Range extending drive mechanism, aircraft, and battery pack assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a range extending drive mechanism, an aircraft and a battery pack assembly. The range extending drive mechanism comprises an internal combustion engine, a generator, an electric motor, a plurality of battery packs and a plurality of charging circuits corresponding to the battery packs respectively, and further comprises a first array switch and a controller. The internal combustion engine is connected with the generator; the generator is connected with the electric motor. In addition, the generator is connected with the plurality of charging circuits through the first array switch respectively; and the first array switch is connected with the controller, and is used for controlling the conduction and disconnection between the charging circuits and the generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of range-extended drive technology, and in particular to a range-extended drive mechanism, an aircraft, and a battery pack assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Range-extending drive mechanisms (such as range-extending electric motors) have been widely used in aircraft (such as drones) to extend the range of pure aircraft by using "range extenders" (usually a combination of internal combustion engines and generators).

[0003] The range extender drive mechanism includes an internal combustion engine, a generator, a battery pack, and an electric motor. The range extender drive mechanism has two operating modes:

[0004] Pure electric mode: When the battery is fully charged, the aircraft relies entirely on electric power, functioning no differently from a purely electric aircraft, achieving zero emissions and quiet flight; and

[0005] Range Extender Mode: When the battery level drops to a threshold (e.g., 20%), the range extender starts generating electricity. At this time, part of the electrical energy directly drives the motor, and the other part charges the battery to maintain the aircraft's flight.

[0006] Typically, range-extended electric aircraft are equipped with multiple battery packs. If the remaining charge levels of these battery packs differ, and they are charged or discharged indiscriminately, some battery packs may become overcharged or over-discharged. This is detrimental to the long-term use of the battery packs.

[0007] There is currently no effective solution to the technical problem in the prior art where range-extended electric aircraft may cause some battery packs to be overcharged or over-discharged during the charging or discharging of multiple battery packs. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention provides a range-extending drive mechanism, an aircraft, and a battery pack assembly, to at least solve the technical problem in the prior art where some battery packs are overcharged or over-discharged during the charging or discharging of multiple battery packs in range-extended electric aircraft.

[0009] According to one aspect of this application, a range extender drive mechanism is provided, including an internal combustion engine, a generator, an electric motor, multiple battery packs, and multiple charging circuits corresponding to each battery pack, and further including a first array switch and a controller. The internal combustion engine is connected to the generator; the generator is connected to the electric motor. Furthermore, the generator is connected to the multiple charging circuits via the first array switch; and the first array switch is connected to the controller for controlling the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the generator.

[0010] According to another aspect of this application, an aircraft is provided, including the range-extending drive mechanism described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of this application, a battery pack assembly is provided, including: a plurality of battery packs and a plurality of charging circuits corresponding to each battery pack, and further including a first array switch and a controller. The first array switch is connected to the plurality of charging circuits and is used to connect to a charging power source; and the first array switch is connected to the controller for controlling the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the charging power source.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, the generator is connected to multiple charging circuits via a first array switch. A controller controls the first array switch to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the generator. In this way, during charging, for battery packs whose capacity is full or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller can disconnect the charging circuit from the battery pack via the first array switch. This prevents overcharging of the battery pack and is beneficial for its long-term use. Furthermore, a second array switch is provided between the multiple battery packs and the motor, so that each battery pack is connected to the motor via the second array switch. The second array switch is connected to the controller and is used to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack and the motor. In this way, for battery packs whose capacity is insufficient or below a predetermined threshold, the controller can disconnect them from the motor via the second array switch. This prevents over-discharge of the battery pack and is beneficial for its long-term use.

[0013] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of this application in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the range-extended drive mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first array switch of the range-extended drive mechanism shown; and

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second array switch of the range-extended drive mechanism shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate for the embodiments of the utility model described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a range-extending drive mechanism according to one aspect of this embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1As shown, the range extender drive mechanism includes an internal combustion engine 100, a generator 200, an electric motor 300, multiple battery packs 601-60n, and multiple charging circuits CHA_1-CHA_n corresponding to each battery pack 601-60n. The range extender drive mechanism also includes a first array switch 501 and a controller 400. The internal combustion engine 100 is connected to the generator 200; the generator 200 is connected to the electric motor 300. Furthermore, the generator 200 is connected to the multiple charging circuits CHA_1-CHA_n via the first array switch 501; and the first array switch 501 is connected to the controller 400 to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit CHA_1-CHA_n and the generator 200.

[0023] As described in the background section, range-extended electric aircraft are equipped with multiple battery packs. If the remaining charge of each battery pack differs, and they are charged uniformly without differentiation, some battery packs may be overcharged, which is detrimental to the long-term use of the battery packs.

[0024] In view of this, according to the technical solution of this utility model, the generator 200 is connected to multiple charging circuits CHA_1 to CHA_n respectively through the first array switch 501. Furthermore, the controller 400 controls the first array switch 501 to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit CHA_1 to CHA_n and the generator 200.

[0025] In this way, during the charging process, for battery packs whose battery capacity is full or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller 400 can disconnect the charging circuit from the battery pack via the first array switch 501. This prevents overcharging of the battery pack and is beneficial for its long-term use.

[0026] Optionally, the range extender drive mechanism also includes multiple sensors SEN_1 to SEN_n corresponding to each battery pack 601 to 60n, wherein the multiple sensors are connected to the corresponding battery pack 601 to 60n and to the controller 400.

[0027] Therefore, according to the technical solution of this utility model, the controller 400 can receive detection values ​​(such as voltage or current) corresponding to the respective battery packs from sensors SEN_1 to SEN_n, thereby calculating the remaining power of each battery pack. Based on the calculated remaining power, the controller 400 can determine which battery packs need to stop charging, and further control the first array switch 501. In this way, the charging of the battery packs can be controlled accurately in real time.

[0028] Optionally, the range extender drive mechanism also includes a second array switch 502. Multiple battery packs 601-60n are respectively connected to the motor 300 via the second array switch 502; and the second array switch 502 is connected to the controller 400 to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack 601-60n and the motor 300.

[0029] As described in the background section, if the remaining charge levels of different battery packs are not differentiated and are discharged uniformly without distinction, some battery packs will be over-discharged. This is detrimental to the long-term use of the battery packs.

[0030] In view of this, according to the present invention, a second array switch 502 is provided between the multiple battery packs 601-60n and the motor 300, so that the multiple battery packs 601-60n are respectively connected to the motor 300 through the second array switch 502. Furthermore, the second array switch 502 is connected to the controller 400 to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack 601-60n and the motor 300. In this way, for battery packs with insufficient capacity or below a predetermined threshold, the controller 400 can disconnect them from the motor 300 via the second array switch 502. This avoids over-discharge of the battery packs and is beneficial for their long-term use.

[0031] Furthermore, the controller 400 can also receive detection values ​​corresponding to the respective battery packs from sensors SEN_1 to SEN_n, thereby calculating the remaining power of each battery pack. Based on the calculated remaining power, the controller 400 can determine which battery packs need to stop discharging, and further control the second array switch 502. In this way, the discharge of the battery packs can be controlled accurately in real time.

[0032] According to another aspect of this embodiment, an aircraft is provided that includes any of the above-mentioned range-extending drive mechanisms.

[0033] According to another aspect of this embodiment, a battery pack assembly is provided, including: a plurality of battery packs 601-60n and a plurality of charging circuits CHA_1-CHA_n corresponding to each battery pack 601-60n, and further including a first array switch 501 and a controller 400. The first array switch 501 is connected to the plurality of charging circuits CHA_1-CHA_n and is used to connect to a charging power supply; and the first array switch 501 is connected to the controller 400 to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit CHA_1-CHA_n and the charging power supply.

[0034] Optionally, the battery pack assembly also includes multiple sensors SEN_1 to SEN_n corresponding to each battery pack 601 to 60n, wherein the multiple sensors are connected to the corresponding battery pack 601 to 60n and to the controller 400.

[0035] Optionally, the battery pack assembly also includes a second array switch 502. Multiple battery packs 601-60n are respectively connected to a load via the second array switch 502; and the second array switch 502 is connected to a controller 400 to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack 601-60n and the load.

[0036] According to an embodiment of this application, the generator is connected to multiple charging circuits via a first array switch. A controller controls the first array switch to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the generator. In this way, during charging, for battery packs whose capacity is full or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller can disconnect the charging circuit from the battery pack via the first array switch. This prevents overcharging of the battery pack and is beneficial for its long-term use. Furthermore, a second array switch is provided between the multiple battery packs and the motor, so that each battery pack is connected to the motor via the second array switch. The second array switch is connected to the controller and is used to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack and the motor. In this way, for battery packs whose capacity is insufficient or below a predetermined threshold, the controller can disconnect them from the motor via the second array switch. This prevents over-discharge of the battery pack and is beneficial for its long-term use.

[0037] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0038] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A range-extending drive mechanism, comprising an internal combustion engine (100), a generator (200), an electric motor (300), multiple battery packs, and multiple charging circuits corresponding to each battery pack, characterized in that, It also includes a first array switch (501) and a controller (400), wherein The internal combustion engine (100) is connected to the generator (200), and the generator (200) is connected to the electric motor (300); as well as The generator (200) is connected to the plurality of charging circuits respectively through the first array switch (501), and wherein The first array switch (501) is connected to the controller (400) and is used to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the generator (200).

2. The range extender drive mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple sensors corresponding to each battery pack, wherein the multiple sensors are connected to the respective battery pack and to the controller (400).

3. The range extender drive mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second array switch (502), in which The plurality of battery packs are respectively connected to the motor (300) via the second array switch (502); and The second array switch (502) is connected to the controller (400) and is used to control the connection and disconnection between each battery pack and the motor (300).

4. An aircraft, characterized in that, Includes the range extender drive mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A battery pack assembly, comprising: The system comprises multiple battery packs and multiple charging circuits corresponding to each battery pack, characterized in that it further includes a first array switch (501) and a controller (400), wherein... The first array switch (501) is connected to the plurality of charging circuits respectively, and is used to connect to a charging power supply; and The first array switch (501) is connected to the controller (400) and is used to control the connection and disconnection between each charging circuit and the charging power supply.

6. The battery pack assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes multiple sensors corresponding to each battery pack, wherein the multiple sensors are connected to the respective battery pack and to the controller (400).

7. The battery pack assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second array switch (502), in which The plurality of battery packs are respectively connected to the load via the second array switch (502); and the second array switch (502) is connected to the controller (400) for controlling the connection and disconnection between each battery pack and the load.

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