Signal bypass device and energy storage system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a signal bypass device and an energy storage system, comprising at least one first external connection device and a battery assembly configured to exchange power with at least one of the first external connection devices, wherein the first external connection device includes a signal bypass module, the signal bypass module being configured to bypass a local target signal when the battery assembly receives a target signal from another external connection device. This signal bypass device allows the battery assembly to be provided with only one short-circuit control signal, thereby avoiding the occurrence of arc discharge and improving the overall safety of the system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] <CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS> The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024112669782, filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "Energy Storage System", priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024112674920, filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "Signal Bypass Apparatus and Energy Storage System", and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024112678283, filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "Energy Storage System Supporting Hot Swap Function", the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of energy storage, and in particular, to a signal bypass apparatus and an energy storage system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The demand for new energy products is increasing continuously. Especially for energy storage products with high-power and large-capacity battery PACKs, in consideration of the product weight, a split design is usually adopted for the host (inverter + DC output function) and the battery PACK. In this case, they need to be connected via connection cables. In addition, for products that support parallel connection, the connection cables can be used to connect the battery PACKs to the host in a daisy-chain parallel manner to supply power to the host.

[0004] However, if the DC output function is separated and an independent DC converter is provided in order to reduce the volume of the host, the DC converter also needs to obtain power from the battery assembly via a connecting cable. The difference between the connecting cable of the DC converter and the connecting cable that the host uses to connect to the battery assembly is that one end of the DC converter's connecting cable is embedded in the DC converter, and only the other end is connected to the external battery assembly.

[0005] Thus, when both the host and the DC converter are connected to the battery assembly, the battery assembly receives two short-circuit signals (connection recognition signals): the REG+ and REG- terminals of the battery assembly are short-circuited by both the REG+ and REG- terminals in the host and the DC converter. In some application environments, the simultaneous connection of the two short-circuit signals can lead to safety problems. For example, in a hot-swappable energy storage system, if both short-circuit signals are present, disconnecting either the host or the DC converter (i.e., either connection cable) will still short-circuit the REG+ and REG- terminals of the battery assembly due to the short-circuit signals REG+ and REG- in the connected host or DC converter, while the VBAT+ and VBAT- terminals of the battery assembly remain energized. If the host and DC converter are operating and driving a load, disconnecting either the host or the DC converter first could cause current to flow through the corresponding connection ports, potentially resulting in arcing.

[0006] Therefore, the problem of two short-circuit signals existing when the battery assembly is connected to the host and DC converter requires further improvement. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] In the first aspect, the present application provides a signal bypass device, the signal bypass device is At least one first external connection device, The system includes a battery assembly configured to exchange power with at least one of the first external connection devices, The first external connection device includes a signal bypass module, which is configured to bypass the local target signal when the battery assembly receives a target signal from another external connection device, and to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly has not received a target signal from another external connection device.

[0008] In a second embodiment, the present application further provides an energy storage system including the signal bypass device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0009] To more clearly describe embodiments of the present invention or prior art, the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments or prior art will be briefly described. The drawings described below are merely those shown for embodiments of the present invention, and it will be clear that those skilled in the art can obtain drawings of other embodiments based on these drawings without requiring any creative effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a circuit diagram of a parallel connection product using conventional technology. [Figure 2] This is a circuit diagram of a conventional design where both the host and DC converter are connected to the battery assembly. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the configuration of a signal bypass device in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the signal bypass device configuration in another embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the configuration of an energy storage system in one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram of an energy storage system in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described clearly and completely below, in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments; however, it is clear that the embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also know that other embodiments that can be obtained without requiring any creative effort based on the embodiments of this application are also within the scope of protection.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, conventional technology typically designs the host (inverter + DC output function) and the battery assembly as separate units, requiring them to be connected via a connecting cable. Alternatively, for parallel-connectable products, this connecting cable can be used to connect the battery assembly to the host in a daisy-chain parallel configuration, supplying power to the host.

[0013] The ends of the connection cable are connected to port CN2 on the host and port CN1 on battery assembly PACK1, respectively. When switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in battery assembly PACK1 are short-circuited by the short-circuit signals REG+ and REG- in the host. This means that pin 2 of photocoupler U1 in battery assembly PACK1 is connected to ground, causing photocoupler U1 to start operating and pull down pin 4 of photocoupler U1 to ground. At this time, the target signal test1 changes from a high level to a low level. When the controller MCU detects that the target signal test1 is at a low level, it controls relay RLY1 to turn on. At this time, battery assembly PACK1 sends power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN1 and CN3, respectively, thereby supplying power to the host. Furthermore, if the controller MCU detects that the target signal test1 is at a high level, it controls relay RLY1 to turn off. At this time, power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- of battery assembly PACK1 is not sent to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN1 and CN3. The same applies to the following battery assembly PACKs. When it is necessary to use them in parallel connection, connect both ends of the connection cable to port CN3 of battery assembly PACK1 and port CN4 of battery assembly PACK2, respectively, and turn on switches SW3 and SW4. At this time, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in battery assembly PACK2 are short-circuited, that is, pin 2 of photocoupler U2 in battery assembly PACK2 is connected to ground, photocoupler U2 starts operating, and pin 4 of photocoupler U2 is pulled down to ground. At this time, the target signal test2 changes from a high level to a low level, and when the controller MCU detects that the target signal test2 is at a low level, it controls the relay RLY2 to turn on.At this time, battery assembly PACK2 sends power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN4 and CN5, and also supplies power to the host together in parallel via the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN3 of battery assembly PACK1, i.e., battery assembly PACK1 and battery assembly PACK2 are connected in parallel.

[0014] Furthermore, if the DC output function is separated and an independent DC converter is provided to reduce the host's volume, the DC converter also needs to obtain power from the battery assembly PACK via a connecting cable. The difference between the DC converter's connecting cable and the connecting cable that the host uses to connect to the battery assembly PACK is that one end of the DC converter's connecting cable is embedded in the DC converter, while only the other end is connected to the external battery assembly PACK. As shown in Figure 2, connecting the DC converter and the battery assembly PACK using the original connection method results in the following problems.

[0015] When the host (inverter) is first connected to port CN6 of the battery assembly PACK, the battery assembly PACK sends power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN6 and CN8. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN8 of the battery assembly PACK are energized. When the DC converter is connected to port CN8 of the battery assembly PACK, regardless of whether switch SW7 is turned on or not, capacitor CE1 is present in the DC converter, and capacitor CE1 exhibits a short-circuit state at the moment of charging, resulting in a relatively large current, and therefore, when the DC converter is connected to the battery assembly PACK, an arc discharge occurs at the connection port.

[0016] When the host and DC converter are connected to ports CN6 and CN8 of the battery assembly PACK, respectively, two short-circuit control signals, namely the short-circuit signals REG+ and REG- in the host and DC converter, are present, and the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited. At this point, even if either the host or the DC converter (i.e., either connection cable) is disconnected, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK remain short-circuited by the short-circuit signals REG+ and REG- in the host or DC converter that are not disconnected, and the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN6 and CN8 of the battery assembly PACK remain energized. If the host and DC converter are operating and driving a load, disconnecting either the host or the DC converter first will cause current to flow to the corresponding connection port, resulting in an arc discharge.

[0017] Note that all switches must be turned on after the connecting cables are connected, and similarly, the connecting cables must be unplugged after opening the switches.

[0018] In summary, under the operating conditions described above, arc discharge occurs at the corresponding connection port, compromising the safety of both the product and the user.

[0019] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a signal bypass device, specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the signal bypass device includes a battery assembly PACK and at least one first external connection device, the battery assembly PACK being used to exchange power with at least one first external connection device.

[0020] This battery assembly PACK may be a battery pack, and in other embodiments, this battery assembly PACK may take on other forms, but is not specifically limited thereto.

[0021] Each of the first external connection devices includes a signal bypass module, and this signal bypass module is configured to bypass the local target signal when the battery assembly PACK receives a target signal from another external connection device. Specifically, the signal bypass module determines whether to bypass the local target signal by detecting the type of control signal output from the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK. For example, when the signal bypass module detects that the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a first control signal, it bypasses the local target signal; and when the signal bypass module detects that the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a second control signal, it outputs the target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0022] This target signal may be a short-circuit control signal of the battery assembly PACK. After receiving this short-circuit control signal, the battery assembly PACK is controlled to start operating, and performs power exchange with each external connection device connected to the battery assembly PACK. For example, the battery assembly PACK supplies power to each connected external connection device, or each external connection device supplies power to the battery assembly PACK, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0023] When one external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, this connected external connection device provides a target signal to the battery assembly PACK. A first external connection device connected later cannot provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK due to the presence of the signal bypass module. It should be noted that the external connection device first connected to the battery assembly PACK may be the first external connection device, that is, an external connection device including the signal bypass module, or may be another second external connection device that does not include the signal bypass module.

[0024] In this invention, only one external connection device can provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK, and none of the other first external connection devices provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK. Therefore, if the external connection device that provides a target signal to the battery assembly PACK is removed first, the battery assembly PACK will not operate, the power supply pins of the battery assembly PACK will not be energized, and therefore no arc discharge will occur.

[0025] In one selectable embodiment, a signal bypass module is used to provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK when the battery assembly PACK is not receiving a target signal from another external connection device.

[0026] In this embodiment, if the first external connection device connected to the battery assembly PACK is the first external connection device, the signal bypass module of this first external connection device provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. Alternatively, the default state of the first external connection device is set to provide the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. After the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, the signal bypass module detects that the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs the second control signal (at this time, the battery assembly PACK is not operating because the external connection device is not connected to the battery assembly PACK), and the first external connection device outputs the target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0027] After the first external device is connected to the battery assembly pack, the battery assembly pack operates, and none of the subsequently connected first external devices provide the target signal to the battery assembly pack. However, for proper operation, if there are two or more first external devices, the removal order of each first external device connected to the battery assembly pack must be restricted. For example, the first external device that does not provide the target signal to the battery assembly pack must be removed first. If there is only one first external device, the removal order of the external devices is not restricted. This is because, in this case, after the first connected external device is removed, the later connected first external device can provide the target signal to the battery assembly pack. Removing the later connected first external device first does not affect the operation of the first connected external device. See the analysis below for details.

[0028] In one selectable embodiment, the system further includes a second external connection device, which is connected to the battery assembly PACK and is used to provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK if the battery assembly PACK has not received a target signal from the first external connection device.

[0029] In this application, the second external connection device is a device that does not include a signal bypass module. Therefore, when connecting both the second and first external connection devices to the battery assembly PACK, the second external connection device is connected first, providing the target signal to the battery assembly PACK, and then the first external connection device is connected, bypassing the local target signal. If there are two or more first external connection devices, the first external connection device that does not provide the target signal to the battery assembly PACK must be removed first. If there is only one first external connection device, either the first or second external connection device may be removed first.

[0030] In summary, the connection method in this application may include the following:

[0031] 1. At least one first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK. In this case, the first external connection device that is first connected to the battery assembly PACK provides the battery assembly PACK with a target signal. This includes the following: 1.1 Two first external connection devices are connected to the battery assembly PACK. The order in which these two first external connection devices are connected to and removed from the battery assembly PACK is not specifically limited. 1.2 Three or more first external connection devices are connected to the battery assembly PACK. The order in which these first external connection devices are connected to the battery assembly PACK is not specifically limited, but the removal order is to remove first the first external connection device that does not provide the target signal, and if there are two remaining external connection devices, proceed to the situation described in 1.1 above. 1.3 Only one first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK. This first external connection device provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0032] 2. One second external connection device and at least one first external connection device are connected to the battery assembly PACK. This includes: 2.1 One second external connector and one first external connector are connected to the battery assembly pack. Since the second external connector is connected to the battery assembly pack first, the second external connector provides the target signal to the battery assembly pack. Subsequently, either the first external connector can be disconnected first, or the second external connector can be disconnected first. 2.2 One second external connector and at least two first external connectors are connected to the battery assembly pack. In this case, the second external connector provides the target signal to the battery assembly pack. The removal order is to remove the first external connector that does not provide the target signal first, and if the remaining devices are one first external connector and one second external connector, refer to the operation described above.

[0033] In this application, both the first external connection device and the second external connection device may be a host or a DC converter.

[0034] Building upon the above, the first external connection device includes a signal bypass module. Optionally, this first external connection device may further include a signal control module, which is used to control the connection and disconnection of the power supply pins of the battery assembly PACK to the first external connection device. The structure of this signal bypass module and the structure of this signal control module will be described in detail below.

[0035] If both the DC converter and the host are first external connection devices, to distinguish them, the signal control module of the DC converter includes a first switching module 600, which includes a first switching control unit 610 and a first switch 620. The signal control module of the host includes a third switching module 500, which includes a second switching control unit 910 and a fourth switch 920. The signal bypass module in the DC converter includes a first switching control module 700 and a second switching module 800, which includes a first switching unit 810 and a second switching unit 820, which includes a second switch 811 and a third switch 812, and the first switching control module 700 further includes a first feedback unit. The signal bypass module within the host includes a second switching control module 200 and a fourth switching module 400. The fourth switching module 400 includes a third switching unit 410 and a fourth switching unit 420. The third switching unit 410 includes a fifth switch 411 and a sixth switch 412. The second switching control module 200 further includes a second feedback unit. In this application, when describing the first external connection device, the names of the modules and units within the DC converter are used, and similar connection relationships and principles can be applied to the modules and units within the host.

[0036] In one selectable embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the signal bypass module includes a first switching control module 700 and a second switching module 800, the first input terminal of the first switching control module 700 being connected to the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK, and a fixed voltage being input to the second input terminal of the first switching control module 700. The control terminal of the second switching module 800 is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module 700.

[0037] The first switching control module 700 is used to output a first switch control signal based on the first control signal and a fixed voltage when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a first control signal. The second switching module 800 is used to switch the short-circuit state of the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external connection device to the off state in response to the action of this first switch control signal.

[0038] The first switching control module 700 is used to output a second switch control signal when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a second control signal. The second switching module 800 is used to maintain a short-circuit state between the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external connection device through the action of this second switch control signal.

[0039] The first control signal output from the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK refers to the case where an external connection device has already been connected to the battery assembly PACK and a target signal has been provided to the battery assembly PACK. This first control signal is input to the first switching control module 700, which outputs a first switch control signal. Due to the action of the first switch control signal, the second switching module 800 switches the short-circuit state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal of the first external connection device to the off state, thereby ensuring that the first external connection device bypasses the target signal and the battery assembly PACK receives only one target signal. Even if several first external connection devices are later connected to the battery assembly PACK, because a signal bypass module exists for the first external connection device, each will bypass the local target signal of the first external connection device, and therefore the battery assembly PACK will receive only one target signal.

[0040] When the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK and the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs the second control signal, i.e., when the external connection device is not connected to the battery assembly PACK, the first switching control module 700 outputs the second switch signal, and the second switching module 800 is used to maintain a short-circuit state between the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external connection device by the action of the second switch signal.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the output terminals of the battery assembly PACK (ports CN12 and CN10 in Figure 5, and ports CN14 and CN15 in Figure 6) include a control signal output pin, a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. The corresponding ports of the first external connection device (port CN13 in Figure 5, and ports CN16 and CN17 in Figure 6) may include a target signal input pin, a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. When the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, the corresponding pins are connected. The corresponding port of the second external connection device (port CN11 in Figure 5) includes a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. When the second external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, the corresponding pins are connected. To achieve connection between the external connection device and the battery assembly PACK, the present invention may further introduce a connection cable unit. One end of the connection cable unit can be inserted into or removed from the output port of the battery assembly pack. The other end of the connection cable unit can be connected to the first external connection device or the second external connection device via the corresponding port of the first external connection device or the second external connection device. In other words, the role of the connection cable unit is to connect the output port of the battery assembly pack to the corresponding port of the first external connection device or the second external connection device.

[0042] As an option, as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, the first switching control module 700 is a comparator unit (comparator unit U5B in Figure 5, or comparator units U6B and U7B in Figure 6), and the voltage value of the first control signal input to the first input terminal of the comparator unit is smaller than a fixed voltage. The first input terminal of the comparator unit is connected directly or indirectly to the target signal input pin of the first external connection device. For example, the first input terminal of comparator unit U5B is connected to the target signal input pin of the port of the first external connection device via a first resistor (resistor R15 in Figure 5, or resistors R42 and R30 in Figure 6), and the second input terminal of the comparator unit is connected to the output terminal of a voltage divider circuit, to which a fixed voltage is input. Referring to Figure 5, this voltage divider circuit may also include a second resistor (resistor R10 in Figure 5, or resistors R36 and R22 in Figure 6) and a third resistor (resistor R13 in Figure 5, or resistors R39 and R27 in Figure 6), the first end of the third resistor being grounded, the second end being connected to the second resistor and the second input terminal of the comparator unit, and the second end of the second resistor being connected to the first auxiliary power supply (auxiliary power supply VCC4 in Figure 5 and auxiliary power supplies VCC4 and VCC6 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, this voltage divider circuit may take other forms, but is not specifically limited thereto.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit (i.e., the first input terminal of the comparator described above), and the signal at the negative input terminal "-" of the comparator unit (i.e., the second input terminal of the comparator described above) is the voltage value across the third resistor, i.e., the voltage value after the first auxiliary power supply has been voltage-divided with respect to ground via the second and third resistors. Since the voltage value of the first control signal is lower than the voltage value across the third resistor, the comparator unit outputs a first switch control signal. In this embodiment, after the battery assembly PACK is connected to one external connection device (e.g., a first external connection device or a second external connection device), the battery assembly PACK outputs the first control signal, and therefore the comparator unit outputs a first switch control signal. Alternatively, this first switch control signal may be low level, and in the action of this first switch control signal, the second switching module 800 switches the short-circuit state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal in the first external connection device to the off state.

[0044] In one selectable embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second switching module 800 includes a first switching unit 810 and a second switching unit 820, the control terminal of the first switching unit 810 being connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module 700, and the control terminal of the second switching unit 820 being connected to the output terminal of the first switching unit 810. The first switching unit 810 is used to output a third switching control signal in the action of a first switch control signal, and the second switching unit 820 is used to switch from a connection between the first and second terminals to a connection between the second and third terminals in the action of a third switch control signal.

[0045] The first switching unit 810 outputs a third switch control signal in response to the first switch control signal, and is used to control the second switching unit 820 to switch the switch state. When the first external connection device is not connected to the battery assembly PACK, the first and second ends of the second switching unit 820 are connected. When the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs the first control signal, the first switching control module 700 outputs the first switch control signal, and in response to the first switch control signal, the first switching unit 810 outputs the third switch control signal. In response to the third switch control signal, the second end of the second switching unit 820 switches to a connection with the third end, thereby switching the short-circuit state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal of the first external connection device to an off state, and the first external connection device bypasses the target signal.

[0046] In one selectable embodiment, the first switching unit 810 includes a second switch 811 and a third switch 812, the control terminal of the second switch 811 being connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module 700, and the first terminal of the second switch 811 being connected to a second auxiliary power supply. The control terminal of the third switch 812 is connected to the second terminal of the second switch 811, the first terminal of the third switch 812 is grounded, and the second terminal of the third switch 812 is connected to the control terminal of the second switching unit 820.

[0047] As an option, the second switch 811 and the third switch 812 may be transistors. In other embodiments, the second switch 811 and the third switch 812 may be other devices, but this is not specifically limited. In this embodiment, the second switch 811 may be a first transistor (transistor Q1 in Figure 5, or transistor Q5 or transistor Q9 in Figure 6), and the third switch 812 may be a second transistor (transistor Q2 in Figure 5, or transistor Q6 or transistor Q10 in Figure 6). The first switch control signal output from the output terminal of the first switching control module 700 is low level, that is, it pulls down the b pole (base) of the first transistor to a low level, and the first transistor turns on. The first auxiliary power supply VCC4 enters the b-pole (base) of the second transistor via the fourth resistor (resistor R9 in Figure 5, or resistors R21 and R35 in Figure 6), the first transistor, and the fifth resistor (resistor R14 in Figure 5, or resistors R28 and R40 in Figure 6). The b-pole and e-pole of the second transistor are connected via the eleventh resistor (resistor R16 in Figure 5, or resistors R29 and R41 in Figure 6), and the second transistor turns on. As a result, the second auxiliary power supply (auxiliary power supply VCC3 in Figure 5, or auxiliary power supply VCC5 and auxiliary power supply VCC3 in Figure 6) forms a current circuit via the second switching unit 820, the sixth resistor (resistor R12 in Figure 5, or resistors R24 and R38 in Figure 6), and the transistor Q2, and the second switching unit 820 starts operating. The second terminal of the second switching unit 820 switches from its connection to the first terminal to its connection to the third terminal, thereby switching the short-circuit state of the first latch pin and the second latch pin in the first external connection device to the off state, and the first external connection device bypasses the local target signal. As a result, if an external connection device is already providing a target signal to the battery assembly PACK, the first external connection device newly connected to the battery assembly PACK will bypass the local target signal.

[0048] In one selectable embodiment, the second switching unit 820 may be a relay (relay RLY5 in Figure 5, and relays RLY6 and RLY8 in Figure 6), the control terminal of the relay is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit 810, the first terminal of the relay is connected to the first latch pin of the battery assembly PACK, the second terminal of the relay is connected to the second latch pin of the battery assembly PACK, and the third terminal of the relay is in a floating state. When the relay is not operating, the second terminal of the relay is connected to the first terminal. The relay starts operating when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a first control signal and is used to switch the second terminal of the relay from the connection with the first terminal of the relay to the connection with the third terminal of the relay.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5 or Figure 6, one control terminal of the relay is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit 810, and the other control terminal is connected to the second auxiliary power supply.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second switching unit 820 is a relay, and the third switch control signal output by the first switching unit 810 causes the relay to switch from a connection between pin 4 (second terminal) and pin 3 (first terminal) to a connection between pin 4 (second terminal) and pin 5 (third terminal), thereby switching the first latch pin and second latch pin of the port of the first external connection device from a short-circuit state to an off state.

[0051] The first end of the second switching unit 820 may be directly connected to the first latch pin of the battery assembly PACK (as shown in Figure 5), or it may be connected to the first latch pin of the battery assembly PACK via a switch (as shown in Figure 6), and this is not specifically limited. Furthermore, the switch between the first end of the second switching unit 820 and the first latch pin of the battery assembly PACK and the control switch in the signal control module may be the same switch, or they may be two independent switches, and this is not specifically limited. As an option, the switch between the first end of the second switching unit 820 and the first latch pin of the battery assembly PACK and the control switch in the signal control module may be located within the above-mentioned connection cable unit.

[0052] In one selectable embodiment, the first switching control module 700 further includes a feedback unit 710, the first terminal of which is connected to a first auxiliary power supply via a voltage divider resistor, and the second terminal of which is connected to the first input terminal of a comparator unit. The feedback unit 710 processes the first auxiliary power supply to generate a feedback signal at the moment when the signal input to the first input terminal of the comparator unit switches from a second control signal to a first control signal, and inputs the feedback signal to the first input terminal of the first switching control module 700, and is used such that the voltage of the feedback signal is greater than a fixed voltage. The first switching control module 700 is used to output a second switch control signal when a feedback signal is input to the first input terminal and a fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal. The second switching module 800 is used to output a target signal to the battery assembly PACK in action of the second switch control signal.

[0053] Alternatively, this feedback unit 710 may be a first diode (diode D1 in Figure 5, or diodes D2 and D3 in Figure 6), the first terminal of the first diode being connected to the second auxiliary power supply via a voltage divider resistor and to the output terminal of the comparator unit, and the second terminal of the first diode being connected to the first input terminal of the comparator unit.

[0054] In this embodiment, if a first external connection device that does not provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK is removed, the connection between the battery assembly PACK and the corresponding power supply pin of the first external connection device is disconnected, and then it can be operated directly without affecting the normal operation of the battery assembly PACK. If a first external connection device that provides a target signal to the battery assembly PACK is removed (based on the above, any other external connection devices connected to the battery assembly PACK at this time must also be first external connection devices, and there can only be one of them), the signal bypass module of the remaining first external connection device that has not been removed provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. If a second external connection device that provides a target signal to the battery assembly PACK is removed (based on the above, any other external connection devices connected to the battery assembly PACK at this time must also be first external connection devices, and there can only be one of them), the signal bypass module of the remaining first external connection device that has not been removed provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0055] Therefore, when the external connection device that provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK (referred to as the third external connection device for convenience) is removed, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are no longer short-circuited by the target signal from this third external connection device, and the battery assembly PACK stops operating. At this time, there is no power to the output port of the battery assembly PACK and the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the first external connection device, and no arc discharge occurs at the output port of the battery assembly PACK when the third external connection device is removed.

[0056] The battery assembly PACK may include a photocoupler (photocoupler U4 in Figure 5, or photocoupler U7 in Figure 6). When the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are no longer short-circuited by the target signal of the third external connection device, pin 2 of the photocoupler in the battery assembly PACK becomes float, and the photocoupler does not operate. As a result, the target signal pin output of the battery assembly PACK changes from the first control signal to the second control signal, for example, from a low level to a high level. When the controller MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay of the battery assembly PACK (relay RLY4 in Figure 5, or relay RLY7 in Figure 6) to turn off. As a result, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the battery assembly PACK are depleted of power, and no arc discharge occurs at the output port of the battery assembly PACK when the third external connection device is unplugged.

[0057] As soon as the third external connection device is disconnected, the second control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit. Since the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", the comparator unit outputs a high level, which turns off the second switch 811 and the third switch 812. This causes the second switching unit 820 to switch from connecting the first and second terminals to connecting the second and third terminals, and the first external connection device provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. Continuing from the above example, the second switch 811 is the first transistor, the third switch 812 is the second transistor, and the second switching unit 820 is a relay. When the comparator unit outputs a high level in this way, the b pole (base) of the first transistor becomes high level, turning off the first transistor and the second transistor. As a result, there is no current circuit in the coil of relay RLY5, relay RLY5 does not operate, the connection between pins 4 and 5 switches to the connection between pins 4 and 3, and the first external connection device provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. This causes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK to be short-circuited by the target signal from the first external connection device, the battery assembly PACK operates, and the second control signal changes back to the first control signal, i.e., from high level to low level. When the controller MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY4 to turn on. At this time, the battery assembly PACK sends power to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port, continuing to supply power to the first external connection device and allowing it to continue its normal operation. Furthermore, the time it takes for relay RLY4 to switch from off to on again is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitors within the first external connection device (capacitor CE2 in Figure 5, and capacitors CE3 and CE4 in Figure 6) supplies power to the load, ensuring that the first external connection device does not experience a power outage.At the same time, the signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit changes from the second control signal to the first control signal, i.e., from a high level to a low level. The moment it changes to the first control signal, the first auxiliary power supply is voltage-divided relative to ground via the seventh resistor (resistor R11 in Figure 5, or resistors R23 and R37 in Figure 6), the first diode, and the first resistor. As a result, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit, i.e., the voltage value of the first resistor relative to ground, remains greater than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". This causes the comparator unit to continue outputting a high level, turning off the second switch 811 and the third switch 812, thereby causing the second switching unit 820 to provide the target signal to the battery assembly PACK. Continuing the above example, the comparator unit continues to output a high level, turning off the first and second transistors, thereby causing the relay to maintain the connection between pins 4 and 3, maintaining the target signal of the first external device and providing the target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0058] Thus, when connecting the first external connection device after connecting the second external connection device to the battery assembly pack, or when disconnecting the second external connection device while both the first and second external connection devices are connected to the battery assembly pack, no arc discharge occurs. This not only enhances the overall safety of the system but also does not affect the connection method and operation of the original external connection device, battery assembly pack, and parallel connection pack, thereby better ensuring product safety, reliability, and user safety.

[0059] In one selectable embodiment, continuing with reference to Figure 4, the first external connection device further includes a signal control module, which includes a control switch and a first switching module 600. Based on the above, the control switch in this application may be located within the connection cable unit.

[0060] In one selectable embodiment, a first auxiliary power supply is input to the first terminal of the control switch, and the control terminal of the first switching module 600 is connected to the second terminal of the control switch. When the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, the first terminal of the first switching module 600 is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery assembly PACK, the second terminal of the first switching module 600 is connected to the first input terminal of the first external connection device, and the second input terminal of the first external connection device is connected to the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery assembly PACK. The first auxiliary power supply VCC4 may also be provided by an auxiliary power module in the first external connection device, the input terminal of which is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery assembly PACK, and the output terminal is used to provide auxiliary power of different voltages.

[0061] The connection cable unit further includes two control pins, one of which is connected to the first auxiliary power supply VCC4, and the other two control pins are connected via a control switch. As a result, the first terminal of the control switch receives the first auxiliary power supply VCC4, and the second terminal of the control switch is connected to the control terminal of the first switching module 600. Therefore, the switch state of the first switching module 600 can be controlled via this control switch.

[0062] All switches must be turned on after the connection cable unit is connected, and similarly, the switches must be opened before the connection cable unit is disconnected. Therefore, when the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK, the control switch is in the off state, which in turn turns off the first switching module 600, there is no exchange of power between the battery assembly PACK and the first external connection device, and no arc discharge occurs when the first external connection device is connected to the output port of the battery assembly PACK via the connection circuit.

[0063] To facilitate understanding, we will explain with an actual operation example. The battery assembly PACK sends power from pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of each output port. At this time, the first external connection device is connected to the battery assembly PACK. Since the control switch in the first external connection device is in the off state, the first switching module 600 is in the off state. Even if the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the battery assembly PACK are energized, there is no signal transmission between the battery assembly PACK and the first external connection device, and no arc discharge occurs when the first external connection device is connected to the output port of the battery assembly PACK.

[0064] In one selectable embodiment, when the control switch is ON, the first switching module 600 is ON, and the battery assembly PACK charges the first external connection device. After connecting the first external connection device to the battery assembly PACK and turning on the control switch, since the control switch is ON, a switch control signal can be provided to the first switching module 600, causing the first switching module 600 to turn ON. As a result, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the battery assembly PACK charge the first external connection device, and the circuit starts operating and drives the load normally.

[0065] In one selectable embodiment, the first switching module 600 includes a first switching control unit 610 and a first switch 620, where the control terminal of the first switching control unit 610 is connected to the second terminal of the control switch, the control terminal of the first switch 620 is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control unit 610, the first terminal of the first switch 620 is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery assembly PACK, the second terminal is connected to the first input terminal of the first external connection device, and the second input terminal of the first external connection device is connected to the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery assembly PACK.

[0066] Generally, the first power supply pin VBAT+ is the positive phase power supply pin, and the second power supply pin VBAT- is the negative phase power supply pin. Therefore, by providing the first switch 620 between the positive phase power supply pin and the first input terminal of the first external connection device, the occurrence of sparking can be avoided.

[0067] As an alternative, the first switching control unit 610 may be a third transistor (transistor Q4 in Figure 5, or transistors Q8 and Q12 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the first switching control unit 610 may be other devices. The b-pole (base) of the third transistor is directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal of the control switch. For example, the b-pole of the third transistor is connected to the second terminal of the control switch via an eighth resistor (resistor R18 in Figure 5, or resistors R32 and R44 in Figure 6), the e-pole (emitter) of the third transistor is grounded, the b-pole and e-pole of the third transistor are connected via a ninth resistor (resistor R20 in Figure 5, or resistors R34 and R46 in Figure 6), and the c-pole (collector) of the third transistor is directly or indirectly connected to the control terminal of the first switch 620. For example, the c-pole (collector) of the third transistor is connected to the control terminal of the first switch 620 via the tenth resistor (resistor R19 in Figure 5, or resistors R33 and R45 in Figure 6).

[0068] As an alternative, the first switch 620 may be a MOS transistor (metal oxide semiconductor) (MOS transistor Q3 in Figure 5, or MOS transistors Q7 and Q11 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the first switch 620 may be other devices. The control terminal of this MOS transistor is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control unit 610, and the control terminal of the MOS transistor is the g pole (gate). If the first switching control unit 610 is a third transistor, the output terminal of this first switching control unit 610 is the c pole (collector) of the third transistor. The first terminal of the MOS transistor is the s pole (source), and the second terminal is the d pole (drain). The source of the MOS transistor is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery assembly PACK, for example, via the first power supply pin of the port of the first external connection device, and the drain of the MOS transistor is connected to the first input terminal of the first external connection device.

[0069] Thus, when the control switch is in the off state, the base of the third transistor is at a low level, the third transistor is off, the first switching control unit 610 outputs an off signal to the first switch 620, the gate and source of the first switch 620 become equipotential, and the first switch 620 is in the off state. As a result, the positive terminal of the capacitor in the first external connection device and the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery assembly PACK are disconnected, and no arc discharge occurs at the output port CN12 of the battery assembly PACK when the first external connection device is connected.

[0070] When the control switch is turned on, the first auxiliary power supply enters the base of the third transistor via the control switch and the eighth resistor, turning on the third transistor. The voltage input from the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the first external connection device is divided relative to ground via the twelfth resistor (resistor R17 in Figure 5, or resistors R31 and R43 in Figure 6) and the tenth resistor. At this time, the gate potential of MOS transistor Q3 is lower than the source potential, i.e., the Vgs voltage of MOS transistor Q3 is the voltage across the eighth resistor, the MOS transistor turns on, and the power from the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery assembly PACK begins to charge the capacitor in the first external connection device, the circuit operates normally and begins to drive the load.

[0071] If it is necessary to disconnect the first external connection device, simply open the control switch and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the first switching module 600 will be turned off. Continuing from the above embodiment, the b-pole (base) of the third transistor changes from a high level to a low level, the third transistor turns off, the g-pole (gate) and s-pole (source) of the MOS transistor become equipotential, and the MOS transistor turns off. At this time, the first and second power supply pins of the port of the first external connection device do not receive power, and when the first external connection device is disconnected, no arc discharge occurs at the output port of the battery assembly PACK, and this does not affect the battery assembly PACK's ability to continue supplying power to other external connection devices.

[0072] For ease of understanding, as shown in Figure 5, in one selectable embodiment, an energy storage system is provided, which includes a battery assembly PACK, one first external connection device, and one second external connection device, the first external connection device being a DC converter and the second external connection device being a host. When connected to the battery assembly PACK, the DC converter of this energy storage system is used to exchange power with the battery assembly PACK with a second control switch in the ON state, to bypass the target signal of the DC converter when the host provides a target signal to the battery assembly PACK, and to provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK when the host does not provide a target signal to the battery assembly PACK.

[0073] The specific structure of this DC converter can be found in the specific limitations of the first external connection device in Figures 4 and 5, and will not be repeated here. The specific structure of this host can be found in Figure 5, which is the second external connection device, and the host is connected to the battery assembly PACK. Alternatively, the host may be connected to the battery assembly PACK via a connection cable unit, and a first control switch (such as switch SW8 or SW9 in Figure 5) may be provided on the connection cable connecting the first latch pin of the output port of the battery assembly PACK to the first latch pin of the port of the host.

[0074] Internal control signals within the battery assembly pack need to be output to the output ports of the battery assembly pack. For example, in Figure 5, signal test1 is output to ports CN10 and CN12 and provided to the DC converter as a detection signal, enabling the switching of relay RLY5, and the initial state of relay RLY5 is that pins 4 and 3 are connected.

[0075] The operating principle of the energy storage system shown in Figure 5 is as follows: When the host is first connected to the output port CN10 of the battery assembly PACK, there is no power exchange between the host and the battery assembly PACK when the first control switch SW8 or SW9 is not turned on. After the first control switch is turned on, the host provides the target signal to the battery assembly PACK, and the battery assembly PACK starts operating. Specifically, taking Figure 5 as an example, the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a first control signal, and this first control signal test1 is at a low level. When the MCU detects the low level, it controls relay RLY4 to turn on, and the battery assembly PACK sends power from the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN10 and CN12. Next, when the DC converter is connected to the output port CN12 of the battery assembly PACK, the second control switch SW10 is still in the off state, so the b-pole of the first switching control unit 610 of the first switching module 600, i.e., transistor Q4 in Figure 5, is at a low level, and transistor Q4 is turned off. The g-pole and s-pole of the first switch 620 of the first switching module 600, i.e., MOS transistor Q3 in Figure 5, are at the same potential, and MOS transistor Q3 is turned off. As a result, the positive terminal of capacitor CE2 in the DC converter and the first power supply pin VBAT+ of port CN13 of the DC converter are disconnected, and no arc discharge occurs at output port CN12 when the DC converter is connected. When the second control switch SW10 is turned on, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 enters the b-pole of transistor Q4 via the second control switch SW10 and resistor R19, turning transistor Q4 on, and the voltage of the first power supply pin VBAT+ is divided relative to ground via resistors R17 and R19. At this time, the g pole potential of MOS transistor Q3 is lower than the s pole potential, meaning the Vgs voltage of MOS transistor Q3 is the voltage across resistor R17, MOS transistor Q3 turns on, the first power supply pin VBAT+ starts charging capacitor CE2, the circuit operates normally and starts driving the load.

[0076] Simultaneously, the first control signal (i.e., the low-level test1 signal) is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the first switching control module 700, i.e., the comparator unit U5B, and the signal at the negative input terminal "-" of the comparator unit U5B is the voltage value across resistor R13, i.e., the voltage value after the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 has been voltage-divided relative to ground via resistors R10 and R13. Because the voltage value of the first control signal test1 is lower than the voltage value across resistor R13, comparator unit U5B outputs a first switch control signal, which is low level. This first switch control signal pulls down the b-pole of the second switch 811 of the first switching unit 810 of the second switching module 800, i.e., transistor Q1, to a low level, turning transistor Q1 on. The first auxiliary power supply VCC4 enters the b-pole of the third switch 812 of the first switching unit 810 of the second switching module 800, i.e., transistor Q2, via resistor R9, transistor Q1, and resistor R14, turning transistor Q2 on. In other words, the first switching unit 810 outputs a third switch control signal, which causes the second auxiliary power supply VCC3 to form a current circuit via the coil, resistor R12, and transistor Q2 of the second switching unit 820, i.e., relay RLY5, and relay RLY5 to start operating. Relay RLY5 switches from a connection between pins 4 and 3 to a connection between pins 4 and 5, switching the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the DC converter from short-circuited to off. This ensures that, when both the host and the DC converter are connected to the battery assembly PACK, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited only by the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host, i.e., the host outputs the target signal to the battery assembly PACK, and therefore, there are never two target signals in the battery assembly PACK at the same time.

[0077] When both the host and the DC converter are connected to the battery assembly PACK and operating, and driving a load, if it is necessary to disconnect the DC converter, simply open the second control switch SW10 and disconnect the connecting cable unit. After disconnection, the b-pole of the first switching control unit 610, i.e., transistor Q4, changes from a high level to a low level, and transistor Q4 turns off. The g-pole and s-pole of the first switch 620, i.e., MOS transistor Q3, become equipotential, and MOS transistor Q3 turns off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN13 of the DC converter do not receive power, so when the DC converter is disconnected, no arc discharge occurs at port CN13, and it does not affect the battery assembly PACK's continued power supply to the host.

[0078] When both the host and the DC converter are connected to the battery assembly PACK and operating, and driving a load, if it is necessary to disconnect the host, simply open the first control switch SW8 or SW9 and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are no longer short-circuited by the host's target signal, and the battery assembly PACK stops operating. Specifically, pin 2 of the photocoupler U4 in the battery assembly PACK becomes float, and the photocoupler U4 does not operate. When the first control signal changes to the second control signal, i.e., from low level to high level, and the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls relay RLY4 to turn off. At this time, there is no power to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN10 and CN12 of the battery assembly PACK, and no arc discharge occurs at output ports CN10 and CN12 when the connection cable unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, the second control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B. Since the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", comparator unit U5B outputs a second switch control signal, which is high level. The second switch 811, i.e., the b pole of transistor Q1, becomes high level, turning transistor Q1 off, and the third switch 812, i.e., transistor Q2, also turns off. There is no current circuit in the coil of the second switching unit 820, i.e., relay RLY5, so relay RLY5 does not operate, and the connection between pins 4 and 5 switches to the connection between pins 4 and 3, and the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the DC converter switch from off to short-circuit. As a result, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited by the target signal of the DC converter, causing the battery assembly PACK to operate again. Specifically, pin 2 of the photocoupler U4 in the battery assembly PACK is reconnected to ground, causing the photocoupler U4 to start operating and pull down pin 4 of the photocoupler U4 to ground.At this time, the second control signal changes back to the first control signal, and when the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY4 to turn on. At this time, the battery assembly PACK sends power from power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN10 and CN12, continuing to supply power to the DC converter and ensuring its normal operation. The time it takes for relay RLY4 to switch from off to on again is extremely short, and during this period, the energy stored in the capacitor supplies power to the load, ensuring that the DC converter does not experience a power outage. At the same time, the signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B changes from the second control signal to the first control signal and changes to a low level. At that moment, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 is divided relative to ground via resistor R11, the first feedback unit, i.e., the first diode D1 and resistor R15. As a result, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B, i.e., the voltage value of resistor R15 relative to ground, remains higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". This causes comparator unit U5B to continue outputting a high level, turning off the second switch 811, i.e., transistor Q1, and the third switch 812, i.e., transistor Q2. This causes relay RLY5 to maintain the connection between pins 4 and 3, thus maintaining the target signal short circuit of the DC converter. Note that the device parameter design must satisfy the following requirement: The voltage value of the second control signal must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-" of comparator unit U5B. When the second control signal changes to the first control signal, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 is divided relative to ground via resistor R11, the first feedback unit, i.e., the first diode D1 and resistor R15. After this division, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit U5B must be higher than the voltage value entering the negative input terminal "-".

[0079] In summary, under the above operating conditions, applying the circuit and method of this invention prevents arc discharge at the connection port, enhancing the overall system safety. Furthermore, it does not affect the connection method and operation of the original host, battery assembly PACK, and parallel connection pack, ensuring product safety and reliability, and better guaranteeing user safety.

[0080] To facilitate understanding, referring to Figure 6, in one selectable embodiment, an energy storage system supporting a hot-swap function is provided, which includes a battery assembly PACK and two first external connection devices, one of which is a DC converter and the other is a host. The specific operating principle of this energy storage system supporting the hot-swap function is as follows: When only the host is inserted, the host's port CN16 and the output port CN14 of the battery assembly PACK are connected via a connection cable unit. When the first control switches SW11 and SW12 are open (off), the battery assembly PACK does not operate, and the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a second control signal. The high-level second control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the second switching control module 200, i.e., the comparator unit U6B, and because the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", the comparator unit U6B outputs a high level. Specifically, the second control switch module 200 outputs a fifth switch control signal, causing the b-pole of the fifth switch 411 of the third switching unit 410 of the fourth switching module, i.e., transistor Q5, to go high, turning transistor Q5 off. The sixth switch 412 of the third switching unit 410 of the fourth switching module, i.e., transistor Q6, also turns off. There is no current circuit in the coil of the fourth switching unit 420 of the fourth switching module, i.e., relay RLY6, so relay RLY6 does not operate and maintains the connection between pin 4 and pin 3 (pin 3 is a normally closed switch). As a result, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host are short-circuited. When the first control switches SW11 and SW12 are turned on, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited by the host's target signal, and the battery assembly PACK operates. The control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a second control signal, and when the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to turn on.At this time, the battery assembly PACK sends power from the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the corresponding first power supply pins BAT+ and second power supply pins BAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15. Simultaneously, the signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of the second switching control module 200, i.e., comparator unit U6B, changes from the second control signal to the first control signal and changes to a low level. At the moment of this change, the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 is voltage-divided relative to ground via resistor R23, the second diode D2, and resistor R30. As a result, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B, i.e., the voltage value across resistor R30 relative to ground, remains greater than the voltage value at the negative input terminal "-". Specifically, the second control switch module 200 outputs a fifth switch control signal, which causes the comparator unit U6B to continue outputting a high level, turning off transistors Q5 and Q6, which in turn causes relay RLY6 to maintain the connection between pins 4 and 3, thus maintaining a short circuit between the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host signal.

[0081] When the DC converter is first connected to the battery assembly PACK, i.e., when the DC converter is first connected to output port CN15 of the battery assembly PACK, the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly PACK outputs a first control signal, and when the MCU detects a low level, it controls relay RLY7 to turn on. The battery assembly PACK sends power from power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the corresponding first power supply pin BAT+ and second power supply pin BAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15.

[0082] Next, when the host is connected to the output port CN14 of the battery assembly PACK, the first control switch SW11 and the second control switch SW12 are still in the off state, so the b-pole of transistor Q8 is at a low level, and transistor Q8 is off. The g-pole and s-pole of MOS transistor Q7 are at the same potential, and MOS transistor Q7 is also off. This disconnects the positive terminal of the capacitor in the host from the first power supply pin VBAT+ of port CN16, preventing arc discharge at the connection port when the host is connected. When the first control switch SW11 and the second control switch SW12 are turned on, the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 enters the b-pole of transistor Q8 via the first control switch SW11, the second control switch SW12, and resistor R32, turning transistor Q8 on, and the voltage of the first power supply pin VBAT+ is divided relative to ground via resistors R31 and R33. At this time, the g pole potential of MOS transistor Q7 is lower than the s pole potential, meaning the Vgs voltage of MOS transistor Q7 is the voltage across resistor R31, MOS transistor Q7 turns on, the first power supply pin VBAT+ starts charging capacitor CE3, the circuit operates normally and starts driving the load. Simultaneously, the first control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the second switching control module 200, i.e., comparator unit U6B, and the signal at the negative input terminal "-" of comparator unit U6B is the voltage value across resistor R27, i.e., the voltage value after the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 has been voltage-divided relative to ground via resistors R22 and R27. Because the voltage value of the first control signal is lower than the voltage value across resistor R27, the second control switch module 200 outputs a fourth switch control signal, that is, the comparator unit U6B outputs a low level, pulling down the b-pole of transistor Q5 to a low level, turning transistor Q5 on, and the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 enters the b-pole of transistor Q6 via resistor R21, transistor Q5, and resistor R28, turning transistor Q6 on. That is, the third switching unit 410 outputs a sixth switch control signal, thereby causing the second auxiliary power supply VCC5 to form a current circuit via the coil of the fourth switching unit 420, i.e., relay RLY6, resistor R24, and transistor Q6, and relay RLY6 begins to operate.Relay RLY6 switches from a connection between pins 4 and 3 to a connection between pins 4 and 5, switching the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the host from short-circuited to off. This ensures that, when both the host and the DC converter are connected to the battery assembly PACK, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited only by the target signal of the DC converter, and that the two target signals are never present simultaneously.

[0083] When connecting the host first and then the DC converter, the principle is the same as the "principle of connecting the host first and then the DC converter" explained in Figure 5. When connecting the DC converter, no sparks occur at the connection port, and only the host's target signal is present; two target signals cannot be present simultaneously.

[0084] If the host is connected first, then the DC converter, and both are operating to drive a load, then when it is necessary to disconnect the host, simply open the first control switch SW11 or SW12 and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are no longer short-circuited by the host's target signal, and the battery assembly PACK stops operating. For example, pin 2 of the photocoupler U7 in the battery assembly PACK becomes float, and the photocoupler U7 does not operate. When the first control signal changes to the second control signal, for example from a low level to a high level, and the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to turn off. At this time, there is no power to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15 of the battery assembly PACK, and no arc discharge occurs at the connection port when the connection cable unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, the second control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the DC converter's comparator U7. Since the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", comparator U7 outputs a high level, i.e., the b pole of transistor Q9 becomes high level, turning transistor Q9 off, and also turning transistor Q10 off. The second switching module 800, i.e., relay RLY8, has no current circuit in its coil, so relay RLY8 does not operate, switching from the connection of pins 4 and 5 to the connection of pins 4 and 3, and the first latch pin REG+ and second latch pin REG- in the DC converter switch from off to short-circuit. As a result, the first latch pin REG+ and second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited by the DC converter's target signal, the battery assembly PACK operates again, for example, pin 2 of photocoupler U7 is connected to ground again, photocoupler U7 starts operating, and pin 4 of photocoupler U7 is pulled down to ground. At this time, the second control signal changes to the first control signal, and when the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls the relay RLY7 to turn on.At this time, the battery assembly PACK sends power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15, continuously supplying power to the DC converter and ensuring its normal operation. The time it takes for relay RLY7 to switch from off to on again is extremely short, and during this period, the energy stored in the capacitor supplies power to the load, ensuring that the DC converter does not experience a power outage. At the same time, the signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator U7 changes from the second control signal to the first control signal and changes to a low level. At that moment, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 is divided relative to ground via resistor R37, diode D3, and resistor R42. As a result, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator U7, i.e., the voltage value of resistor R42 relative to ground, remains higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". This causes comparator U7 to continue outputting a high level, turning off transistors Q9 and Q10, and thereby relay RLY8 maintains the connection between pins 4 and 3, maintaining the target signal of the DC converter.

[0085] If the host is connected first, then the DC converter, and both are operating and driving a load, then if it is necessary to disconnect the DC converter, simply open the second control switch SW13 and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the b-pole of transistor Q12 changes from a high level to a low level, turning transistor Q12 off, and the g-pole and s-pole of MOS transistor Q11 become equipotential, turning MOS transistor Q11 off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN17 do not receive power, and when the connection cable unit is disconnected, no arc discharge occurs at the connection port, and it does not affect the battery assembly PACK to continue supplying power to the host. If the DC converter is connected first, then the host, and both are operating and driving a load, then if it is necessary to disconnect the host, simply open the first control switch SW11 or the first control switch SW12 and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the fourth switch 920, i.e., the b-pole of transistor Q8, changes from a high level to a low level, turning transistor Q8 off. The g-pole and s-pole of MOS transistor Q7 become equipotential, turning MOS transistor Q7 off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN16 do not receive power, so when the connection cable unit is disconnected, no arc discharge occurs at the connection port, and it does not affect the battery assembly PACK's continued power supply to the DC converter.

[0086] If the DC converter is connected first, then the host, and both are operating and driving a load, then when it is necessary to disconnect the DC converter, simply open the second control switch SW13 and disconnect the connection cable unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery assembly PACK are no longer short-circuited by the DC converter's target signal, and the battery assembly PACK stops operating. Specifically, pin 2 of the photocoupler U7 in the battery assembly PACK becomes float, and the photocoupler U7 does not operate. When the first control signal changes to the second control signal and the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to turn off. At this time, there is no power to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15 of the battery assembly PACK, and no arc discharge occurs at the connection port when the connection cable unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, the second control signal is input to the positive input terminal "+" of the host's comparator unit U6B. Since the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", the comparator unit U6B outputs a high level, meaning that the b pole of transistor Q5 becomes high level, turning off transistor Q5 and also turning off transistor Q6. There is no current circuit in the coil of relay RLY6, so relay RLY6 does not operate, and the connection between pins 4 and 5 switches to the connection between pins 4 and 3, switching the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the host from off to short-circuit. As a result, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery assembly PACK are short-circuited by the host's target signal, the battery assembly PACK starts operating, meaning that pin 2 of photocoupler U7 is connected to ground again, photocoupler U7 starts operating, and pin 4 of photocoupler U7 is pulled down to ground. At this time, the second control signal changes to the first control signal, and when the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to turn on. At this time, the battery assembly PACK sends power from power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and second power supply pin VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15, continuing to supply power to the host and maintaining its normal operation.Furthermore, the time it takes for relay RLY7 to switch from off to on again is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitor supplies power to the load, ensuring that the host does not experience a power outage. At the same time, when the signal test1 entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B changes from the second control signal to the first control signal and changes to a low level, the power supply VCC6 is divided relative to ground via resistor R23, diode D2, and resistor R30. As a result, the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B, i.e., the voltage value of resistor R30 relative to ground, remains higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", causing comparator unit U6B to continue outputting a high level and turn off transistors Q5 and Q6. This causes relay RLY6 to maintain the connection between pins 4 and 3, thus maintaining the host's target signal. The device parameter design must meet the following requirements: The voltage value of the second control signal must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-" of the comparator. The voltage value of the first control signal that enters the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-".

[0087] In summary, when the circuit and method of this invention are applied, no arc discharge occurs at the connection port, regardless of whether the host or the DC converter is connected first, or whether the host or the DC converter is disconnected first, and there is only one short-circuit control signal.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely examples of some embodiments of the present application, and although their descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the invention. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can make some modifications and improvements as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present application, and all of these also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be the same as that of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 600...1st switching module, 610...1st switching control unit, 620...1st switch, 700...1st switching control module, 710...Feedback unit, 800...2nd switching module, 810...1st switching unit, 811...2nd switch, 812...3rd switch, 820...2nd switching unit, 500...3rd switching module, 910...2nd switching control unit, 920...4th switch, 200...2nd switching control module, 400...4th switching module, 410...3rd switching unit, 420...4th switching unit, 411...5th switch, 412...6th switch.

Claims

1. A signal bypass device, At least one first external connection device, The system includes a battery assembly configured to exchange power with at least one of the first external connection devices, The first external connection device includes a signal bypass module, the signal bypass module configured to bypass a local target signal when the battery assembly receives a target signal from another external connection device, and to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly has not received a target signal from another external connection device.

2. The aforementioned signal bypass module is A first switching control module, in which the first input terminal is connected to the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly and a fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal, A second switching module whose control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module, The first switching control module outputs a first switch control signal based on the first control signal and the fixed voltage when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly outputs a first control signal. The signal bypass device according to claim 1, wherein the second switching module switches the short-circuit state between the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external connection device to an off state in response to the action of the first switch control signal.

3. Further including a second external connection device, The signal bypass device according to claim 1, wherein the second external connection device is connected to the battery assembly, and the second external connection device is configured to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly has not received the target signal from the first external connection device.

4. The first switching control module is further used to output a second switch control signal when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly outputs a second control signal. The signal bypass device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second switching module is further used to maintain a short-circuit state between the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external connection device by the action of the second switch control signal.

5. The second switching module described above is A first switching unit whose control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module, A second switching unit whose control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first switching unit, The first switching unit is used to output a third switch control signal in response to the action of the first switch control signal. The signal bypass device according to claim 4, wherein the second switching unit is used to switch from a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal to a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal by the action of the third switch control signal.

6. The first switching unit is, A second switch whose control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module and whose first terminal is connected to the second auxiliary power supply, The signal bypass device according to claim 5, further comprising: a third switch whose control terminal is connected to the second terminal of the second switch, whose first terminal is grounded, and whose second terminal is connected to the control terminal of the second switching unit.

7. The second switching unit is a relay, The control terminal of the relay is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit, the first terminal of the relay is connected to the first latch pin of the battery assembly, the second terminal of the relay is connected to the second latch pin of the battery assembly, and the third terminal of the relay is in a floating state. The signal bypass device according to claim 5, wherein the relay is used to switch the second terminal of the relay from a connection with the first terminal of the relay to a connection with the third terminal of the relay when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly outputs a first control signal.

8. The first switching control module is a comparator unit, The signal bypass device according to claim 4, wherein the voltage value of the first control signal input to the first input terminal of the comparator unit is smaller than the fixed voltage.

9. The signal bypass device according to claim 8, wherein the signal bypass device includes at least one of the first external connection devices, or the signal bypass device includes one second external connection device and at least one of the first external connection devices.

10. The first switching control module further, Including the feedback unit, The feedback unit has its first end connected to a first auxiliary power supply via a voltage divider resistor, and its second end connected to the first input terminal of the comparator unit. The feedback unit is used to process the first auxiliary power supply at the moment when the signal input to the first input terminal of the comparator unit switches from the second control signal to the first control signal, generate a feedback signal whose voltage is greater than the fixed voltage, and input the feedback signal to the first input terminal of the comparator unit. The first switching control module is used to output a second switch control signal when the feedback signal is input to the first input terminal and the fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal. The signal bypass device according to claim 9, wherein the second switching module is used to output the target signal to the battery assembly in the action of the second switch control signal.

11. The first external connection device is a DC converter or a host, The signal bypass device according to claim 9, wherein the second external connection device is a DC converter or a host.

12. The first external connection device is a DC converter, and the second external connection device is a host. The DC converter includes a second control switch. When the DC converter is connected to the battery assembly, it is used such that when the second control switch is ON, power is exchanged with the battery assembly, and the host provides the target signal to the battery assembly, the DC converter bypasses the target signal, and when the host does not provide the target signal to the battery assembly, the DC converter provides the target signal to the battery assembly. The signal bypass device according to claim 11, wherein the target signal is used to initiate the operation of the battery assembly and control it to exchange power with the DC converter and host connected to the battery assembly.

13. The first auxiliary power supply is input to the first terminal of the second control switch. The DC converter further includes a first switching module whose control terminal is connected to the second terminal of the second control switch, When the DC converter is connected to the battery assembly, the first end of the first switching module is connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, the second end of the first switching module is connected to the first input terminal of the DC converter, and the second input terminal of the DC converter is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. The signal bypass device according to claim 12, wherein the first switching module is used to interrupt the exchange of power between the battery assembly and the DC converter when the second control switch is in the off state.

14. The first switching module is, A first switching control unit whose control terminal is connected to the second terminal of the second control switch, A first switch having a control terminal connected to the output terminal of the first switching control unit, a first terminal connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, and a second terminal connected to the first input terminal of the DC converter, The second input terminal of the DC converter is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. The first switching control unit is used to output an off signal to the first switch when the second control switch is in the off state. The signal bypass device according to claim 13, wherein the first switch is used to interrupt the exchange of power between the battery assembly and the DC converter based on the off signal.

15. The signal bypass device according to claim 14, wherein the first switching module is used to enable power exchange between the battery assembly and the DC converter when the second control switch is in the ON state.

16. The first external connection device is a DC converter, and the second external connection device is a host. The host includes a first control switch, The signal bypass device according to claim 11, wherein the host exchanges power with the battery assembly when the first control switch is ON, and is used to bypass the target signal of the host when the DC converter provides a target signal to the battery assembly.

17. The first end of the first control switch is connected to the third auxiliary power supply. The aforementioned host further, The third switching module includes a control terminal connected to the second terminal of the first control switch, When the host is connected to the battery assembly, the first end of the third switching module is connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, the second end of the third switching module is connected to the first input terminal of the host, and the second input terminal of the host is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. The signal bypass device according to claim 16, wherein the third switching module is used to interrupt the exchange of power between the battery assembly and the host when the first control switch is in the off state.

18. The XL3 switching module is A second switching control unit whose control terminal is connected to the second terminal of the first control switch, A fourth switch is included, the control terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the second switching control unit, the first terminal of which is connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, and the second terminal of which is connected to the first input terminal of the host, The second input terminal of the host is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. The second switching control unit is used to output an off signal to the fourth switch when the first control switch is in the off state. The signal bypass device according to claim 17, wherein the fourth switch is used to interrupt the exchange of power between the battery assembly and the host based on the off signal.

19. The signal bypass device according to claim 18, wherein the third switching module is further used to enable power exchange between the battery assembly and the host when the first control switch is in the ON state.

20. An energy storage system including the signal bypass device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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