Battery device, battery pack and electric drive device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery device, a battery pack and electric driving equipment, the battery device comprises a protection device and a switching device, and the protection device and the switching device are connected in series; wherein the protection device is a recoverable protection device, and the switching device is a first semiconductor switch; the first end of the recoverable protection device is connected with the first end of the battery, and the second end of the battery is connected with the first end of the load; the other end of the recoverable protection device is connected with the first end of the first semiconductor switch, and the second end of the first semiconductor switch is connected with the other end of the load. Thus, the frame of the battery device can be simplified while the surge current can be prevented from being generated, so that the cost can be reduced, and the safety and the reliability of the battery device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery device, a battery pack, and an electric drive device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, a main positive relay and a main negative relay are typically installed between the battery and the load. To protect the circuit and components, a pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the main positive relay. This pre-charge branch includes a pre-charge resistor and a pre-charge relay. When the circuit is operating, the pre-charge relay switch is closed first to pre-charge the battery, thereby reducing the voltage difference between the battery and the load capacitor. However, in these technologies, capacitive loads can generate surge currents of several thousand amps. These surge currents can damage the pre-charge relay, causing it to short-circuit, stick together, etc., leading to a malfunction in the entire circuit. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model proposes a battery device, a battery pack, and an electric drive device, which simplifies the battery device framework, reduces costs, and improves the reliability and safety of the battery device.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery device, which includes a protection device and a switching device, wherein the protection device and the switching device are connected in series; wherein:

[0006] The protection device is a resettable protection device, and the switching device is a first semiconductor switch;

[0007] The first terminal of the resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of the battery, and the second terminal of the battery is connected to the first terminal of the load.

[0008] The second terminal of the resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch is connected to the other terminal of the load.

[0009] Through the aforementioned technical means, the first terminal of the resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of the battery, and the second terminal of the resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch. At this time, the resettable protection device can provide current protection for the battery device. For example, when the resettable protection device detects an abnormal current, it is in an open state, and after the current returns to normal, it can return to a normal state to re-establish the power supply path, thereby preventing the generation of surge current and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. The second terminal of the first semiconductor switch is connected to one end of the load, and the second terminal of the battery is connected to the other end of the load. At this time, the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation on the output current of the battery to complete the pre-charging operation, further improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Moreover, since the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies can be eliminated, simplifying the framework of the battery device and thus achieving the goal of cost reduction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reversible protection device is a smart fuse, wherein: the smart fuse is configured to be in an open state when the battery output current is higher than a preset current, so as to disconnect the path between the battery and the load; and to be restored to a normal state when the battery output current is lower than the preset current and the smart fuse is lower than a preset temperature, so as to connect the path between the battery and the load.

[0011] Using the above-mentioned technical means, if the battery's output current is higher than the preset current, the intelligent fuse can quickly cut off the current to prevent the fault from spreading, thereby protecting the battery device from damage and improving the stability of the battery device; when the battery's output current is lower than the preset current and the temperature of the intelligent fuse is lower than the preset temperature, that is, after the fault is eliminated, it can automatically return to normal without manual replacement, reducing maintenance costs.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery device further includes a control circuit connected to a control terminal of a first semiconductor switch; wherein the control circuit is configured to send a first control signal to the first semiconductor switch to cause the first semiconductor switch to perform pulse width modulation according to the first control signal.

[0013] Through the above-mentioned technical means, the control circuit is connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch. At this time, the control circuit can send a first control signal to the first semiconductor switch so that the first control switch performs pulse width modulation according to the first control signal, that is, periodically turns on and off the current output by the battery, thereby avoiding the generation of surge current during the pre-charging process and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor switch is a field-effect transistor (FET), with the source of the FET being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the FET being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the FET being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; or, the first semiconductor switch is an IGBT, with the source of the IGBT being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the IGBT being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the IGBT being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; or, the first semiconductor switch is a transistor, with the collector of the transistor being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the emitter of the transistor being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the base of the transistor being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch.

[0015] Through the aforementioned technical means, the first semiconductor switch can be a field-effect transistor, an IGBT, or a transistor, which has a high switching speed and frequency, and can quickly respond to control signals, thereby achieving high-efficiency power control to complete the pre-charging process and improve the safety of the battery device.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the protection device is a non-resettable protection device and the switching device is a first relay, the battery device further includes a pre-charge branch, and the pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the first relay; wherein: one end of the non-resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the battery, and the second end of the battery is connected to one end of the load; the other end of the non-resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the first relay, and the second end of the first relay is connected to the other end of the load.

[0017] By using the above technical means, when the protection device is a non-resettable device, the pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the first relay. In this case, the pre-charge branch can be used to complete the pre-charging of the battery device. After the pre-charging is completed, the first relay is closed, which avoids the problem of the battery device being damaged due to the large voltage difference between the battery and the load. This improves the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the precharge branch includes a precharge resistor and a second semiconductor switch, and the precharge resistor and the second semiconductor switch are connected in series.

[0019] Through the above-mentioned technical means, the pre-charge branch includes a pre-charge resistor and a second semiconductor switch. The pre-charge resistor is used to limit the excessive current during the pre-charge process, and the second semiconductor switch can periodically turn the circuit on and off during the pre-charge process. This can prevent the generation of surge current and avoid the problem of damage to the battery device and load caused by the large current in the pre-charge branch for a long time, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery device further includes a control circuit connected to a control terminal of the second semiconductor switch; wherein the control circuit is configured to send a second control signal to the second semiconductor switch to cause the second semiconductor switch to perform pulse width modulation according to the second control signal.

[0021] Through the above-mentioned technical means, the control circuit sends a second control signal to the second semiconductor switch, causing the second semiconductor to perform pulse width modulation switching according to the second control signal, that is, to periodically turn on and off, thereby preventing the generation of surge current; and by controlling the first semiconductor switch to periodically turn on and off the current through the second control signal, the problem of large current in the precharge branch for a long time causing damage to the precharge resistor and load is avoided, thereby improving the safety of the battery device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-resettable protection device is a conventional fuse, wherein the conventional fuse is configured to be in an open state when the battery output current is higher than a preset current, so as to disconnect the path between the battery and the load.

[0023] Using the above-mentioned technical means, if the battery's output current is higher than the preset current, a traditional fuse can be used to quickly cut off the current, prevent the fault from spreading, and thus protect the battery device from damage and improve the stability of the battery device.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack, which includes a battery and a battery device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electric drive device, which includes the battery pack described in the second aspect.

[0026] Through the aforementioned technical means, since the battery device uses a resettable protection device and a first semiconductor switch, the resettable protection device can provide current protection for the battery device. For example, when the resettable protection device detects an abnormal current, it is in an open state, and after the current returns to normal, it can return to a normal state to re-establish the power supply path, thereby preventing the generation of surge current and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. The first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation on the battery's output current to complete the pre-charging operation, further improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, since the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies can be eliminated, simplifying the framework of the battery device and thus achieving the goal of cost reduction.

[0027] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery connection system.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 ;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 4 ;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 5 ;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the application framework of a battery device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the application framework of a battery device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of an electric drive device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this utility model, the implementation of the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this utility model.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0040] In the following description, references are made to “some embodiments,” which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that “some embodiments” may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0041] It should also be noted that the terms "first, second, third" used in the embodiments of this utility model are only used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific order of objects. It is understood that "first, second, third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this utility model described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0042] Furthermore, the reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] The following is a description of the relevant technologies of this utility model.

[0044] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already widely used. In addition, batteries are being used more and more in the field of energy storage.

[0045] Currently, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery can be a single battery cell or a battery pack composed of multiple battery cells. A single battery cell is a basic unit capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, and can be used to manufacture battery modules or battery packs to supply power to electrical devices. A single battery cell can be a rechargeable battery, which is a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to reactivate its active materials and continue to be used. A single battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and this embodiment is not limited to these types.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery may also be a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, parallel, or mixed via a busbar.

[0048] Furthermore, because the power batteries used in new energy vehicles have a high voltage platform, improper handling could lead to electric shock accidents. A main relay is typically installed between the battery and the load. However, when the main relay switch is closed, the battery is under high voltage, while the load voltage is approximately zero, equivalent to a momentary short circuit. This can easily cause an electric arc when the contacts of the main relay make contact, thus damaging the relay.

[0049] In related technologies, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery connection system. Figure 1 As shown, the battery connection system includes a battery BT, a main fuse F1, a main positive relay K1, a pre-charge resistor R1, a pre-charge relay K2, a main negative relay K3, a capacitor C, and a motor M. The main fuse F1 is a conventional fuse. When the current flowing through the circuit containing the main fuse F1 exceeds a certain level, the fuse F1 will melt, and the circuit will stop operating. If the circuit needs to continue operating, the main fuse F1 must be manually replaced. Additionally, the capacitor C and the motor M form a load. Since the load includes the capacitor C, the load powers the motor M through the continuous charging and discharging process of the capacitor C. However, a considerable inrush current is generated at the moment the capacitor C conducts, which can easily damage the circuit. The load may also include a traction motor and a conventional inverter that drives the traction motor, allowing the DC power from the battery to be transferred to the motor to drive the motor M, thereby providing power to the vehicle.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, to protect the circuit and components, the pre-charge resistor R1 and the pre-charge relay K2 can form a pre-charge branch. The pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the main positive relay K1. When the circuit is working, the switch of the pre-charge relay K2 is closed first to perform pre-charge, thereby reducing the voltage difference between the battery BT and the capacitor C in the load T. For the pre-charge process, the pre-charge relay K2 is closed first. After the voltage of the power supply path stabilizes, the main negative relay K3 is closed. After the voltage of the power supply path stabilizes, the main positive relay K1 is closed and the pre-charge relay K2 is opened, thereby completing the pre-charge process so that the battery connection system can work normally.

[0051] It is important to note that in related technologies, the main negative relay K3 is essential for improving circuit reliability, especially in electric vehicles and high-voltage electrical equipment, where its role is crucial. The main negative relay K3 controls the connection between the electric vehicle or electrical equipment and the motor or other loads. By controlling the opening and closing of the main negative relay K3, the on / off state of the circuit can be controlled. Furthermore, in an emergency, disconnecting the main negative relay K3 disconnects the power output from the battery, preventing danger and improving the safety of the entire circuit.

[0052] It's understandable that a pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the main positive relay to protect the circuit and components. This pre-charge branch includes a pre-charge resistor and a pre-charge relay. When the circuit is working, the pre-charge relay switch is closed first to pre-charge the battery, thereby reducing the voltage difference between the battery and the load capacitor. However, in related technologies, capacitive loads can generate surge currents of several thousand amps. These surge currents can damage the pre-charge relay, causing it to short-circuit, stick together, etc., leading to a malfunction in the entire circuit.

[0053] Based on this, this utility model embodiment provides a battery device, which may include a protection device and a switching device. If the protection device is a resettable protection device and the switching device is a first semiconductor switch, the first end of the resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the battery, and the second end of the resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the first semiconductor switch. In this case, the resettable protection device can provide current protection for the battery device. For example, when the resettable protection device detects an abnormal current, it is in an open state. After the current returns to normal, the resettable protection device returns to a normal state to re-establish the power supply path, thereby preventing the generation of surge current and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. The second end of the first semiconductor switch is connected to one end of the load, and the second end of the battery is connected to the other end of the load. In this case, the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation on the output current of the battery to complete the pre-charging operation, further improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Moreover, since the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies can be eliminated, simplifying the framework of the battery device and thus achieving the goal of cost reduction.

[0054] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, the battery device may include a protection device and a switching device; wherein,

[0056] The first terminal of the protection device is connected to the first terminal of the battery, and the second terminal of the battery is connected to one end of the load.

[0057] The second terminal of the protection device is connected to the first terminal of the switching device, and the second terminal of the switching device is connected to the other end of the load.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, for the first terminal and the second terminal, either the first terminal is the positive terminal and the second terminal is the negative terminal, or the first terminal is the negative terminal and the second terminal is the positive terminal; no specific limitation is made in this regard. Taking the connection between the battery and the protection device as an example, if the first terminal is the positive terminal, then the positive terminal of the protection device is connected to the positive terminal of the battery; if the first terminal is the negative terminal, then the negative terminal of the protection device is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, the load includes a capacitor, which is charged and discharged based on the capacitor's charging and discharging process. When current flows through the capacitor, it charges, and the voltage gradually increases. When the current reverses, the capacitor discharges, and the voltage gradually decreases. However, when the capacitor is conducting, it generates a considerable inrush current, which can easily damage the circuit. Therefore, the load can also be called a capacitive load. The load may also include one or more traction motors and related electronic devices, including a power inverter required for driving and controlling the traction motors.

[0060] In some embodiments, the protection device is a resettable protection device, and the switching device is a first semiconductor switch. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 .like Figure 2 As shown, the battery device 20 may include a resettable protection device F2 and a first semiconductor switch Q1, wherein:

[0061] One end of the resettable protection device F2 is connected to the first end of the battery BT, and the second end of the battery BT is connected to one end of the load T.

[0062] The second terminal of the resettable protection device F2 is connected to the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch Q2, and the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch Q2 is connected to the other terminal of the load T.

[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, the resettable protection device F2 is used to prevent damage to the circuit due to abnormal phenomena such as overcurrent. Here, the resettable protection device F2 automatically cuts off the circuit path when the circuit is abnormal. After the circuit abnormality disappears (e.g., the output current of the battery BT is lower than the preset current, the device temperature is lower than the preset temperature, etc.), the device can return to the normal state, so that the path between the battery BT and the load T is opened.

[0064] In some embodiments, the recoverable protection device F2 is a smart fuse.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, the smart fuse is configured to be in an open state when the output current of the battery BT is higher than a preset current, thereby disconnecting the path between the battery BT and the load T; and to return to a normal state when the output current of the battery BT is lower than the preset current and the temperature of the smart fuse is lower than a preset temperature, thereby connecting the path between the battery BT and the load T. Exemplarily, the smart fuse may be called a resettable fuse, or a resettable fuse, self-resetting fuse, etc., without any limitation herein.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset current represents the maximum current allowed to flow through the battery device. If the battery's output current exceeds the preset current, it will damage the entire battery device and cause it to stop operating. In this case, if the output current of the battery BT is higher than the preset current, when the battery's output current flows through the smart fuse, because the output current is too large and exceeds the preset current, the smart fuse will trip (i.e., be in an open state), thus disconnecting the path between the battery BT and the load T, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the smart fuse has a self-resetting function, for example, it can automatically restore the connection after the circuit is broken, without the need for external signal triggering or control. In this case, the self-resetting function can be based on the principle of physical phase transition of materials, which is spontaneous and does not require external signal triggering or control.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the core material of the smart fuse is polymer thermal composite (PTC), which contains conductive particles and insulators. Under normal operating conditions, the conductive particles form chain-like conductive pathways within the material, keeping the fuse in a low-resistance state and ensuring smooth current flow. However, once an abnormal overcurrent occurs in the circuit, the PTC material rapidly heats up due to the heat generated by the current, causing the polymer chains to expand, increasing the distance between the conductive particles, and raising the resistivity, thereby blocking the current and protecting other sensitive components in the circuit. When the fault in the circuit is cleared and the current returns to normal, the PTC material gradually returns to a low-resistance state as the temperature drops, allowing the circuit to conduct again, achieving a self-recovery function without the need for manual replacement.

[0069] It should also be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, after the smart fuse is in the open state, if the output current of the battery BT is lower than the preset current, the smart fuse needs to be at a temperature lower than the preset temperature before it can reconnect (i.e., return to normal state). At this time, the path between the battery BT and the load T is completed, allowing the battery device to operate normally. In other words, to ensure that the smart fuse does not disconnect due to overcurrent or overheating when returning to normal state, both current and temperature conditions must be met simultaneously. This not only protects the battery device from overcurrent damage but also ensures that the smart fuse reconnects at the appropriate time, maintaining the normal operation of the battery device. In other words, the smart fuse is a self-resetting fuse, possessing an automatic recovery function; that is, after the smart fuse disconnects, it can automatically return to normal state, thereby re-establishing the power supply path.

[0070] In another possible implementation, the smart fuse has a self-recovery function, such as automatically restoring the connection of the circuit after it has been disconnected via signal triggering or control. For example, the smart fuse could be an electronic fuse (eFuse). Here, the eFuse can employ a chip and a power semiconductor switch, which is a low-resistance switch connected in series in the circuit and controlled by logic circuitry to protect the load and battery. In the event of an overload or short circuit, the eFuse limits the current to a predefined safe value (i.e., a preset current), thereby protecting the load from abnormal fluctuations caused by sudden battery power supply. If the fault persists, the eFuse disconnects the circuit between the load and the battery. It is important to note that if the eFuse is operating in latch-up mode, it requires manual restart; if it is operating in automatic retry mode, it can automatically recover.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the eFuse can be precisely set with current or voltage thresholds, achieving high-precision overcurrent and overvoltage protection through external resistors or programming, ensuring rapid and effective protection of the circuit in abnormal situations. It can also be understood that by monitoring the voltage or current across the detection resistor, the eFuse can respond quickly to overcurrent or short-circuit conditions within milliseconds or even nanoseconds, significantly reducing the impact of transient voltage drops and large currents on the system. It should also be noted that if the smart fuse is an eFuse, after the eFuse disconnects, it only needs to determine whether the battery's output current is lower than a preset current; if it detects that the battery's output current is lower than the preset current, it can return to normal operation.

[0072] It is understandable that if the battery's output current is higher than the preset current, the smart fuse can quickly cut off the current to prevent the fault from spreading, thereby protecting the battery device from damage and improving the stability of the battery device. When the battery's output current is lower than the preset current and the temperature of the smart fuse is lower than the preset temperature, that is, after the fault is eliminated, it can automatically return to normal without manual replacement, reducing maintenance costs.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The battery device 20 also includes a control circuit 201, which is connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; wherein:

[0074] The control circuit 201 is configured to send a first control signal to the first semiconductor switch Q1 so that the first semiconductor switch Q1 performs pulse width modulation according to the first control signal.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, the control circuit 201 is a module that connects to an external control signal. Its input terminal receives the external control signal, and its output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch Q1. The control circuit 201 generates a first control signal based on the input external control signal and outputs it to the first semiconductor switch. Here, the first control signal can be called a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control signal. The PWM control signal can adjust the on-time and off-time of the first semiconductor switch in each cycle, thereby controlling the flow of the battery's output current.

[0076] For example, when an external control signal is triggered, the control circuit 201 generates a PWM control signal, causing the first semiconductor switch to periodically turn on and off, gradually applying voltage to the path between the battery BT and the load T, thus realizing the pre-charging process. In other words, by outputting a PWM control signal, the current flow pattern during the pre-charging process can be changed to complete the pre-charging process and avoid the generation of inrush current.

[0077] It should be noted that the control circuit 201 can be a PWM controller, a PWM generator chip, or a microcontroller. These chips typically have multiple channels and flexible configuration options, enabling complex PWM control functions. No specific limitations are imposed on this.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, the first semiconductor switch Q1 performs PWM according to the first control signal during the pre-charging process, enabling the pre-charging process to maintain an approximately constant current. Although there is no pre-charging resistor limiting the pre-charging process, inrush current may occur. However, the intelligent fuse disconnects when an inrush current is detected and returns to normal when the inrush current decreases. The pulse width modulation of the first semiconductor switch reduces the harm of inrush current. After pre-charging is completed and the path between the battery and the load stabilizes, the first semiconductor switch Q1 is normally closed to allow the battery device to operate normally. It should be noted that since the first semiconductor switch Q1 can perform PWM modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies are not required to complete the entire pre-charging process. Therefore, the main and negative relays can be eliminated, simplifying the battery device and achieving the goal of cost reduction.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the control circuit 201 is further configured to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM according to the voltage at the load, so as to adjust the first control signal so that the first control signal matches the voltage change at the load, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0080] In other words, the control circuit is connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch. At this time, the control circuit can send a first control signal to the first semiconductor switch so that the first control switch performs pulse width modulation according to the first control signal, that is, periodically turns on and off the current output by the battery. This can avoid the generation of surge current during the pre-charging process and improve the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor switch is a field-effect transistor (FET), with the source of the FET being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the FET being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the FET being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; or, the first semiconductor switch is an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), with the source of the IGBT being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the IGBT being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the IGBT being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; or, the first semiconductor switch is a transistor, with the collector of the transistor being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the emitter of the transistor being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the base of the transistor being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch.

[0082] Thus, the first semiconductor switch can be a field-effect transistor, an IGBT, or a transistor, which has a high switching speed and frequency and can quickly respond to control signals, thereby achieving high-efficiency power control to complete the pre-charging process and improve the safety of the battery device.

[0083] This utility model embodiment provides a battery device. The first terminal of a resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of the battery, and the second terminal of the resettable protection device is connected to the first terminal of a first semiconductor switch. In this case, the resettable protection device can provide current protection for the battery device. For example, the resettable protection device is in an open state when it detects an abnormal current, and can return to a normal state after the current returns to normal to re-establish the power supply path, thereby preventing the generation of surge current and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. The second terminal of the first semiconductor switch is connected to one end of the load, and the second terminal of the battery is connected to the other end of the load. In this case, the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation on the output current of the battery to complete the pre-charging operation, further improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Moreover, since the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies can be eliminated, simplifying the framework of the battery device and thus achieving the goal of cost reduction.

[0084] In another embodiment of this utility model, the protection device in the battery device can be a non-resettable device, and the switching device can be a first relay. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a battery device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 .like Figure 4 As shown, the battery device 20 may include an unresettable device F3, a first relay K4, and a precharge branch 202; wherein:

[0085] One end of the non-resettable protection device F3 is connected to the first end of the battery BT, and the second end of the battery BT is connected to one end of the load T.

[0086] The other end of the non-resettable protection device F3 is connected to the first end of the first relay K4, and the second end of the first relay K4 is connected to the other end of the load T.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, if the first relay K4 is directly closed for charging and discharging, a large inrush current will be generated at the instant the first relay K4 is closed due to the potential significant difference between the output voltage of the battery BT and the voltage of the load T. This inrush current can not only damage the battery but also affect the stability of the load. At this time, the presence of the pre-charge branch 202 can gradually balance this voltage difference and, by providing a smaller current path, allow the battery BT and the load T to gradually adapt and reach a stable operating state.

[0088] In this embodiment of the invention, the non-resettable protection device F3 is used to prevent circuit damage due to abnormal phenomena such as overcurrent. Here, the non-resettable protection device F3 automatically cuts off the circuit when there is an abnormality, but once activated, it cannot be restored to a normal state. In this case, a new device needs to be replaced to restore the connection between the battery BT and the load T.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the precharge branch 202 may include a precharge resistor R1 and a second semiconductor switch Q2, and the precharge resistor R1 and the second semiconductor switch Q2 are connected in series.

[0090] In this embodiment of the invention, the first relay K4 can be referred to as the main positive relay. It should be noted that the pre-charge relay in the pre-charge branch of the related technology is replaced by a second semiconductor switch Q2, while retaining the pre-charge resistor R1 and the main positive relay. Since the second semiconductor switch Q2 can execute PWM during the pre-charge process, it maintains an approximately constant current during pre-charge, and due to the presence of the pre-charge resistor R1, no large inrush current is generated during the pre-charge operation.

[0091] In this embodiment of the invention, after pre-charging is completed, the first relay K4 is closed after the voltage across the circuit between the battery BT and the load T reaches a certain temperature, allowing the battery device to operate normally. Here, since the second semiconductor switch Q2 can execute PWM, the main and negative relays in related technologies are not required to complete the entire pre-charging process. Therefore, the main and negative relays can be eliminated, simplifying the battery device framework and achieving cost reduction.

[0092] It is understandable that replacing the pre-charge relay in the relevant technology with the second semiconductor switch Q2 eliminates the generation of electric arcs and is low in cost. Furthermore, the pre-charge resistor R2 can be a wire-wound resistor with strong surge resistance and small size. Combined with the semiconductor switch integrated on the PCB board, it greatly reduces the space occupied.

[0093] It should be noted that if the precharge branch 202 only includes the second semiconductor switch Q2, the load T may generate a surge current of thousands of amps, which could damage the second semiconductor switch Q2. Therefore, the precharge branch also needs to include a precharge resistor R1. Here, the precharge resistor R1 can suppress large surge currents, that is, it can limit the excessive current during the precharge process. The second semiconductor switch Q2 can suppress small surge currents, that is, it can apply PWM to the circuit output by the battery BT, thereby suppressing small surge currents. In other words, the second semiconductor switch Q2 can finely modulate the current.

[0094] Thus, the pre-charge branch includes a pre-charge resistor and a second semiconductor switch. The pre-charge resistor limits the excessive current during the pre-charge process, and the second semiconductor switch can periodically turn the circuit on and off during the pre-charge process. This prevents the generation of surge current and avoids the problem of large current in the pre-charge branch causing damage to the battery device and load, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery device.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the battery device 20 also includes a control circuit 201, which is connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch Q2; wherein:

[0096] The control circuit 201 is configured to send a second control signal to the second semiconductor switch Q2 so that the second semiconductor switch Q2 performs pulse width modulation according to the second control signal.

[0097] Here, the second control signal can also be called the PWM control signal. The PWM control signal adjusts the on-time and off-time of the second semiconductor switch Q2 in each cycle, thereby controlling the current flow. In other words, controlling the second semiconductor switch Q2 via the PWM control signal achieves pre-charging, changing the current flow pattern and avoiding the problem of prolonged high current in the pre-charging branch causing damage to the pre-charging resistor and load. Furthermore, the PWM control signal can meet the needs of different loads; even when the pre-charging resistor's power is not suitable, the second semiconductor switch can still complete the pre-charging operation without damaging the pre-charging resistor. Here, the second semiconductor switch Q2 can be an IGBT, a MOSFET, or a transistor, etc. Additionally, the second semiconductor switch Q2 can be the same type as or different from the first semiconductor switch; there is no limitation on this.

[0098] In this embodiment of the invention, the control circuit Q2 is also configured to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM according to the voltage at the load T, so as to adjust the second control signal so that the second control signal matches the voltage change at the load T, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery device 20.

[0099] In this way, the control circuit sends a second control signal to the second semiconductor switch, causing the second semiconductor to perform pulse width modulation switching according to the second control signal, that is, to periodically turn on and off, thereby preventing the generation of surge current; and by controlling the first semiconductor switch to periodically turn on and off the current through the second control signal, the problem of large current in the precharge branch for a long time causing damage to the precharge resistor and load can be avoided, thereby improving the safety of the battery device.

[0100] In some embodiments, the non-resettable protection device F3 is a conventional fuse, wherein the conventional fuse is configured to be in an open state when the battery output current is higher than a preset current, so as to disconnect the path between the battery and the load.

[0101] In this embodiment of the invention, a conventional fuse is a current protector. When the current exceeds a specified value (i.e., a preset current), it melts the fusible element due to the heat it generates, thereby breaking the circuit. The working principle of a conventional fuse is primarily based on the thermal effect of current and the physical property of thermal expansion of metallic conductors. When the circuit is operating normally, the heat generated by the current passing through the fusible element (generally a metal wire or sheet) is balanced with the heat dissipated by the fusible element to the surrounding environment. At this time, the fusible element remains solid, and the circuit is unobstructed. However, once a sudden increase in current occurs in the circuit, far exceeding the rated current value of the fusible element, heat accumulates rapidly on the fusible element, and the temperature rises sharply. When the temperature reaches the melting point of the fusible element, it begins to melt, forming a break, thereby cutting off the circuit and achieving the purpose of protecting the circuit.

[0102] In this embodiment of the invention, the conventional fuse does not have a resettable function. For example, the conventional fuse can be a traditional fuse, or a non-resettable one-time fuse. Here, the conventional fuse is not resettable after it has been tripped. If it is necessary to re-establish the connection between circuits, a new device is needed to replace the tripped conventional fuse.

[0103] In other words, if the battery's output current is higher than the preset current, a traditional fuse can quickly cut off the current to prevent the fault from escalating, thereby protecting the battery device from damage and improving its stability.

[0104] This utility model provides a battery device in which, when the protection device is a non-resettable device, a pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the first relay. In this case, the pre-charge branch can be used to complete the pre-charging of the battery device. After the pre-charging is completed, the first relay is closed, which avoids the problem of the battery device being damaged due to the large voltage difference between the battery and the load. This improves the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0105] In another embodiment of this utility model, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the application framework of a battery device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 1 .like Figure 7 As shown, the application framework may include a battery BT, a resettable protection device F2, a first semiconductor switch Q1, and a load T.

[0106] In this embodiment of the invention, the load T may include a capacitor C and a motor M. Since the capacitor C can be charged and discharged, the load T can be referred to as a capacitive load or a capacitive receiver. Here, the capacitor C can be connected to the motor M, and the load T may also include a traction motor and a power electronic conventional inverter that drives the traction motor, so as to transmit DC power from the battery to the motor M to drive the motor M, thereby providing power to the vehicle.

[0107] In this embodiment of the utility model, the resettable protection device F2 can be a smart fuse. When the output voltage of the battery is higher than the preset current, the smart fuse is in the open state. When the output current of the battery is lower than the preset circuit and the temperature of the smart fuse is lower than the preset temperature, the smart fuse can return to the normal state to re-establish the power supply path.

[0108] In this embodiment of the invention, a smart fuse replaces the traditional fuse. Since the first semiconductor switch Q1 can execute PWM during the pre-charging process, a generally constant current is maintained. During this period, because there is no pre-charging resistor to limit the current, inrush current may occur. However, the smart fuse disconnects the circuit when it detects the inrush current and returns to normal when the inrush current disappears, reducing the harm caused by inrush current. Furthermore, since the first semiconductor switch Q1 can execute PWM, the main and negative relays in related technologies are not needed to complete the entire pre-charging operation, thus eliminating the need for the main and negative relays in related technologies and reducing costs.

[0109] It should be noted that after the pre-charging is completed and the voltage between the battery BT and the load T stabilizes, the first semiconductor switch Q1 can be normally closed to allow the entire battery device to operate normally.

[0110] This utility model provides a battery device that uses a smart fuse to disconnect the circuit when a surge current is detected, reducing the harm caused by surge current, and restores normal operation when the surge current disappears. Furthermore, the entire pre-charging process can be completed using a first semiconductor switch, thus eliminating the need for main and negative relays in related technologies, simplifying the battery device, and achieving cost reduction.

[0111] In another embodiment of this utility model, Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the application framework of a battery device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 .like Figure 8 As shown, the application framework may include a battery BT, an unrecoverable protection device F2, a precharge resistor R1, a second semiconductor switch Q2, a first relay K4, and a load T.

[0112] In this embodiment of the invention, the pre-charge resistor R1 and the second semiconductor switch Q2 form the pre-charge branch; the load T here is the load shown in the previous embodiment. Additionally, the non-resettable protection device F2 can be a conventional fuse, such as a fusible link, which disconnects when the battery's output voltage exceeds a preset current and is non-resettable, requiring manual replacement to re-establish the power supply path.

[0113] In this embodiment of the invention, the precharge relay in the precharge branch of the related technology is replaced by a second semiconductor switch, and the main negative relay of the related technology is eliminated, while the precharge resistor and the main positive relay (i.e., the first relay) are retained. Here, the second semiconductor switch Q2 executes PWM during the precharge operation to maintain a substantially constant current during the precharge operation. At this time, due to the limitation of the precharge resistor, no inrush current is generated during the precharge operation. After the precharge operation is completed, the voltage between the battery and the load is balanced, and the first relay K4 is closed to allow the battery device to operate normally. Here, since the second semiconductor switch Q2 can execute PWM modulation, the main negative relay of the related technology is not required to complete the entire precharge operation. Therefore, the main negative relay can be eliminated to simplify the battery device and reduce costs.

[0114] It is important to note that, for Figure 7 and Figure 8 The application framework of the battery device shown can also be called a battery connection system, which can be understood as a... Figure 1 The improvements shown in the battery connection system enable the avoidance of surge currents, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the battery device.

[0115] This invention provides a battery device in which a second semiconductor switch executes PWM during pre-charging to maintain a substantially constant current. Furthermore, due to the limitation of the pre-charging resistor, no inrush current is generated during pre-charging, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Additionally, since the pre-charging operation can be completed by the second semiconductor switch Q2 through PWM modulation, the main negative relay is eliminated, thus reducing costs.

[0116] In yet another embodiment of this utility model, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the battery pack 90 includes a battery BT and a battery device 20 as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0117] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery device 90 is connected to the battery BT and is used to adjust the current output by the battery BT in order to provide power to the load.

[0118] In yet another embodiment of this utility model, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural composition of an electrically driven device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 10 As shown, the electric drive device 100 includes a battery pack 90 as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0119] In this embodiment of the invention, the electric drive device 100 is a technical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive various mechanical devices (i.e., loads). It can adjust the power output according to external commands, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the equipment. Here, the electric drive device 100 internally includes a battery pack 90, and the electrical energy output from the battery pack 90 can be controlled to supply power to the load. Exemplarily, the electric drive device 100 can be a new energy vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, etc., and the load can be an electrical device within the electric drive device. For example, if the electric drive device 100 is a new energy vehicle, the load can be a motor within the new energy vehicle. The load can also be an electrical device other than the independent electric drive device; no specific limitation is made.

[0120] This utility model embodiment provides an electric drive device. Because the battery device uses a resettable protection device and a first semiconductor switch, the resettable protection device can provide current protection for the battery device. For example, when the resettable protection device detects an abnormal current, it is in an open state; after the current returns to normal, it can return to a normal state to re-establish the power supply path, thereby preventing surge current generation and improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. The first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation on the battery's output current to complete the pre-charging operation, further improving the safety and reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, because the first semiconductor switch can perform pulse width modulation, the main and negative relays in related technologies can be eliminated, simplifying the battery device's framework and thus achieving cost reduction.

[0121] It should be noted that, in this utility model, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, product, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, product, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0122] In the several embodiments provided by this utility model, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and apparatuses can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0123] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate; the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units; some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, in the various embodiments of this utility model, all functional units may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may be a separate unit, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit; the integrated unit may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0124] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery device, characterized in that, The battery device includes a protection device and a switching device, wherein the protection device and the switching device are connected in series; wherein: The protection device is a resettable protection device, and the switching device is a first semiconductor switch; The first end of the resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the battery, and the second end of the battery is connected to one end of the load; The second end of the recoverable protection device is connected to the first end of the first semiconductor switch, and the second end of the first semiconductor switch is connected to the other end of the load.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resettable protection device is a smart fuse, wherein: The smart fuse is configured to be in an open state when the battery's output current is higher than a preset current, so as to disconnect the path between the battery and the load; and to return to a normal state when the battery's output current is lower than a preset current and the temperature of the smart fuse is lower than a preset temperature, so as to connect the path between the battery and the load.

3. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery device further includes a control circuit, which is connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch; wherein: The control circuit is configured to send a first control signal to the first semiconductor switch so that the first semiconductor switch performs pulse width modulation according to the first control signal.

4. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first semiconductor switch is a field-effect transistor (FET), the source of the FET is the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the FET is the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the FET is the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch. or, The first semiconductor switch is an IGBT transistor, the source of the IGBT transistor is the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the drain of the IGBT transistor is the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the gate of the IGBT transistor is the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch. Alternatively, the first semiconductor switch is a transistor, with the collector of the transistor being the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, the emitter of the transistor being the second terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and the base of the transistor being the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch.

5. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the protection device is a non-resettable protection device and the switching device is a first relay, the battery device further includes a pre-charge branch, and the pre-charge branch is connected in parallel across the two ends of the first relay; wherein: One end of the non-resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the battery, and the second end of the battery is connected to one end of the load; The other end of the non-resettable protection device is connected to the first end of the first relay, and the second end of the first relay is connected to the other end of the load.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pre-charge branch includes a pre-charge resistor and a second semiconductor switch, and the pre-charge resistor and the second semiconductor switch are connected in series.

7. The battery device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The battery device further includes a control circuit, which is connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch; wherein: The control circuit is configured to send a second control signal to the second semiconductor switch so that the second semiconductor switch performs pulse width modulation according to the second control signal.

8. The battery device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The non-resettable protection device is a traditional fuse, wherein: The conventional fuse is configured to be in an open state when the output current of the battery is higher than a preset current, so as to disconnect the path between the battery and the load.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a battery and a battery device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electrically driven device, characterized in that, The electric drive device includes the battery pack as described in claim 9.

Images