Power distribution unit, battery pack and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a power distribution unit, a battery pack and electric equipment, the power distribution unit comprises a shell and a power distribution unit main body arranged in the shell, and the shell is suitable for being arranged in a box body of the battery pack. The power distribution unit main body comprises a circuit which is used for electrically connecting a battery cell module in a battery pack with an external charging system and electrically connecting the battery cell module with an equipment main body of the electric equipment, and the power distribution unit main body further comprises at least one of an on-off device, an acquisition device and a circuit protection device, the on-off device is used for connecting or disconnecting a circuit among the battery pack, the external charging system and an equipment main body of the electric equipment, the circuit protection device is used for disconnecting the circuit among the battery pack, the external charging system and the equipment main body of the electric equipment when the battery pack fails, and the acquisition device is used for acquiring information of current and / or voltage in the battery pack. The space utilization rate of the power distribution unit can be improved, the size of the whole power distribution unit is reduced, and the weight of the whole power distribution unit is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular, to a power distribution unit, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of electric vehicle technology, the design and manufacturing of battery packs are also constantly improving to meet higher performance requirements and wider market demands.

[0003] In the related art, the various components in the battery pack distribution unit are usually directly dispersed and arranged inside the battery pack box. The arrangement of the components of the distribution unit inside the battery pack box is relatively messy, the space utilization rate is low, and the assembly is complicated. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure provides a power distribution unit, a battery pack, and an electrical device to at least partially overcome the problems existing in the related art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power distribution unit, comprising a housing and a power distribution unit body disposed within the housing, wherein the housing is adapted to be disposed inside a box of a battery pack;

[0006] The power distribution unit body includes a circuit for electrically connecting the battery cell modules in the battery pack with an external charging system, and electrically connecting the battery cell modules with a device body of an electrical device;

[0007] The power distribution unit body further includes at least one of a breaking device, a collection device, and a circuit protection device;

[0008] The disconnecting device is used to connect or disconnect the circuit between the battery pack, the external charging system, and the main body of the electrical device;

[0009] The circuit protection device is used to disconnect the circuit between the battery pack, the external charging system, and the device body of the power-consuming device when the battery pack fails;

[0010] The acquisition device is used to acquire information about the current and / or voltage in the battery pack.

[0011] Optionally, the disconnecting device includes a plurality of relays, and the plurality of relays are provided on corresponding circuits between the battery module, the external charging system, and the device body;

[0012] Each of the relays is used to control the connection or disconnection of a corresponding circuit.

[0013] Optionally, the disconnecting device includes a composite switch, which is used to control the connection or disconnection of multiple circuits between the battery pack, the external charging system, and the device body.

[0014] Optionally, at least a portion of the housing is configured as a heat exchange plate, or the power distribution unit includes a heat exchange plate disposed on the housing;

[0015] The power distribution unit body exchanges heat with the heat exchange structure of the battery pack through the heat exchange plate.

[0016] Optionally, the disconnecting device includes a relay, and the contacts of the relay are in contact with the heat exchange plate.

[0017] Optionally, in the height direction of the battery pack, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing that are stacked;

[0018] The power distribution unit body includes a first portion located in the first housing and a second portion located in the second housing;

[0019] The first shell is provided with a first electrical connector, and the second shell is provided with a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are used to electrically connect the first part and the second part.

[0020] Optionally, one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector includes a copper column, and the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector includes a conductive insert that cooperates with the copper column, and the conductive insert is embedded in a groove on the corresponding housing.

[0021] Optionally, the power distribution unit includes a collection device, the collection device includes a current sensor, and the current sensor is used to monitor the current of a relevant circuit in the power distribution unit; and / or,

[0022] The acquisition device includes a voltage sensor, which is used to monitor the voltage of relevant circuits in the power distribution unit.

[0023] Optionally, the power distribution unit includes a circuit protection device, and the circuit protection device includes an active fuse and / or an active and passive fuse.

[0024] Optionally, the power distribution unit includes a cell module connector, a charging end connector and a discharging end connector;

[0025] The battery module connector is used to electrically connect to the battery module;

[0026] The charging terminal connector is used to electrically connect to an external charging system;

[0027] The discharge end connector is used to electrically connect to the device body of the electrical device;

[0028] At least one of the battery module connector, the charging end connector, and the discharging end connector is configured as a quick-plug connector.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack comprising a cell module, a box, and the power distribution unit as described above;

[0030] The battery cell module and the shell are both arranged inside the box of the battery pack;

[0031] The power distribution unit body is used to electrically connect the battery cell module with an external charging system, and to electrically connect the battery cell module with an electrical device.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electric device is provided, comprising a device body and the battery pack as described above, wherein the battery pack is mounted on the device body and is used to supply power to the device body.

[0033] Optionally, the electrical equipment is a vehicle, and the body structure of the vehicle is part of the box of the battery pack.

[0034] Through the above technical solution, since the main body of the distribution unit is arranged in the shell of the distribution unit, and the shell is suitable for being arranged inside the box of the battery pack, in other words, the distribution unit adopts an integrated design. In this way, by reasonably designing the installation position of each component in the main body of the distribution unit in the shell, on the one hand, the space utilization rate of the distribution unit can be improved, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the entire distribution unit and reducing the weight of the entire distribution unit; on the other hand, it can also improve the assembly efficiency of the distribution unit in the battery pack.

[0035] In addition, by reasonably designing the installation positions of the various components in the distribution unit in the shell, the various components can be arranged in an orderly manner in the shell. This, on the one hand, can facilitate the assembly of the various components in the distribution unit, and on the other hand, can also improve the maintenance convenience of the various components in the distribution unit.

[0036] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a front view schematic diagram of a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a bottom view schematically showing a power distribution unit provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a power distribution unit provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 3 is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the second shell is not shown.

[0042] Figure 5 3 is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a power distribution unit provided by a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the second shell is not shown.

[0043] Figure 6 It is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first circuit is schematically shown with blue lines, the third circuit is schematically shown with red lines, the second circuit is schematically shown with green lines, and the battery cell module is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sixth circuit is schematically shown with blue lines, the third circuit is schematically shown with red lines, the seventh circuit is schematically shown with green lines, and the battery cell module is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sixth circuit is schematically shown with blue lines, the eighth circuit is schematically shown with red lines, and the battery cell module is schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 9 It is a front view schematic diagram of a partial structure of a power distribution unit provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the seventh circuit is schematically shown with green lines, the ninth circuit is schematically shown with red lines, and the battery cell module is schematically shown.

[0047] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the middle panel.

[0048] Figure 11 3 is a bottom view schematically showing a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the heat exchange plate is not shown.

[0049] Figure 12 yes Figure 11Magnified view of B.

[0050] Figure 13 It is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a portion of the structure of a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a partial structure of a power distribution unit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 13 Different perspective.

[0052] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged view of C in the middle.

[0053] Figure 16 FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Description of Reference Numerals

[0055] 1000-battery pack; 100-power distribution unit; 101-casing; 102-cell module; 103-first cell module; 104-second cell module; 1-shell; 11-first shell; 12-second shell; 13-first electrical connector; 14-second electrical connector; 15-copper column; 16-conductive insert; 2-power distribution unit body; 3-circuit; 31-first circuit; 32-second circuit; 33-third circuit; 34-sixth circuit; 35-seventh circuit; 36-eighth circuit; 37-ninth circuit; 4-disconnecting device; 41-relay; 42-contact; 43-compound switch; 5-collection device; 51-current sensor; 52-voltage sensor; 6-circuit protection device; 61-active fuse; 62-active and passive fuses; 7-heat exchange plate; 8-cell module connector; 9-charging end connector; 10-discharging end connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following describes the specific embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0057] In this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" indicate directions or positional relationships defined based on the orientation of the drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of this disclosure and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have specific directions, structures, or operations. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the corresponding structural contours. "Height" can refer to the height of the power distribution unit during normal use or the height of the vehicle.

[0058] In addition, it should be noted that the terms used, such as "first" and "second", are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have order or importance. In addition, in the description with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same elements.

[0059] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "connected," "connected," and "installed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; and they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0060] As mentioned above, in the related art, the components of the power distribution unit are arranged in a relatively messy manner inside the box of the battery pack, resulting in low space utilization and complex assembly.

[0061] In view of this, if Figures 1 to 15 As shown, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a distribution unit 100 is provided, comprising a shell 1 and a distribution unit body 2 arranged in the shell 1, the shell 1 is suitable for being arranged inside the box 101 of the battery pack 1000, the distribution unit body 2 comprises a circuit 3 for electrically connecting the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 with the external charging system, and electrically connecting the battery cell module 102 with the device body of the electrical equipment, the distribution unit body 2 also comprises at least one of a disconnecting device 4, a collecting device 5 and a circuit protection device 6, wherein the disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect the circuit 3 between the battery pack 1000, the external charging system and the device body of the electrical equipment, the circuit protection device 6 is used to disconnect the circuit 3 between the battery pack 1000, the external charging system and the device body of the electrical equipment when a fault occurs in the battery pack 1000, and the collecting device 5 is used to collect information on the current and / or voltage in the battery pack 1000.

[0062] When the above-mentioned power distribution unit 100 is applied to the battery pack 1000, the above-mentioned power distribution unit 100 can realize the connection between the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 and the external charging system, and can realize the electrical connection between the battery cell module 102 and the device body of the electrical equipment, thereby realizing the external discharge of the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 and the charging of the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000.

[0063] For example, when the above-mentioned distribution unit 100 is applied to the battery pack 1000 of a vehicle, the above-mentioned distribution unit 100 can, on the one hand, realize the electrical connection between the battery cell module 102 and the equipment body of the electrical equipment (such as the vehicle's drive motor, or the vehicle's low-voltage system, etc.). In this way, the battery cell module 102 can realize the power supply of the vehicle's low-voltage system to meet the daily needs of the vehicle, and can also realize the power supply of the drive motor to meet the driving needs of the vehicle.

[0064] In addition, by connecting the power distribution unit 100 to an external charging system (such as a charging pile, etc.), the charging requirements of the vehicle can also be met.

[0065] In the aforementioned power distribution unit 100, since the power distribution unit body 2 includes at least one of a disconnecting device 4, a data acquisition device 5, and a circuit protection device 6, the disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect the circuit 3, the circuit protection device 6 is used to disconnect the circuit 3 in the event of a fault, and the data acquisition device 5 is used to collect information on the current and / or voltage within the battery pack 1000. In other words, by rationally designing the components within the power distribution unit body 2, the safety of the power distribution unit 100 can be improved while still meeting the normal use requirements of the power distribution unit 100. A highly safe power distribution unit 100 can enhance the safety of the battery pack 1000, thereby improving the safety of the entire electrical equipment.

[0066] Through the above technical solution, since the distribution unit main body 2 is arranged in the shell 1 of the distribution unit 100, and the shell 1 is suitable for being arranged inside the box 101 of the battery pack 100, in other words, the distribution unit 100 adopts an integrated design. In this way, by reasonably designing the installation position of each component in the distribution unit main body 2 in the shell 1, on the one hand, the space utilization rate of the distribution unit 100 can be improved, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the entire distribution unit 100 and reducing the weight of the entire distribution unit 100; on the other hand, it can also improve the assembly efficiency of the distribution unit 100 in the battery pack 1000.

[0067] In addition, by reasonably designing the installation positions of the various components in the distribution unit 100 in the shell 1, the various components can be arranged in an orderly manner in the shell 1. This, on the one hand, can facilitate the assembly of the various components in the distribution unit 100, and on the other hand, can also improve the maintenance convenience of the various components in the distribution unit 100.

[0068] In order to enable the power distribution unit 100 to meet the use requirements of the battery pack 1000 under different working conditions, optionally, as Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 10As shown, the disconnecting device 4 may include multiple relays 41, which are arranged on corresponding circuits 3 between the battery pack 1000, the external charging system, and the main body of the electrical device. Each relay 41 is used to control the connection or disconnection of the corresponding circuit 3. In this way, by controlling the operating state of the multiple relays 41, the circuit 3 between the battery cell module 102 of the battery pack 1000 and the external charging system can be connected or disconnected, or the circuit 3 between the battery cell module 102 of the battery pack 1000 and the main body of the electrical device can be connected or disconnected, thereby realizing different operating modes such as charging or discharging of the battery pack 1000.

[0069] Here, it should be noted that the breaking device 4 of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned relay 41, and the breaking device 4 can be of any appropriate type. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 As shown, the above-mentioned disconnecting device 4 also includes a composite switch 43, which is used to control the connection or disconnection of multiple circuits 3 between the battery pack 1000, the external charging system, and the device body of the electrical device.

[0070] In the compound switch 43, since the compound switch 43 has multiple switch modules, by setting the multiple switch modules in the compound switch 43 on the corresponding circuits 3 between the battery pack 1000, the external charging system, and the device body of the electrical equipment, by controlling the working state of the compound switch 43, the circuit 3 between the battery cell module 102 of the battery pack 1000 and the external charging system can be turned on or off, or the circuit 3 between the battery cell module 102 of the battery pack 1000 and the device body of the electrical equipment can be turned on or off, thereby realizing different working modes such as charging or discharging of the battery pack 1000.

[0071] The present disclosure does not limit the specific type of the above-mentioned composite switch 43, as long as it can control the conduction or disconnection of multiple circuits. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned composite switch can be a DPDT switch, that is, a double-pole double-throw switch. The DPDT switch can control the conduction or disconnection of two circuits.

[0072] In order to perform heat exchange on the power distribution unit 100, optionally, as Figures 1 to 13 as well as Figure 12As shown, at least a portion of the housing 1 is configured as a heat exchange plate 7. Alternatively, the power distribution unit 100 includes a heat exchange plate 7 disposed within the housing 1. The power distribution unit body 2 exchanges heat with the heat exchange structure (e.g., a liquid cooling plate) of the battery pack 1000's housing 101 via the heat exchange plate 7. In other words, the power distribution unit 100 is further provided with a heat exchange plate 7 for heat exchange. This heat exchange plate 7 can remove heat generated by the power distribution unit 100, allowing the unit 100 to operate within a reasonable temperature range. This provides increased safety and a longer service life for the unit.

[0073] In addition, the independent heat exchange plate 7 can also ensure the heat dissipation effect of the distribution unit 100, effectively avoiding the situation where the distribution unit 100 is directly set on the heat exchange structure of the battery pack 1000, and the heat dissipation effect of the distribution unit 100 is poor, resulting in the temperature of the distribution unit 100 being too high, causing the components in the distribution unit 100 to be unable to be used normally or even damaged.

[0074] Alternatively, as Figure 4 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the disconnecting device 4 may further include a relay 41, the contact 42 of which is in contact with the heat exchange plate 7. Since the contact 42 on the relay 41, which generates more heat, is in direct contact with the heat exchange plate 7, the high temperature generated by the contact 42 of the relay 41 can be directly carried away by the heat exchange plate 7, which helps to improve the heat exchange effect of the power distribution unit 100.

[0075] In addition, by reasonably designing the installation position of the relay 41 on the housing 1, for example, inverting the relay 41 and partially embedding the contacts 42 of the relay 41 in the housing 1, the occupied height of the contacts 42 of the relay 41 in the housing 1 can be reduced, which is conducive to further improving the compactness of the distribution unit 100.

[0076] In the present disclosure, the power distribution unit 100 may have any appropriate structure, and the power distribution unit 100 may be a single layer or a multi-layer structure, as long as the power distribution unit 100 is convenient to be arranged in the battery pack 1000. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the height direction of the battery pack 1000, the shell 1 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 arranged in a stacked manner, and the distribution unit body 2 includes a first part located in the first shell 11 and a second part located in the second shell 12, wherein a first electrical connector 13 is provided on the first shell 11 and a second electrical connector 14 is provided on the second shell 12, and the first electrical connector 13 and the second electrical connector 14 are used to electrically connect the first part and the second part.

[0077] Since the shell 1 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 arranged in a stacked manner, the components in the distribution unit main body 2 are respectively located on the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. In this way, by reasonably arranging the installation positions of the components in the distribution unit main body 2 in the shell 1, the various components in the distribution unit main body 2 can be staggered in the height direction while meeting the use requirements, so that more components can be arranged in a limited area, which is conducive to improving the space utilization of the distribution unit 100, thereby reducing the volume of the distribution unit 100 and facilitating the arrangement of the distribution unit 100 in the battery pack 1000.

[0078] Alternatively, as Figure 4 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the relay 41 is disposed on the first housing 11, and the heat exchange plate 7 is disposed on a side of the first housing 11 away from the second housing 12. In other words, the heat exchange plate 7 is disposed close to components that generate higher heat (such as the relay 41 mentioned above), which helps improve the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange plate 7, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the entire power distribution unit 100.

[0079] The present disclosure does not limit the specific types of the first electrical connector 13 and the second electrical connector 14. As one embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first electrical connector 13 and the second electrical connector 14 includes a copper post 15, and the other of the first electrical connector 13 and the second electrical connector 14 includes a conductive insert 16 that cooperates with the copper post 15. The conductive insert 16 is embedded in a groove on the corresponding housing 1. The copper post 15 and the conductive insert 16 are interconnected, enabling electrical connection between components provided on the first housing 11 and components provided on the second housing 12, thereby meeting the normal use of the power distribution unit 100.

[0080] In addition, since the conductive insert 16 is embedded in the groove on the corresponding shell 1, when the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are connected, the copper column 15 and the conductive insert 16 will not protrude from the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, and the copper column 15 and the conductive insert 16 will not cause the volume of the distribution unit 100 to increase. The structure of the distribution unit 100 is relatively compact and the space utilization rate is high.

[0081] In order to facilitate monitoring of the operating status of the power distribution unit 100, optionally, as Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, the power distribution unit body 2 may further include a data acquisition device 5, which includes a current sensor 51 for monitoring the current of the relevant circuit 3 within the power distribution unit 100, and / or includes a voltage sensor 52 for monitoring the voltage of the relevant circuit 3 within the power distribution unit 100. By providing the current sensor 51 and / or the voltage sensor 52 within the power distribution unit 100, the current and / or voltage of the circuit 3 within the power distribution unit 100 can be monitored, so that when the current and / or voltage in the circuit 3 are abnormal, a protection mechanism (such as the active fuse 61 or the active and passive fuse 62 mentioned below) can be triggered to disconnect the circuit 3, which helps to improve the safety of the power distribution unit 100, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 1000 using the power distribution unit 100.

[0082] In order to further improve the safety of the power distribution unit 100, optionally, as Figures 4 to 9 As shown, the circuit protection device 6 may further include an active fuse 61 and / or an active / passive fuse 62. The active fuse 61 and / or the active / passive fuse 62 can disconnect the corresponding circuit 3 when an abnormality occurs in the circuit 3 (such as an abnormal current or abnormal voltage), thereby preventing the circuit 3 from being damaged due to overload.

[0083] In addition, it can be understood that for the implementation method in which the active fuse 61 and the active passive fuse 62 are simultaneously provided in the distribution unit 100, the active fuse 61 and the active passive fuse 62 can back up each other. In this way, even if one of the active fuse 61 and the active passive fuse 62 fails during use, the other of the active fuse 61 and the active passive fuse 62 can also normally protect the circuit 3. The redundancy of the distribution unit 100 is relatively high, which is conducive to improving the safety of the distribution unit 100.

[0084] The power distribution unit 100 provided in the present disclosure can be used in any appropriate battery pack 1000. For example, the battery pack 1000 can contain one or more battery cell modules 102. As one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power distribution unit 100 is electrically connected to the multiple battery cell modules 102 and is configured to enable the series or parallel connection of the multiple battery cell modules 102. In other words, the power distribution unit 100 is simultaneously connected to the multiple battery cell modules 102. The power distribution unit 100 can achieve electrical connection between the multiple battery cell modules 102 in the battery pack 1000 and the external charging system and the main body of the electrical device, thereby realizing the charging and discharging of the multiple battery cell modules 102.

[0085] In addition, since the power distribution unit 100 is configured to realize series or parallel connection of multiple battery cell modules 102 , the battery pack 1000 can have multiple different operating modes by changing the operating mode of the power distribution unit 100 .

[0086] For example, the power distribution unit 100 can be applied to a battery pack 1000 of a vehicle. The battery pack 1000 can include two battery cell modules 102. The operating voltage of the two battery cell modules 102 is 400V. By changing the operating mode of the power distribution unit 100, the battery pack 1000 can have the following operating modes:

[0087] By connecting two battery modules 102 in series through the power distribution unit 100, the vehicle battery pack 1000 can be charged or discharged under 800V conditions. Under 800V conditions, on the one hand, the charging power of the battery module 102 can be increased, thereby increasing the energy replenishment speed of the vehicle; on the other hand, compared with the 400V conditions, the 800V conditions can reduce the output current of the battery module 102 at the same output power, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the battery module 102 and increasing the vehicle's cruising range.

[0088] In addition, by connecting the two battery modules 102 in parallel or disconnecting them from each other through the power distribution unit 100, the two battery modules 102 can be made relatively independent. In this way, on the one hand, the vehicle can be compatible with a 400V charging system and a voltage platform of multiple voltages, which is convenient for daily use. On the other hand, when the vehicle is in extreme working conditions (for example, water ingress, collision, etc.), causing one of the battery modules 102 to be damaged, the damaged battery module 102 can be cut off while the other battery modules 102 can be used normally. In this way, even if the vehicle is in extreme working conditions, the vehicle can still drive normally, thereby improving the driving safety of the passengers.

[0089] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned 400V and 800V refer to the operating conditions of the distribution unit 100, rather than specific restrictions on voltage. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned 400V refers to the operating condition in which the operating voltage is in the range of 0 to 500V, and 800V refers to the operating condition in the range of 500V to 1000V.

[0090] It should be noted that the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the circuit 3 in the above-mentioned power distribution unit 100. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6As shown, the above-mentioned circuit 3 may include a first circuit 31, a second circuit 32 and a third circuit 33. The first end of the first circuit 31 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the external charging system, the second end of the first circuit 31 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the first battery cell module 103 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the first end of the second circuit 32 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the external charging system, the second end of the second circuit 32 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the second battery cell module 104 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the first end of the third circuit 33 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the first battery cell module 103, the second end of the third circuit 33 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the second battery cell module 104, and the disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect at least one of the first circuit 31, the second circuit 32 and the third circuit 33.

[0091] In this way, through the first circuit 31, the second circuit 32 and the third circuit 33, the first battery cell module 103 and the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected in series as a whole, and the first battery cell module 103 and the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the external charging system. In this way, when the first circuit 31, the second circuit 32 and the third circuit 33 are turned on, the battery pack 1000 using the distribution unit 100 can have a first working mode, that is, a high-voltage charging mode, and the external charging system can charge the battery pack 1000 with a larger power, and the battery pack 1000 can be recharged faster.

[0092] For example, for the battery pack 1000 of a vehicle in which the power distribution unit 100 is applied, the battery pack 1000 includes two battery cell modules 102, and the operating conditions of each battery cell module 102 are 400V. The external charging system can fast charge the two battery cell modules 102 at a voltage of 800V, with a higher charging power and a faster energy replenishment speed.

[0093] In addition, by controlling the disconnecting device 4, the switching device can disconnect one or more of the first circuit 31, the second circuit 32 and the third circuit 33, and the circuit between the external charging system and the battery cell module 102 can also be disconnected, switching the battery pack 1000 to other working modes.

[0094] In the distribution unit 100 provided in the present disclosure, the distribution unit 100 can charge multiple battery modules 102 in the battery pack 1000 at the same time, and the distribution unit 100 can also charge one battery module 102 in the battery pack 1000 separately. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned circuit 3 can also include a first circuit 31 and a fourth circuit. The first end of the first circuit 31 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the external charging system, and the second end of the first circuit 31 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the first battery module 103 among the multiple battery modules 102. The first end of the fourth circuit is used to be connected to the negative pole of the external charging system, and the second end of the fourth circuit is used to be connected to the negative pole of the first battery module 103. The disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect at least one of the first circuit 31 and the fourth circuit.

[0095] In this way, the first battery cell module 103 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to an external charging system through the first circuit 31 and the fourth circuit. In this way, when the first circuit 31 and the fourth circuit are turned on, the battery pack 1000 using the distribution unit 100 can have a second working mode, that is, the first battery cell module 103 charging mode, and the external charging system can charge the first battery cell module 103 in the battery pack 1000.

[0096] In addition, by controlling the disconnecting device 4 to disconnect the first circuit 31 and / or the fourth circuit, the circuit between the external charging system and the first battery cell module 103 can also be disconnected, switching the battery pack 1000 to other working modes.

[0097] Optionally, the above-mentioned circuit 3 may also include a second circuit 32 and a fifth circuit, the first end of the second circuit 32 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the external charging system, the second end of the second circuit 32 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the second battery cell module 104 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the first end of the fifth circuit is used to be connected to the negative pole of the external charging system, the second end of the fifth circuit is used to be connected to the positive pole of the second battery cell module 104, and the disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect at least one of the second circuit 32 and the fifth circuit.

[0098] In this way, the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the external charging system through the second circuit 32 and the fifth circuit. In this way, when the second circuit 32 and the fifth circuit are connected, the battery pack 1000 using the distribution unit 100 can have a third working mode, that is, the second battery cell module 104 charging mode, and the external charging system can also charge the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000.

[0099] In addition, by controlling the disconnecting device 4 to disconnect the second circuit 32 and / or the fifth circuit, the circuit between the external charging system and the second battery cell module 104 can also be disconnected, switching the battery pack 1000 to other working modes.

[0100] It should be noted that the present disclosure does not limit the relationship between the second and third operating modes. For example, the second and third operating modes can be independent of each other. The power distribution unit 100 can independently charge the first cell module 103 in the battery pack 1000 through an external charging system, and the power distribution unit 100 can also independently charge the second cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 through an external charging system.

[0101] As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned second working mode and third working mode can also exist at the same time. In other words, the external charging system can charge the first battery cell module 103 and the second battery cell module 104 at the same time through the distribution unit 100, which is beneficial to improving the charging speed and charging efficiency of the battery pack 1000.

[0102] To facilitate the discharge of the battery pack 1000, optionally, as Figure 7 As shown, the above-mentioned circuit 3 can also include a third circuit 33, a sixth circuit 34 and a seventh circuit 35. The first end of the third circuit 33 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the first battery cell module 103 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the second end of the third circuit 33 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the second battery cell module 104 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the first end of the sixth circuit 34 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the equipment body of the electrical equipment, the second end of the seventh circuit 35 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the first battery cell module 103, the first end of the seventh circuit 35 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the equipment body of the electrical equipment, and the second end of the seventh circuit 35 is used to be connected to the negative pole of the second battery cell module 104. The disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect at least one of the third circuit 33, the sixth circuit 34 and the seventh circuit 35.

[0103] In this way, through the third circuit 33, the sixth circuit 34 and the seventh circuit 35, the first battery cell module 103 and the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected in series as a whole, and the first battery cell module 103 and the second battery cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the device body of the electrical equipment. In this way, when the above-mentioned third circuit 33, the sixth circuit 34 and the seventh circuit 35 are turned on, the battery pack 1000 using the distribution unit 100 can have a fourth working mode, that is, a high-voltage discharge mode, and the battery pack 1000 can supply power to the device body of the electrical equipment with a larger power, and the device body can drive a larger load.

[0104] For example, for the distribution unit 100 applied to the battery pack 1000 of the vehicle, the battery pack 1000 includes two battery cell modules 102, and the operating conditions of each battery cell module 102 are 400V. In the implementation mode, the battery pack 1000 can output current to the vehicle's drive motor at an 800V working condition. The drive motor has a large power, which can enable the vehicle to have higher performance.

[0105] In addition, compared with the 400V operating condition, the 800V operating condition can reduce the output current of the battery module 102 at the same output power, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the battery module 102 and increasing the vehicle's cruising range.

[0106] In addition, by controlling the above-mentioned disconnecting device 4, the switching device can disconnect one or more of the third circuit 33, the sixth circuit 34 and the seventh circuit 35, and the circuit between the battery pack 1000 and the device body of the electrical equipment can be disconnected, and the battery pack 1000 can be switched to other working modes.

[0107] In the power distribution unit 100 provided in the present disclosure, the power distribution unit 100 can simultaneously supply power to the device body of the power-consuming device through multiple battery modules 102102. The above-mentioned power distribution unit 100 can also supply power to the device body of the power-consuming device through a single battery module 102. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 As shown, the above-mentioned distribution unit 100 may also include a sixth circuit 34 and an eighth circuit 36, the first end of the sixth circuit 34 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the equipment body of the electrical equipment, the second end of the sixth circuit 34 is used to be connected to the positive pole of the first battery cell module 103 among the multiple battery cell modules 102, the first end of the eighth circuit 36 ​​is used to be connected to the negative pole of the equipment body of the electrical equipment, the second end of the eighth circuit 36 ​​is used to be connected to the negative pole of the first battery cell module 103, and the disconnecting device 4 is used to connect or disconnect at least one of the sixth circuit 34 and the eighth circuit 36.

[0108] In this way, through the sixth circuit 34 and the eighth circuit 36, the first battery cell module 103 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the device body of the electrical equipment. In this way, when the sixth circuit 34 and the eighth circuit 36 ​​are turned on, the battery pack 1000 using the distribution unit 100 can have a fifth working mode, that is, the first battery cell module 103 discharge mode, and the first battery cell module 103 can discharge the device body of the electrical equipment.

[0109] In addition, by controlling the disconnecting device 4 to disconnect the sixth circuit 34 and / or the eighth circuit 36, the circuit between the first battery cell module 103 and the device body of the electrical device can be disconnected, and the battery pack 1000 can be switched to other working modes.

[0110] Alternatively, as Figure 9 As shown, the circuit 3 may further include a seventh circuit 35 and a ninth circuit 37. The first end of the seventh circuit 35 is connected to the negative electrode of the main body of the electrical device, and the second end of the seventh circuit 35 is connected to the negative electrode of the second cell module 104 among the plurality of cell modules 102. The first end of the ninth circuit 37 is connected to the positive electrode of the main body of the electrical device, and the second end of the ninth circuit 37 is connected to the positive electrode of the second cell module 104. The disconnecting device 4 is configured to connect or disconnect at least one of the seventh circuit 35 and the ninth circuit 37. Thus, the second cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the main body of the electrical device via the seventh circuit 35 and the ninth circuit 37. Thus, when the seventh circuit 35 and the ninth circuit 37 are conductive, the battery pack 1000 using the power distribution unit 100 can have a sixth operating mode, i.e., a second cell module 104 discharge mode, in which the second cell module 104 can discharge the main body of the electrical device.

[0111] In addition, by controlling the disconnecting device 4 to disconnect the seventh circuit 35 and / or the ninth circuit 37, the circuit between the second battery cell module 104 and the device body of the electrical device can be disconnected, and the battery pack 1000 can be switched to other working modes.

[0112] It should be noted that, in the power distribution unit 100 of the present disclosure, the power distribution unit 100 can independently connect the first cell module 103 in the battery pack 1000 to the main body of the electrical equipment, and the power distribution unit 100 can also independently connect the second cell module 104 in the battery pack 1000 to the main body of the electrical equipment. In this way, even when the vehicle is in an extreme operating condition (e.g., water ingress, collision, etc.), resulting in damage to one of the cell modules 102, the damaged cell module 102 can be disconnected while the other cell modules 102 remain in normal use. In other words, even when the vehicle is in an extreme operating condition, the normal driving of the vehicle can be maintained by switching the operating mode of the power distribution unit 100, thereby improving the driving safety of the passengers.

[0113] In order to facilitate connecting the power distribution unit 100 with the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000, the external charging system and the device body of the power-consuming device, optionally, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the above-mentioned distribution unit 100 may also include a cell module connector 8, a charging end connector 9 and a discharging end connector 10, the cell module connector 8 is used to electrically connect to the cell module 102, the charging end connector 9 is used to electrically connect to the external charging system, and the discharging end connector 10 is used to electrically connect to the device body of the electrical equipment. At least one of the cell module connector 8, the charging end connector 9 and the discharging end connector 10 is set as a quick-plug connector.

[0114] Through the quick-plug connector, the distribution unit 100 can be quickly connected with the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000, the external charging system and the device body of the electrical equipment, which is conducive to simplifying the connection steps between the distribution unit 100 and the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000, the external charging system and the device body of the electrical equipment, and improving the connection efficiency.

[0115] To improve the safety of the power distribution unit, the power distribution unit may optionally further include an insulating member disposed at an electrical connection on the power distribution unit. Providing the insulating member at the connection of the power distribution unit can prevent an operator from accidentally touching the connection when connecting the power distribution unit to other components, thereby preventing injury.

[0116] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 16 As shown, a battery pack 1000 is provided, including a cell module 102, a case 101 of the battery pack 1000 and the distribution unit 100 as described above. The cell module 102 and the shell 1 are both arranged inside the case 101 of the battery pack 1000, and the distribution unit main body 2 is used to electrically connect the cell module 102 with an external charging system, and to electrically connect the cell module 102 with a device main body of an electrical device.

[0117] Through the above-mentioned power distribution unit 100, the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 can be connected to the external charging system, and the battery cell module 102 can be electrically connected to the device body of the electrical equipment, thereby enabling the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 to be discharged externally and the battery cell module 102 in the battery pack 1000 to be charged.

[0118] The battery pack 1000 has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned power distribution unit 100, which will not be repeated here.

[0119] Here, it should be noted that, in the present disclosure, the present disclosure does not limit the number of battery cell modules 102 in the battery pack 1000. The battery cell modules 102 in the battery pack 1000 can be one or more, as long as the battery pack 1000 can meet the power demand of the electrical equipment. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 16 As shown, the power distribution unit 100 is electrically connected to multiple cell modules 102 and is configured to enable series or parallel connection of the multiple cell modules 102. In other words, the power distribution unit 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple cell modules 102. The power distribution unit 100 can electrically connect the multiple cell modules 102 in the battery pack 1000 with the external charging system and the main body of the power-consuming device, thereby realizing the charging and discharging of the multiple cell modules 102.

[0120] In addition, since the distribution unit 100 is configured to enable series or parallel connection of multiple battery cell modules 102, by changing the working mode of the distribution unit 100, the battery pack 1000 can have multiple different working modes and can be adapted to charging platforms with different charging voltages.

[0121] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electric device is provided, including a device body and the battery pack 1000 as described above, wherein the battery pack 1000 is installed in the device body and is used to supply power to the device body.

[0122] The electrical equipment has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned battery pack 1000, which will not be described in detail here.

[0123] It should be noted that the present disclosure does not limit the specific types of electrical equipment. Such electrical equipment may include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and electric tools. Vehicles may include fuel vehicles, gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles may include pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or extended-range vehicles. Electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Electric tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, which are not limited in the present disclosure.

[0124] As one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical device is a vehicle, and the vehicle body is constructed as a portion of the housing 101 of the battery pack 1000. In other words, the battery pack 1000 is integrated into the vehicle body. Thus, on the one hand, the integrated design of the battery pack 1000 and the vehicle body can improve the torsional strength of the entire vehicle, making the vehicle more stable during driving, improving handling, and enhancing safety. On the other hand, the integrated design of the battery pack 1000 can also reduce part of the housing 101 of the battery pack 1000. In this way, the cost increase caused by the use of this part of the housing 1 can be reduced, and the increase in vehicle chassis thickness caused by the use of this part of the housing 1 can be reduced, which is conducive to improving the compactness of the vehicle.

[0125] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0126] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0127] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A power distribution unit, characterized in that: The power distribution unit comprises a housing and a power distribution unit body disposed in the housing, wherein the housing is adapted to be disposed inside a box of a battery pack; The power distribution unit body includes a circuit for electrically connecting the battery cell modules in the battery pack with an external charging system, and electrically connecting the battery cell modules with a device body of an electrical device; The power distribution unit body further includes at least one of a breaking device, a collection device, and a circuit protection device; The disconnecting device is used to connect or disconnect the circuit between the battery pack, the external charging system, and the main body of the electrical device; The circuit protection device is used to disconnect the circuit between the battery pack, the external charging system, and the device body of the power-consuming device when the battery pack fails; The acquisition device is used to acquire information about the current and / or voltage in the battery pack.

2. The power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: The disconnecting device includes a plurality of relays, which are arranged on corresponding circuits between the battery module, the external charging system, and the device body; Each of the relays is used to control the connection or disconnection of a corresponding circuit.

3. The power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: The disconnecting device includes a composite switch, which is used to control the connection or disconnection of multiple circuits among the battery pack, the external charging system, and the device body.

4. The power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the housing is configured as a heat exchange plate, or the power distribution unit includes a heat exchange plate disposed on the housing; The power distribution unit body exchanges heat with the heat exchange structure of the battery pack through the heat exchange plate.

5. The power distribution unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The disconnecting device includes a relay, and the contacts of the relay are in contact with the heat exchange plate.

6. The power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: In the height direction of the battery pack, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing that are stacked; The power distribution unit body includes a first portion located in the first housing and a second portion located in the second housing; The first shell is provided with a first electrical connector, and the second shell is provided with a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are used to electrically connect the first part and the second part.

7. The power distribution unit according to claim 6, characterized in that One of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector includes a copper column, and the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector includes a conductive insert matched with the copper column, and the conductive insert is embedded in a groove on the corresponding housing.

8. The power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The power distribution unit further includes a collection device, the collection device includes a current sensor, and the current sensor is used to monitor the current of a related circuit in the power distribution unit; and / or, The acquisition device includes a voltage sensor, which is used to monitor the voltage of relevant circuits in the power distribution unit.

9. The power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The power distribution unit includes a circuit protection device, which includes an active fuse and / or an active and passive fuse.

10. The power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The power distribution unit includes a battery module connector, a charging end connector and a discharging end connector; The battery module connector is used to electrically connect to the battery module; The charging terminal connector is used to electrically connect to an external charging system; The discharge end connector is used to electrically connect to the device body of the electrical device; At least one of the battery module connector, the charging end connector, and the discharging end connector is configured as a quick-plug connector.

11. A battery pack, characterized in that: It comprises a battery cell module, a box and a power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The battery cell module and the shell are both arranged inside the box of the battery pack; The power distribution unit body is used to electrically connect the battery cell module with an external charging system, and to electrically connect the battery cell module with an electrical device.

12. An electrical device, characterized in that: The device comprises a device body and a battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the battery pack is installed on the device body and is used to supply power to the device body.

13. The electrical equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that: The electrical equipment is a vehicle, and the body structure of the vehicle is a part of the box of the battery pack.

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