and the second terminal 160 are connected to the control module 110 and are both used to connect to external devices, and the types of external devices include electrical appliances or chargers.

[0095] The battery pack 150 includes a plurality of series-connected battery cells. The control module 110 has a plurality of pins, which are respectively connected to both ends of each battery cell for collecting the single-cell voltage of each battery cell. The first voltage and the second voltage are preset in the control module 110, and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. The control module 110 is used to compare the collected single-cell voltage with the first voltage or the second voltage to determine whether the battery pack 150 is overcharged or over-discharged. In this embodiment, the control module 110 can be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit, micro control unit). The MCU has a data processing unit for processing the collected single-cell voltage.

[0096] The control module 110 also detects the type of the external device through the first terminal 120. When the external device is a charger, the control module 110 only determines whether the battery pack is in an overcharged state and does not determine whether the battery pack is in an over-discharged state, that is, the control module 110 compares the collected single-cell voltage with the first voltage and does not compare it with the second voltage. If the single-cell voltage of any battery cell is greater than the first voltage, the battery pack is in an overcharged state, and the control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal through the second terminal 160. Even if there is a single-cell voltage less than the second voltage, the control module 110 still controls the battery pack to enter the charging state.

[0097] When the control module 110 detects that the external device is an electrical appliance through the communication terminal 120, the control module 110 only determines whether the battery pack is in an over-discharged state, and does not determine whether the battery pack is in an over-charged state. That is, the control module 110 compares the single-cell voltage collected with the second voltage instead of the first voltage. If the single-cell voltage of any one cell is less than the second voltage, the battery pack is in an over-discharged state, and the control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal through the second terminal 160. Even if there is a single-cell voltage greater than the first voltage, the control module 110 still controls the battery pack to enter the discharge state.

[0098] For the battery pack provided in the above embodiment, its control module 110 has the function of determining whether the battery pack is in an over-charged or over-discharged state. When the battery pack is over-charged or over-discharged, the control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal from the same port. There is no need to use multiple ports, which improves the port integration. Compared with the traditional technology, when the control module is connected to an external device, over-charge and over-discharge are judged simultaneously and the same abnormal signal is output. The external device cannot judge whether it is over-charge or over-discharge based on this abnormal signal. Therefore, in the traditional technology, if over-discharge occurs and a charger is connected, the charger cannot charge the battery pack because it receives the abnormal signal. If over-charge occurs and an electrical appliance is connected, the electrical appliance cannot be discharged by the battery pack because it receives the abnormal signal. In this application, the type of the external device is judged first. If it is a charger, only over-charge judgment is performed and no over-discharge judgment is performed. If it is an electrical appliance, only over-discharge judgment is performed and no over-charge judgment is performed, which improves the intelligence level of the battery pack.

[0099] It can be understood that before the over-charge judgment or over-discharge judgment, there is also a step of identifying the type of the external device. In this embodiment, the control module 110 can determine whether the communication unit 111 receives a digital signal from the external device. If a digital signal is received, the type of the external device is judged according to the digital signal. If no digital signal is received, the control module 110 judges the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal 120. The specific judgment method is as described above and will not be elaborated here. Further, the digital signal also includes a parameter reading command and / or a charging state notification command. The control module receives these digital signals and performs corresponding control - output working parameters and / or status parameters, and enters the low power consumption. The specific control process and effect are as described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 4 , in one of the embodiments, the battery pack further includes a switch module 170. The switch module 170 includes a control end, a first end, and a second end. Among them, the control end of the switch module 170 is connected to the control module for receiving the control signal of the control module 110 and conducting or disconnecting according to the control signal. The first end of the switch module 170 is connected to the second terminal 160, and the second end of the switch module 170 is grounded.

[0101] When the control module 110 detects that the external device is a charger through the first terminal 120 and detects that the battery pack is in an overcharged state by detecting the single-cell voltage, or when the control module 110 detects that the external device is an electrical appliance through the first terminal 120 and detects that the battery pack is in an over-discharged state by detecting the single-cell voltage, the control module 110 sends a first control signal to the control end of the switch module 170 and controls the switch module 170 to disconnect, so that the external device detects that the second terminal 160 is floating, that is, the second terminal 160 outputs an abnormal signal. When the external device detects that the second terminal 160 is floating, it disconnects the connection with the battery pack and stops the charging or discharging process.

[0102] Specifically, in this embodiment, the switch module 170 may include at least one transistor, and the transistor may be an N-type transistor or a P-type transistor. In this embodiment, an example in which the switch module includes an N-type transistor is used for illustration. The control end of the N-type transistor is the gate, the first end is the drain, and the second end is the source. The control end of the N-type transistor is connected to the control module 110, the drain is connected to the second terminal 160, and the source is grounded. When the battery pack is connected to the charger and the control module 110 detects overcharging of the battery pack, or when the battery pack is connected to the electrical appliance and the control module 110 detects over-discharging of the battery pack, the control signal sent by the control module 110 is a low-level signal, and the N-type transistor is turned off under the control of the low-level signal, so that the path from the second terminal 160 to the control module 110 is disconnected. When the external device detects an infinite signal at the second terminal 160, it can determine that the battery pack is faulty, and then the external device disconnects the connection with the battery pack to stop the charging and discharging of the battery pack.

[0103] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes the aforementioned temperature detection module 140. The first end of the temperature detection module 140 is connected to the first end of the switch module 170, and the second end is connected to the second terminal 160. When the battery pack is connected to the charger and the control module 110 detects that the battery pack is not overcharged, or when the battery pack is connected to the electrical appliance and the control module 110 detects that the battery pack is not over-discharged, the control module 110 controls the switch module 170 to conduct, so that the external device is connected to the temperature detection module 140 through the second terminal 160 to read the temperature information of the battery pack. The first end of the temperature detection module 140 is also connected to the control module 110, and is used to send the collected temperature information of the battery pack to the control module 110.

[0104] Specifically, in this embodiment, the temperature detection module 140 may be a thermistor, and the switch module 170 may be an N-type transistor. One end of the thermistor is connected to the drain of the N-type transistor, the source of the N-type transistor is grounded, and the other end of the thermistor is connected to the second terminal 160. When an external device is connected to the battery pack, a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor are provided at the port where the external device is connected to the second terminal 160. The peripheral power supply and the pull-up resistor are grounded through the thermistor and the N-type transistor, and the external device can read the temperature information of the battery pack by reading the resistance value of the thermistor. When the external device determines that the battery pack is overheated, it disconnects from the battery pack, causing the battery pack to stop charging or discharging.

[0105] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment includes a second terminal 160, which can be connected to an external device. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the battery pack can output an abnormal signal through the second terminal 160, so that the external device disconnects from the battery pack after receiving the abnormal signal. At the same time, the battery pack can also output the temperature of the battery pack to the external device through the second terminal 160. Therefore, two signals can be output through one port, realizing port multiplexing and reducing the number of ports of the battery pack.

[0106] In one of the embodiments, the control module 110 further includes the above-mentioned communication unit 111 and the working state identification interface 119. The connection circuit and functions of the communication unit 111 and the working state identification interface 119 are the same as those in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0107] In one of the embodiments, when the control module 110 determines that the battery pack is in an overcharged state or an over-discharged state, it will also output an abnormal signal from the first terminal 120 through the communication unit 111, and the external device receives the abnormal signal and stops charging or discharging. In this way, when the battery pack has an overcharge or over-discharge fault, the first terminal 120 and the second terminal 160 output abnormal signals in double backup to inform the external device that the battery pack has failed, ensuring safety.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 5 , in one of the embodiments, the battery pack includes a battery pack 150, a status indication terminal 160, and a control module 110. Among them, the status indication terminal 160 is the second terminal 160 described above. The status indication terminal is connected to the control module 110 and is used to connect to an external device. The control module 110 is respectively connected to each battery cell in the battery pack 150, and is used to collect the single-cell voltage of each battery cell and determine whether the battery pack 150 is in an unbalanced state according to the single-cell voltage. When the battery pack 150 is in an unbalanced state, the control module controls the status indication terminal 160 to output an abnormal signal. The external device stops charging or discharging after receiving the abnormal signal.

[0109] Specifically, a first preset difference value is stored in the control module 110. During the charging and discharging stages, the control module 110 is further configured to determine the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value according to the collected single-cell voltages, and calculate the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value. When the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value is greater than or equal to the pre-stored first preset difference value, the control module 110 determines that the battery pack is in an unbalanced state. At this time, the battery pack is in a faulty state. Therefore, the control module 110 controls the switch module 170 to disconnect, so that the second terminal 160 outputs an abnormal signal. After receiving the abnormal signal, the external device can disconnect the connection with the battery pack and stop charging or discharging.

[0110] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment can collect the single-cell voltage of each battery cell and determine whether it is in an unbalanced state according to the single-cell voltage. When in an unbalanced state, the battery pack outputs an abnormal signal to the outside, so that the external device controls to stop charging or discharging after receiving the abnormal signal. Therefore, there is no need to disconnect the charging and discharging process inside the battery pack, which simplifies the structure of the battery pack and reduces the cost of the battery pack.

[0111] In one embodiment, after the control module 110 collects the single-cell voltage, it can also compare the single-cell voltage with the pre-stored first voltage and second voltage. If the single-cell voltage is greater than the first voltage, the battery pack is in an overcharge state, and the control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal from the second terminal 160. If the single-cell voltage is less than the second voltage, the battery pack is in an over-discharge state, and the control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal from the second terminal 160.

[0112] For the battery pack provided in the above embodiment, when an overcharge fault, an over-discharge fault or an unbalanced fault occurs in the battery pack, an abnormal signal is output to the external device from the same port, that is, the second terminal 160. Therefore, one port can output signals of multiple states, improving the integration degree of the port.

[0113] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a switch module 170, and the control module 110 is connected to the status indication terminal 160 through the switch module 170. The switch module 170 includes a control end, a first end and a second end. Among them, the control end of the switch module 170 is connected to the control module, and is configured to receive the control signal of the control module 110 and conduct or disconnect according to the control signal. The first end of the switch module 170 is connected to the second terminal 160, and the second end of the switch module 170 is grounded.

[0114] When the control module 110 detects that the battery pack is in an overcharged state by detecting the single-cell voltage, or when the control module 110 detects that the battery pack is in an over-discharged state by detecting the single-cell voltage, or the control module 110 determines that the battery pack is in an unbalanced state, the control module 110 sends a first control signal to the control end of the switch module 170 and controls the switch module 170 to disconnect, so that the external device detects that the second terminal 160 is floating, that is, the second terminal 160 outputs an abnormal signal. When the external device detects that the second terminal 160 is floating, it disconnects the connection with the battery pack and stops the charging or discharging process. In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes the aforementioned temperature detection module 140, and the connection circuit and control method of the temperature detection module 140 and the switch module 170 are as described above and will not be elaborated herein.

[0115] In one embodiment, further, the first end of the temperature detection module is also connected to the control module for sending the collected temperature information of the battery pack to the control module. In this way, the first terminal realizes the transmission of temperature data to the external device and also realizes the transmission of temperature data to the control module inside the battery pack.

[0116] In one embodiment, the control module 110 is further configured to compare the voltages of each single cell during the charging stage and determine the minimum voltage value. At the same time, the control module 110 is further configured to calculate the voltage difference between the single-cell voltage of each battery cell and the minimum voltage value, and determine whether the capacities of the battery cells in the battery pack are balanced according to the voltage difference and a pre-stored second preset difference. If the voltage difference between each battery cell and the battery cell with the minimum capacity is less than the second preset difference, the capacities of the battery cells in the battery pack are balanced. If the difference between the capacity of at least one battery cell and the battery cell with the minimum capacity is greater than the second preset difference, the capacities of the battery cells in the battery pack are unbalanced. At this time, the battery cell that needs to perform charge equalization is set as the target battery cell, and the battery cells that do not need to perform charge equalization are set as normal battery cells. Among them, the voltage difference between the single-cell voltage of the target battery cell and the minimum voltage value is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, and the voltage difference between the normal battery cell and the minimum voltage value is greater than or equal to the second preset difference. In this embodiment, the second preset difference is 30 mV. Of course, the second preset difference can also be other values, and the user can set it according to their own needs.

[0117] After the target battery cell is determined, the target battery cell is discharged according to the preset balancing cycle. Each balancing cycle includes a balancing stage and a detection stage after the balancing stage. In the balancing stage, the target battery cell determined for the first time is discharged. In the detection stage, the control module 110 detects the single-cell voltage of each battery cell again, and determines the minimum voltage value again based on the single-cell voltage. It should be noted that the minimum voltage value is obtained by comparing the single-cell voltage in real time. Since the target battery cell is discharged in the balancing stage and each battery cell is in a charging state, the minimum voltage value in each detection stage may be different, and the minimum voltage value needs to be determined again by comparing the single-cell voltage. Compare the voltage difference between the target battery cell and the minimum voltage value. When the voltage difference is less than the third preset difference, the control module controls the target battery cell to become a normal battery cell. At the same time, the control module compares the voltage difference between the single-cell voltage and the minimum voltage value of the normal battery cell in the previous stage. When the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, the normal battery cell is converted into a target battery cell. Repeat the above balancing cycle until the end of the detection phase. If the control module 110 detects that there is no target cell in the cell, the balancing ends. If there is a target cell, the next balancing cycle begins. In this embodiment, the third preset difference is less than the second preset difference. Specifically, the third preset difference can be 10mV. Of course, the user can also select according to needs.

[0118] For further information, please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the control module 110 further includes at least one leakage unit 116, and each leakage unit 116 is connected to each battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence. Each leakage unit 116 includes a leakage switch and a leakage resistor, one end of the leakage switch is connected to the battery cell and one end of the leakage resistor of the previous level, and the other end is connected to one end of the leakage resistor corresponding to the battery cell of this level. In the balancing period, after the control module 110 determines the target battery cell, it controls the leakage switch corresponding to the target battery cell to be closed so that the target battery cell discharges through the leakage resistor. In the detection period, the control module 110 controls the leakage switch corresponding to the target battery cell to be disconnected to stop the discharge of the target battery cell.

[0119] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment can also detect whether the voltage of each battery cell of the battery pack is balanced during charging and discharging. If not, the target battery cell is discharged by periodic discharge to balance the voltage.

[0120] In one embodiment, see Figure 5, the battery pack further includes a switch activation circuit 190 and a peripheral working circuit 220. The control module 110 is also connected to the status indication terminal 160 through the switch activation circuit 190. The control module 110 includes a power switch 114. The power switch 114 is connected to the battery pack 150 so that the battery pack 150 supplies power to the control module 110 and the peripheral working circuit 220 through the power switch 114. When the switch activation circuit 190 obtains an activation signal of an external device through the status indication terminal 160, the switch activation circuit 190 controls the power switch to conduct, and the battery pack 150 can supply power to the control module 110 and the peripheral working circuit 220. Furthermore, the battery pack can switch from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode.

[0121] In another embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 5 , the control module 110 has a connection status recognition interface, and the control module 110 is directly connected to the status indication terminal 160 through the connection status recognition interface. The control module 110 stores a connection recognition preset voltage, which is used to determine whether the external device is connected to the battery pack.

[0122] It should be noted that the external device has a port adapted to the status indication terminal 160, and a power supply and a pull-up resistor are provided at the port of the external device. When the external device is connected to the battery pack, there is a voltage state at the status indication terminal 160. When the external device is disconnected from the battery pack, the status indication terminal is floating.

[0123] Specifically, the control module 110 detects the voltage state at the status indication terminal 160 to determine whether an external device is connected. When the voltage state at the status indication terminal 160 is greater than or equal to the connection recognition preset voltage, the battery pack is connected to the external device. When the voltage state at the status indication terminal 160 is less than the connection preset recognition voltage, the battery pack is disconnected from the external device. At this time, the battery pack enters the low-power mode from the low normal-power mode.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 6, in one embodiment, the battery pack includes a battery pack 150 and a circuit module 210 connected to the battery pack. The circuit module 210 is the working circuit of the battery pack, which can be composed of a hardware circuit or composed of a chip and its peripheral circuits. The circuit module 210 is powered by the battery pack 150 to work. The circuit module 210 has a low power consumption mode and a normal power consumption mode. Among them, the low power consumption mode has a first power consumption, the normal power consumption mode has a second power consumption, and the first power consumption is less than the second power consumption. It can be understood that the first power consumption or the second power consumption can be a numerical value or a numerical range. For example, the first power consumption is A, the second power consumption is B, A > B. For example, the first power consumption is A1 to A2, the second power consumption is B1 to B2, A2 > A1 > B2 > B1. For example, the first power consumption is A, the second power consumption is B1 to B2, A > B2 > B1. It can be understood that when the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode, the entire battery pack enters the low power consumption mode, and when the circuit module 210 enters the normal power consumption mode, the entire battery pack enters the normal power consumption mode. The circuit module 210 is powered on and working in the normal power consumption mode. Only at this time can the circuit module 210 enter the following various detections and controls.

[0125] When the circuit module 210 learns that the battery pack 150 is fully charged, the circuit module 210 switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode to reduce the power consumption when the battery pack is not working.

[0126] The battery pack has multiple parallel conditions for entering the low power consumption mode. When any one of them occurs, the circuit module 210 will switch from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode. The following will list them one by one.

[0127] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 , in one embodiment, the battery pack includes the aforementioned first terminal 120. The first terminal 120 is connected to the circuit module 210 and is used to connect to an external device.

[0128] When the external device is a charger and the charger has a communication function, after the charger and the battery pack successfully handshake, the charger sends a parameter reading instruction. After the battery pack receives the parameter reading instruction, it sends the corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the charger. In this embodiment, the status parameters include any one of the overall pack voltage, the single-cell voltage of the battery cells, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status. After the charger receives the overall pack voltage of the battery pack, it can judge whether the battery pack is fully charged according to the preset full charge cut-off voltage. If the overall pack voltage is greater than the full charge cut-off voltage and the battery pack is fully charged, the charger sends a charging status notification instruction carrying the full charge information of the battery pack to the first terminal 120 and stops charging the battery pack. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the circuit module 210 learns that the battery pack is fully charged, and then controls to enter the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0129] In one embodiment, the battery pack 150 further includes battery cells connected in series. The circuit module 210 is connected to each battery cell to collect the single-cell voltage of each battery cell and determine whether the battery pack is fully charged based on the single-cell voltage. When it is determined that the battery pack is fully charged, that is, the circuit module 210 knows that the battery pack is fully charged, the circuit module 210 switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0130] In one embodiment, the circuit module 210 is further configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the battery pack 150 and determine whether the battery pack 150 is in a fault state based on the operating parameter of the battery pack 150. When the battery pack 150 is in a fault state, the circuit module 210 switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0131] Specifically, the circuit module 210 can determine whether the battery pack 150 is in a fault state based on the single-cell voltage. The fault state can be an overcharge state, an overdischarge state, or an unbalanced state. The first voltage and the second voltage are pre-stored in the circuit module 210, and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. During charging, the circuit module 210 compares the collected single-cell voltage with the first voltage. If any single-cell voltage is greater than the first voltage, the battery pack has an overcharge fault. During discharging, the circuit module 210 compares the collected single-cell voltage with the second voltage. If the single-cell voltage of any single battery cell is less than the second voltage, the battery pack has an overdischarge fault. During charging and discharging, the circuit module 210 calculates the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value based on the collected single-cell voltage. If the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value is greater than the first preset difference in the circuit module 210, the battery pack has an unbalanced fault. When the battery pack has the above faults, the circuit module 210 switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0132] In one embodiment, if the charger detects its own fault, it sends a charging status notification instruction carrying the charger fault information to the first terminal 120 and stops charging the battery pack. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0133] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 , in one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a second terminal 160 (i.e., the aforementioned status indication terminal), which is connected to the circuit module 210. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the second terminal 160 is also connected to the external device.

[0134] The circuit module 210 can also determine whether an external device is connected by detecting the voltage state at the second terminal 160. Here, the voltage state is the magnitude of the voltage at the second terminal 160. When the second terminal 160 is connected to an external device, the external device can provide a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor, causing a bias voltage to exist at the second terminal 160. When the second terminal 160 is not connected to an external device, the second terminal 160 is floating. Therefore, the circuit module 210 can determine whether a peripheral device is connected by detecting the voltage state at the second terminal 160.

[0135] When the circuit module 210 detects that the voltage state at the second terminal 160 is greater than or equal to a pre-stored connection recognition preset voltage, it is determined that the battery pack is connected to the external device, and the circuit module 210 will not change its current normal power consumption mode according to the above determination result. When the circuit module 210 detects that the voltage state at the second terminal 160 is less than the connection recognition preset voltage, it is determined that the battery pack is disconnected from the external device. At this time, the circuit module 210 actively enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode. In this embodiment, the circuit module 210 includes a control module 110, and the connection recognition preset voltage is stored in the control module 110, and the connection recognition preset voltage can be the same as the recognition preset voltage in the control module 110 or different from the recognition preset voltage in the control module 110.

[0136] In one embodiment, when the circuit module 210 determines that the external device is a charger through the first terminal 120, the battery pack enters the charging state and starts a timer in the circuit module 210. The timer is preset with a first time. When the time of the timer reaches the preset first time, the circuit module 210 defaults that the battery pack is fully charged. At this time, the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0137] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, when the battery pack enters the low power consumption mode, the power consumption in the battery pack is at the microamp level, approaching zero power consumption.

[0138] When the charger in the above embodiment cannot determine whether it is fully charged, the battery pack can preset a sufficient charging time by itself. When the preset time is reached, it automatically enters the low power consumption mode, improving the intelligence level of the battery pack.

[0139] In summary, the above-mentioned multiple embodiments altogether propose six conditions for entering the low-power mode: 1. It is known from the charger that the charging is full; 2. The battery pack self-checks and is full; 3. The battery pack self-checks and has a fault; 4. The charger has a fault; 5. The external device is disconnected; 6. The charging reaches the preset time. When any one of the above conditions occurs, the battery pack provided by the above embodiments automatically enters the low-power mode, which not only improves the intelligence of the battery pack but also reduces the power consumption of the battery pack when it is not in use. Those skilled in the art can understand that the above six conditions can be independently applied to a battery pack or can be combined with each other and applied to the battery pack, thereby constituting various different embodiments of the battery pack. Such combined applications are simple and easy to implement and will not be elaborated here, and all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0140] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 , in one embodiment, the circuit module 210 is connected to the power switch 114, the power switch is connected to the battery pack 150, and the battery pack 150 supplies power to the circuit module 210 through the power switch. When the circuit module 210 controls the power switch 114 to disconnect, the power supply of the circuit module 210 is disconnected, and the circuit module 210 switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low-power mode.

[0141] Please refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the circuit module 210 includes the aforementioned control module 110 and the peripheral working circuit 220 connected to the control module 110.

[0142] Among them, the control module 110 includes a power switch 114, a voltage stabilization unit 115, and an internal working circuit 116. The positive electrode of the battery pack 150 is connected to one end of the power switch 114, and the other end of the power switch 114 is connected to one end of the voltage stabilization unit 115. The voltage stabilization unit 115 is used to convert the power supply of the battery pack 150 and output a working power supply to supply power to the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220. The circuits in the control module 110 except the above-mentioned power switch 114 and voltage stabilization unit 115 all belong to the internal working circuit 116. The internal working circuit includes the aforementioned communication unit 111 and executes various functions such as the aforementioned communication, overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, imbalance fault, and power balance, and realizes the judgment of the above six conditions for entering the low-power mode. When the power switch 114 is closed, the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220 are powered on and work, and the circuit module 210 is in the normal power consumption mode, that is, the battery pack is in the normal power consumption mode.

[0143] When the power switch 114 is disconnected, the input of the voltage stabilization unit 115 is cut off and thus it cannot output the working power supply either. At this time, the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220 are powered off, and the circuit module 210 enters the low-power mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0144] In this embodiment, the control module 110 may be an MCU.

[0145] Furthermore, the circuit module 210 further includes a switch activation circuit 190. The battery pack includes at least one terminal, and the at least one terminal is connected to the circuit module. The battery pack is connected to the external device through the at least one terminal. One end of the switch activation circuit 190 is connected to the at least one terminal, and the other end is connected to the power switch 114 in the control module 110. The switch activation circuit 190 is configured to control the on or off of the power switch according to the connection or disconnection of the external device. When the battery pack is connected to the external device, the at least one terminal receives an activation signal from the external device and transmits it to the switch activation circuit. The switch activation circuit controls the power switch to conduct, and the circuit module switches from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode. It can be understood that the at least one terminal, that is, there is one terminal or multiple terminals. Each of these one or multiple terminals can obtain the activation signal respectively and transmit it to the switch activation circuit 190, so as to control the power switch 114 to conduct. And when there are multiple terminals, for example, including two different terminals, when any one terminal obtains the activation signal, that is, when the switch activation circuit can receive the activation signal, it controls the power switch 114 to conduct. In summary, the at least one terminal is a terminal with the function of activating the normal-power mode.

[0146] Furthermore, after the internal working circuit 116 starts to work after obtaining power supply when the power switch 114 is closed, the internal working circuit can send a control signal to the power switch 114 to control the on or off of the power switch. In this embodiment, when the control signal is a high level, the power switch 114 can be controlled to conduct, and when the control signal is a low level, the power switch 114 can be controlled to disconnect. When the internal working circuit 116 determines that any one of the above six conditions for entering the low-power mode is met, the internal working circuit 116 immediately or after a delay sends a low-level control signal to control the power switch 114 to disconnect, and then the circuit module switches to the low-power mode.

[0147] Furthermore, the switch activation circuit 190 includes a charging unit and an activation switch 193. The activation switch 193 includes a control end, a first end, and a second end. The control end of the activation switch 193 is connected to one end of the charging unit, and the other end of the charging unit is connected to the at least one terminal. The first end of the activation switch 193 is connected to the power supply of the battery pack, and the second end of the activation switch 193 is connected to the power switch 114.

[0148] The external device has a port adapted to the at least one terminal, and a pull-up resistor and a peripheral power supply are provided at the port. Therefore, when the external device is connected to the battery pack, the voltage state at the at least one terminal of the battery pack rises from the first voltage to the second voltage, that is, the external device inputs an activation signal through this terminal. Furthermore, the external device can charge the charging unit through the at least one terminal. The charging unit can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, the activation switch 193 controls the power switch 114 to conduct, and the voltage stabilization unit 115 can receive the power supply voltage of the battery pack 150 and convert the power supply voltage of the battery pack 150 into a working power supply to supply power to the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220, so that the circuit module 210 switches from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode.

[0149] Specifically, when the at least one terminal includes a plurality of terminals, for example, N terminals, in one implementation, the charging unit is one charging unit, which is simultaneously connected to N terminals. If there is an activation signal on any one terminal, the charging unit is charged; in another implementation, the charging unit includes a plurality (N) of charging units, which have the same number as the plurality of at least one terminal, and are respectively connected to one terminal. When there is an activation signal on one of the terminals, the charging unit connected thereto is charged.

[0150] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the at least one terminal includes the aforementioned first terminal 120, that is, the communication terminal 120, and the charging unit includes a first charging unit. The first terminal 120 is connected to the switch activation circuit 190. The switch activation circuit 190 can receive the activation signal of the external device from the first terminal 120 and control the power switch 114 to conduct, so that the circuit module 210 switches from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode. It can be understood that according to the foregoing embodiment, the communication unit 11 is connected to the first terminal 120, and the communication unit 11 communicates with the external device through the first terminal 120; and, the type identification element 180 is connected to the first terminal 120, and the external device can detect the type identification element 180 through the first terminal 120 to obtain the type information of the battery pack. In summary, that is, the first terminal 120 has both the functions of communication and type identification, and has the function of activating the normal power consumption mode. Specifically, the activation switch 193 includes a control end, a first end and a second end. The control end of the activation switch 193 is connected to one end of the first charging unit 191, and the other end of the first charging unit 191 is connected to the status indication terminal 160. The first end of the activation switch 193 is connected to the power supply of the battery pack, and the second end of the activation switch 193 is connected to the power switch 114.

[0151] When the external device is a charger or an electrical appliance with communication function, the charger or the electrical appliance with communication function has a port adapted to the first terminal 120, and there is a pull-up resistor and a peripheral power supply at the port. Therefore, when the external device is connected to the first terminal 120, the voltage state at the first terminal 120 rises from the first voltage to the second voltage, that is, the external device inputs an activation signal through the first terminal 120. Furthermore, the external device can charge the first charging unit 191 through the first terminal 120. The first charging unit 191 can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, and the activation switch 193 controls the power switch 114 to conduct. The voltage stabilization unit 115 can receive the power supply voltage of the battery pack 150 and convert the power supply voltage of the battery pack 150 into a working power supply to supply power to the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220, so that the circuit module 210 switches from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode.

[0152] Furthermore, the at least one terminal further includes the aforementioned second terminal 160, that is, the status indication terminal 160, and the charging unit includes a second charging unit. When the battery pack is connected to the external device, the battery pack can receive the activation signal from the external device through the second terminal 160 and transmit it to the switch activation circuit 190. The switch activation circuit 190 controls the power switch 114 to conduct according to the activation signal, so that the circuit module 210 switches from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode. It can be understood that, according to the above embodiments, the circuit module detects at least one working parameter of the battery pack, and judges whether the battery pack is in a fault state according to the working parameter. When it is judged that the battery pack is in a fault state, the circuit module controls the second terminal to output an abnormal signal. The working parameter includes any one of voltage, temperature, etc., and the fault state includes any one of overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, over-temperature fault, imbalance fault, etc.; and, the circuit module stores a connection recognition preset voltage in its memory. The circuit module detects the voltage state at the second terminal and compares it with the connection recognition preset voltage. When the voltage state is greater than or equal to the connection recognition preset voltage, the battery pack is connected to the external device; when the voltage state is less than the connection recognition preset voltage, the battery pack is disconnected from the external device, and the circuit module switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low-power consumption mode, that is, the first terminal has the functions of both communication and type recognition. In summary, that is, the second terminal 160 has the functions of both fault output and recognizing the disconnection of the external device and entering the low-power consumption mode, and has the function of activating the normal power consumption mode.

[0153] Specifically, one end of the second charging unit 192 is connected to the second terminal 160, and the other end is connected to the control end of the activation switch 193. Since there is a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor at the port where the external device is connected to the second terminal 160, when the external device is connected to the second terminal 160, the voltage state at the second terminal 160 rises from the first voltage to the second voltage, that is, the external device inputs an activation signal through the second terminal 160. The external device can charge the second charging unit 192 through the second terminal 160. The second charging unit 192 can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, so that the activation switch 190 controls the power switch 114 to close, and the circuit module 210 can switch from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the activation switch 193 can be a transistor, and the transistor type can be N-type or P-type, which can be selected by the user according to their own needs.

[0155] In another embodiment, the at least one terminal of the battery pack only includes the aforementioned first terminal 120, which has the functions of the aforementioned communication, type identification, and activation of the normal power consumption mode, and the specific method will not be elaborated here.

[0156] In another embodiment, the at least one terminal of the battery pack only includes the aforementioned second terminal 160, which has the functions of the aforementioned fault output, identification of the disconnection of the external device and entry into the low-power mode, and activation of the normal power consumption mode, and the specific method will not be elaborated here.

[0157] In another embodiment, the at least one terminal of the battery pack includes the first terminal and / or the second terminal. The first terminal has the function of activating the normal power consumption mode, and also has the functions of communication and / or type identification. In addition to the function of activating the normal power consumption mode, the second terminal also has the functions of fault output and / or identification of the disconnection of the external device and entry into the low-power mode.

[0158] It can be understood that for the at least one terminal having the function of activating the normal power consumption mode, those skilled in the art can select one or several of the functions of communication, type identification, fault output, and identification of the disconnection of the external device and entry into the low-power mode according to the actual design requirements. The number of at least one terminal can be selected according to the requirements. For example, it can reach 4, and each multiplexes one of the above functions. Such a combination selection will construct a variety of different embodiments, which are simple and easy to implement and all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0159] In the above embodiments, the first charging unit 191 and the second charging unit 192 are preferably capacitive elements. Due to the charging characteristics of the capacitive elements, the voltage at the second ends of the first charging unit 191 and the second charging unit 192 changes, specifically a process of rising first and then decreasing. The activation switch 193 has a conduction voltage. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the conduction voltage is 0.7V. Only when the voltage at the second end of the activation switch 193 is greater than the conduction voltage can the activation switch 193 be controlled to conduct, so that the power switch 114 closes and the battery pack is powered on to enter the normal power consumption mode. Therefore, the activation signal obtained by the switch activation circuit 190 from the first terminal 120 or the second terminal 160 is an instantaneous signal. The continuous high voltage (i.e., the second voltage in this embodiment) at the first terminal 120 and the second terminal 160 is not the activation signal and cannot make the activation switch conduct. When the switch activation circuit 190 obtains the instantaneous activation signal, the activation switch 193 closes instantaneously, the power switch 114 closes instantaneously, the voltage stabilization unit 115 outputs the working power instantaneously, the internal working circuit 116 is powered on and works instantaneously, the battery pack enters the normal power consumption mode, and the internal working circuit 116 outputs a high-level control signal to the power switch 114 to maintain its conduction while being powered on. At this time, the battery pack realizes power-on activation (i.e., activates the normal power consumption mode) and power supply self-locking, locks in the normal power consumption mode, and the battery pack can start working and continue to work.

[0160] In the above embodiments, the internal working circuit 116 performs Figure 6 the various actions of the circuit module 210 in

[0161] obtaining that the battery pack is full, judging the battery pack failure, obtaining the charger failure, detecting the second terminal to know that the battery pack is disconnected from the external device, timing the timer during charging, and then the internal working circuit 116 outputs a low-level control signal to the power switch 114 to make it disconnect, so that the battery pack interrupts its own power supply self-locking and switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0162] In one of the embodiments, the terminal is the aforementioned second terminal 160 (status indication terminal), which can close the activation switch 193. Specifically, the functions of the second terminal are as described above. For example, the circuit module detects at least one operating parameter of the battery pack and determines whether the battery pack is in a fault state according to the operating parameter. When it is determined that the battery pack is in a fault state, the circuit module controls the terminal to output an abnormal signal. The fault state includes the aforementioned overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, imbalance fault, and other battery faults. If the circuit module stores a preset connection recognition voltage, the circuit module detects the voltage state at the terminal and compares it with the preset connection recognition voltage. When the voltage state is greater than or equal to the preset connection recognition voltage, the battery pack is connected to the external device. When the voltage state is less than the preset connection recognition voltage, the battery pack is disconnected from the external device, and the circuit module switches from the normal power consumption mode to the low-power consumption mode. And other functions of the aforementioned second terminal 160 will not be elaborated here.

[0163] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment can be activated through the first terminal 120 to switch from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode, or can be activated through the second terminal 160 to switch from the low-power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode. At the same time, the second terminal 160 can also output abnormal signals, temperature signals, etc., improving the port integration degree, reducing the number of ports, and thus reducing the volume of the battery pack. In another embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 6 The battery pack further includes a key 101, and the switch activation circuit 190 can be grounded through the key 101. The switch activation circuit can control the on or off of the switch power supply 114 according to the closing or opening of the key 101.

[0164] The peripheral working circuit 220 further includes a power display module, which is connected to the key 101. When the user presses the key 101 and the key 101 closes, the switch activation circuit 190 can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, so that the circuit module 210 enters the normal power consumption mode from the low-power consumption mode. At the same time, the power display module is also activated to display the power of the battery pack 150. Similarly, the battery pack can be powered on and self-locked by the key 101, and the principle is the same. The specific steps will not be elaborated here.

[0165] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment can enter the low-power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode when a fault occurs in the battery pack, when the battery pack is fully charged, when a charger fails, or when the battery pack is disconnected from an external device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the battery pack. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the battery pack can automatically enter the normal power consumption mode, realizing the intelligence of the battery pack.

[0166] Please refer to Figure 8, in one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a storage unit 117. The storage unit 117 can be arranged in the control module 110 of the battery pack, and the working parameters of the battery pack, specifically charging parameters and discharging parameters, are stored in the storage unit 117.

[0167] The control module further includes a communication unit 111, which is connected to the storage unit 117. After the communication unit 111 of the battery pack is connected to an external device through a communication terminal 120 and establishes communication with the external device, the communication unit 111 can send the charging parameters or discharging parameters from the communication single terminal 120 to the external device. The external device can control the charging process according to the charging parameters or control the discharging process according to the discharging parameters.

[0168] In one embodiment, the charging parameters include the maximum allowable charging current. When the battery pack is connected to a charger, the charger can accept the maximum allowable charging current of the battery pack and set the constant current charging current value according to the maximum allowable charging current to control the constant current charging process. For example, if the maximum output charging current of the charger connected to the battery pack is 4A and the default constant current charging current is 4A, while the maximum allowable charging current that the battery pack can receive is only 2A, it is obviously inappropriate if the charger defaults to 4A as the constant current charging value, and the battery pack will be damaged immediately. In the above embodiment, the charger will know the maximum allowable charging current of the battery pack, compare it with its own maximum output charging current, and take the smaller value of 2A as the constant current value for the charging process of the battery pack. In this way, the battery pack can be effectively protected.

[0169] In one embodiment, the charging parameters further include the maximum allowable charging temperature and the minimum allowable charging temperature. After receiving the maximum allowable charging temperature and the minimum allowable charging temperature, the charger can set the charging over-temperature protection value. When the charger receives the temperature of the battery pack through communication or receives the temperature of the battery pack through the second terminal 160 of the battery pack, it will compare the received temperature of the battery pack with the charging over-temperature protection value. When the temperature of the battery pack exceeds the charging over-temperature protection value, it indicates that the battery pack has an over-temperature fault. At this time, the charger controls to stop charging.

[0170] In one embodiment, the charging parameters further include the maximum allowable charging voltage. When the charger is connected to the battery pack, the charger can set the constant voltage charging voltage value according to the maximum allowable charging voltage to control the constant voltage charging process. In the above embodiment, for the same principle as the maximum allowable charging current mentioned above, there will be a mismatch between the maximum output charging voltage of the charger and the maximum allowable charging voltage of the battery pack. By comparing the two and taking the smaller value as the constant voltage value for the constant voltage charging of the battery pack by the charger, the battery pack can be effectively protected.

[0171] In one embodiment, the discharge parameters include the maximum allowable discharge current. When an electrical appliance is connected to the battery pack, the electrical appliance sets the overcurrent protection value according to the received maximum allowable discharge current. When the electrical appliance detects the discharge current of the battery pack, it compares the discharge current of the battery pack with the overcurrent protection value. If the over-discharge current is greater than the overcurrent protection value, the electrical appliance controls the battery pack to stop discharging.

[0172] In one embodiment, the discharge parameters further include the maximum allowable discharge temperature and the minimum allowable discharge temperature. After receiving the maximum allowable discharge temperature and the minimum allowable discharge temperature, the electrical appliance can set the over-temperature protection value for discharging. When the electrical appliance receives the temperature of the battery pack through communication or receives the temperature of the battery pack through the second terminal 160 of the battery pack, it compares the received temperature of the battery pack with the over-temperature protection value for discharging. When the temperature of the battery pack exceeds the over-temperature protection value for discharging, it indicates that the battery pack has an over-temperature fault. At this time, the electrical appliance controls the battery pack to stop discharging.

[0173] In one embodiment, the discharge parameters further include the minimum allowable discharge voltage. The electrical appliance can set the over-discharge protection value, i.e., the aforementioned second voltage, according to the minimum allowable discharge voltage of the battery pack. When the electrical appliance obtains the discharge voltage of the battery pack, it compares the discharge voltage of the battery pack with the over-discharge protection value. When the discharge voltage of the battery pack is less than or equal to the over-discharge protection value, it indicates that the battery pack has an over-discharge fault, and the electrical appliance controls the battery pack to stop discharging.

[0174] In the traditional technology, an external device can be adapted to multiple types of battery packs at the same time. There are certain differences in the charging and discharging conditions of different types of battery packs. For example, for the charging parameters and discharging parameters mentioned above, in order to achieve better charge and discharge control / protection, the battery pack is provided with identification elements representing different types. The external device can detect the identification elements to identify different battery pack types and set different control parameters for different types of battery packs, such as the constant current charging value, the over-temperature protection value for discharging, etc. However, this method has limitations. The external device can only identify several pre-set identification elements and can only be adapted to these fixed types of battery packs. The battery pack can only obtain more friendly control when installed on the adapted external device. The battery pack provided in the above embodiment is connected to the external device through communication and can send the preset charging parameters and discharging parameters to the external device through the communication unit, so that the external device can directly control the charging process or discharging process according to the charging parameters or discharging parameters, and is no longer limited by the identification elements as long as the external device has a basic communication function. Compared with the traditional technology where the battery pack can only be adapted to a fixed model of external device and the external device can only be adapted to several types of battery packs, the adaptation range of the battery pack and the external device in this application is wider, while ensuring good charge and discharge control.

[0175] An embodiment of the present application provides a charging system, including a charger and the above battery pack. The battery pack is detachably mounted on the charger. The battery pack includes a storage unit 117 and a communication unit 111. The charging parameters of the battery pack are stored in the storage unit 117. The communication unit 117 can be connected to the charger through the communication terminal 120 and establish communication with the charger. The specific process of establishing communication has been described in the foregoing text and will not be elaborated here. The communication unit 111 can send the charging parameters stored in the storage unit 117 to the charger. Among them, the charging parameters may include the maximum allowable charging current, the maximum allowable charging temperature, the minimum allowable charging temperature, and the maximum allowable charging voltage. Furthermore, the charger can control the charging process of the battery pack according to the received charging parameters. The specific control process has been described in the foregoing text and will not be elaborated here. It can be understood that different battery packs may have different charging parameters, and the charger controls the charging of the corresponding battery pack according to the different received charging parameters.

[0176] In the charging system provided by the above embodiment, the charging parameters are pre-stored in the battery pack. When the battery pack is connected to the charger, the charger can control the process of the battery pack according to the received charging parameters. Then, one charger can match multiple battery packs with different charging parameters, expanding the application range of the battery pack.

[0177] An embodiment of the present application provides a discharging system, including an electrical appliance and the aforementioned battery pack. The battery pack is detachably mounted on the electrical appliance for discharging. The battery pack includes a storage unit 117 and a communication unit 111. The discharging parameters of the battery pack are stored in the storage unit 117. The communication unit 117 can be connected to the electrical appliance through the communication terminal 120 and establish communication with the electrical appliance. The specific process of establishing communication has been described in the foregoing text and will not be elaborated here. The communication unit 111 can send the discharging parameters stored in the storage unit 117 to the electrical appliance. Among them, the discharging parameters may include the maximum allowable discharging current, the maximum allowable discharging temperature, the minimum allowable discharging temperature, and the minimum allowable discharging voltage. Furthermore, the electrical appliance can control the discharging process of the battery pack according to the received discharging parameters. The specific control process has been described in the foregoing text and will not be elaborated here. It can be understood that different battery packs may have different discharging parameters, and the electrical appliance controls the charging of the corresponding battery pack according to the different received charging parameters.

[0178] In the discharging system provided by the above embodiment, the discharging parameters are pre-stored in the battery pack. When the battery pack is connected to the electrical appliance, the electrical appliance can control the discharging process of the battery pack according to the received discharging parameters. Then, one electrical appliance can match multiple battery packs with different discharging parameters, expanding the application range of the battery pack.

[0179] In one of the embodiments, please refer to Figure 9, the battery pack includes a monitoring unit 118, a communication unit 111, and a communication terminal 120. Among them, the monitoring unit 118 and the communication unit 111 can both be disposed in the control module 110 of the battery pack. The monitoring unit 118 can collect and obtain the state parameters of the battery pack. The state parameters are real-time parameters when the battery pack is working, and the state parameters can specifically include any one of the overall pack voltage, the single-cell voltage of the battery cells, the battery pack temperature, and the fault state. The communication unit 111 is connected to the monitoring unit 118 and is used to receive the state parameters collected by the monitoring unit 118. The communication unit 111 is also connected to an external device through the communication terminal 120, receives a parameter reading instruction sent by the external device through the communication terminal 120, and transmits it to the monitoring unit 118. The communication unit 111 sends the state parameters of the battery pack to the external device through the communication terminal 120 according to the parameter reading instruction.

[0180] The battery pack provided in the above embodiment serves only as a data acquisition end and does not actively transmit data outward through the communication unit. It will only transmit data when the external device has a demand. First, it avoids the line conflict of the battery pack and the external device actively sending data at the same time. Second, as a communication slave, the battery pack only sends battery pack information outward when there is a demand, avoiding the battery pack continuously and actively sending data to perform useless operations and wasting the energy of the battery pack.

[0181] In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a type identification element 180, and the type identification element 180 is connected to the communication terminal. When the battery pack identifies an external device, the external device detects the type identification element 180 through the communication terminal to identify the type of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the type identification element 180 can be an identification resistor, one end of the identification resistor is connected to the communication terminal, and the other end is grounded. When the external device is connected to the communication terminal 120, the external device can detect the size of the identification resistor. Different sizes of identification resistors correspond to different specifications of battery packs. Therefore, the external device can detect the type of the battery pack by detecting the size of the identification resistor, and then control the charging process or the discharging process.

[0182] Assume that the battery pack acts as a communication host. Then the communication unit continuously sends data outward through the communication terminal, and there will be continuous voltage fluctuations on the communication terminal. This communication terminal can only be used for communication alone, which has limitations. The battery pack provided in the above embodiment acts as a slave when communicating with an external device. Its communication terminal will only send data outward when it receives an instruction from the external device. During this period, when data is being transmitted inward or outward, there are continuous voltage fluctuations due to communication. During the remaining time, the communication unit is in a receiving state waiting, and there is no data transmission on the communication terminal. The communication terminal is actually idle, and its voltage state remains stable. In this embodiment, by connecting a type identification element 180 at the communication terminal 120, the communication terminal 120 can be multiplexed with new functions, and the external device can detect the type identification element of the communication terminal 120 to identify the battery pack type. Therefore, during the above-mentioned remaining time, the external device can accurately detect the type identification element 180 through the communication terminal 120 to identify the type of the battery pack without being affected by communication. In this way, when the battery pack acts as a communication slave, the communication terminal can be multiplexed with multiple functions, the number of battery pack terminals is small, the structure is compact, and the communication function is preferably configured.

[0183] In one embodiment, after the battery pack is connected to an external device, the communication unit 111 can receive a digital signal from the external device through the communication terminal 120 and transmit the digital signal to the monitoring unit 118. The monitoring unit 118 is configured to detect whether it receives a digital signal from the communication unit 111 within a preset time, that is, to detect whether it receives the digital signal sent by the external device through the communication terminal 120. In this embodiment, the digital signal includes a handshake signal, a parameter reading instruction, etc. sent by the external device. When the communication unit 111 detects a digital signal through the communication terminal 120, the monitoring unit 118 can determine the type of the external device according to the digital signal.

[0184] When the communication unit 111 does not detect a digital signal within the preset time, the monitoring unit 118 determines that the external device does not have a communication function. At this time, the monitoring unit 118 detects the analog signal at the communication terminal 120 to determine the type of the external device. When it is determined that the external device is a charger, the battery pack is in a charging state. When it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack is in a discharging state. Here, the monitoring unit 118 is disposed in the control module 110. The manner in which the monitoring unit 118 determines the type of the external device according to the digital signal or the analog signal is the same as that of the foregoing control module 110 determining the type of the external device according to the digital signal or the analog signal, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0185] Assume that the battery pack serves as the communication host. Then, the communication unit 111 continuously sends data outward through the communication terminal 120, and there will be continuous voltage fluctuations on the communication terminal 120. This terminal can only be used for communication alone, which has limitations. For the battery pack provided in the above embodiment, when communicating with an external device, it serves as a slave. Its communication terminal 120 will only send data outward when receiving an instruction from the external device. During this period, when transmitting data inward or outward, there are continuous voltage fluctuations affected by communication. In the remaining time, the communication unit 111 is in a receiving waiting state, and there is no data transmission on the communication terminal 120. The communication terminal 120 is actually idle, and its voltage state remains stable. In this embodiment, a new function is multiplexed on the communication terminal 120 - identifying the type of external device without communication from the communication terminal. Therefore, during the above-mentioned remaining time, the battery pack can accurately identify the type of external device without communication through the communication terminal 120, without being affected by communication. In this way, when the battery pack serves as a communication slave, the communication terminal 120 can multiplex multiple functions, the number of terminals of the battery pack is small, the structure is compact, and the communication function is preferably configured.

[0186] The following provides a specific application scenario of the present application:

[0187] Please refer to Figure 10, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery pack, including a battery pack 150 and a control circuit board. The control circuit board includes a control module 110, a temperature detection module 140, a communication terminal 120, and a status indication terminal 160. Among them, the communication terminal 120 is the aforementioned first terminal, and the status indication terminal 160 is the aforementioned second terminal. The communication terminal 120 and the status indication terminal 160 are used to connect to external devices, and the types of external devices include electrical appliances and chargers. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the control module 110 is used to detect whether a digital signal is received at the communication terminal 120 within a preset time. Among them, the digital signal can be a handshake signal. When the control module 110 does not receive a digital signal within the preset time, the control module 110 determines that the external device does not have a communication function. At this time, the control module 110 determines the type of the external device by detecting the analog signal at the communication terminal 120. It should be noted that a charger without a communication function has a port adapted to the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack, and a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor are provided at the port of the charger. When the charger is connected to the battery pack, the battery pack can detect an analog signal through the communication terminal 120. An electrical appliance without a communication function also does not have a port adapted to the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack. When the electrical appliance is connected to the battery pack, the communication terminal 120 of the battery pack is floating. Therefore, the control module 110 can determine the type of the external device by detecting the connection state at the communication terminal 120. If the voltage state of the analog signal detected by the battery pack at the communication terminal 120 is greater than or equal to the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal 120 is connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is a charger. If the voltage state of the analog signal detected by the battery pack at the communication terminal 120 is less than the preset voltage value, the connection state at the communication terminal 120 is not connected, and the battery pack can determine that the external device is an electrical appliance.

[0188] When the external device is a charger, the control module 110 only determines whether the battery pack is in an overcharge state and does not determine whether the battery pack is in an overdischarge state. A first voltage and a second voltage are preset in the battery pack, and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. When the external device is a charger, the control module 110 compares the collected single-cell voltage with the preset first voltage and does not compare it with the second voltage. If any single-cell voltage is greater than the first voltage, the battery pack is in an overcharge state and an overcharge fault occurs. The control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal through the status indication terminal 160. Even if there is a single-cell voltage less than the second voltage, the control module 110 still controls the battery pack to enter the charging state.

[0189] When the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack enters the discharge state. At this time, the control module 110 only judges whether the battery pack is in an over-discharge state and does not judge whether the battery pack is in an over-charge state, that is, the control module 110 compares the single-cell voltage collected with the preset second voltage and does not compare it with the first voltage. If any single-cell voltage is less than the second voltage, the battery pack is in an over-discharge state and an over-discharge fault occurs. The control module 110 outputs an abnormal signal through the status indication terminal 160. Even if there is a single-cell voltage greater than the first voltage, the control module 110 still controls the battery pack to enter the discharge state.

[0190] During charging and discharging, the control module 110 also calculates the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value according to the collected single-cell voltage. If the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value is greater than the first preset difference in the control module 110, the battery pack has an imbalance fault. When the battery pack has an imbalance fault, the control module 110 also outputs an abnormal signal from the status indication terminal 160. When the battery pack has the above-mentioned faults (over-charge fault, over-discharge fault, imbalance fault), the battery pack enters the low-power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0191] Specifically, the battery pack further includes a circuit module 210, and the circuit module 210 includes the control module 110 and a peripheral working circuit 220 connected to the control module 110.

[0192] Among them, the control module 110 includes a power switch 114, a voltage stabilizing unit 115 and an internal working circuit 116. The circuits in the control module 110 except the above-mentioned power switch 114 and voltage stabilizing unit 115 belong to the internal working circuit 116. The positive pole of the battery pack 150 is connected to one end of the power switch 114, and the other end of the power switch 114 is connected to one end of the voltage stabilizing unit 115. The voltage stabilizing unit 115 is used to convert the power supply of the battery pack 150 and output a working power supply to supply power to the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220. When the power switch 114 is closed, the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220 are powered to work, and the circuit module 210 is in the normal power consumption mode, that is, the battery pack is in the normal power consumption mode.

[0193] When the power switch 114 is disconnected, the input of the voltage stabilizing unit 115 is cut off and thus it cannot output the working power supply either. At this time, the internal working circuit 116 and the peripheral working circuit 220 are powered off, and the circuit module 210 enters the low-power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode, that is, the battery pack enters the low-power consumption mode. When the battery pack enters the low-power consumption mode, the power consumption in the battery pack is at the microampere level, approaching zero power consumption.

[0194] In one embodiment, when the control module 110 of the circuit module 210 detects that the voltage state at the status indication terminal 160 is greater than or equal to the connection recognition preset voltage, the battery pack is connected to an external device. When the battery pack is in the normal power consumption mode, if the control module 110 of the circuit module 210 detects that the voltage state at the status indication terminal 160 is less than the connection recognition preset voltage, it is determined that the battery pack is disconnected from the external device. At this time, the control module 110 cuts off the power switch 114, and the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0195] In one embodiment, the control module 110 of the circuit module 210 determines that the external device is a charger through the communication terminal 120, the battery pack enters the charging state and starts the timer in the control module 210. The control module presets a first time. When the time of the control module reaches the preset first time, the control module 210 defaults that the battery pack is fully charged. At this time, the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0196] In one embodiment, if the control module 110 of the circuit module 210 determines that the battery pack is fully charged according to the working parameter - single cell voltage / whole pack voltage, the circuit module 210 enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode.

[0197] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a temperature detection module 140, one end of which is connected to the status indication terminal 160, and the other end is connected to the first end of the switch module 170. When the control module 110 detects that the single cell voltage of any one of the battery cells is greater than the over-discharge voltage or less than the over-charge voltage, the control module 110 controls the switch module 170 to conduct, so that the external device is connected to the temperature detection module 140 through the status indication terminal 160 to read the temperature information of the battery pack.

[0198] Specifically, in this embodiment, the temperature detection module 140 may be a thermistor, and the switch module 170 may be an N-type transistor. One end of the thermistor is connected to the drain of the N-type transistor, the source of the N-type transistor is grounded, and the other end of the thermistor is connected to the status indication terminal 160. When the external device is connected to the battery pack, there is a peripheral power supply and a pull-up resistor at the port where the external device is connected to the status indication terminal 160. The peripheral power supply and the pull-up resistor are grounded through the thermistor and the N-type transistor, and the external device can read the temperature information of the battery pack by reading the resistance value of the thermistor. When the external device determines that the battery pack is overheated, it disconnects from the battery pack, so that the battery pack stops charging or discharging.

[0199] In another embodiment, the temperature detection module 140 is further connected to the control module 110. After the control module 110 collects the temperature information of the battery pack, it sends the temperature information of the battery pack to an external device through the communication unit 111. The external device can determine whether the battery pack is overheated according to the received temperature information. If the battery pack is overheated, the external device disconnects the connection with the battery pack, causing the battery pack to stop charging and discharging.

[0200] When an external device is connected to the battery pack and the control module 110 of the battery pack detects that the communication unit 111 receives a digital signal within a preset time, the external device has communication function, and the communication unit 111 can identify the type of the external device according to the digital signal sent by the external device. Among them, the digital signal can be a handshake signal sent by the external device. The handshake signals sent by different types of external devices are also different. When the communication unit 111 receives the first handshake signal, by analyzing the source address carried in the first handshake signal, it can be determined that the external connection is a charger. When the communication unit 111 receives the second handshake signal, by analyzing the source address carried in the second handshake signal, it can be determined that the external connection is an electrical appliance. After the communication unit 111 receives the handshake signal and replies with consent, the handshake is successful, and the battery pack can enter the charging state or the discharging state, and communicate with the external device in real time during the charging and discharging process. When the battery pack communicates with the external device, the communication unit 111 can be a serial communication unit, and the communication terminal 120 can also be a half-duplex serial port. The communication unit 111 communicates with the external device through the communication terminal 120 in a serial port communication mode.

[0201] Further, the control module 110 further includes a sending interface 112 and a receiving interface 113. The sending interface 112 and the receiving interface 113 belong to the communication unit 111 and are respectively connected to the communication terminal. The communication unit 111 transmits the signal to be sent from the sending interface 112 to the communication terminal and then sends it out to an external device. The communication unit receives the signal sent by the external device to the communication terminal 120 through the interface unit 113. The battery pack further includes a conversion module 130. One end of the conversion module 130 is connected to the sending interface 112, and the other end is connected to the communication terminal 120. The conversion module 130 is used to send the signal generated by the communication unit 111 to the external device, and prevent the signal of the external device from flowing to the communication unit 111 through the sending interface 112, so that the signal sent by the external device can only flow from the communication terminal 120 and the receiving interface 130 to the communication unit. In this embodiment, the conversion module 130 may be a switch controlled by the communication unit 111. In this embodiment, the communication unit is a serial communication unit, adopting a serial communication protocol. The sending interface 112 is a Tx pin, and the receiving interface 113 is an Rx pin. Also through the conversion module 130, the communication terminal 120 becomes a half-duplex serial port, which can send data and receive data, but cannot send at the same time. The communication unit 111 performs serial communication with the external device through the communication terminal 120.

[0202] When the external device is a charger with communication function, after the charger and the battery pack handshake successfully, a parameter reading instruction is sent. After receiving the parameter reading instruction, the battery pack sends the corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the charger. Among them, the working parameters include preset charging parameters, and the categories of the charging parameters include preset voltage information, preset current information, and preset temperature information. The preset current information may be the maximum allowable charging current, the preset voltage information may be the maximum allowable charging voltage of the battery pack, and the preset temperature information may be the maximum allowable charging temperature and the minimum allowable charging temperature. After receiving the above charging parameters, the charger can set the corresponding constant current charging current value, constant voltage charging voltage value, and charging over-temperature protection value according to the charging parameters.

[0203] The status parameter is the real-time parameter during the working process of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the status parameter includes any one of the overall voltage of the battery pack, the single-cell voltage of the battery cell, the battery pack temperature, and the fault status. Among them, the fault status may be overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, over-temperature fault, unbalance fault, etc. After receiving the overall voltage of the battery pack, the charger can judge whether the battery pack is full or faulty according to the preset full-charge cut-off voltage. If so, the charger stops charging the battery pack. When the charger knows that the battery pack is full, the charger sends a charging status notification instruction carrying the full-charge information of the battery pack and stops charging the battery pack. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the control module 110 controls the battery pack to enter the low-power mode.

[0204] If the charger detects its own fault, it sends a charging status notification instruction carrying the charger fault information and stops charging the battery pack. After receiving the charging status notification instruction, the battery pack controls the power switch 114 to disconnect, so that the battery pack enters the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode, reducing the power consumption of the battery pack when not in use.

[0205] When the external device is an electrical appliance with communication function, after the handshake between the electrical appliance and the battery pack is successful, a parameter reading instruction is sent. After receiving the parameter reading instruction, the battery pack sends the corresponding working parameters and / or status parameters to the electrical appliance. Among them, the working parameters include preset discharge parameters, that is, preset voltage information, preset current information and preset temperature information. The preset current information can be the maximum allowable discharge current, the preset voltage information can be the minimum allowable discharge voltage of the battery pack, and the preset temperature information can be the maximum allowable discharge temperature and the minimum allowable discharge temperature. After receiving the above discharge parameters, the electrical appliance can set the corresponding overcurrent protection value, over-discharge protection value and discharge over-temperature protection value according to the discharge parameters.

[0206] Since the battery pack and the external device send preset working parameters through communication, and the external device sets the corresponding charging value or discharging value according to the received parameters, compared with the traditional technology where the charger can only charge a specific battery pack or the battery pack can only charge a specific model of electrical appliance, in this application, the adaptation range of the battery pack is wider.

[0207] When the battery pack establishes communication with the external device, the battery pack receives data as a slave, and the external device sends data as a master. The battery pack will only send data externally after receiving the instruction from the external device, avoiding the line conflict of the battery pack and the external device sending data actively at the same time, and also avoiding the battery pack continuously sending data actively to perform useless operations and wasting the energy of the battery pack.

[0208] In one embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes a switch activation circuit 190. One end of the switch activation circuit 190 is connected to the communication terminal 120 and the status indication terminal 160, and the other end is connected to the control module 110. The switch activation circuit 190 is used to control the control module 110 to receive the activation signal sent by the external device through the switch activation circuit 190 and switch from the low power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode when the external device is connected to the battery pack.

[0209] In this embodiment, when the battery pack is not connected to an external device, the battery pack is in the low power consumption mode and the internal working circuit does not work. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the battery pack can switch from the low power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode after detecting the external device.

[0210] Specifically, the switch activation circuit 190 includes a first charging unit 191 and an activation switch 193. The activation switch 193 includes a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The control terminal of the activation switch 193 is connected to one end of the first charging unit 191, and the other end of the first charging unit 191 is connected to the status indication terminal 160. The first terminal of the activation switch 193 is connected to the power supply, and the second terminal of the activation switch 192 is connected to the control module 110.

[0211] When an external device is connected to the battery pack, the external device is connected to the status indication terminal 160. Since there is an external device power supply and a pull-up resistor at the port where the external device is connected to the status indication terminal 1600, the external device can charge the first charging unit 191 through the status indication terminal 160. The first charging unit 191 can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, so that the control module 110 can detect the power supply connected to the activation switch 192, and then the control module 110 switches from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode.

[0212] Further, in another embodiment, the switch activation circuit 190 may further include a second charging unit 192. One end of the second charging unit 192 is connected to the communication terminal 120, and the other end is connected to the control terminal of the activation switch 193. When an external device is connected to the communication terminal 120, the external device has a port adapted to the communication terminal 120, and there is a pull-up resistor and an external device power supply at the port. Therefore, the external device can charge the second charging unit 192 through the communication terminal 120. The second charging unit 192 can control the activation switch 193 to conduct, so that the control module 110 detects the operating power supply connected to the activation switch 193 and can switch from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode.

[0213] In this embodiment, the activation switch 193 can be a transistor, and the transistor type can be N-type or P-type, which can be selected by the user according to their own needs.

[0214] The battery pack provided by the above embodiments outputs the battery pack fault signal and the temperature information of the battery pack through the status indication terminal, activates the battery pack to power on and work, detects that the battery pack is disconnected from the external device and enters the low power consumption and power saving mode. Through the communication terminal, it identifies the types of external devices on different platforms, communicates with the external devices with communication functions, activates the battery pack to power on and work, and the external device identifies the battery pack type. By multiplexing multiple functions through one port, the number of ports of the battery pack is reduced, and the port integration degree is improved. The above battery pack can be used for external devices with communication functions and can also be used for external devices without communication functions, and has a wide range of applicable platforms. In addition, the battery pack can enter the low power consumption mode from the normal power consumption mode when the battery pack fails, the battery pack is fully charged, the charger fails, or the battery pack is disconnected from the external device, so that the power consumption of the battery pack can be reduced. When the battery pack is connected to an external device, the battery pack can automatically enter the normal power consumption mode, realizing the intelligence of the battery pack.

[0215] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of concise description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0216] The above embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present invention. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as a limitation to the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the invention patent should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, detachably connected to an external device for charging or discharging, the external device including an electrical appliance and a charger, characterized in that, the battery pack includes: a battery pack, a control module, a first terminal and a second terminal; the battery pack includes a plurality of series-connected battery cells; the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the control module and to the external device; when the control module determines that the battery pack is in a fault state, the control module outputs an abnormal signal through the second terminal, so that after the external device receives the abnormal signal, charging or discharging is stopped; the control module further includes a communication unit, and the communication unit is connected to the first terminal; when the control module determines that the battery pack is in a fault state, the control unit also controls to output an abnormal signal from the first terminal through the communication unit, so that after the external device receives the abnormal signal, charging or discharging is stopped.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, the communication unit is a serial communication unit, the first terminal is a half-duplex serial interface, and the communication unit performs serial communication with the external device through the first terminal to transmit and receive digital signals.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, the battery pack further includes a monitoring unit, and the monitoring unit obtains state parameters of the battery pack; the communication unit receives the state parameters and sends them to the external device through the first terminal; the state parameters at least include the fault state.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, the fault state includes at least one of overcharge fault, over-discharge fault, over-temperature fault, and imbalance fault.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, the battery pack further includes a switch module, the switch module includes a control end, a first end and a second end, the control end of the switch module is connected to the control module, the first end of the switch module is connected to the second terminal, and the second end of the switch module is grounded; the control module controls the switch module to be disconnected or closed through the control end. When the switch module is disconnected, the second terminal is disconnected from the ground, and the external device detects that the second terminal is floating, so that the second terminal outputs an abnormal signal.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, the battery pack further includes a temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the battery pack, one end of the temperature detection module is connected to the second terminal, and the other end is connected to the first end of the switch module; when the switch module is closed, the second terminal is grounded through the temperature detection module, and the external device obtains the temperature of the battery pack by detecting the temperature detection module through the second terminal, so that the second terminal outputs the temperature of the battery pack.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the battery pack is connected to the external device, the control module is used to detect whether a digital signal from the external device is received from the first terminal within a preset time; If so, the control module determines the type of the external device according to the digital signal; If not, the control module detects the analog signal at the first terminal and determines the type of the external device according to the analog signal; When it is determined that the external device is a charger, the battery pack is in a charging state; when it is determined that the external device is an electrical appliance, the battery pack is in a discharging state.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the control module includes a communication unit and a working state identification interface, and the communication unit includes a sending interface and a receiving interface; the sending interface, the receiving interface and the working state interface are respectively connected to the first terminal; the control module detects whether a digital signal of the external device is received from the first terminal through the receiving interface, and the control module detects the analog signal at the first terminal through the working state identification interface.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the digital signal includes a first handshake signal and a second handshake signal; when the digital signal received by the control module is the first handshake signal, it is determined that the type of the external device is a charger; when the digital signal received by the control module is the second handshake signal, it is determined that the type of the external device is an electrical appliance.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the digital signal includes a parameter reading instruction, and when the control module receives the parameter reading instruction from the first terminal, the working parameters and / or status parameters of the battery pack are sent to the external device through the first terminal.

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