Batteries sharing system for primary and secondary vehicles

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle charging, in particular to a primary and secondary vehicle battery sharing system, which comprises a primary vehicle connecting box, a secondary vehicle connecting box and a secondary vehicle connecting box, the primary vehicle connecting box comprises a first box body, a first safety protection device and a primary communication connecting device are arranged in the first box body, and a first battery input port is connected in series with an external power input port through a first fusing assembly; the sub-vehicle connecting box comprises a second box body, a second safety protection device and a sub-communication connecting device are arranged in the second box body, and the second battery input port is connected with the external power output port in series through a second fusing assembly; the primary communication connection device is in communication connection with the secondary communication connection device; the connecting line group comprises a power connecting line, and the external power input port is electrically connected with the external power output port through the power connecting line. Therefore, the problems of low power utilization rate and low safety of the child vehicle during combined driving of the child vehicle and the mother vehicle are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle charging technology, and more specifically, to a battery sharing system for mother-daughter vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] A mother-and-child vehicle (MMV) is a special transport vehicle combination mode. Simply put, it involves a large truck pulling one or more smaller vehicles for transportation. This mode is commonly used in long-haul freight transport. The "mother vehicle" in a MMV is typically a large tractor unit with high horsepower and load capacity, while the "child vehicles" are relatively smaller. The main reason for the emergence of MMVs is to reduce transportation costs. On the return trip, if the mother vehicle runs empty, it results in resource waste and increased costs. With a MMV, the child vehicles can be loaded onto the mother vehicle for the return trip, thus reducing the return trip costs for one vehicle, such as fuel and toll fees. The advantages of MMVs are obvious. First, they save costs, significantly reducing empty runs and operating costs through proper combination. Second, they improve efficiency, reducing the time and complexity of vehicle dispatching. MMVs are an innovative and practical transportation mode, providing an effective solution for the logistics industry to improve efficiency and reduce costs. If used properly, they can bring significant economic benefits to transportation companies.

[0003] Currently, electric vehicles are developing rapidly. With technological upgrades, pure electric tandem trucks have emerged. However, battery capacity remains a major constraint for electric freight vehicles. In existing electric tandem trucks, when the subsidiary truck is used as a load for the parent truck on its return trip, it simply serves as a load, and its power is not fully utilized. Even when the subsidiary truck is used as a backup power source for the parent truck, it is merely used as a power source, transferring power from the subsidiary truck to the parent truck through energy transfer. This transfer process usually requires the vehicle to stop and takes a considerable amount of time, resulting in energy loss and low efficiency, as well as certain safety issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issues of low power utilization and safety concerns in mother-daughter vehicle battery sharing during combined operation, this invention provides a mother-daughter vehicle battery sharing system, comprising: a mother vehicle connection box, a daughter vehicle connection box, and a connecting cable assembly. The mother vehicle connection box, mounted on the mother vehicle, includes a first housing. The first housing houses a first safety protection device and a mother vehicle communication connection device. The first safety protection device includes a first fuse assembly and a first battery input port, a mother vehicle output port, and an external power input port, all mounted on the first housing. The first battery input port is connected in series with the mother vehicle output port via the first fuse assembly, and the first battery input port is also connected in series with the external power input port via the first fuse assembly. The daughter vehicle connection box, mounted on the daughter vehicle, includes a second housing. The second housing contains a second safety protection device and a sub-communication connection device. The first safety protection device includes a second fuse assembly and a second battery input port, a sub-vehicle end output port, and an external power output port disposed on the second housing. The second battery input port is connected in series with the sub-vehicle end output port via the second fuse assembly, and the second battery input port is also connected in series with the external power output port via the second fuse assembly. The mother communication connection device is communicatively connected to the mother vehicle control system, the sub-communication connection device is communicatively connected to the sub-vehicle control system, and the mother communication connection device is communicatively connected to the sub-communication connection device. The connection cable group includes a power connection cable, and the external power input port and the external power output port are electrically connected through the power connection cable.

[0005] In some embodiments, the mother communication connection device includes a first communication connection port disposed on the first housing, the first communication connection port being communicatively connected to the mother communication connection device; the child communication connection device includes a second communication connection port disposed on the second housing, the second communication connection port being communicatively connected to the child vehicle communication connection device; the connection cable group further includes a communication connection cable, the first communication connection port and the second communication connection port being communicatively connected through the communication connection cable.

[0006] In some embodiments, the mother car connection box is provided with a plurality of first safety protection devices, and the daughter car connection box is provided with a plurality of second safety protection devices, wherein the plurality of first safety protection devices and the plurality of second safety protection devices are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first fusible assembly includes a fuse and a fuse socket disposed on the first housing, and the fuse includes an insertion end that mates with the fuse socket.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connection cable assembly further includes a quick-connect plug, which includes an integrated power sub-plug and a communication sub-plug. The power sub-plug is connected to the power connection cable, and the communication sub-plug is connected to the communication connection cable.

[0009] In some embodiments, the communication connection line includes a temperature detection connection line, a feedback detection connection line, and a vehicle communication connection line.

[0010] In some embodiments, the mother car includes a cargo bed capable of holding the daughter car, and the mother car connection box is disposed within the cargo bed.

[0011] To address the issues of low power utilization and safety concerns in the daughter vehicle during combined operation of mother and daughter vehicles, this invention offers the following advantages:

[0012] The connecting cable group set in the above technical solution can directly connect the mother car connection box set on the mother car and the daughter car connection box set on the daughter car, so that the batteries of the daughter car and the mother car can be connected through the daughter car connection box and the mother car connection box. After the control systems of the daughter car and the mother car are connected, the control system of the mother car can directly control the control system of the daughter car. Furthermore, it is possible to disconnect the main control system of the daughter car and connect the control system of the mother car with the battery control system (BMS) of the daughter car, so that the mother car can directly control and obtain the status of the battery pack of the daughter car. At this time, it is equivalent to connecting the battery pack of the daughter car and the battery pack of the mother car in parallel. The control system of the mother car can normally schedule and use the power in the daughter car to directly supply power to the motor of the mother car. With the first safety protection device and the second safety protection device set, a short circuit protection mechanism is formed. When a short circuit occurs in the daughter car or the mother car, the fuse can disconnect the faulty line to prevent the impact from spreading. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery sharing system for mother and child vehicles according to one embodiment is shown.

[0014] Reference numerals: 11-First housing; 121-First fuse assembly; 122-First battery input port; 123-Main vehicle end output port; 124-External power input port; 13-Main communication connection device; 131-First communication connection port; 21-Second housing; 221-Second fuse assembly; 222-Second battery input port; 223-Daughter vehicle end output port; 224-External power output port; 23-Daughter communication connection device; 231-Second communication connection port; 30-Connecting cable group; 31-Power connection cable; 32-Communication connection cable; 40-Main vehicle battery pack; 50-Main vehicle motor; 60-Main vehicle control system; 70-Daughter vehicle battery pack; 80-Daughter vehicle motor; 90-Daughter vehicle control system. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

[0016] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0017] This embodiment discloses a battery sharing system for mother-daughter vehicles, such as... Figure 1As shown, it may include: a mother car connection box, a daughter car connection box, and a connecting cable assembly 30; the mother car connection box is disposed on the mother car and includes a first box body 11, which contains a first safety protection device and a mother car communication connection device 13. The first safety protection device includes a first fuse assembly 121 and a first battery input port 122, a mother car end output port 123, and an external power input port 124 disposed on the first box body 11. The first battery input port 122 is connected in series with the mother car end output port 123 via the first fuse assembly 121, and the first battery input port 122 is connected in series with the external power input port 124 via the first fuse assembly 121; the daughter car connection box is disposed on the daughter car and includes a second box body 21, which contains a second safety protection device and a daughter car communication connection device 23. The first safety protection device includes a second fuse assembly 221 and a second battery input port 222, a vehicle end output port 223, and an external power output port 224 disposed on the second housing 21. The second battery input port 222 is connected in series with the vehicle end output port 223 via the second fuse assembly 221, and the second battery input port 222 is connected in series with the external power output port 224 via the second fuse assembly 221. The mother communication connection device 13 is communicatively connected to the mother vehicle control system 60, the child communication connection device 23 is communicatively connected to the child vehicle control system 90, and the mother communication connection device 13 is communicatively connected to the child communication connection device 23. The connection cable group 30 includes a power connection cable 31, and the external power input port 124 and the external power output port 224 are electrically connected through the power connection cable 31.

[0018] In the above technical solution, specifically, on the mother car, the first battery input port 122 can be connected to the mother car battery pack 40, and the mother car end output port 123 can be connected to the mother car motor 50. On the daughter car, the second battery input port 222 can be connected to the daughter car battery pack 70, and the daughter car end output port 223 can be connected to the daughter car motor 80. Through the above connections, the mother car and the daughter car can operate independently when they are not connected.

[0019] Using the connecting cable group 30 provided in the above technical solution, the mother vehicle connection box installed on the mother vehicle and the daughter vehicle connection box installed on the daughter vehicle can be directly electrically connected, so that the daughter vehicle battery pack 70 and the mother vehicle battery pack 40 can be connected through the daughter vehicle connection box and the mother vehicle connection box. After the control systems of the daughter vehicle and the mother vehicle are connected, the daughter vehicle control system 90 can be directly controlled through the mother vehicle control system 60. Furthermore, it is possible to disconnect the main control system of the daughter vehicle and connect the mother vehicle control system 60 with the battery management system of the daughter vehicle. The system is connected to the battery management system (BMS), allowing the mother vehicle to directly control and manage the battery pack of the daughter vehicle. In this case, it is equivalent to connecting the daughter vehicle battery pack 70 and the mother vehicle battery pack 40 in parallel. The mother vehicle's control system can normally schedule and use the power in the daughter vehicle to directly power the mother vehicle motor 50, without having to transfer the power from the daughter vehicle battery to the mother vehicle battery pack first, and then use the mother vehicle battery pack for power supply. This avoids power loss during power transmission. At the same time, since power transfer is avoided, the driver does not need to spend time waiting for power transfer in actual operation, improving the driver's operating efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, the control system of the mother car can directly and simultaneously draw power from the battery packs on both the daughter car and the mother car to supply power to the mother car's motor. Simultaneously, a short-circuit protection mechanism can be formed using the first and second safety protection devices. When a short circuit occurs in either the daughter car or the mother car, the first fuse 121 or the second fuse 221 can disconnect the faulty line, preventing the impact from escalating. Connecting the daughter car and the mother car is simple and quick; just insert the connecting cable group 30 into the corresponding ports on the mother car connection box and the daughter car connection box.

[0021] It should be noted that for ordinary electric vehicles, a safety protection device is usually installed between the battery pack and the vehicle's motor. However, in the above-mentioned technical solution of this application, the safety protection device, which was originally only used to connect the battery pack and the motor, can be installed in the mother vehicle connection box or the daughter vehicle connection box. Specifically, one or more first or second safety protection devices can be installed. As a preferred embodiment, one device can be selected to simplify the circuit structure and save on the use of components. In actual use, the first safety protection device in the mother vehicle connection box is mainly used to protect against short circuits in the mother vehicle, while the second safety protection device in the daughter vehicle connection box is mainly used to protect against short circuits in the daughter vehicle. The first and second safety protection devices are essentially connected to the two ends of the power connection line 31, respectively, which can also prevent short circuits from the other side from spreading to this side. In terms of safety, the high-voltage circuits of the mother vehicle and the daughter vehicle are separated to a certain extent, thus providing higher safety.

[0022] The first fuse assembly 121 or the second fuse assembly 221 can adopt the same structure, which uses a metal conductor as a fusible element connected in series in the circuit. When an overload or short-circuit current passes through the fusible element, it melts due to its own heating, causing the circuit to break and thus providing protection. Specifically, it can use a metal fuse wire or a dedicated fuse. The communication connection between the mother communication connection device 13 and the daughter communication connection device 23 can be wired or wireless. Communication modules can also be used to improve communication efficiency and facilitate the connection between the two devices.

[0023] Because wired connections offer good stability, are inexpensive, and easy to implement, they are a common implementation method, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the mother communication connection device 13 includes a first communication connection port 131 disposed on the first housing 11, and the first communication connection port 131 is communicatively connected to the mother communication connection device 13; the child communication connection device 23 includes a second communication connection port 231 disposed on the second housing 21, and the second communication connection port 231 is communicatively connected to the child vehicle communication connection device; the connection cable group 30 further includes a communication connection cable 32, and the first communication connection port 131 and the second communication connection port 231 are communicatively connected through the communication connection cable 32.

[0024] Using the communication connection cable 32, the control systems of the slave vehicle and the mother vehicle can be reliably connected. Since the slave vehicle can supply power to the motor of the mother vehicle while the mother vehicle is in motion, it may pass through areas with signal interference and experience bumps during operation. The wired connection can effectively solve the above problems and ensure safety.

[0025] Due to the current limitation of the power connection line 31, to ensure safety and meet power transmission requirements, the mother vehicle connection box is equipped with multiple first safety protection devices, and the daughter vehicle connection box is equipped with multiple second safety protection devices. Each of the multiple first safety protection devices and multiple second safety protection devices is connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Through the interconnection of these multiple first and second safety protection devices, multiple power transmission lines are formed between the battery pack on the daughter vehicle and the battery pack on the mother vehicle, thereby meeting the high-current transmission requirements.

[0026] In one specific implementation, the first fuse assembly 121 and the second fuse assembly 221 can adopt the same structure. Specifically, the first fuse assembly 121 includes a fuse and a fuse socket, the fuse socket being disposed on the first housing 11, and the fuse including an insertion end that matches the fuse socket. That is, the first fuse assembly 121 can be an MSD, also known as a maintenance switch disconnector. On the one hand, it acts as a fuse switch in the circuit, providing safety protection; on the other hand, taking advantage of the characteristic that the fuse can be easily plugged and unplugged from the fuse socket, when vehicle maintenance is required, the fuse can be removed from the fuse socket, and the high-voltage circuit connected to the vehicle's battery pack can be disconnected using the MSD, thereby significantly reducing operational risks and protecting the personal safety of maintenance personnel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connecting cable assembly 30 further includes a quick-connect plug, which comprises an integrated power sub-plug and a communication sub-plug. The power sub-plug is connected to the power connecting line 31, and the communication sub-plug is connected to the communication connecting line 32. Specifically, the communication connecting line 32 and the power connecting line 31 can be separated or integrated as different parts of the connecting cable assembly 30. This integration allows operators to connect or disconnect the vehicle from the parent vehicle with a single plug-and-play operation, simplifying the process. Furthermore, the quick-connect plug is simple to operate and safe and reliable.

[0028] In one specific implementation, the communication connection line 32 includes a temperature detection connection line, a feedback detection connection line, and a vehicle communication connection line 32.

[0029] Since the daughter car will be parked in the bed of the mother car when the mother and daughter cars return as a single unit, the mother car includes a bed capable of holding the daughter car to facilitate connection operations. The mother car connection box is located within the bed. Placing the mother car connection box within the bed allows operators to easily perform wiring operations.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A bus and minibus battery sharing system, characterized in that, The parent-child vehicle battery sharing system comprises: a parent vehicle connecting box, a child vehicle connecting box and a connecting line set; the parent vehicle connecting box is arranged on the parent vehicle and comprises a first box body, a first safety protection device and a parent communication connecting device are arranged in the first box body, the first safety protection device comprises a first fuse assembly, a first battery input port, a parent vehicle end output port and an external power input port arranged on the first box body, the first battery input port is connected in series with the parent vehicle end output port through the first fuse assembly, and the first battery input port is connected in series with the external power input port through the first fuse assembly; the child vehicle connecting box is arranged on the child vehicle and comprises a second box body, a second safety protection device and a child communication connecting device are arranged in the second box body, the first safety protection device comprises a second fuse assembly, a second battery input port, a child vehicle end output port and an external power output port arranged on the second box body, the second battery input port is connected in series with the child vehicle end output port through the second fuse assembly, and the second battery input port is connected in series with the external power output port through the second fuse assembly; the parent communication connecting device is in communication connection with a parent vehicle control system, the child communication connecting device is in communication connection with a child vehicle control system, and the parent communication connecting device is in communication connection with the child communication connecting device; the connecting line set comprises a power connecting line, and the external power input port and the external power output port are electrically connected through the power connecting line.

2. The parent-child vehicle battery sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the parent communication connecting device comprises a first communication connecting port arranged on the first box body, and the first communication connecting port is in communication connection with the parent communication connecting device; the child communication connecting device comprises a second communication connecting port arranged on the second box body, and the second communication connecting port is in communication connection with the child vehicle communication connecting device; the connecting line set further comprises a communication connecting line, and the first communication connecting port and the second communication connecting port are in communication connection through the communication connecting line.

3. The parent-child vehicle battery sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the parent vehicle connecting box is provided with a plurality of first safety protection devices, the child vehicle connecting box is provided with a plurality of second safety protection devices, and the plurality of first safety protection devices and the plurality of second safety protection devices are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected.

4. The parent-child vehicle battery sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the first fuse assembly comprises a fuse and a fuse socket, the fuse socket is arranged on the first box body, and the fuse comprises an insertion end matched with the fuse socket.

5. The parent-child vehicle battery sharing system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting line set further comprises a quick plug, the quick plug comprises an integrated power sub-plug and a communication sub-plug, the power sub-plug is connected with the power connecting line, and the communication sub-plug is connected with the communication connecting line.

6. The battery sharing system of claim 2, wherein the communication connection line comprises a temperature detection connection line, a feedback detection connection line, and a whole vehicle communication connection line.

7. The battery sharing system of claim 1, wherein the mother vehicle comprises a vehicle hopper capable of placing the child vehicle, and the mother vehicle connection box is arranged in the vehicle hopper. ​ ​

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