Circuit protection apparatus, battery management system and electrical device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a circuit protection apparatus, a battery management system and an electrical device. The circuit protection apparatus comprises a current measurement module, a drive module and a fusing module. The current measurement module is separately connected to the drive module and a circuit undergoing test; and the current measurement module is configured to measure a current value in said circuit, and, when the current value is greater than a preset current threshold, to send a drive signal to the drive module. The fusing module is connected in series into said circuit. An input end of the drive module is connected to the current measurement module; an output end of the drive module is connected to the fusing module; and the drive module is configured to drive, when the drive signal is received, the fusing module to disconnect said circuit. When overcurrent occurs to circuits, the embodiments of the present application can reduce delay time for circuit disconnection control operations, so as to increase the speed of disconnecting the circuits, thus improving the effects of overcurrent protection.

Description

Circuit protection devices, battery management systems, and power-consuming equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202322059511.8, filed on August 2, 2023, entitled “Circuit protection device, battery management system and electrical equipment,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to a circuit protection device, a battery management system, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, with the increasing number of electronic devices, the safety of power lines has become increasingly important. If the current in the circuit where the functional module of an electronic device is located exceeds the rated current of the functional module, an overcurrent will occur, which can easily damage the functional module in the circuit.

[0005] To reduce the risk of damage to functional modules in a circuit due to overcurrent, related technologies typically require overcurrent protection for these modules and prompt circuit disconnection. However, traditional control methods, after collecting the line current value, require multiple nodes to determine whether an overcurrent condition exists and control circuit disconnection. This results in long delays, making it difficult to quickly disconnect the circuit, thus reducing the effectiveness of overcurrent protection.

[0006] Utility Model Content

[0007] The present application provides a circuit protection device, a battery management system, and an electrical device, which can reduce the delay time of the line disconnection control operation and increase the speed of disconnecting the line when an overcurrent occurs in the line, thereby improving the effect of overcurrent protection.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a circuit protection device, comprising: a current detection module, a drive module and a fuse module; the current detection module is respectively connected to the drive module and the circuit under test, the current detection module is configured to detect the current value in the circuit under test, and send a drive signal to the drive module when the current value is greater than a preset current threshold; the fuse module is connected in series in the circuit under test; the input end of the drive module is connected to the current detection module, the output end of the drive module is connected to the fuse module, and the drive module is configured to drive the fuse module to disconnect the circuit under test when receiving the drive signal.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, a current detection module is directly connected to a driver module. When the current detection module detects that the current value in the measured circuit is greater than a preset current threshold, it directly sends a drive signal to the driver module without passing through multiple nodes. The current detection module then controls the driver module based on this drive signal, which in turn drives the fuse module to fuse the measured circuit, thereby providing overcurrent protection for the functional modules connected to the measured circuit. Thus, because the current detection module directly controls the driver module to disconnect the measured circuit without passing through multiple nodes, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the delay time of the circuit disconnection control operation in the event of an overcurrent, increase the speed of disconnection, and thus enhance the effectiveness of overcurrent protection.

[0010] In some embodiments, the current detection module includes a comparison module; the comparison module is configured to compare the current value with the preset current threshold, and send a driving signal to the driving module if the current value is greater than the preset current threshold.

[0011] By incorporating a comparison module into the current detection module, a hardware-based comparison is performed on the current value in the measured circuit against a preset current threshold. If the current value in the measured circuit exceeds the preset current threshold, a drive signal is sent to the driver module, which then drives the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit based on the drive signal. This purely hardware-based determination process makes overcurrent determinations more reliable and improves the reliability of circuit disconnection control operations in overcurrent situations.

[0012] In some embodiments, the current detection module includes a current acquisition module and a threshold input module; the input end of the driving module includes a signal input end; the input end of the current acquisition module is connected to the measured circuit, and the output end of the current acquisition module is connected to the first input end of the comparison module, and the current acquisition module is configured to collect the current value in the measured circuit and input the current value to the comparison module; the threshold input module is connected to the second input end of the comparison module, and the threshold input module is configured to input the preset current threshold to the comparison module; the output end of the comparison module is connected to the signal input end of the driving module.

[0013] By connecting the output of the current acquisition module to the first input of the comparison module and the threshold input module to the second input of the comparison module, a signal source is provided for the comparison module. Consequently, when the current in the measured circuit exceeds a preset current threshold, a drive signal is sent to the driver module, which then drives the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit based on the drive signal. This purely hardware-based determination process makes overcurrent determinations more reliable and improves the reliability of circuit disconnection control operations in overcurrent situations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the comparison module includes at least two comparators; the first input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the output end of the current acquisition module, the second input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the input end of the driving module.

[0015] By setting at least two comparators in the current detection module to independently compare the current values ​​and increasing the redundant design of hardware behavior, the probability of the measured circuit being mistakenly blown due to hardware damage can be reduced, and the reliability of the circuit disconnection control operation in overcurrent conditions can be further improved.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the at least two comparators is configured to compare the current value with the preset current threshold, and send a target logic signal to the driving module when the current value is greater than the preset current threshold; the driving signal includes the target logic signals sent respectively by the at least two comparators.

[0017] By controlling the driving module to disconnect the measured circuit only when at least two comparators determine that the current value in the measured circuit is greater than the preset current threshold, the probability of the measured circuit being mistakenly triggered to disconnect can be reduced.

[0018] In some embodiments, the current acquisition module is provided with at least two current sampling paths, and the current value acquired by one current sampling path is input into one comparator accordingly.

[0019] By setting at least two current sampling paths, different comparators perform overcurrent judgment on the current values ​​collected by different current sampling paths, thereby reducing the probability of false triggering of overcurrent protection operations due to unstable current values ​​collected by the current sampling paths, and further improving the reliability of line disconnection control operations in overcurrent conditions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least two comparators include a first comparator and a second comparator; the signal input end of the driving module includes a first signal input end and a second signal input end; the first input end of the first comparator is connected to the current acquisition module, the second input end of the first comparator is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of the first comparator is connected to the first signal input end of the driving module; the first comparator is configured to compare a first current value with a preset current threshold value, and send a first logic signal to the driving module when the first current value is greater than the preset current threshold value, wherein the first current value is a current value collected by a first current sampling path in the current acquisition module; the first input end of the second comparator is connected to the current acquisition module, the second input end of the second comparator is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of the second comparator is connected to the second signal input end of the driving module; the second comparator is configured to compare a second current value with the preset current threshold value, and send a second logic signal to the driving module when the second current value is greater than the preset current threshold value, wherein the second current value is a current value collected by a second current sampling path in the current acquisition module; the driving signal includes the first logic signal and the second logic signal.

[0021] By setting a first comparator and a second comparator, the first comparator is used to perform overcurrent judgment on the first current value collected by the first current sampling path, and the second comparator is used to perform overcurrent judgment on the second current value collected by the second current sampling path. The circuit under test is only fused when both comparators determine that the circuit is in an overcurrent state. This can reduce the probability of erroneous judgment of an overcurrent state and further improve the reliability of the circuit disconnection control operation under overcurrent conditions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the current detection module also includes a control module; the input end of the driving module includes an instruction input end; the control module is respectively connected to the output end of the current acquisition module and the instruction input end of the driving module, and the control module is configured to obtain the current value collected by the current acquisition module and the status information corresponding to the driving module, and when the current value is greater than the preset current threshold and the status information is a non-driving state, send a fuse control instruction to the driving module; the driving module is also configured to drive the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit when receiving the fuse control instruction.

[0023] The control module in the current detection module reads the status of the drive module, verifies the overcurrent judgment result, increases the redundant design of software behavior, reduces the probability of the measured line not being disconnected when the line is overcurrent, and further improves the reliability of the line disconnection control operation under overcurrent conditions.

[0024] In some embodiments, the current acquisition module includes an analog-to-digital conversion module and a shunt module; the shunt module is connected in series in the circuit under test; the input end of the analog-to-digital conversion module is connected to the two ends of the shunt module to form a current sampling path; the output end of the analog-to-digital conversion module is connected to the first input end of the comparison module.

[0025] By connecting the analog-to-digital conversion module in the current acquisition module with the shunt module connected in series in the circuit under test, a current sampling path can be formed. In this way, the current value in the circuit under test can be determined by collecting the current flowing through the shunt module, thereby realizing the collection of the current value in the circuit under test and improving the accuracy of the collection results.

[0026] In some embodiments, the circuit under test includes a power supply bus connected to a power source.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery management system, comprising a circuit to be tested and the circuit protection device in the above embodiment.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electrical device, including the battery management system in the above embodiment.

[0029] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery management system provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0038] The accompanying drawings in the specific implementation manner are as follows:

[0039] 100. Battery management system;

[0040] 10. Circuit protection device, 20. Tested circuit;

[0041] 11. Current detection module, 12. Drive module, 13. Fuse module;

[0042] 111. Current acquisition module, 112. Threshold input module, 113. Comparison module, 114. Control module;

[0043] 1111, analog-to-digital conversion module, 1112, shunt module, 1101, first current sampling path, 1102, second current sampling path, 1131, first comparator, 1132, second comparator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0047] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0051] At present, the traditional overcurrent protection control process requires the participation of the MCU (Microcontroller Unit). When an overcurrent event occurs in the measured circuit, the current detection module needs to transmit the current value to the isolation module through the bus after collecting the current value, and then the isolation module feeds back to the MCU through the bus. The MCU determines whether the measured circuit is in an overcurrent state based on the received current value. When the software program determines that the measured circuit is in an overcurrent state, the MCU controls the drive module to drive the measured circuit to disconnect. In this way, during the overcurrent protection control process, due to the large number of signal transmission nodes, from detecting the current value to controlling the measured circuit to blow, it is necessary to pass through multiple signal transmission nodes such as the isolation module, MCU, and drive module. As a result, when an overcurrent event occurs in the measured circuit, the measured circuit cannot be disconnected in time, and the delay time is long, thereby reducing the effect of the overcurrent protection.

[0052] In response to the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application connect the current detection module directly to the driver module. When the current detection module detects that the current value in the measured circuit is greater than a preset current threshold, the driver module directly sends a drive signal without passing through other multiple nodes such as the isolation module and the MCU. The current detection module directly controls the driver module based on the drive signal, driving the fuse module to fuse the measured circuit, thereby providing overcurrent protection for the functional modules connected to the measured circuit. In this way, since the current detection module directly controls the driver module to disconnect the measured circuit without passing through other multiple nodes, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the delay time of the circuit disconnection control operation when an overcurrent occurs in the circuit, increase the speed of disconnecting the circuit, and thus enhance the effect of overcurrent protection.

[0053] The circuit protection device disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used, but is not limited to, in a BMS (Battery Management System) for electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. For example, in an electrical equipment, the bus used to connect the power supply in the BMS is connected to multiple functional modules in the electrical equipment. Therefore, in order to reduce the probability of damage to the components of these functional modules due to bus overcurrent, it is necessary to promptly control the bus to disconnect when the bus overcurrent occurs.

[0054] Based on this, in order to timely control the busbar disconnection when an overcurrent event occurs in the busbar, reduce the delay time, and improve the overcurrent protection effect, the circuit protection device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to protect the functional modules connected in the busbar. In this way, since the current detection module in the circuit protection device provided in the embodiment of the present application can directly control the drive module to drive the fuse busbar without passing through other multiple nodes, it is possible to reduce the delay time of the busbar disconnection control operation and increase the speed of disconnecting the busbar when an overcurrent occurs in the busbar, thereby improving the overcurrent protection effect of the functional modules connected in the busbar.

[0055] The circuit protection device provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below.

[0056] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the circuit protection device 10 includes: a current detection module 11 , a driving module 12 and a fuse module 13 .

[0057] The current detection module 11 is connected to the driving module 12 and the circuit under test 20 respectively. The current detection module 11 is configured to detect the current value in the circuit under test 20, and send a driving signal to the driving module 12 when the current value is greater than a preset current threshold; the fuse module 13 is connected in series in the circuit under test 20; the input end of the driving module 12 is connected to the current detection module 11, and the output end of the driving module 12 is connected to the fuse module 13. The driving module 12 is configured to drive the fuse module 13 to disconnect the circuit under test 20 when receiving the driving signal.

[0058] Here, the current detection module 11 may be a functional module capable of collecting the current value in the measured circuit 20 , the driving module 12 may be a module capable of driving the fuse module 13 to blow, and the fuse module 13 may be a module capable of disconnecting the measured circuit 20 .

[0059] The fusing module 13 may include a fuse, such as a pyrofuse. A pyrofuse is also called a pyroswitch or pyrotechnical safety switch (PSS), i.e., an explosive fuse or high-temperature fuse, a pyrotechnical control switch, an instantaneous circuit breaker, etc. In the field of battery applications, the main function of a pyrofuse is a switch. When a collision, short circuit, or other safety failure occurs, the pyrofuse can cut off the power supply in a very short time, reducing the probability of danger. In the case where the fusing module 13 is a pyrofuse, the driving module 12 can accordingly be a module capable of driving a pyrofuse.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, the circuit under test 20 may include a power supply bus connected to a power source, wherein the power source may be, for example, a high-voltage power source, and accordingly, the circuit under test 20 may be, for example, a high-voltage bus.

[0061] Exemplarily, the current detection module 11 is connected to the circuit under test 20, and can collect the current value in the circuit under test 20, and compare the collected current value with a preset current threshold through a hardware circuit, wherein the preset current threshold can be set according to the rated current of each functional module actually connected to the circuit under test. When the current detection module 11 determines that the collected current value is greater than the preset current threshold, a drive signal is sent to the driver module 12 through the hardware circuit, so that when the driver module 12 receives the drive signal, it drives the fuse module 13 to disconnect the circuit under test 20. Here, the drive signal can be a signal generated by the hardware circuit that can activate the driver module 12, such as a level signal or a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, wherein the level signal can, for example, include a low level or a high level.

[0062] In addition, when the current detection module 11 determines that the collected current value is not greater than the preset current threshold, a non-driving signal, that is, a signal other than the driving signal, can be sent to the driving module 12 through the hardware circuit. The non-driving signal cannot activate the driving module 12.

[0063] It should be noted that the driver module 12 will drive the fuse module 13 to blow only when it receives a drive signal sent by the current detection module 11, thereby disconnecting the measured circuit 20 and protecting the various functional modules connected to the measured circuit 20. The driver module 12 will not drive the fuse module 13 to blow when it receives a non-drive signal sent by the current detection module 11.

[0064] In this way, by directly connecting the current detection module to the driver module, when the current detection module detects that the current value in the measured circuit is greater than a preset current threshold, the drive signal is directly sent to the driver module without passing through other multiple nodes. The current detection module directly controls the driver module based on the drive signal, driving the fuse module to fuse the measured circuit, thereby providing overcurrent protection for the functional modules connected to the measured circuit. In this way, because the current detection module directly controls the driver module to drive the disconnection of the measured circuit without passing through other multiple nodes, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the delay time of the circuit disconnection control operation when the circuit overcurrent occurs, increase the speed of disconnecting the circuit, and thus enhance the effectiveness of overcurrent protection.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present application, the current detection module may include a comparison module configured to compare the current value with a preset current threshold and send a driving signal to the driving module if the current value is greater than the preset current threshold.

[0066] Here, the comparison module may be a hardware module that can compare the magnitudes of level signals and output a comparison result. The comparison module may include, for example, a comparator.

[0067] In this way, by incorporating a comparison module into the current detection module, a hardware-based comparison is performed on the current value in the measured circuit and a preset current threshold. If the current value in the measured circuit exceeds the preset current threshold, a drive signal is sent to the driver module, which then drives the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit based on the drive signal. This purely hardware-based determination process makes overcurrent determinations more reliable, improving the reliability of circuit disconnection control operations in overcurrent situations.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 2, the current detection module 11 includes a current acquisition module 111, a threshold input module 112, and a comparison module 113. The input end of the driving module 12 may include a signal input end.

[0069] The input end of the current acquisition module 111 is connected to the measured circuit 20, and the output end of the current acquisition module 111 is connected to the first input end of the comparison module 113. The current acquisition module 111 is configured to collect the current value in the measured circuit 20 and input the current value to the comparison module 113.

[0070] The threshold input module 112 is connected to the second input terminal of the comparison module 113 . The threshold input module 112 is configured to input a preset current threshold to the comparison module 113 .

[0071] An output terminal of the comparison module 113 is connected to a signal input terminal of the driving module 12 .

[0072] Here, the current acquisition module 111 may be a module capable of acquiring the current value in the measured circuit 20 . The current acquisition module 111 may also convert the current value into a corresponding level signal and input the level signal to the first input terminal of the comparison module 113 .

[0073] The threshold input module 112 may be a module capable of generating a level signal corresponding to a preset current threshold.

[0074] In some embodiments, the threshold input module 112 may include a hardware module, for example, a reference power supply and a voltage divider resistor, wherein one end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the second input end of the comparison module 113, and the other end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the reference power supply. After the voltage provided by the reference power supply is divided, it is converted into a level signal corresponding to a preset current threshold and input into the comparison module 113.

[0075] In other embodiments, the threshold input module 112 may include a software module, such as a control module in the current detection module 11. The software program in the control module is used to control the generation of a level signal corresponding to a preset current threshold, and the level signal is input to the comparison module 113 through a pin of the control module connected to the comparison module 113. In some embodiments, after receiving the level signal corresponding to the measured line current value input by the current acquisition module 111 through the first input terminal and the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold input by the threshold input module 112, the comparison module 113 may compare the two level signals. When the level signal corresponding to the measured line current value is greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, that is, when the measured line current value is greater than the preset current threshold, a corresponding drive signal can be sent to the drive module 12, and the drive signal may include a specific logic signal, such as logic 1, which can be represented by a high level; when the level signal corresponding to the measured line current value is not greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, that is, when the measured line current value is not greater than the preset current threshold, a corresponding non-drive signal can be sent to the drive module 12, and the non-drive signal may include other logic signals except logic 1, such as logic 0, which can be represented by a low level.

[0076] In addition, the input end of the driving module 12 may include a signal input end, which may be connected to the output end of the comparing module 113 for receiving the driving signal output by the comparing module 113 .

[0077] Thus, by connecting the output of the current acquisition module to the first input of the comparison module and the threshold input module to the second input of the comparison module, a signal source is provided for the comparison module. Consequently, when the current in the measured circuit exceeds a preset current threshold, a drive signal is sent to the driver module, which then drives the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit based on the drive signal. This purely hardware-based determination process makes overcurrent determinations more reliable and improves the reliability of circuit disconnection control operations in overcurrent situations.

[0078] Based on this, in order to further improve the reliability of the line disconnection control operation under overcurrent conditions and reduce the probability of the measured line being mistakenly blown, in some embodiments of the present application, the comparison module may include at least two comparators.

[0079] The first input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the output end of the current acquisition module, the second input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the input end of the driving module.

[0080] Here, the comparator can be used to compare the data items inputted at the two input terminals based on the hardware behavior to determine the size relationship between them. Each comparator can have two input terminals, the two inputs of the comparator can be level signals, and the output can be a binary logic signal (for example, 0 or 1). For example, when the comparator determines that the level signal corresponding to the current value of the measured circuit is greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, a logic signal 1, that is, a high level, can be output; when the comparator determines that the level signal corresponding to the current value of the measured circuit is not greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, a logic signal 0, that is, a low level, can be output. Of course, it can also be the other way around, when the current value of the measured circuit is greater than the preset current threshold, a logic signal 0, that is, a low level, is output; when the current value of the measured circuit is not greater than the preset current threshold, a logic signal 1, that is, a high level, is output.

[0081] In this way, by setting at least two comparators in the current detection module to independently compare the current values ​​and increasing the redundant design of hardware behavior, the probability of the measured circuit being mistakenly blown due to hardware damage can be reduced, and the reliability of the circuit disconnection control operation in the case of overcurrent can be further improved.

[0082] Based on this, in some embodiments of the present application, each of the at least two comparators is configured to compare the current value with a preset current threshold, and send a target logic signal to the driving module when the current value is greater than the preset current threshold; the driving signal includes the target logic signals sent respectively by the at least two comparators.

[0083] Here, the target logic signal may be a logic signal output when the current value of the measured line is not greater than a preset current threshold.

[0084] Exemplarily, when the driving module receives a logic signal from all comparators indicating that the current value of the measured circuit is greater than a preset current threshold, that is, a target logic signal, the driving module can drive the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit; when the driving module receives a logic signal from at least one of the comparators indicating that the current value of the measured circuit is not greater than the preset current threshold, the driving module may not perform the driving operation, that is, not drive the disconnection of the measured circuit.

[0085] Taking the comparison module as an example, which includes three comparators, in some specific examples, if each comparator independently determines that the level signal corresponding to the current value of the measured circuit is greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, it outputs a logic signal of 1, and if it determines that the level signal corresponding to the current value of the measured circuit is not greater than the level signal corresponding to the preset current threshold, it outputs a logic signal of 0. Then, if the driving module receives the logic signal output by the three comparators as 111, it drives the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit, and if it receives the logic signal output by the three comparators as other than 111 (for example, 101, 010, 110, etc.), it does not perform the driving operation. In this way, even if one of the comparators is damaged, it will not cause the measured circuit to be erroneously triggered to disconnect.

[0086] In this way, by controlling the driver module to disconnect the measured circuit only when at least two comparators determine that the current value in the measured circuit is greater than a preset current threshold, the probability of the measured circuit being mistakenly triggered to disconnect can be reduced. In addition, the current acquisition module can be provided with at least one current sampling path. In the case of only one current sampling path, the current value collected by the current sampling path can be input into each comparator separately. That is, the current value of the measured circuit received by each comparator can be the same current value collected by the same current sampling path.

[0087] In order to improve the reliability of the current sampling result, in some embodiments of the present application, at least two current sampling paths may be provided in the current acquisition module, and the current value collected by one current sampling path is input into one comparator.

[0088] For example, when the comparison module includes three comparators and three current sampling paths are provided in the current acquisition module, the current values ​​collected by the three current sampling paths can be respectively input into the three comparators so that each comparator can independently determine whether there is an overcurrent condition in the measured circuit.

[0089] In this way, by setting at least two current sampling paths, different comparators perform overcurrent judgment on the current values ​​collected by different current sampling paths, thereby reducing the probability of false triggering of overcurrent protection operations due to unstable current values ​​collected by the current sampling paths, and further improving the reliability of the line disconnection control operation in the case of overcurrent.

[0090] In the following, the comparison module 113 includes two comparators as an example. In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , the at least two comparators include a first comparator 1131 and a second comparator 1132. The signal input terminal of the driving module 12 includes a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal;

[0091] A first input terminal of the first comparator 1131 is connected to the current acquisition module 111, a second input terminal of the first comparator 1131 is connected to the threshold input module 112, and an output terminal of the first comparator 1131 is connected to a first signal input terminal of the driving module 12. The first comparator 1131 is configured to compare the first current value with a preset current threshold and, when the first current value is greater than the preset current threshold, send a first logic signal to the driving module 12. The first current value is the current value collected by the first current sampling path 1101 in the current acquisition module 111.

[0092] A first input terminal of the second comparator 1132 is connected to the current acquisition module 111, a second input terminal of the second comparator 1132 is connected to the threshold input module 112, and an output terminal of the second comparator 1132 is connected to the second signal input terminal of the driving module 12. The second comparator 1132 is configured to compare the second current value with a preset current threshold, and send a second logic signal to the driving module 12 when the second current value is greater than the preset current threshold. The second current value is the current value collected by the second current sampling path 1102 in the current acquisition module 111.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the driving signal may specifically include a first logic signal and a second logic signal.

[0094] Here, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 can be two opposite comparators. That is, when the result of the determination is that the current value of the measured circuit is greater than the preset current threshold, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 output opposite logic signals. That is, the first logic signal and the second logic signal can be opposite signals. For example, when the first comparator 1131 determines that there is an overcurrent, the logic signal output by the first comparator 1131 is a logic 1, and when the second comparator 1132 determines that there is an overcurrent, the logic signal output by the second comparator 1132 is a logic 0. Of course, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 can also be two identical comparators. That is, when the result of the determination is that the current value of the measured circuit is greater than the preset current threshold, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 output the same logic signal. That is, the first logic signal and the second logic signal can be the same signal. For example, when the first comparator 1131 determines that there is an overcurrent, the logic signal output by the second comparator 1132 is a logic 1.

[0095] In addition, the first comparator 1131 can perform an overcurrent judgment on the first current value collected by the first current sampling path 1101 in the current acquisition module 111, and compare the first current value with the preset current threshold; the second comparator 1132 can perform an overcurrent judgment on the second current value collected by the second current sampling path 1102 in the current acquisition module 111, and compare the second current value with the preset current threshold.

[0096] For example, the output end of the first comparator 1131 may be connected to the driving module 12 via the pin GPIO1 of the current detection module 11 , and the output end of the second comparator 1132 may be connected to the driving module 12 via the pin GPIO2 of the current detection module 11 .

[0097] The signal input end of the driving module 12 may specifically include a first signal input end and a second signal input end, wherein the first signal input end is connected to the output end of the first comparator 1131 , and the second signal input end is connected to the output end of the second comparator 1132 .

[0098] In some examples, after independently determining an overcurrent, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 can output the determination results to the driver module 12. For example, taking the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 as two opposite comparators, if, under normal circumstances, the first comparator 1131 outputs a low level corresponding to a logic 0 and the second comparator 1132 outputs a high level corresponding to a logic 1, then when the first comparator 1131 compares that the first current value is greater than a preset current threshold, it can output a high level corresponding to a logic 1 to the driver module 12. When the second comparator 1132 compares that the second current value is greater than the preset current threshold, it can output a low level corresponding to a logic 0 to the driver module 12. When the driver module 12 receives the high level output by the first comparator 1131 and the low level output by the second comparator 1132, it can determine that a drive signal has been received, and then drive the fuse module 13 to disconnect the tested circuit 20. If the first comparator 1131 outputs a high level and the second comparator 1132 also outputs a high level, or the first comparator 1131 outputs a low level and the second comparator 1132 also outputs a low level, the driving module 12 does not receive the set driving signal, and the driving module 12 may not perform the driving operation.

[0099] In this way, by setting the first comparator and the second comparator, the first comparator is used to perform overcurrent judgment on the first current value collected by the first current sampling path, and the second comparator is used to perform overcurrent judgment on the second current value collected by the second current sampling path. The circuit under test is only fused when both comparators determine that the state is overcurrent. This can reduce the probability of erroneous judgment of the overcurrent state and further improve the reliability of the circuit disconnection control operation under overcurrent conditions.

[0100] To reduce the probability of a fuse not blowing when the circuit under test is overcurrent-prone, embodiments of the present application also incorporate a redundant design for software behavior. Based on this, in some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG4 , the current detection module 11 may further include a control module 114 . The input terminal of the driver module 12 includes a command input terminal.

[0101] The control module 114 is connected to the output end of the current acquisition module 111 and the instruction input end of the driving module 12 respectively. The control module 114 is configured to obtain the current value collected by the current acquisition module 111 and the corresponding status information of the driving module 12. When the current value is greater than the preset current threshold and the status information is a non-driving state, the control module 114 sends a fuse control instruction to the driving module 12.

[0102] The driving module 12 is further configured to drive the fuse module 13 to disconnect the tested circuit 20 when receiving a fuse control instruction.

[0103] Here, in FIG. 4 , the control module 114 and the threshold input module 112 may be different modules or the same module (not shown in FIG. 4 ), that is, the control module 114 may provide the preset current threshold for the comparison module 113 .

[0104] The input end of the driving module 12 may further include an instruction input end, which can receive software control instructions sent by other modules, such as fuse control instructions, to achieve driving operation of the driving module 12 controlled by software.

[0105] In order to reduce the probability of the problem of not disconnecting the tested circuit 20 when an overcurrent condition occurs in the tested circuit 20 due to damage to the comparison module, in the embodiment of the present application, the fuse condition can also be checked by the software program in the control module 114 to disconnect the tested circuit 20 in time when an overcurrent condition occurs but the tested circuit 20 is not disconnected.

[0106] For example, the control module 114 can verify the drive signal output by the comparison module 113 to the driver module 12 by reading the status information stored in the register of the driver module 12 and obtaining the current value of the tested circuit 20 collected by the current acquisition module 111. If the verification is consistent, that is, the current value is greater than the preset current threshold and the status information is the driving state, the control module 114 may not send a fuse control instruction to the driver module 12, and then continue to wait for the next round of verification process; if the verification is inconsistent, that is, the current value is greater than the preset current threshold, but the status information is the non-driving state, the control module 114 may send a fuse control instruction to the driver module 12 via the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol to control the disconnection of the tested circuit 20 through software behavior.

[0107] In this way, by using the control module in the current detection module to read the status of the driver module and verify the overcurrent judgment result, the redundant design of the software behavior is increased, and the probability of the tested line not being disconnected when the overcurrent occurs is reduced, thereby further improving the reliability of the line disconnection control operation in the overcurrent condition.

[0108] In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG5 , the current acquisition module 111 includes an analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 and a shunt module 1112. The shunt module 1112 is connected in series to the measured circuit 20. The input end of the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 is connected to the two ends of the shunt module 1112 to form a current sampling path. The output end of the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 is connected to the first input end of the comparison module 113.

[0109] Here, the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 can be a module that can convert analog signals into digital signals, and the shunt module 1112 can be a module that can be connected in series to the measured circuit 20 and can assist in collecting the current value in the measured circuit 20, for example, it can be a shunt Shunt.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 can support multi-channel differential sampling. Specifically, it can perform multi-channel sampling on the same shunt module 1112, or it can perform sampling on multiple shunt modules 1112 separately. FIG5 shows a case where two shunt modules 1112 are sampled separately, thereby forming a first current sampling path 1101 for sampling one of the shunt modules 1112, and forming a second current sampling path 1102 for sampling the other shunt module 1112. Of course, if there is only one shunt module, multiple current sampling paths can also be constructed for the single shunt module, and different current sampling paths can sample the same shunt module, which is not limited here.

[0111] The working principle of the current acquisition module 111 can be to perform voltage detection on one or more shunt modules 1112 connected in series in the measured circuit 20, and then the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 calculates the current value flowing through the shunt module 1112 based on the detected voltage value and the resistance value of the shunt module 1112 itself, that is, the current value in the measured circuit 20.

[0112] In this way, by connecting the analog-to-digital conversion module in the current acquisition module with the shunt module connected in series in the circuit under test, a current sampling path can be formed. In this way, the current value in the circuit under test can be determined by detecting the current value in the shunt module, thereby realizing the acquisition of the current value in the circuit under test and improving the accuracy of the acquisition results.

[0113] Based on the above embodiments, some specific examples are given below in conjunction with FIG6 to more clearly describe the entire solution.

[0114] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit protection device provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6, taking the tested circuit 20 as a power supply bus connected to a power source as an example, the circuit protection device 10 may include a current detection module 11, a driver module 12, and a fuse module 13. The current detection module 11 may include a current acquisition module 111, a threshold input module 112, a comparison module 113, and a control module 114. The threshold input module 112 and the control module 114 may be the same module. The fuse module 13 may include a pyrofuse. The driver module 12 may include a pyrofuse driver.

[0116] For each module in the current detection module 11, the current acquisition module 111 may include an analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 and two shunt modules 1112. The analog-to-digital conversion module 1111 samples the two shunt modules 1112 respectively to form a first current sampling path 1101 and a second current sampling path 1102.

[0117] The comparison module 113 may include a first comparator 1131 and a second comparator 1132. The first comparator 1131 may receive one sampling value sent by the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111, such as the first current value collected by the first current sampling path 1101. The second comparator 1132 may receive another sampling value sent by the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111, such as the second current value collected by the second current sampling path 1102. Furthermore, the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132 may also receive a preset current threshold input by the threshold input module 112. The first comparator 1131 (which normally outputs a low level corresponding to a logic signal 0) compares the first current value with the preset current threshold. If the first current value is greater than the preset current threshold, the first comparator 1131 outputs a high level corresponding to a logic signal 1 to the driver module 12. If the first current value is not greater than the preset current threshold, the first comparator 1131 outputs a low level corresponding to a logic signal 0 to the driver module 12. The second current value is compared with the preset current threshold value through the second comparator 1132 (which normally outputs a high level corresponding to the logic signal 1), and when the second current value is greater than the preset current threshold value, a low level corresponding to the logic signal 0 is output to the driving module 12; when the second current value is not greater than the preset current threshold value, a high level corresponding to the logic signal 1 is output to the driving module 12.

[0118] After receiving the level signals output by the first comparator 1131 and the second comparator 1132, the driver module 12 can determine whether a driving signal has been received based on the combination of the level signals. For example, if the combination of the received level signals is: the first comparator 1131 outputs a high level and the second comparator 1132 outputs a low level, it can be determined that a driving signal has been received. All other combinations are deemed to be no driving signal received. Then, if it is determined that a driving signal has been received, the fuse module 13 is driven to blow, thereby disconnecting the tested circuit 20.

[0119] In addition, the control module 114 can also read status information from the driver module 12 in real time and obtain current values ​​sampled by the analog-to-digital conversion module 1111, such as a first current value and a second current value. The control module 114 can compare the first current value and the second current value with a preset current threshold value through software behavior. If both the first current value and the second current value are greater than the preset current threshold value, the control module 114 verifies whether the driver module 12 is in a driving state. If the control module 114 determines through software that both the first current value and the second current value are greater than the preset current threshold value and the driver module 12 is not in a driving state, i.e., a non-driving state, then an overcurrent event has occurred in the tested circuit 20, and the tested circuit 20 should be disconnected. However, the driver module 12 has not triggered the fuse module 13 to blow. Therefore, the control module 114 can send a fuse control instruction to the driver module via the SPI protocol to trigger the driver module 12 to drive the fuse module 13 to blow according to the fuse control instruction, thereby disconnecting the tested circuit 20.

[0120] In this way, by directly connecting the driving module to the current detection module, the current detection module directly controls the driving module to drive the fuse module to disconnect the measured line, so as to reduce the number of nodes of the response module during the entire line fusing process, thereby effectively reducing the delay time required to control the line disconnection when the line is overcurrent, and thus can fully reduce the probability of dangerous events caused by overcurrent.

[0121] In addition, by providing a comparison module within the current detection module and utilizing the comparator within the comparison module to determine whether the circuit needs to be disconnected, the circuit fusing control process is improved to a purely hardware-based control, thereby enhancing the reliability of circuit fusing. By providing two or more comparators within the current detection module, the circuit is disconnected when both comparators determine an overcurrent condition. This increases the redundancy of the hardware behavior and reduces the probability of the circuit being disconnected by mistake. The control module within the current detection module monitors the status of the driver module in real time, verifies the control signal output by the GPIO pin, and, if the fuse should be driven but is not driven, sends a fuse control instruction to the driver module via the SPI protocol to trigger the driver module to disconnect the tested circuit. This increases the redundancy of the software behavior and, in the event of an overcurrent condition, increases the probability of the circuit being correctly disconnected.

[0122] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery management system provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0123] As shown in FIG7 , the battery management system 100 may include a circuit protection device 10 and a circuit under test 20 , wherein the circuit protection device 10 may be the circuit protection device 10 provided in any of the above embodiments, and the circuit under test 20 may be any power supply circuit.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present application, the tested circuit 20 may include, for example, a power supply bus connected to a power source. The circuit protection device 10 can be used to promptly control the tested circuit 20 to disconnect when an overcurrent event occurs in the tested circuit 20.

[0125] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electric device, which may include the battery management system 100 provided in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0126] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A circuit protection device, comprising: Current detection module, drive module and fuse module; The current detection module is connected to the driving module and the circuit under test respectively, and the current detection module is configured to detect the current value in the circuit under test, and send a driving signal to the driving module when the current value is greater than a preset current threshold; The fuse module is connected in series in the circuit under test; The input end of the driving module is connected to the current detection module, the output end of the driving module is connected to the fuse module, and the driving module is configured to drive the fuse module to disconnect the measured circuit when receiving the driving signal.

2. The circuit protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The current detection module includes a comparison module; The comparison module is configured to compare the current value with the preset current threshold, and send a driving signal to the driving module when the current value is greater than the preset current threshold.

3. The circuit protection device according to claim 2, wherein: The current detection module also includes a current acquisition module and a threshold input module; the input end of the driving module includes a signal input end; The input end of the current acquisition module is connected to the measured circuit, the output end of the current acquisition module is connected to the first input end of the comparison module, and the current acquisition module is configured to collect the current value in the measured circuit and input the current value to the comparison module; The threshold input module is connected to the second input terminal of the comparison module, and the threshold input module is configured to input the preset current threshold to the comparison module; The output end of the comparison module is connected to the signal input end of the driving module.

4. The circuit protection device according to claim 3, wherein: The comparison module includes at least two comparators; The first input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the output end of the current acquisition module, the second input end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of each of the at least two comparators is connected to the input end of the driving module.

5. The circuit protection device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the at least two comparators is configured to compare the current value with the preset current threshold, and send a target logic signal to the driving module if the current value is greater than the preset current threshold; The driving signal includes the target logic signals respectively sent by the at least two comparators.

6. The circuit protection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: At least two current sampling paths are arranged in the current acquisition module, and the current value acquired by one current sampling path is input into one comparator accordingly.

7. The circuit protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least two comparators include a first comparator and a second comparator; the signal input terminal of the driving module includes a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal; The first input end of the first comparator is connected to the current acquisition module, the second input end of the first comparator is connected to the threshold input module, and the output end of the first comparator is connected to the first input end of the driving module. a signal input terminal, the first comparator is configured to compare the first current value with the preset current threshold, and send a first logic signal to the driving module when the first current value is greater than the preset current threshold, the first current value being the current value collected by the first current sampling path in the current collection module; The first input end of the second comparator is connected to the current acquisition module, the second input end of the second comparator is connected to the threshold input module, the output end of the second comparator is connected to the second signal input end of the driving module, the second comparator is configured to compare the second current value with the preset current threshold, and send a second logic signal to the driving module when the second current value is greater than the preset current threshold, the second current value is the current value collected by the second current sampling path in the current acquisition module; The driving signal includes the first logic signal and the second logic signal.

8. The circuit protection device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The current detection module also includes a control module; the input end of the driving module includes a command input end; The control module is connected to the output end of the current acquisition module and the instruction input end of the driving module respectively, and the control module is configured to obtain the current value collected by the current acquisition module and the state information corresponding to the driving module, and send a fuse control instruction to the driving module when the current value is greater than the preset current threshold and the state information is a non-driving state; The driving module is further configured to drive the fuse module to disconnect the tested circuit when receiving the fuse control instruction.

9. The circuit protection device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein: The current acquisition module includes an analog-to-digital conversion module and a current shunting module; The shunt module is connected in series in the circuit under test; The input end of the analog-to-digital conversion module is connected to the two ends of the current shunt module to form a current sampling path; The output end of the analog-to-digital conversion module is connected to the first input end of the comparison module.

10. The circuit protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The circuit under test includes a power supply bus connected to a power supply.

11. A battery management system, comprising a circuit to be tested and a circuit protection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An electrical device comprising the battery management system according to claim 11.

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