Battery device with foreign matter detection function and vehicle-mounted power system of electric bicycle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery device with a foreign matter detection function and a vehicle-mounted electric power system of an electric bicycle, and the battery device with the foreign matter detection function comprises a battery management module, a battery cell group, a C-type connector of a universal serial bus and a foreign matter detection module. And the battery management module is provided with a closing threshold value and is connected with the cell group and the C-type connector of the universal serial bus. And the foreign matter detection module is connected with the battery management module and the C-type connector of the universal serial bus and is used for detecting short circuit caused by foreign matters. When a short circuit is detected, the foreign matter detection module outputs a voltage signal to the battery management module. And if the signal meets the closing threshold value, the battery management module interrupts the power supply of the USB Type-C connector to the battery cell group so as to ensure the safety of the C-type connector of the universal serial bus in the charging and discharging process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a battery device, and in particular to a battery device with foreign object detection function and an on-board power system of an electric bicycle. Background Art

[0002] In today's daily lives, batteries are widely used in various industries, such as electric vehicles, motorcycles, toys, and electronic products like mobile phones. These electronic products are increasingly adopting Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors for charging and discharging, as well as data transmission. The USB Type-C connector, in particular, offers numerous advantages, including reversible plugging and unplugging, support for PD fast charging, high-speed data transmission, and compatibility with audio and video. Furthermore, starting at the end of 2024, the European Union will mandate that all mobile electronic products sold within its member states must have a USB Type-C connector, to improve consumer convenience, save costs, and promote environmental protection.

[0003] However, the USB Type-C connector's terminals are very close together. Foreign matter (e.g., water) can intrude during use, potentially leading to abnormalities such as terminal electrolysis and heating during charging and discharging, or even system misjudgment. To address these shortcomings and improve product reliability, a design that can safely detect water ingress in the USB Type-C connector is urgently needed to ensure safe charging and discharging. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problems mentioned in the background art, the purpose of the present invention is to enable a USB Type-C connector to detect a short circuit caused by a foreign object in the connector. Upon detecting the short circuit, the battery system can interrupt the USB Type-C connector from supplying power to the battery pack, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the battery device and improving product reliability and service life.

[0005] According to the purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides a battery device with foreign object detection, including a battery management module, a battery cell group, a universal serial bus C-type connector and a foreign object detection module. The battery management module is provided with a shutdown threshold. The battery cell group is connected to the battery management module. The universal serial bus C-type connector connects the battery management module and the battery cell group, and the universal serial bus C-type connector includes at least a power supply pin, a first foreign object detection pin and a second foreign object detection pin. The power supply pin supplies power to the battery cell group, and the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin are in an open circuit state. The foreign object detection module connects the battery management module, the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin. The foreign object detection module detects that the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin output a voltage signal, and the foreign object detection module transmits the voltage signal to the battery management module. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it indicates that a foreign object has invaded between the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin, causing the pin to be in a short-circuit state. The battery management module interrupts the connection between the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal does not meet the shutdown threshold, it indicates that the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin have not yet been in a short-circuit state. The battery management module maintains the connection between the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group.

[0006] Optionally, the battery device with foreign object detection also includes a state switching module, which connects the battery management module and the foreign object detection module, and receives an enable control signal or a disable control signal output by the battery management module, and enables the foreign object detection module according to the enable control signal, so that the battery management module and the foreign object detection module are in a conductive state, or controls the foreign object detection module to be disabled according to the disable control signal, so that the battery management module and the foreign object detection module are in a non-conductive state.

[0007] Optionally, the state switching module is an optical coupler, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a relay, a physical button or a switch.

[0008] Optionally, the battery device with foreign object detection further includes a charge and discharge protection module, which is connected between the battery cell group and the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus. The charge and discharge protection module is also connected to the battery management module. When it is confirmed that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, the charge and discharge protection module is controlled to be in a non-conducting state to interrupt the connection between the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group.

[0009] Optionally, the charge and discharge protection module includes a discharge protection switch and a charge protection switch, and the discharge protection switch and the charge protection switch are connected between the battery management module and the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls one or both of the discharge protection switch and the charge protection switch to a non-conducting state to interrupt the connection of the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus to the battery cell group via the charge and discharge protection module.

[0010] First foreign object detection pin Second foreign object detection pin Optionally, the power supply pin is the VBUS pin of the universal serial bus C-type connector. The first foreign object detection pin is the SBU1 pin of the universal serial bus C-type connector and the second foreign object detection pin is the SBU2 pin of the universal serial bus C-type connector.

[0011] According to the purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides an on-board power system for an electric bicycle, characterized in that it includes the battery device with foreign object detection and an on-board electromechanical device, the on-board electromechanical device is connected to the battery management module and the battery pack, and the charge and discharge protection module is connected between the battery pack and the on-board electromechanical device, the on-board electromechanical device receives power supplied by the battery pack via the charge and discharge protection module, and the battery management module controls the charge and discharge protection module to a non-conductive state when confirming that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, so as to interrupt the battery pack from supplying power to the on-board electromechanical device, and the battery management module sends a warning signal to the on-board electromechanical device.

[0012] Optionally, the battery system further includes a warning module, the warning module being connected to the battery management module and the display module. The warning module and the display module are each connected to the on-board electromechanical device and both receive the warning signal from the on-board electromechanical device. The warning module issues a warning message based on the warning signal, and the display module displays the warning message based on the warning signal. In summary, when a foreign object enters the Type-C connector of the Universal Serial Bus, the foreign object detection module outputs the voltage signal to the battery management module, which interrupts the connection between the Type-C connector of the Universal Serial Bus and the battery cell pack, thereby preventing abnormal phenomena such as electrolysis and heating of the pins during the charging and discharging process, which could cause the battery management module to make incorrect judgments, and thus allow the Type-C connector of the Universal Serial Bus to charge and discharge safely. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A circuit block diagram of a battery device with foreign object detection.

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Add the circuit block diagram of the state switching module.

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Add the circuit block diagram of the charging and discharging module.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The charging and discharging module includes a charging protection switch and a discharging protection switch.

[0017] Figure 5 A circuit block diagram of an electric bicycle's onboard power system.

[0018] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Added circuit block diagram of warning module.

[0019] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1-battery management module; 2-battery cell group; 3-Universal serial bus Type-C connector; 30-power supply pin; 32-first foreign object detection pin; 34-second foreign object detection pin; 36-cc pin; 4-foreign object detection module; 5-state switching module; 6-charge and discharge protection module; 60-charging protection switch; 62-discharge protection switch; 7-on-board electromechanical device; 8-warning module; 9-display module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, identical reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the specification to represent identical or similar components. In the drawings, shapes and thicknesses may be exaggerated for simplicity and convenience. It should be understood that components not specifically shown in the drawings or described in the specification are known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications based on the disclosure of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention is a battery device with foreign object detection, comprising a battery management module 1, a battery pack 2, a USB Type-C connector 3, and a foreign object detection module 4. The battery management module 1 has a shutdown threshold. The battery management module 1 connects the battery pack 2, the USB Type-C connector 3, and the foreign object detection module 4. The battery pack 2 is connected to the USB Type-C connector 3. The USB Type-C connector 3 includes at least a power supply pin 30, a first foreign object detection pin 32, and a second foreign object detection pin 34. The power supply pin 30 supplies power to the battery pack 2. Before a foreign object enters, the circuit between the first and second foreign object detection pins 32 and 34 remains open. When a foreign object enters between the first and second foreign object detection pins 32 and 34, the circuit between the first and second foreign object detection pins 32 and 34 becomes short-circuited, causing the USB Type-C connector 3 to output the voltage signal. The foreign object detection module 4 is also connected to the first foreign object detection pin 32 and the second foreign object detection pin 34. When the foreign object detection module 4 detects the voltage signal received from the first foreign object detection pin 32 and the second foreign object detection pin 34, indicating that a foreign object has entered the USB Type-C connector 3, the foreign object detection module 4 outputs the voltage signal to the battery management module 1. After confirming that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, the battery management module 1 disconnects the USB Type-C connector 3 from the battery pack 2, disconnecting the USB Type-C connector 3 from the battery pack 2.

[0022] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the battery system also includes a state switching module 5, which is connected between the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4, and receives an enable control signal or a disable control signal output by the battery management module 1. When the state switching module 5 receives the enable control signal, the foreign object detection module 4 is enabled, so that the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4 are conductive, or when the state switching module 5 receives the disable control signal, the foreign object detection module 4 is disabled, so that the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4 are not conductive.

[0023] In some embodiments, the state switching module 5 is an optocoupler, a bipolar transistor, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a relay, a physical button, or a toggle switch. For example, when the state switching module 5 is a relay, when the battery management module 1 outputs a shutdown control signal to the relay, the relay becomes closed, resulting in a disconnected state between the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4. When the battery management module 1 outputs an open control signal to the relay, the relay becomes open, resulting in a connected state between the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery system further includes a charge and discharge protection module 6, which connects the battery pack 2 and the USB Type-C connector 3. The USB Type-C connector 3 is connected to the battery pack 2 via the charge and discharge protection module 6. The charge and discharge protection module 6 includes a charge protection switch 60 and a discharge protection switch 62. The discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 are connected to the battery management module 1. When the battery management module 1 confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 to a non-conductive state, thereby interrupting the connection between the USB Type-C connector 3 and the battery pack 2 via the charge and discharge protection module 6.

[0025] In some embodiments, the foreign object can be a conductive liquid or a metal piece. For example, the conductive liquid is water. When water enters between the first foreign object detection pin 32 and the second foreign object detection pin 34, the first foreign object detection pin 32 and the second foreign object detection pin 34 are short-circuited. The power supply pin 30 is the VBUS pin of the USB Type-C connector 3. The first foreign object detection pin 32 is the SBU1 pin of the USB Type-C connector 3, and the second foreign object detection pin 34 is the SBU2 pin of the USB Type-C connector 3.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention is an onboard power system for an electric bicycle, including the battery device with foreign object detection and an onboard electromechanical device 7. The onboard electromechanical device 7 is connected to the battery management module 1 and the battery pack 2, and the charge-discharge protection module 6 is connected between the battery pack 2 and the onboard electromechanical device 7. The onboard electromechanical device 7 receives power supplied by the battery pack 2 via the charge-discharge protection module 6. When the battery management module 11 confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls the charge-discharge protection module 6 to a non-conductive state to interrupt the battery pack 2 from supplying power to the onboard electromechanical device 7, and the battery management module 1 sends a warning signal to the onboard electromechanical device 7.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, a warning module 8 and a display module 9 are further included. The warning module 8 and the display module 9 are each connected to the onboard electromechanical device 7 and receive the warning signal from the onboard electromechanical device 7. The warning module 8 issues a warning message based on the warning signal, and the display module 9 displays the warning message based on the warning signal. The warning module 7 is a buzzer or a light-emitting diode, and the display module 9 is a light-emitting diode or a meter on the electric bicycle.

[0028] In some embodiments, when the electric bicycle is in wakeup check mode or standby check mode, the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4 are in a conductive state. The battery management module 1 receives the voltage signal output by the foreign object detection module 4 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes). Each time the battery management module 1 receives the voltage signal, it determines whether it meets the shutdown threshold. When the battery management module 1 determines that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls one or both of the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 to a non-conductive state, thereby interrupting the connection between the USB Type-C connector 3 and the battery cell pack 2 via the charge and discharge protection module 6. The battery management module 1 also outputs a warning signal to the warning module 8 and the display module 9 via the onboard electromechanical device 7. The warning module 8 issues a warning message based on the warning signal, and the display module 9 displays the warning message based on the warning signal. When the battery management module 1 determines that the voltage signal does not meet the shutdown threshold, the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 are maintained in the on state.

[0029] like Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the electric bicycle is provided with an off button. When the off button is pressed, the electric bicycle is triggered to enter the wake-up check mode or the standby check mode. Alternatively, the electric bicycle detects that the USB Type-C connector 3 is connected to an external USB Type-C connector, which triggers the battery system to enter the wake-up check mode or the standby check mode.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the electric bicycle is in cable insert check mode or charge / discharge check mode, the battery management module 1 and the foreign object detection module 4 are in a conductive state. After connecting to an external USB Type-C connector, the battery management module 1 immediately determines whether the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold. When the battery management module 1 determines that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 to a non-conductive state. When the battery management module 1 determines that the voltage signal does not meet the shutdown threshold, it maintains the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 in a conductive state.

[0031] When the battery management module 1 determines that the voltage signal does not meet the shutdown threshold, it maintains the discharge protection switch 62 and the charge protection switch 60 in the on state. Thereafter, the battery management module 1 receives the voltage signal output by the foreign object detection module 4 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes). Each time the battery management module 1 receives the voltage signal, it reconfirms whether the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold.

[0032] In summary, when a foreign object enters the USB Type-C connector 3, the foreign object detection module 4 detects a short circuit between the first and second foreign object detection pins 32 and 34 and transmits the voltage signal to the battery management module 1. Once the battery management module 1 confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it immediately disconnects the USB Type-C connector 3 from the battery pack 2 to prevent abnormalities such as pin electrolysis and heating during the charging and discharging process. This prevents problems caused by misjudgment by the battery management module 1 and ensures safe charging and discharging of the USB Type-C connector.

[0033] The above descriptions are merely some preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications based on the shape, structure, characteristics and spirit described in the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery device with foreign object detection, characterized in that: include: Battery management module with shutdown threshold; A battery cell group, connected to the battery management module; a universal serial bus (USB) type-C connector, connecting the battery management module and the battery pack, the USB type-C connector comprising at least a power supply pin, a first foreign object detection pin, and a second foreign object detection pin, the power supply pin supplying power to the battery pack, and the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin being in an open circuit state; and a foreign object detection module connected to the battery management module, the first foreign object detection pin, and the second foreign object detection pin, wherein the foreign object detection module detects a voltage signal output by the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin, and transmits the voltage signal to the battery management module; In which, when the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it indicates that a foreign object has invaded between the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin and the state has changed to a short circuit state, and the battery management module interrupts the connection between the C-type connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group; when the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal does not meet the shutdown threshold, it indicates that the first foreign object detection pin and the second foreign object detection pin have not yet changed to a short circuit state, and the battery management module maintains the connection between the C-type connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group.

2. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a state switching module, which is connected between the battery management module and the foreign object detection module, and receives an enable control signal or a disable control signal output by the battery management module. When the state switching module receives the enable control signal, it enables the foreign object detection module, so that the battery management module and the foreign object detection module are in a conductive state, or when the state switching module receives the disable control signal, it disables the foreign object detection module, so that the battery management module and the foreign object detection module are in a non-conductive state.

3. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 2, wherein: The state switching module is an optical coupler, a bipolar transistor, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a relay, a physical button or a switch.

4. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 1, wherein: A charge and discharge protection module is provided between the battery cell group and the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus. The charge and discharge protection module is also connected to the battery management module. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls the charge and discharge protection module to a non-conducting state to interrupt the connection between the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell group.

5. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 4, wherein: The charge and discharge protection module includes a discharge protection switch and a charge protection switch, which are connected between the battery management module and the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls one or both of the discharge protection switch and the charge protection switch to a non-conducting state to interrupt the connection between the Type-C connector of the universal serial bus and the battery cell pack.

6. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply pin is a VBUS pin of a Type-C connector of the universal serial bus.

7. The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 1, wherein: The first foreign object detection pin is an SBU1 pin of the universal serial bus C-type connector, and the second foreign object detection pin is an SBU2 pin of the universal serial bus C-type connector.

8. An onboard power system for an electric bicycle, characterized in that: include: The battery device with foreign object detection according to claim 4 or 5; as well as An on-board electromechanical device is connected to the battery management module and the battery pack, and the charge and discharge protection module is connected between the battery pack and the on-board electromechanical device; The on-board electromechanical device receives power supplied by the battery pack via the charge-discharge protection module. When the battery management module confirms that the voltage signal meets the shutdown threshold, it controls the charge-discharge protection module to a non-conducting state to interrupt the battery pack from supplying power to the on-board electromechanical device, and the battery management module sends a warning signal to the on-board electromechanical device.

9. The onboard power system of an electric bicycle according to claim 8, characterized in that: It includes a warning module and a display module, each of which is connected to the vehicle-mounted electromechanical device and receives the warning signal from the vehicle-mounted electromechanical device. The warning module issues a warning message according to the warning signal, and the display module displays the warning message according to the warning signal.

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