Manual maintenance switch and battery pack using same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a manual maintenance switch and a battery pack applying the manual maintenance switch. The manual maintenance switch comprises an insertion detection loop composed of a detection line, a detection plug and a detection socket. The detection line is connected with the detection socket and is used for collecting the detection insertion depth of the detection socket and the detection plug; the detection insertion depth is used for detecting the insertion depth of the manual maintenance switch; the insertion depth is related to the insertion state of the manual maintenance switch, and when the detected insertion depth reaches a preset depth, the insertion state corresponding to the insertion depth is reliable insertion. According to the manual maintenance switch, the contact resistance can be accurately detected, the abnormality of the contact resistance can be found in time, and the reliability and the safety of the manual maintenance switch are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of manual maintenance switch engagement detection technology, and particularly to manual maintenance switches and battery packs for manual maintenance switch applications. Background Technology

[0002] Large-capacity battery packs are commonly used in the new energy industry, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, due to their high voltage and large current, these battery packs are prone to causing danger.

[0003] In related technologies, to ensure reliable transportation and maintenance of battery packs and the safety of maintenance personnel, manual maintenance switches (MSDs) are typically installed on the battery packs. However, the reliable engagement of the MSD affects the safe operation of the battery pack. When the MSD is not reliably engaged, it leads to increased contact resistance, causing the battery pack to generate significant heat and potentially triggering safety issues. Therefore, accurately detecting the contact resistance of the MSD, i.e., its engagement status, to ensure its reliability and safety has become a pressing problem to solve. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a manual maintenance switch and a battery pack for its application, enabling accurate detection of the contact resistance of the MSD, timely identification of abnormal contact resistance, and ensuring the reliability and safety of the MSD.

[0005] This application discloses a manual maintenance switch, comprising: an engagement detection circuit consisting of a detection line, a detection plug, and a detection socket;

[0006] The detection line is connected to the detection socket and is used to collect the detection insertion depth of the detection socket and the detection plug;

[0007] The detection engagement depth is used to detect the engagement depth of the manual maintenance switch; the engagement depth is related to the engagement state of the manual maintenance switch, and when the detection engagement depth reaches a preset depth, the engagement state corresponding to the engagement depth is a reliable engagement.

[0008] Optionally, the mating detection circuit includes: a control module and a temperature sensing module;

[0009] The temperature sensing module has a resistance that changes with temperature;

[0010] The control module collects the resistance value and determines the state of the contact resistance of the manual maintenance switch based on the comparison result between the resistance value and the preset value.

[0011] Optionally, the temperature sensing module is connected in series in the mating detection circuit, and the control module acquires the resistance value through the detection line.

[0012] Optionally, the manual maintenance switch has a socket and a plug, and the temperature sensing module is set at a preset position; the preset position is within a preset range based on the contact point when the socket and the plug are plugged in.

[0013] Optionally, the temperature sensing module is located on the detection plug side or the detection socket side.

[0014] Optionally, the temperature sensing module is disposed on the detection socket side, and the temperature sensing module is connected in series on the detection line near the socket;

[0015] There is also an insulating and thermally conductive medium between the temperature sensing module and the socket.

[0016] Optionally, the manual maintenance switch has a socket and a plug, and the temperature sensing module is located on the detection plug side;

[0017] An insulating thermally conductive medium is also connected between the temperature sensing module and the plug to accelerate the heat transfer between the plug and the temperature sensing module.

[0018] Optionally, the control module is also used to determine the engagement / disengagement state of the manual maintenance switch based on the resistance value.

[0019] Optionally, the temperature sensing module includes a thermistor.

[0020] Optionally, the thermistor may include a PTC chip or an NTC chip.

[0021] Optionally, the control module responds to the fact that the resistance value is greater than a preset value, indicating that the contact resistance is in an abnormal state.

[0022] Optionally, the resistance value is infinite, and the control module determines that the manual maintenance switch is in an open state.

[0023] Based on the aforementioned manual maintenance switch, this application also discloses a battery pack in which a manual maintenance switch is used, including a manual maintenance switch disposed in the battery pack;

[0024] The manual maintenance switch is connected to the control module outside the battery pack via a detection line;

[0025] The control module is used to detect and report the engagement / disengagement status of the manual maintenance switch.

[0026] This application discloses a manual maintenance switch, including a control module and a temperature sensing module disposed on the manual maintenance switch MSD. The temperature sensing module has a resistance value that changes with temperature. The control module collects this resistance value and determines the contact resistance state of the MSD accordingly. By observing the resistance change of the temperature sensing module, it is possible to detect whether there are plating problems, design issues, etc., inside the MSD, thus solving the problem of abnormal temperature rise after MSD insertion that could not be detected. Furthermore, it does not require changing the existing MSD structure; only a temperature sensing module is added to the original structure. This allows for accurate and timely identification of abnormal MSD contact resistance, ensuring the reliability and safety of the MSD, while also offering advantages such as low development cost and short development cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manual maintenance switch disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the manual maintenance switch for copper busbars disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the manual maintenance switch for fuses disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of another manual maintenance switch disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of another manual maintenance switch disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of another manual maintenance switch disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of another manual maintenance switch disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack for a manual maintenance switch application disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Example 1: This application discloses a manual maintenance switch.

[0038] For details, please refer to Figure 1 The manual maintenance switch disclosed in this embodiment includes: a mating detection circuit consisting of a detection line 101, a detection plug 102 and a detection socket 103;

[0039] The detection line 101 is connected to the detection socket 103 and is used to collect the detection insertion depth of the detection socket 103 and the detection plug 102;

[0040] The detection engagement depth is used to detect the engagement depth of the manual maintenance switch MSD; the engagement depth is related to the engagement state of the manual maintenance switch, and when the detection engagement depth reaches a preset depth, the engagement state corresponding to the engagement depth is a reliable engagement.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, b can be set as the minimum depth value for normal conduction of the detection contacts after reliable MSD engagement, and a can be set as the minimum depth value of the main contacts after reliable MSD engagement, with a greater than b. This allows the MSD plug and socket to reliably engage first, followed by the reliable engagement of the detection plug 102 and detection socket 103. That is, if the detection plug 102 and detection socket 103 are reliably engaged, the MSD plug and socket will definitely be reliably engaged, thus achieving the effect of detecting the MSD engagement state based on the engagement depth. Correspondingly, the MSD plug and socket will only disconnect after the detection plug 102 and detection socket 103 are disconnected (unreliable engagement). That is, if the detection plug 102 and detection socket 103 are unreliably engaged, the MSD plug and socket will also be unreliably engaged.

[0042] As an optional approach, the MSD also includes a control module and a temperature sensing module. The temperature sensing module has a resistance value that changes with temperature. The control module acquires this resistance value and determines the state of the MSD's contact resistance based on it.

[0043] In the device described in this embodiment, the temperature sensing module can be a thermistor, specifically a PTC chip or an NTC chip. The type of temperature sensing module is not specifically limited here; it only needs to be able to change its resistance according to temperature and the change in resistance can be detected.

[0044] In the device described in this embodiment, the MSD can be divided into a copper busbar MSD and a fuse MSD. The structure of the copper busbar MSD is as follows: Figure 2a As shown, there is a socket (MSD female socket) and a plug (MSD male plug), and there is a mating detection circuit consisting of a detection wire, a detection plug (MSD mating detection contact female socket), and a detection socket (MSD mating detection contact male plug). There is also an insulating medium connecting the housing and the detection plug. The structure of the fuse MSD is as follows. Figure 2b As shown, there is a socket (MSD female socket) and a plug (MSD male plug), and there is a mating detection circuit consisting of a detection line, a detection socket (MSD mating detection contact female socket) and a detection plug (MSD mating detection contact male plug), as well as a fuse and an insulating medium connecting the fuse and the detection plug.

[0045] In the device described in this embodiment, the temperature sensing module is connected in series in the MSD's mating detection circuit. A control module located outside the MSD acquires the resistance value of the temperature sensing module via a detection line. Specifically, the temperature sensing module can be set at a preset position, which is within a preset range based on the contact points when the socket and plug are mated. This preset range can be set according to actual needs; the size of the preset range is not specifically limited here, as long as the temperature sensing module can detect the contact temperature in real time without distortion. Furthermore, the temperature sensing module can be located on the plug detection side or the socket detection side.

[0046] Among them, as a feasible solution, Figure 3a The image shows the temperature sensing module installed on the detection plug of the copper busbar MSD. Figure 3b The image shows the temperature sensing module installed on the detection plug of the fuse MSD.

[0047] As another feasible solution, Figure 4a The diagram shows the temperature sensing module connected in series between the detection lines and the detection connector of the copper busbar MSD. Figure 4b The image shows the temperature sensing module connected in series between the detection line and the detection plug of the fuse MSD.

[0048] In the device described in this embodiment, when the temperature sensing module is connected in series between the detection line and the detection plug, an insulating thermally conductive medium is also present between the temperature sensing module and the socket to accelerate heat transfer between the socket and the temperature sensing module, that is, to synchronize the temperature of the temperature sensing module with the temperature of the MSD as much as possible. Similarly, when the temperature sensing module is placed in the detection plug, an insulating thermally conductive medium is also present between the temperature sensing module and the plug to accelerate heat transfer between the plug and the temperature sensing module. In the device described in this embodiment, due to the small size and small internal space of the MSD, even without an insulating thermally conductive medium, heat can be conducted by air to synchronize the temperature of the temperature sensing module with the temperature of the MSD. The presence of an insulating thermally conductive medium is more beneficial for the temperature sensing module's response to temperature changes.

[0049] Because MSDs are limited by material properties in practical operation, they can only operate within a limited temperature range (such as the temperature resistance of the MSD material). Therefore, in the device described in this embodiment, the control module can collect the resistance value of the temperature sensing module, and the resistance value of the temperature sensing module changes with the temperature of the MSD. When the temperature of the MSD exceeds the upper temperature resistance limit of the MSD material, the resistance value of the temperature sensing module will correspondingly be greater than a preset value. At this time, it is considered that the MSD is in an unreliable connection state and the contact resistance of the MSD is abnormal, and an alarm can be triggered. In the device described in this embodiment, the temperature sensing module is a module whose resistance value changes with temperature. It can decrease or increase its resistance value as the temperature rises. Here, the example of the temperature sensing module increasing its resistance value as the temperature rises is used. In actual operation, if a temperature sensing module with a resistance value decreasing as the temperature rises is used, the above operation can be changed to the following: when the temperature of the MSD exceeds the upper temperature resistance limit of the MSD material, the resistance value of the temperature sensing module will correspondingly be lower than a certain value. At this time, it is considered that the contact resistance of the MSD is abnormal. The specific limitation on the resistance value change of the temperature sensing module is not specified here.

[0050] In the device described in this embodiment, the control module can also determine the engagement state of the MSD based on the resistance value of the temperature sensing module. Specifically, if the resistance value of the temperature sensing module reaches a threshold value such as infinity, the engagement state of the MSD is determined to be disengaged.

[0051] Specifically, according to Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a and Figure 4b As can be seen, when the plug and socket do not reach the preset engagement depth, the engagement detection circuit is disconnected. When the detection line is introduced into the control module, the control module will obtain a very high resistance value, thus determining that the MSD's engagement state is disconnected. When the plug and socket are fully engaged, the engagement detection circuit of the temperature module 102 will also be activated. When the detection line is introduced into the control module, the control module will obtain a resistance value related to temperature changes. Based on this resistance value, the control module can detect the state of the MSD's contact resistance. Therefore, the device described in this embodiment can not only realize engagement state detection but also contact resistance state detection, without requiring significant modifications to the original MSD structure.

[0052] This embodiment discloses a manual maintenance switch that can detect plating or design issues within the MSD (Mechanical Storage Device) by monitoring changes in the resistance of a temperature-sensing module. This solves the problem of undetectable abnormal temperature rise after MSD mating. Furthermore, it does not require altering the existing MSD structure; simply adding a temperature-sensing module to the existing structure allows for accurate and timely identification of abnormal MSD contact resistance, ensuring the reliability and safety of the MSD while also offering advantages such as low development cost and short development cycle. Additionally, adding an insulating thermally conductive medium can accelerate heat transfer between the plug and the temperature-sensing module, further enhancing the module's response to temperature changes.

[0053] Based on the manual maintenance switch disclosed in the above embodiments, this embodiment also discloses a battery pack in which the manual maintenance switch is applied, including a manual maintenance switch disposed within the battery pack. The manual maintenance switch is connected to a control module outside the battery pack via a detection line. The control module is used to detect and report the engagement / disengagement status of the manual maintenance switch.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery pack includes multiple battery packs connected in series. Manual maintenance switches (MSDs) are connected in series among these battery packs, and the MSDs are connected to an external control module via detection lines. Each battery pack can have one MSD connected in series, meaning each battery pack has a control module that collects the engagement / disengagement status of its MSD. Therefore, the entire battery pack contains multiple control modules, which can report the collected information to the central control module.

[0055] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, 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, article, 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, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0056] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly by hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module can be located in random access memory (RAM), main memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0057] The features described in the embodiments of this specification can be substituted for or combined with each other, so that those skilled in the art can implement or use this application.

[0058] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A manually maintained switch characterized by, The application relates to a manual maintenance switch detection device. The detection device comprises a detection plug, a detection socket and a detection line. The detection line is connected with the detection socket and is used for collecting the detection plug-in depth of the detection socket and the detection plug. The detection plug-in depth is used for detecting the plug-in depth of the manual maintenance switch.

2. The manual maintenance switch of claim 1, wherein, When the detection plug-in depth reaches a preset depth, the plug-in state corresponding to the detection plug-in depth is reliable plug-in. The detection device comprises a control module and a temperature sensing module. The temperature sensing module has a resistance value which changes with temperature.

3. The manual maintenance switch of claim 2, wherein, The control module collects the resistance value and determines the state of the contact resistance of the manual maintenance switch according to the comparison result of the resistance value and a preset value.

4. The manual maintenance switch of claim 2, wherein, The temperature sensing module is connected in series with the detection device.

5. The manual maintenance switch of claim 4, wherein, The control module collects the resistance value through the detection line.

6. The manual maintenance switch of claim 5, wherein, The manual maintenance switch has a socket and a plug. The temperature sensing module is arranged at a preset position.

7. The manual maintenance switch of claim 5, wherein, The preset position is located in a preset range based on the contact point when the socket and the plug are plugged in. The temperature sensing module is arranged on the detection plug side or the detection socket side.

8. The manual maintenance switch of claim 2, wherein, The temperature sensing module is arranged on the detection socket side.

9. The manual maintenance switch of claim 2, wherein, The temperature sensing module is connected in series with the detection line close to the socket.

10. The manual maintenance switch of claim 9, wherein, An insulating heat-conducting medium is arranged between the temperature sensing module and the socket.

11. The manual maintenance switch of claim 2, wherein, The manual maintenance switch has a socket and a plug.

12. The manual maintenance switch of claim 8, wherein, The temperature sensing module is arranged on the detection plug side.

13. A battery pack for a hand-held maintenance switch application, characterized by An insulating heat-conducting medium is arranged between the temperature sensing module and the plug. The control module is used for determining the plug-in state of the manual maintenance switch according to the resistance value. The temperature sensing module comprises a thermistor. The thermistor comprises a PTC chip or an NTC chip. When the resistance value is greater than a preset value, the control module determines that the state of the contact resistance is abnormal. When the resistance value is infinite, the control module determines that the plug-in state of the manual maintenance switch is disconnected. The application relates to a manual maintenance switch detection device. The manual maintenance switch is connected with a control module outside a battery pack through a detection line. The control module is used for detecting and reporting the plug-in state of the manual maintenance switch.

Images