A fast-break type controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system
By designing a fast-break controlled circuit breaker, and utilizing a combination of temperature-sensitive alloy solder and heating element, along with elastic components and an improved sealing structure, the problems of long disconnection time and poor sealing in energy storage systems are solved, achieving rapid disconnection and efficient sealing, thus improving the safety of energy storage systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522277085.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing controlled circuit breakers in energy storage systems suffer from problems such as long disconnection time, arc energy accumulation, and poor sealing, and cannot effectively avoid safety hazards caused by battery overcharging.
The circuit breaker adopts a fast-break controlled circuit breaker design, which utilizes a combination of temperature-sensitive alloy solder, heating element and elastic element. After the temperature-sensitive alloy solder softens when heated, the elastic element springs open the connecting electrode. Combined with the heat transfer of ceramic plate and heating element, the main circuit is quickly disconnected. The product's sealing performance is improved through an improved sealing structure.
It enables rapid disconnection of the main circuit, reduces arc energy, improves the product's pressure resistance and sealing effect, and avoids safety risks caused by battery overcharging.
Smart Images

Figure CN224683071U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical switch technology, and more specifically, to a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for energy storage systems. Background Technology
[0002] To prevent overcharging during energy storage system operation due to charging control system failure, which could lead to electrolyte decomposition and gas generation, resulting in battery bulging, leakage, thermal runaway (fire, explosion), and battery aging, shortening its lifespan, secondary protection measures are typically added to the system. When primary protection (such as MOSFETs or relays) fails, secondary protection responds quickly, disconnecting the main circuit current. Currently, controlled circuit breakers are commonly used as secondary protection components. Their disconnection time depends on T1 (time for the grease and alloy to reach their softening point), T2 (time for the alloy to break under tension after softening), and T3 (arc time after disconnection). The controlled circuit uses a series-connected heating element to rapidly generate heat and transfer it, thus shortening the T1 time. Existing controlled circuit breakers have the following shortcomings:
[0003] 1. Alloy-type controlled circuit breakers: These circuit breakers use special grease to provide tension to break the alloy, resulting in a longer T2 time. Due to the longer T2 time, the alloy contracts slowly under tension, and the arcing time after disconnection is also longer (T3). Furthermore, the longer arcing time leads to the accumulation of arc energy, which can cause the product to burn or explode. Using the tension of the special grease as the disconnection driving force can cause the grease to vaporize and expand at high temperatures, increasing the internal pressure of the product, reducing the sealing effect, and thus reducing product performance.
[0004] 2. Mechanically controlled circuit breakers: These use spring contacts as the driving force for disconnecting the main circuit, resulting in a significantly reduced T2 time compared to alloy-type controlled circuit breakers. However, due to the non-linear force of the spring contacts under different voltage and current scenarios, the design and control of the spring contact force are complex. Furthermore, the stress is mainly concentrated at the bending point when the spring contact bends, leading to a lower fatigue life. The short stroke of the spring contact type cannot meet high withstand voltage requirements. In scenarios with high voltage and high current and high arc-extinguishing performance requirements, the high-elasticity spring contact structure is not widely applicable and cannot meet the high arc-extinguishing performance requirements in this field.
[0005] 3. Controlled circuit breakers are usually sealed with epoxy resin. During the baking process, the internal air expands and overflows, causing problems such as resin bubbles, resin overflow, shell bulging, and poor sealing. Utility Model Content
[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for energy storage systems to solve the above problems.
[0007] The present invention adopts the following solution:
[0008] This application provides a fast-break controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system, including a housing, two electrodes with their connection ends disposed inside the housing and arranged opposite each other; it also includes at least one connecting electrode, a ceramic plate, a heating element, a thermal fuse, and multiple elastic elements;
[0009] The connecting electrode is welded to one side of the connection end of the two electrodes using a temperature-sensitive alloy solder to form a passage; the ceramic plate overlaps the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes; the heating element is disposed between the connecting electrode and the heating element, and abuts against the connecting electrode and the heating element; the first lead of the temperature fuse is connected to the heating element, and the second lead extends out of the housing; a third lead is provided on the heating element to form a control loop with the second lead to heat the heating element;
[0010] Wherein, the breaking temperature of the thermal fuse is greater than the softening temperature of the temperature-sensitive alloy solder;
[0011] The elastic element is configured to spring the connecting electrode away from the electrode when the temperature-sensitive alloy solder softens upon heating.
[0012] Furthermore, the third lead is connected to one of the electrodes, forming the control loop with the second lead.
[0013] Furthermore, the third lead also extends out of the housing to form the control loop with the second lead.
[0014] Furthermore, the two ends of the connecting electrode are provided with toothed first welding areas; one end of the electrode is provided with a toothed second welding area adapted to the first welding area.
[0015] Furthermore, the housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing; the lower housing forms a placement cavity with an upper opening, and the placement cavity is provided with multiple limiting steps; the ceramic sheet is engaged on the limiting steps so as to always overlap the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes.
[0016] Furthermore, the upper housing has a chamber with a lower opening for the movement of the connecting electrode.
[0017] Furthermore, the lower housing is provided with a limiting post; the ceramic plate is provided with a relief groove adapted to the limiting post; the connecting electrode is provided with a groove adapted to the limiting post; the elastic element is a spring, which is sleeved on the limiting post and one end abuts against the groove.
[0018] Furthermore, the lower housing has a first sealing groove on one of its opposite sides, and the two side walls of the upper housing extend downward and are fitted into the first sealing groove. The lower housing and the other opposite sides of the lower housing are engaged with a second sealing groove on the electrode. The first sealing groove and the second sealing groove are sealed with epoxy resin.
[0019] Furthermore, the lower housing is also provided with vent holes, and the vent holes are sealed after the epoxy resin is baked and sealed.
[0020] Furthermore, the ceramic sheet is attached to the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes by thermally conductive silicone grease.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:
[0022] The elastic element allows the connecting electrode to quickly disconnect from the electrode after the temperature-sensitive alloy solder softens due to heat, thus interrupting the main circuit current. The heating element, through the ceramic plate, remains in constant contact with the electrode and transfers heat, ensuring that the temperature-sensitive alloy solder on the electrode continues to melt after the connecting electrode disconnects, allowing it to cover and spread evenly on the electrode surface. This prevents the temperature-sensitive alloy solder from accumulating in clumps on the electrode surface, shortens the disconnection distance, and improves pressure resistance. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fast-break controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a fast-break controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the heating element and lead wire of a fast-break controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electrode and connecting electrode of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electrode and connecting electrode of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electrode and connecting electrode of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ;
[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lower housing structure of a fast-breaking controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the heating element and lead wire according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] Icons: 1. Upper housing; 2. Lower housing; 3. Electrode; 4. Connecting electrode; 5. Ceramic sheet; 6. Heating element; 7. First lead; 8. Second lead; 9. Third lead; 10. Elastic element; 11. Temperature-sensitive alloy solder; 12. Limiting step; 13. Limiting post; 14. First sealing groove; 15. Second sealing groove; 16. Vent hole; 17. Groove; 18. First welding area; 19. Second welding area. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0036] Example
[0037] Combination Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this embodiment provides a fast-break controlled circuit breaker for an energy storage system, including a housing, two electrodes 3 with their connection ends disposed inside the housing and arranged opposite each other; it also includes a connecting electrode 4, a ceramic plate 5, a heating element 6, a thermal fuse, and multiple elastic elements 10;
[0038] Specifically, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the two ends of the connecting electrode 4 are welded to the upper side of the connecting end of the two electrodes 3 by temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 to form a passage; the ceramic sheet 5 overlaps the lower side of the connecting end of the two electrodes 3 to realize temperature conduction; the heating element 6 is a ceramic heating element 6, which is disposed between the connecting electrode 4 and the heating element 6 and abuts against the connecting electrode 4 and the heating element 6; the first lead 7 of the temperature fuse is connected to the heating element 6, the second lead 8 is led out of the housing, and the heating element 6 is provided with a third lead 9 connected to one of the electrodes 3 to form an auxiliary control circuit;
[0039] Wherein, the breaking temperature of the thermal fuse is greater than the softening temperature of the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11;
[0040] The elastic element 10 is configured to, when the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 is heated and softened, spring the connecting electrode 4 away to separate the connecting electrode 4 from the electrode 3.
[0041] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, the housing includes an upper housing 1 and a lower housing 2; the lower housing 2 forms a placement cavity with an upper opening, and the four corners of the placement cavity are provided with limiting steps 12; the ceramic sheet 5 is engaged on the limiting steps 12 so as to always overlap with the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes 3, and the ceramic sheet 5 is overlapped by thermally conductive silicone grease to ensure heat transfer.
[0042] The lower housing 2 is provided with a limiting post 13; the ceramic plate 5 is provided with a clearance groove adapted to the limiting post 13; the connecting electrode 4 is provided with a groove 17 adapted to the limiting post 13; the elastic element 10 is a spring, which is sleeved on the limiting post 13 and one end abuts against the groove 17. This achieves precise limiting of the spring and the connecting electrode 4 in the direction of movement. The upper housing 1 forms a chamber with a lower opening for the moving connecting electrode 4. Compared to a spring-loaded type, the spring force tends to be linear, with better force precision design, which is beneficial for mass production; the spring has better fatigue life and a larger stroke, thus resulting in better product performance and stability.
[0043] The two ends of the connecting electrode 4 are welded to one side of the connection end of the two electrodes 3 using temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11. Based on the series voltage division principle, when the main circuit is broken, the voltage at the two break points is half of the system voltage, thereby reducing the arc energy at the arc initiation point and improving the arc extinguishing performance of the product. Of course, in other embodiments, there may be two or more connecting electrodes 4, and multiple springs may be used to spring open the connecting electrodes 4 respectively, achieving the disconnection of more break points, thereby further reducing the arc energy at the arc initiation point.
[0044] In this embodiment, the connecting electrode 4 has toothed first welding areas 18 at both ends; the electrode 3 has a toothed second welding area 19 at one end that matches the first welding area 18. The toothed welding areas form multiple welding points, and based on the principle of parallel current splitting, the system current is evenly distributed, thereby reducing the arc energy at the arc initiation point.
[0045] In this embodiment, the third lead 9 on the heating element 6 is welded to one of the electrodes 3, and the second lead 8 is led out of the housing. The electrode 3 and the second lead 8 are connected to the control circuit. When the control circuit receives an abnormal signal from the system, it operates to heat the heating element 6. The heat on the heating element 6 is transferred to the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 through the connecting electrode 4 and the ceramic plate 5 connected to it. When the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 softens due to heat, it loses its function of connecting the electrode 3 and the connecting electrode 4, and the spring pops the connecting electrode 4 away. Since the heating element 6 is relatively fixed and continuously heats up, when the connecting electrode 4 pops up, the heating element 6 separates from the connecting electrode 4, and the heat continues to be quickly transferred from the ceramic plate 5 to the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11, thereby keeping the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 in a molten state. This allows the temperature-sensitive alloy solder 11 to cover and spread evenly on the surface of the electrode 3, preventing the alloy from accumulating in a bud-like shape on the surface of the electrode 3, shortening the disconnection distance, and thus improving the pressure resistance. When the heating element 6 heats to the temperature at which the temperature fuse disconnects, the temperature fuse disconnects, thereby breaking the control circuit, and the heating element 6 stops heating.
[0046] Of course, in other embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the third lead 9 on the heating element 6 can also be led out of the housing and connected to the control circuit. Its working principle is the same as that described above, and will not be described in detail here.
[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9As shown, the lower housing 2 has a first sealing groove 14 on one of its opposite sides. The two side walls of the upper housing 1 extend downward and are fitted into the first sealing groove 14. The lower housing 2 and its other opposite sides are engaged with a second sealing groove 15 on the electrode 3. The first sealing groove 14 and the second sealing groove 15 are sealed with epoxy resin. The lower housing 2 also has a vent hole 16, which is closed by hot riveting after the epoxy resin is baked and sealed. The sealing groove effectively prevents resin from flowing and improves the product's appearance quality. Compared with planar-planar contact, the sealing groove increases the resin's contact area, thus effectively improving the product's sealing performance. The vent hole 16 allows the air pressure inside the housing to be discharged during the baking process, resulting in a better bonding effect between the epoxy resin and the outer shell and electrode 3, and better sealing performance. It also avoids appearance problems such as bulging of the finished product's outer shell and bubbling at the epoxy resin seal after baking.
[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions that fall within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected by this utility model.
[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component 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 of this utility model.
[0050] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0051] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
Claims
1. A fast-break type controlled circuit breaker for energy storage systems, comprising a housing, two electrodes (3) disposed opposite each other in the housing, and a connecting terminal; characterized in that, It also includes at least one connecting electrode (4), a ceramic plate (5), a heating element (6), a temperature fuse, and multiple elastic elements (10); The connecting electrode (4) is welded to one side of the connection end of the two electrodes (3) by a temperature-sensitive alloy solder (11) to form a passage; the ceramic plate (5) overlaps the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes (3); the heating element (6) is disposed between the connecting electrode (4) and the heating element (6) and abuts against the connecting electrode (4) and the heating element (6); the first lead (7) of the temperature fuse is connected to the heating element (6), and the second lead (8) is led out of the housing; the heating element (6) is provided with a third lead (9) for forming a control circuit with the second lead to heat the heating element (6); Wherein, the breaking temperature of the thermal fuse is greater than the softening temperature of the temperature-sensitive alloy solder (11); The elastic element (10) is configured to, when the temperature-sensitive alloy solder (11) is heated and softened, spring the connecting electrode (4) away to separate the connecting electrode (4) from the electrode (3).
2. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The third lead (9) is connected to one of the electrodes (3) and forms the control loop with the second lead (8).
3. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The third lead (9) is also led out of the housing and forms the control loop with the second lead (8).
4. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The connecting electrode (4) has a toothed first welding area (18) at both ends; the electrode (3) has a toothed second welding area (19) at one end that matches the first welding area (18).
5. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The housing includes an upper housing (1) and a lower housing (2); the lower housing (2) forms a placement cavity with an upper opening, and the placement cavity is provided with multiple limiting steps (12); the ceramic sheet (5) is engaged on the limiting steps (12) so as to always overlap the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes (3).
6. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 5, wherein, The upper housing (1) has a chamber with a lower opening for the movement of the connecting electrode (4).
7. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 5, wherein, The lower housing (2) is provided with a limiting post (13); the ceramic plate (5) is provided with a relief groove adapted to the limiting post (13); the connecting electrode (4) is provided with a groove (17) adapted to the limiting post (13); the elastic element (10) is a spring, which is sleeved on the limiting post (13) and one end abuts against the groove (17).
8. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 5, wherein, The lower housing (2) has a first sealing groove (14) on one of its opposite sides. The two side walls of the upper housing (1) extend downward and are fitted into the first sealing groove (14). The lower housing (2) and the other opposite sides of the lower housing (2) are engaged in the second sealing groove (15) on the electrode (3). The first sealing groove (14) and the second sealing groove (15) are sealed with epoxy resin.
9. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of claim 8, wherein, The lower housing (2) is also provided with a vent hole (16), and the vent hole (16) is sealed after the epoxy resin is baked and sealed.
10. The fast-break controlled disconnect for an energy storage system of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The ceramic sheet (5) is attached to the other side of the connection end of the two electrodes (3) by thermally conductive silicone grease.